10 minute read
Recreation
GET OUTSIDE AND ENJOY
Grundy County has some of the state’s most scenic parks. Come boat, camp, picnic and hike while enjoying the area’s natural beauty. For more information, visit dnr.state.il.us
or www.grundychamber.com
THE BRISCOE MOUNDS
State archaeological site is located on Front Street along the Des Plaines River near Channahon. The mounds are the largest Native American burial mounds in northern Illinois. Briscoe Mounds is located east of Blackberry Lane and south of Bridge Street in Channahon. (815) 727-8700
CAMPELL MEMORIAL PARK
520 Broadway St., Coal City Facilities: Gazebo, Restrooms, Angel of Hope Memorial, Concession Stand
CANAL PORT PARK
211-299 W. Illinois Ave, Morris Monday – Friday 6 AM – 10 PM
CHANNAHON STATE PARK
Channahon State Park is the official trailhead for the Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail. Channahon is an Indian word meaning “the meeting of the waters” and signifies the joining of the DuPage, Des Plaines and Kankakee rivers. Today, Channahon State Park is under the management of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and provides park visitors a look back at a historic waterway that transformed a state. Locks 6 & 7 and the original locktenders house at Lock 6 located at the Channahon State Park enable visitors to daydream of a time when one of the loudest noises heard came from a blacksmith pounding out a new set of horse shoes.
CHAPIN PARK
(Small shelter holds 25-30 people, 222 W. Chapin Street)
DES PLAINES FISH AND WILDLIFE AREA
A tranquil setting, flowing rivers, and natural prairie land — the Des Plaines Fish & Wildlife Area in Wilmington has it all! Visitors will delight in the abundance of wildlife, restful picnic areas and variety of sport-fishing species. Farmland and woodland, prairie and swamp, still water and shoreline offer unlimited opportunities for nature lovers and sportsmen. 24621 N. River Rd., Wilmington (815) 423-5326.
THE DUPAGE RIVER TRAILS
A bike and pedestrian trail follows the DuPage River from the I & M Canal at Lake Chaminwood north along the West Branch to Illinois Prairie Path in Naperville and along the East Branch to the DuPage County’s Forest Preserve’s Greene Valley Preserve in Lisle.
The DuPage River Water Trail
The Forest Preserve District has developed three segments of the trail, totaling 8.56 miles. The southern segment may be accessed from the following locations: Hammel Woods – Crumby Recreation Area (Black Road, Shorewood) Hammel Woods – DuPage River Access (Black Road, Shorewood) Hammel Woods – Route 59 Access (Route 59, Shorewood) A northern segment may be accessed from Whalon Lake (Royce Road, Naperville). Another northern segment may be accessed from Riverview Farmstead Preserve (Book Road, Naperville). The segment of the DuPage River Trail at Hammel Woods is a hilly, paved linear trail that travels 4.1 miles through woodland. The segment of the trail at Whalon Lake is a flat, paved loop and linear trail that travels 3.71 miles through wetland and around Whalon Lake. The segment of the trail at Riverview Farmstead Preserve is a flat, paved linear trail that travels 0.75 mile through open areas and a historic farmstead. All segments of the trail are ideal for the following activities: • Biking • Hiking/Running • In-Line Skating • Cross-Country Skiing • Snowshoeing • Wildlife viewing
FOUR RIVERS ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER
Four Rivers Environmental Education Center is a model of green architecture, featuring a repurposed building site and interior fireplace, geothermal heating and cooling system, recycled and sustainable building materials, and energy saving technology. Four Rivers’ name comes from its location, positioned near where the Des Plaines, DuPage and Kankakee Rivers meet to form the Illinois River. Every room in the building provides views of the Des Plaines Rivers and the peaceful, natural surroundings. Four Rivers first opened in 2009 and continues to expand its programs and services. These include: • Public Programs • School Programs including field trips and in-school programs. • Facility Rentals, including weddings Four Rivers provides a picturesque setting for wedding ceremonies and receptions. The Center provides couples with an all-in-one venue that is unique, cost effective, convenient for guests and good for the environment. A variety of rental options is available. For additional information or to check availability, call (815) 722-9470 or email fourrivers@fpdwc.org
GEBHARD WOODS STATE PARK
Hikers, campers, picnickers and canoeists frequent this picturesque 30-acre park. Located in Morris, bordered by the I&M Canal and Nettle Creek, which adds to its beauty and abundant wildlife. (815) 942-0796.
GOODWILL PARK
(700 E. Chapin Street)
GOOLD PARK CENTRAL
(Across from the Morris City Pool, 308 Northern Avenue)
GOOLD PARK WEST
(Across from 1000 Union Street)
GOOSE LAKE PRAIRIE
5010 N. Jugtown Rd. Morris IL 60450 Located in Grundy County, Goose Lake Prairie is approximately 50 miles southwest of Chicago and one mile southwest of the confluence of the Kankakee and Des Plaines rivers. More than half of Goose Lake Prairie is a dedicated nature preserve, protected by law for future generations from any change to the natural environment. In addition to furnishing a look into Illinois’ past, the prairie provides important nesting habitat for endangered or threatened birds, such as the Henslow’s sparrow.
GRUNDY COUNTY ROD & GUN CLUB
6817 Gun Club Rd., Morris (815) 942-9369
HEIDECKE LAKE FISH & WILDLIFE AREA
Adjacent to Goose Lake Prairie, the 2,000-acre Heidecke Lake offers hunting and fishing. Fishing season begins April 1. A boat launch is available for those purposes only. (815) 942-6352.
I&M CANAL STATE TRAIL
History buffs, nature lovers and sportsmen will thrill to the sights and sounds of this 96-mile route of the Illinois and Michigan Canal. Along its banks are numerous state parks, restored historical sites, and an abundance of wildlife and distinctive landscapes, ranging from bluffs to rolling hills. Visitors can follow the trail’s beginning at Rockdale along the old towpath to LaSalle and experience 61.5 miles of scenic views. Spend an afternoon or several days exploring this picturesque and unique area. (815) 942-0796.
KAYAK MORRIS CAMPGROUND
801 Kayak Morris Rd., Morris 630-567-4653 Monday – Friday 10 AM-6 PM Saturday, Sunday & Holidays 9 AM-9PM
Kayak Morris offers kayak rentals, tent camping, glampout events and guided kayak tours. Kayak Morris has 3 waterways to choose from and has private fully wooded sand beach tent camping on the Illinois River.
LIONS PARK MORRIS
(598 Michael Drive, Morris)
LIONS PARK
Illinois Street, Coal City Baseball, skate park, pavilions, playground equipment. Hope Helps All-Inclusive Playground.
MAZONIA-BRAIDWOOD STATE FISH AND WILDLIFE AREA
Although 1017-acre Mazonia features sport fishing and waterfowl hunting, a variety of other outdoor recreational opportunities are provided throughout the year. Upland game hunting, furbearer trapping, limited picnicking, nature study/birding, fossil hunting, and water dog training is also available.
Fossil Collecting
Mazonia is well known for Pennsylvanian age fossils. A day permit is required to collect fossils and may be obtained from the park office or website. A reporting form is also available for reporting what was found. Excavations and collecting for commercial purposes are prohibited. In addition, fossil collecting is restricted to 3/1 to 9/30. (815) 237-0063.
MCKINLEY WOODS
In Channahon, the Will County Forest Preserve District’s McKinley Woods is a scenic place for picnicking, hiking, or biking along the I&M Canal. Tent camping is allowed with a permit, as well as fishing. For more information, call (815) 727-8700.
MORRIS CITY PARKS
City park hours are 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Alcohol allowed with permitted use.
Pavilion reservations are limited to groups of 25 persons or more. Applications will be accepted starting the first Monday of April for renting from May 1 through October 15. Please stop in Morris City Hall at 700 N. Division Street to fill out the park reservation form. Parks are reserved on a firstcome-first-serve basis.
NORTH PARK, COAL CITY
North Street and McArdle Road Tennis courts, soccer fields, pavilion, playground equipment.
WILLIAM G. STRATTON STATE PARK
Named after an Illinois governor, this park was developed in 1959 to provide boat access to the Illinois River. Any one of four public boat launching ramps will provide your start to an afternoon of boating, fishing or water-skiing. A jet ski launching area is located a short distance to the east of the boat ramps. (815) 942-0796.
ROCK ISLAND RAILROAD, I&M CANAL BRIDGE
Constructed in 1905, this is the only surviving example in the Heritage Corridor of a triple intersection, Warren through truss bridge. The bridge is located east of Calhoun Street in Morris, Illinois and is still used as part of the I&M Canal State Trail.
WEST SIDE PARK
(With the skateboard park, 2050 Dupont Avenue)
SELFIE SPOTS
There are plenty of photo opportunities in Grundy County! These 2 fun ones are new to the area. The Morris letters are located at Route 47 and Chapin Street in Morris at the lot across from Morris City Hall, 700 N. Division St. The Coal City spot is off of Route 113 and First Avenue in Coal City. Snap a pic and if you post, tag the Grundy County Chamber so we can share your smiling faces!
AREA ACTIVITIES
The area offers a variety of activities and recreational opportunities. For more information, visit the Heritage Corridor Convention & Visitors Bureau online at www.heritagecorridorcvb.com.
BOWLING MINI-GOLF
Channahon Lanes & Mini-Golf
815 467-2026 gobowl2.com CASINO
Hollywood Casino
815-436-7737 hollywoodcasinojoliet.com MUSEUMS
Grundy County Historical Society
815-942-4880 www.grundycountyhs.org
Carbon Hill Historical Society Museum
www.ccpld.org/museum.htm GOLF COURSES
The Bluffs 24355 W. Bluff Rd., Channahon, IL 60410
815-467-7888 Heritagebluffs.com
Morris Country Club 2615 US-6, Morris, IL 60450
815-942-3440 www.morriscountryclub.com
The Creek 5355 Saratoga Road, Morris, IL 60450
815-941-4300 www.morriscountryclub.com
YOUTH SPORTS & HOBBIES
Armstrong Sports Performance 1205 Armstrong St., Morris, IL 60450
815-274-2153 armstrongsportsperformance.com
Channahon Baseball League
channahonponybaseball.com
Channooka Braves Youth Tackle Football
www.chanookabraves.com
Christian Youth Center of Morris 508 W. Illinois Ave, Morris, IL 60450
815-513-5787 www.cycmorris.com
Morris Athletic Association Youth Baseball & Softball
www.morrisathletics.org
Morris Chiefs Youth Football & Cheerleading
www.morrischiefs.org
Morris Soccer Association
815-941-2383 www.msa-soccer.org
Morris Warriors Youth Football & Cheerleading
www.morriswarriors.com
Three Rivers Soccer Club
www.3RiversSoccerClub.com
Downers Grove Sportsman Club in Morris
815-941-1366 www.downersgrovesc.com
Wiers Baseball Academy in Morris
815-942-4700 www.wierssports.com
HORSES
Ellis House & Equestrian Center
815-475-4035 www.ellishec.com
THEATRES -
PERFORMANCE
Morris Theatre Guild, Inc.
815-942-1966 morristheatreguild.org
Rialto Square Theatre
815-726-7171 www.rialtosquare.com
Small Town Theatrics of Coal City
www.smalltowntheatrics.org
FAMILY FUN
AMC Classic Morris 10
815-941-1639 www.amctheatres.com
Cineplex with 3D & Jumbo digital screens showing first-run films, opera and sports events. 515 Gore Road. Morris.
Channahon Park District
815-467-72756 www.channahonpark.org
The district has more than 360 acres of public parks, an aquatic center, golf course, disc golf course, and more.
Dollinger Family Farm
815-467-6766 www.dollingerfarms.com
This farm has been in the family since 1852. Visit the farm during Pumpkin Season, to watch a Civil War Reenactment or for the Antique Steam and Tractor Show. Grundy County Speedway
815-942-5958 grundycountyspeedwayonline.com
This is Illinois’ finest 1/3 mile high bank paved oval track.
Morris Community YMCA
The Morris Community YMCA, located in downtown Morris, is a branch of the Greater Joliet Area YMCA and offers programing for Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility.
Morris Ice Skating Rink Goold Park
Morrisil.org
The Morris Ice Skating Rink is open November– March weather permitting and is free to use. Bring your own ice skates and enjoy a game of hockey, or just a skate around the rink under the stars while listening to Christmas carols.
Morris Pool
815-942-2919 morriscitypool.org
The Morris City Pool has a 3 meter and a 1 meter diving board, 8 swim lanes, 3 slides, a fenced-in splash pad, beach entry, concession stand, and locker rooms. The pool opens May 28. Kayak Morris
630-567-4653 www.kayakmorris.com
Kayak /Bike / Canoe rentals and private campground offering wooded and sandy beach tent campsites, between the Illinois River and I&M Canal. 801 Kayak Morris Rd., Morris.
Splash Pad
www.channahonpark.org
In Channahon’s Community Park on McClintock Road is open daily 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. from Memorial Day to September
The Shop on Route 66
www.theshoponroute66.com
This Gardner landmark was part of a lumber yard in the 1920s. Restored and painted its original bright red, the shop has now been decorated with nostalgia from Route 66 and Coca-Cola. 315 N. Center St., Gardner.
Tomahawk Aquatic Center Channahon
815-467-SWIM (7946) www.channahonpark.org
