Day Trips
Send us photos from your favorite day trips
and let us know your suggestions to add to this list!
Featured Page Sponsor
309-433-3444
Explore Today! NEW Fetch! Lab
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Day Trips
Send us photos from your favorite day trips and let us know your suggestions to add to this list! |
Featured Page Sponsor
309-433-3444 Explore Today! NEW Fetch! Lab |
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Day Trips
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217-788-9250 Learn more |
Springfield Racquet
& Fitness Center
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Bill Bryant, Owner |
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"I am planning a couple of day trips based upon the info you have on the site." Aimee Gray, Springfield
Featured Links: Now Open! Fetch Lab at Children's Discovery Museum in Normal IL More here. Day Trip Delight to Rockome Gardens in Arcola. More here. Register Now: Calling all mom's and daughters! Register today for the Women in the Outdoors (WITO) Lake Springfield Seminar on July 26th, 2008. The full schedule for WITO events is available on our What's Happening Calendar here. |
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Allerton Park and Retreat Center
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The 1500-acre woodland, garden, meadow, and prairie landscape that surrounds the Allerton Mansion was once the private estate of Robert Henry Allerton. Named “The Farms,” the estate was the center of the 12,000-acre Illinois agricultural enterprise acquired during the latter half of the 1800s by Robert’s father Samuel. Allerton Park and Retreat Center is composed of several major elements. The core of the estate features an English-inspired manor house, a reflecting pond, an approximately 10-acre meadow, and a series of formal sculpture gardens. A network of interpretive and primitive hiking trails winds through the woodland, riparian, and prairie areas of the Park, of which 1,000 acres have been designated a National Natural Landmark because of the quality of their upland and bottomland floodplain forests. Historic farmsteads are gradually being renovated and once again used productively. One of these farmsteads is now a model farm where university students grow a variety of produce and other specialty crops for horticultural, conservation, and craft use. Another is being proposed as the site of a performing arts and music camp, with the historic barn finding new life as a performance venue. http://www.continuinged.uiuc.edu/allerton/index.cfm | ||
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Arcola
Rockome Gardens Admission: $8 Adults, $6 Seniors (60 +) $4 Kids age 4-12 FREE kids under age 4 Email: toddg@rockome.com
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A quick and fun-filled day trip for your family, come to Rockome Gardens. There’s something for everyone to enjoy! We’re celebrating our 50th year and feature over 15 acres of rock and floral gardens, train rides, crafters, artisans, horseback riding, and so much more!
Don’t Miss:
You can watch our Amish ladies tending the grounds, making quilts, baking fresh goodies and making candy. Photo opportunities abound in our giant rocking chair, the stone heart and our tree house. We also offer fishing, kayaking, horseback riding, an arcade and crafters making items by hand. Our skilled artisans include a coppersmith, glass artist, wire worker and wood carver.
Check our website for the latest calendar of special events! Rockome is a seasonal park open from the start of May to the end of October.
Directions: Take I-72 to Decatur and exit onto U.S. Route 36 east. Continue east to Arthur Road, which is about 25 miles from Decatur. Turn right on the Arthur Road and go through Arthur until you get to a stop sign. At the stop sign, turn left onto State Route 133. Go east on 133 for 6 miles into the small town of Chesterville. Look for the Rockome sign and turn right at the sign. We are about 2.5 miles down the road. Approximately 90 miles from Springfield.
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Bloomington-Normal Convention & Visitors Bureau
Bloomington-Normal Convention & Visitors Bureau 1-800-433-8226 Call to request a Visitor Guide or visit their website., www.bloomingtonnormalcvb.org
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309-433-3444 101 E. Beaufort, Downtown Normal IL 309-433-3444 www.childrensdiscoverymuseum.net This is a quick drive (50-60 minutes) from the Springfield area, and an outstanding museum for kids of all ages. For younger kids the museum has a wonderful water play area, climbing play area and a fun grocery store. There are several permanent and rotating hands-on exhibits for older kids. Our favorites? The Ag-Mazing Exhibit complete with a huge tractor and simulated ride. We also love the Recycling Exhibit on the second floor that shows kids why waste-free lunches are important! The Paint Wall on the third floor and the huge climbing area for kids 5 on up keeps them busy for hours! The museum costs $4/person ages 2 and up.
Opening June 7th, 2008NEW! Fetch! Lab, featuring science and engineering activities created by PBS character Ruff Ruffman. FETCH! activities, offered daily are FREE with paid admission.
How to get there: Drive (just 50-60 minutes from the Springfield Area) You can also take the Amtrak train which drops you off just behind the CDM! Bring your own snacks or enjoy several eating spots within walking distance. Don't miss the ice cream/coffee shop next door or dine at several restaurants nearby. The CDM also is a great place for end of year school parties, field trips, birthday parties and special events. |
Three floors of learning fun at Children's Discovery Museum in Normal, IL |
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Decatur Convention & Visitors Bureau
Decatur Convention & Visitors Bureau 1-800-331-4479 Call for a Visitor Guide or visit their website, www.decaturcvb.com
55 South Country Club Road Ages 2 and Over are $3.50 each. Age 1 and under are free.
71 South Country Club Road, Decatur, IL 217-421-7435 www.decatur-parks.org/zoo/index.php A great zoo, and located next door to the Children’s Museum of Illinois! Enjoy the endangered species carousel ride ($1 per ride) and The Z.O. & O. Express Train ($1.50 adults $1 for kids) offers a one-mile narrated tour tracking through a tunnel and along Lake Decatur to give you a unique view of the animals. Riders will have the opportunity to see animals from five different continents like our Emu from Australia and Toucans from South American. Be sure to watch for our two South African Cheetahs, Jafari and Runako. There is a wonderful playground set at the main entrance as well. Admission Prices: Adults $3.75 Children age 2-12 $2.25 Children under age 2, free Seniors $2.75
Indianapolis, By Melissa Allen Children’s’ Museum of Indianapolis
This great city is only a little over three hours away by car, so why not consider taking in a long family weekend to explore Indianapolis? There are so many things to see and do. A great place to check out lodging (campgrounds, B&Bs, hotels), upcoming events like the Indy 500 at the end of the month, museums, and shopping is www.indy.org . This easy one-stop site will connect you to anything you might need.
This brand new indoor water park is combined to the Holiday Inn Select North and comes highly recommended. Guests staying at the hotel may never need to leave the facilities. The water park portion contains a leisure river, several spas, 700-gallon water dumping station, and several wild slides. Many lifeguards watch over the activities for your safety. Portions of the hotel have been remodeled. There are restaurants in the hotel as well, but are a little pricey. Just a heads up – those in diapers are limited to the kiddy pool & several of the water activities are not appropriate for pregnant women. Located at 3850 DePauw Blvd., Indy, 317.872.9790. Or, check them out at www.caribbeancovewaterpark.com . |
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The Children’s’ Museum of Indianapolis A wonderful museum with a space planetarium, doll houses, a Victorian train depot, a Thomas the Train display for preschoolers, Playscape learning area for those infant – 6 years, food court and much more. Located at 3000 N. Meridian St., Indy, 317.334.3322. For complete information visit www.childrensmuseum.org . |
Exploring at the Indianapolis Children's Museum |
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This is living history. You travel back in time and visit Indian camps, pioneer villages, Victorian farms, a hands-on discovery area, and gardens. This open-air museum is made up of five distinct historic areas on over 1,400 acres of nature. An experience your kids are sure to remember. Located just northeast of Indy at 13400 Allisonville Rd., Fishers, IN. 800.966.1836. For more information on special events, classes, and age appropriateness (many events geared toward older kids) visit www.connerprairie.org
It’s the largest screen in the state. Located at 650 W. Washington St, Indy. 317-233-4629. See what else is playing at www.imaxindy.com.
There are so many things happening this summer at the zoo. The grand opening of the Dolphin Adventure Dome is Memorial Day Weekend – although it can be viewed now too. You walk under the water and see the dolphins in action. Also, now through Labor Day you can watch the Butterflies at the White River. And, as always there’s the carousel, train ride, elephant bathing, and giraffe feeding you don’t want to miss out on. The zoo is located at 1200 W. Washington St., 317.630.2001. For directions, times, prices, etc. look at www.indyzoo.com |
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Peoria Convention & Visitors Bureau Lakeview Museum of Arts and Sciences Wildlife Prairie State Park near Peoria
Peoria Convention & Visitors Bureau 1-800-747-0302 Call to request a Visitor Guide or visit their website., www.peoria.org
Glen Oak Zoo
Lakeview Museum of Arts and Sciences 1125 West Lake Ave., Peoria 309-686-7000 www.lakeview-museum.org Offers rotating exhibits
and a Planetairum. Check the website for current exhibits.
Wildlife Prairie State Park
near Peoria
Romantic Getaways by Julie Kaiser Do you remember life with your spouse before children? Has sleep become a forgotten luxury? When was the last time you spent a few responsibility-free hours alone together? Beg, borrow or steal a babysitter and make your escape for a weekend away. You’ll be amazed at the difference a night can make! (Remember to tell them SpringfieldMoms.org sent you!)
The Burr House Bed and Breakfast: Bloomington , Normal Built in 1864 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this Civil War era traditional (and gorgeous) home overlooks a tree-filled park surrounded by elegant homes. Try the Sunset Room with its private path and whirlpool tub or the Queen Anne Suite with a large private bath and a comfortable attached sitting room. Breakfast is amazing. Ask for the Pecan French Toast and enjoy owner Mary Anne’s hospitality. This home is within walking distance of various historic sites, restaurants and Wesleyan and Illinois State Universities. The home is located at 210 East Chestnut Street . Phone: 309/828-7686 or 1-800/449-4182. Email: burrhouse@hotmail.com.
Dr. Jazz Soda Fountain and Grille and Dr. Jazz Suite: Lebanon (outside of St. Louis ) Located just an hour and fifteen minutes south of Springfield , off of Illinois Route 4, sits the wonderfully old and quaint town of Lebanon , which offers fabulous downtown shops and the amazing Dr. Jazz Soda Fountain and Grille offering delicious lunch and dinner fare. Recently, owner Paul Krumsieg and his family renovated their upper level into a classy and comfortable getaway suite with two bedrooms and a billiards/bar/television room. Ideal for a couples weekend away (husbands can golf; women can shop), the owners have thought of everything from pillow-top mattresses and luxury bedding to a flat-screen television with videos/DVDs and refrigerator stocked with your favorite ice-cream flavors from the downstairs soda fountain. Dr. Jazz Soda Fountain & Grille & Suite is located at 230 West St. Louis Street in Lebanon , IL . Phone is: 618-537-2200 or visit their website at: www.drjazzsodafountain.com
Historic Elegance: The Vrooman Mansion Built in 1869, the Vrooman Mansion (located an hour north in Bloomington) provides a beautiful atmosphere for you to reconnect with each other. The mansion sits on a park-like acre in the middle of the city. High ceilings and gorgeous windows highlight the spacious guest rooms, most with private baths. A delicious breakfast greets you in the morning at the home’s original hand-carved dining table where dignitaries including Adlai Stevenson and Eleanor Roosevelt once dined with the Vrooman family. Fabulous woodwork, stained glass and leaded beveled glass windows adorn the common areas downstairs. Phone: 309/828-8816.
Rustic and Unique: The Barn Bed and Breakfast For any couple who loves the outdoors and is searching for a unique weekend away, consider renting a barn for a night, located between Peoria and Galesburg. You will enjoy the entire barn with a full kitchen in the "horse stall," a claw foot tub and shower, and a hayloft for additional sleeping room. Antique furnishings, wildflower walks, and a variety of wildlife make this visit a memorable one. SpringfieldMoms.org editor Kim Little raves about the peace and quiet here. Phone: 309/639-4408 or email: dunphy@winco.net
A New Orleans Flair: The Randolph-MK House Located just north of here in Lincoln sits a romantic, Southern Plantation style home where you can enjoy a fascinating history combined with the conveniences of today. In each room, you will find a special welcome tray, exquisite bedding, luxury bath amenities and fresh flowers. All suites have their own luxury bath and separate shower. In the morning, enjoy a gourmet-style breakfast buffet in the dining room or the lanai (weather permitting) with freshly ground coffee, herbal teas and a hot breakfast entrée. Phone: 217/735-2704 or www.randolph-mkhouse.com
Historic Petersburg: The Branson House Bed and Breakfast This beautiful 1876 "Eastlake" Victorian bed and breakfast can be found near Lincoln’s New Salem. Four tastefully decorated rooms, each with private bath, are located on the second floor, accessible by the house’s elevator. The house has seven marble fireplaces plus a gorgeous wood sculptured fireplace in the main entry. A full breakfast is included in the rates. Phone: 866/562-5095 or www.BransonHouseBnB.com
Saint Louis, By Melissa Allen
Family Attractions Card St. Louis Thanks to Kendra Holmes Seaton for this great tip! The St. Louis attractions card which includes discounts (buy 1 get 1 free) for Magic House, Science Center OmniMax and several other coupons. http://www.familyattractionscard.com/MO/STL/StlAttractionOffers.html We had no problem using them when we went this summer. We were also able to get an inexpensive hotel room using priceline.
www.explorestlouis.com So much to see and so much to do! Tons of fun activities for your family are waiting only an hour and a half away. It’s a quick, easy drive down I-55, so consider visiting St. Louis this summer. Many of the city’s family "hot-spots" are highlighted here. Enjoy!
4344 Shaw Boulevard I don’t know how many of you have taken a trip to this incredible botanical garden in St. Louis, but it is definitely worth the drive. It’s gorgeous, the kids can run around, play in the fountains, feed the fish, and you can stop for lunch and eat it outside on the deck. (They serve great salads for mom, and hotdogs for the kids!) Even more exciting this year is the opening of the new Doris I. Schnuck Children’s Garden. It’s going to be wonderful! Sneak peek weekends start in April, and it will be open daily from May 1. Check it out!
The Magic House is a children’s’ museum for older and younger kids. The constant exhibits include a play grocery store, water table, and kids’ hands-on television station. Located at 516 S. Kirkwood Rd. (314)822-8900. For further information, visit www.magichouse.com
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A classic family outing with rides for all ages. Toddler and the kindergarten set will love Bugs Bunny National Park complete with rides just their size and a huge fort. Older kids will love Tony Hawk's rollercoaster, Thunder River, the Screamin' Eagle and much more. Six Flags also boasts Hurricane Harbor Water Park which is included in your main gate admission. Bring your suits and head on over! Hurricane beach, a kids waterslide area, and lots of HUGE waterslides for the older kids and brave parents! Don't miss the Tornado – an extreme tubing experience. Back in Six Flags, you won’t want to miss the many family-focused shows including a magical musical, a Wild West show, and back-stage movie experience. The park’s website lists all rides, their height requirements and any other restrictions for children. Located at I-44 & Six Flags Rd., Eureka, MO. (636)938-4800. For prices and hours check out www.sixflags.com/parks/stlouis |
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You can’t visit St. Louis and not see the arch. At The Gateway Arch Riverfront you can see the arch and a whole lot more. Take a tram to the top of the arch, shop at Laclede’s Landing, dine at the Arch Café, and enjoy a riverboat cruise. Or older kids might enjoy the Lewis & Clark interactive exhibit, the Museum of Westward Expansion or a documentary on how the arch was built. All information on times and prices is available at www.stlouisarch.com
The Center offers over 700 hands-on exhibits, including the Discovery Room just for kids ages 3 – 8. There they can dress like surgeons, go back in time, or play with robots. The Science Center is also home to St. Louis’ Omnimax Theater and a planetarium. Located at 5050 Oakland Ave. (800)456-SLSC. For directions, upcoming shows, hours and prices see www.slsc.org
This is a great zoo for the whole family. While visiting all the animals, don’t forget to ride the Zooline Railroad, see the sea lion show, and get hands-on at the Discovery Corner. The zoo is 77 acres in Forest Park, which in itself has lots of things to see and do. Located at One Government Dr. (800)966-8877. For entrance prices, directions, hours and information on discount packages with Drury Inn, visit www.stlzoo.org . by Allison Klint Here is a short list of Illinois State Parks in the central and western regions. These state parks are within driving distance of Springfield. If you wish to get specifics on the parks listed or are interested in other state parks, visit the Department of Natural Resources website at: www.dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/PARKS.
Here are a few that looked fun: Edward Madigan State Fish and Wildlife Area Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area Starved Rock State Park and NEW! Grand Bear Water Park & Lodge
Beaver Dam State Park Just 7 miles southwest of Carlinville, this park features fishing, cabins, lake activities, concession stand and a play area. Visit http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/PARKS/R4/beaver.htm for more specific information and directions.
Edward Madigan State Fish and Wildlife Area Located on the south edge of Lincoln, this state park is home of the largest sycamore tree in Illinois. It also includes trails, canoeing and boating areas and picnic facilities. Visit http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/PARKS/R4/Edmad.htm for more specific information and directions.
Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area This state park is located in Carlyle, IL, approximately 95 miles southeast of Springfield. It boasts having the largest campsite in Illinois. Other amenities include swimming pool, picnic areas, boating, and fishing. Sailboat regattas are held almost every summer weekend. Visit http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/PARKS/R4/ELDON.HTM for more specific information and directions.
Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area This state park is just 25 miles northwest of Springfield. It offers horseback riding trails, picnic areas, mountain bike trails and hiking trails. Visit http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/PARKS/R4/jepc.htm for more specific information and directions.
Sand Ridge State Forest Yes, it is true that among the flatlands of Illinois there is a state forest. This state forest is located in Forest City, Illinois (southwest of Peoria). It offers picnic areas, camping, equestrian trails and hiking trails. Visit http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/PARKS/R4/SAND.HTM for more specific information and directions.
This state park is just east of Quincy. It is coined one of the most beautiful parks in Illinois. It features boating, canoeing rentals, concession stand, picnic areas, camping and hiking trails. Visit http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/PARKS/R4/SILOAMSP.HTM for more specific information and directions.
Starved Rock State Park and NEW! Grand Bear Water Park & Lodge in Utica, IL Just about two hours north of Springfield there’s a new water park and lodge just perfect for your family. What a great weekend get away. Start off at Starved Rock State Park and enjoy hiking and all that nature has to offer. Then, head over to the Grand Bear Water Park and float on the lazy river. You’ll have to check out the website for yourself, but it looks amazing and so very close. An added perk for any busy mom – there’s even a Grizzly Bean Café and Coffee Shop on site! Also, look at the featured entertainment. www.grandbearlodge.com and www.starvedrocklodge.com
For Missouri State Parks log on to www.mostateparks.com
I’ve heard more than one local mom praising the Family Aquatic Center at the YMCA in Taylorville, so I had to include it. Sounds like affordable fun for the whole family. This indoor center includes a pool, big slide and interactive play area. You’ll likely want to check out their webpage for times, prices and swimming rules for guests. Located at 900 McAdam Drive, Taylorville, (217)287-7271. For further information, visit www.ccymca.org
Travel Tips with your Family by Amy McFadden Whether it’s by train, plane or automobile, traveling with young children can leave parents weary long before reaching their final destination. A little preparedness can go a long way, however; and we have some tips to smooth your family journeys this summer.
On The Road Traveling by car with little ones is by far the most flexible option that puts parents in the most control over schedules and stops. Try the following hints to pass the time in the car:
In the Air If your worst nightmare is being confined in a small space with your unhappy kids, try these tips to make the time "fly" by:
Riding the Rails If you decide to take the train, check out these suggestions for turning the trip into an adventure for your children:
With a little advance planning, getting there with your young ones can indeed be half the fun! Happy trails to you and your family from Springfield Moms.
Starved Rock State Park and NEW! Grand Bear Water Park & Lodge in Utica, IL Thanks to Tanya DeSanto for this newsJust about two hours north of Springfield there’s a new water park and lodge just perfect for your family. What a great weekend get away. Start off at Starved Rock State Park and enjoy hiking and all that nature has to offer. Then, head over to the Grand Bear Water Park and float on the lazy river. You’ll have to check out the website for yourself, but it looks amazing and so very close. An added perk for any busy mom – there’s even a Grizzly Bean Café and Coffee Shop on site! Also, look at the featured entertainment. www.grandbearlodge.com and www.starvedrocklodge.com
Santa Claus, Indiana: Holiday World, Lincoln’s Boyhood Home and More By Shannon Wentz Last year in mid-August, my family traveled to Santa Claus, Indiana, and enjoyed a variety of fun attractions including Holiday World and Lincoln’s Boyhood Home as well as Lincoln State Park.
Holiday World www.holidayworld.com was the main highlight of our trip. What a fabulous place! There is no parking fee when you first arrive (unlike Six Flags, where you pay $20 dollars). And once you enter the park, all your drinks are free. I highly under-rated the impact of free drinks! All throughout the park, there are drink kiosks set up with your choice of 14 different soft drinks, water or Gator-Aid. Boy did that make our trip so much easier when it was hot outside. We were refreshed the whole time!
The park is rated as one of the top family-friendly parks in the world, and we can certainly vouch for that. Our son fell and skinned his knee right after we arrived. Immediately a park employee ran over and offered us a band-aid! It may be one of the best parks we have ever been to in terms of taking little kids.
The water park at Holiday World is fantastic. We didn’t have enough time to truly enjoy everything about the park so we purchased discounted tickets to return the next day. Unfortunately, our son had an allergic reaction, and we were unable to return to the park the next day because he was covered from head to toe in hives. However, the park allowed us to trade our next day tickets for next year’s tickets at no extra cost, so we plan on returning to Holiday World this summer!
We were pleased with our overnight accommodations as well. As we made our plans for the trip, we knew that part of our time would be spent at the amusement park. There are several camp grounds where families can tent camp, cabin camp, or bring an RV within 2 miles of Santa Claus. Our family chose to opt for the cabin option because of our 3 small children, ages 1, 4 and 5.
Lincoln State Park proved to be a perfect place for our stay. Check out their website at: www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/properties/park_lincoln.htm. The cabin we stayed in was very spacious, and because we went on an off season date, the price was greatly reduced. It had four bedrooms and a common area with a picnic table and several rocking chairs. It was so nice to have a roof over our heads just in case it rained, which it almost inevitably does whenever we go camping!
The park had a small nature center where we learned all about the surrounding wildlife and animals. The Park Ranger on duty was very friendly and knowledgeable. Our kids thoroughly enjoyed the turtle races and feeding time! There was a small lake with a beach where the whole family could go and swim (if you don’t mind getting sand everywhere). The camp store is also located there and has a number of things you might need for camping. The park also has a very large outdoor amphitheater with shows during the summer. However, in mid-August, the shows had already come to a close.
2008 Directory for Pumpkin Patches coming soon! Food Safety Tip, courtesy of the Illinois Department of Public Health When down on the farms....you'll often find Fresh Apple Cider, make sure it’s pasteuerized before your drink! Pasteurizing apple cider helps kill dangerous bacteria without noticeably affecting the flavor of the product. Unpasteurized apple cider may contain the dangerous E. coli bacteria (E. coli O157:H7), which can cause serious illness. While the risk of fresh (unpasteurized) apple cider becoming contaminated by E.coli O157:H7 is low certain people are at greater risk of complications from foodborne pathogens, especially children, the elderly and people with a weakened immune system. These individuals should take precautions to protect themselves from any food that might be contaminated. This includes boiling unpasteurized apple cider or only drinking pasteurized cider. Contaminated cider does not look or smell different from normal apple cider.
Great Godfrey Maze...Head south and explore this 7-acre cornfield with two corn mazes. Robert E. Glazebrook Community Park, Godfrey www.great-godfreymaze.com 618-466-1483
Tanner's Orchard Speer, IL (it’s about an hour and forty-five minutes from the Springfield area. www.tannersorchard.com
From reader Jenny Kepler in Chatham IL, her son is picking apples. There are tons of family friendly activities: pony rides, pumpkin & apple picking, a corn maze, a store full of baked goods and crafts, great food, etc. It's a full day of fun and a great fall activity! The apple cider donuts are to die for.....you usually have to wait in a line but they're served warm and well worth the wait!!
From Sharon Kwedar...Kristin's pumpkin patch off of Old Toronto Road in the North Lake Shore Subdivision. They sell (and you pick) all types of pumpkins, gourds, corn stalks and giant pumpkins. They are open Friday afternoons after 4:00pm, Saturdays from 10:00 to 6:30, and Sundays from 1 to 6pm. Call Norm Diehl 529-5288 for more information. Curtis Orchard 3902 South Duncan Road Champaign, Illinois 217.359.5565 Enjoy picking your own apples, fresh homemade doughnuts, a corn maze, kettle corn and more.
Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch Fall Corn MazeRantoul, Illinois Hardy’s maze is a real challenge. It is designed to be like a treasure hunt, visitor must visit six checkpoints before they can complete the maze. Visitors can also enjoy hayrides and reindeer tours.
Great Pumpkin PatchArthur, Illinois 217.543.2394 This pumpkin patch offers more than 400 types of pumpkins to choose from, farm animals, mazes and more.
Gail’s Pumpkin Patch1709 2000th Ave. Beason, Illinois 217.447.3409 This farm offers pumpkins, mums, straw bales and homemade honey. On September 20 and 21st , 2008 the farm will host Fall Farm Day. Lots of crafts, real farm tours and machinery, learn about the honey bees, candle making, stamping, buttermaking, and lots of pumpkin fun!
2007 Pumpkin Festival (Morton) Enjoy the festival parade, family style entertainment, carnival rides, food tents, craft shows and pumpkins. Green Acres Farm, Allentown & Springfield Roads, Morton, http://www.pumpkincapital.com/index.php?section=7 .
A fall festival featuring local craftspeople. Native Cabin, 10405 Berry Brook Rd., Modesto, 217-439-7537, www.nativeacres.com. "Farm"tastic Weekend (Grafton) A fantastic weekend is planned or should i say a "Farmtastic" weekend at the Grafton location! We will be busy collecting hen eggs from our hen house, petting the rabbits, feeding the calf and pigs, not to mention to goats and turtles. This weekend is hands on for sure! We will also be roping a haybale calf and spitting watermelon seeds! "Whew wee" what a weekend! We will be featuring music by Russ Anderson on the main stage. For more information please call 618-786-3445. http://www.eckerts.com/
Didier Farms Pumpkinfest (Prairie View) Pick out a prize pumpkin for the carving, meander through the five-acre corn maze, or take a ride on the tractor. 16678 W. Aptakisic Rd., Prairie View, 847-634-3291, www.didierfarms.com.
3rd Annual Soulard
Oktoberfest (St. Louis, MO)
Fall Color Festival (Alto Pass) Take a trip to the Shawnee National Forest region for music and wine, and watch the colors change in front of your eyes at this festival dedicated to the beauty of autumn. Alto Pass Winery and Vineyard, Alto Pass, www.altovineyards.net.
Scarecrow Festival (Galesburg) Vote for the best scarecrow in town and stick around for the live entertainment and food. Standish Park, Galesburg, 309-343-2485. www.visitgalesburg.com
Spoon River Valley Scenic Drive & Fall Festival (Fulton County) Tour the scenic valley through Fulton County, and stop at the historic towns along the route. Throughout Fulton County, www.spoonriverdrive.org.
Rendezvous at Spoon River (Lewistown) A primitive encampment during Fulton Country’s Spoon River Scenic Drive features early American crafts and more. Dickson Mounds Museum, 10956 N. Dickson Mounds Rd., Lewistown, 309-547-3721.
Central Illinois Bragging Rights BBQ (Arthur) A central Illinois grilling competition to see who can take the heat of creating the best barbecue, featuring bluegrass music and plenty of ’cue to go around. Downtown Arthur, www.illinoisamishcountry.com.
Pike County Color Drive (Throughout Pike County) Ride into the country and take in the scenic drive through Pike County. Local roadside stands will pack your belly with produce and baked goods. Pike County, 217-285-2971, www.pikeil.org.
Monticello Railway Museum (Monticello) Hop in the Monticello boxcar for a haunted ride through Camp Creek Hollow and a scary story on Cemetery Road. Monticello Railway Museum, Monticello, www.mrym.org
Gather around the town’s cherished windmill for a traditional German meal of brats, red cabbage, potatoes and gravy, salad, and dessert. Prairie Mills Windmill and Golden Museum, www.goldenwindmill.org.
Halloween in Bootiful Nauvoo A family-friendly Halloween celebration featuring more than 500 jack-o’-lanterns, a costume parade, and haunted house. Nauvoo, www.beautifulnauvoo.com.
Halloween at Dickson Mounds (Lewistown) Afternoon of games, crafts, and displays of Halloween traditions, treats provided. Dickson Mounds Museum, 10956 N. Dickson Mounds Rd., Lewistown, 309-547-3721.
In Alton, Illinois there are a few sites of underground railroads located in the area. These locations are Alton Museum of History & Art and Underground Railroad tours will show where the sites are of the underground areas because the Underground Railroad is closed. Another place for Underground Railroad is in the Missouri area the site is www.visittheloop.com.
The Jacksonville area has several locations of the Underground Railroad properties. The Owen Lovejoy House which is located in Princeton, Illinois is open for tours. Dr. Richard Ells House located in Quincy, Illinois is open for group tours on special occasions.
Information on Alton Railroad tours 1-800-258-6645
Alton Museum of History & Art 2809 College Avenue Alton, IL 618-462-8163 Hours: Wednesday – Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Sunday: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Dr. Richard Ells House 415 Jersey Street Quincy, Illinois 217-223-2726 Call to make arrangement for a tour
Owen Lovejoy House East Peru Street near corner of 6th Street Friday – Sunday: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. May – September Appointment can be made for October – April 815-879-9151
The Underground Railroad Committee of the Morgan County Historical Society 1463 Gierke Lane Jacksonville, Illinois 62650 217-243-3755 800-593-5678 www.undergoundrailroadcommitte.org www.undergroundrailroadcommitte@yahoo.com |
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Women In the
Outdoors Get-Away |
