Event Category Archives: Outdoor Activity

SURVIVAL SKILLSSurvival Workshop-Native Skills

join us for a Survival Skills Workshop with a theme of Native Skills on Saturday, Nov. 23rd. Human survival depends upon awareness: native scouts learned to be invisible and aware in the wilderness. This class will show you how they did it. Practice stalking and nature observation techniques. Interpret tracks and know what the tracked was doing – and thinking – without having seen them! Know why people get lost in the woods. Track and Read More

SURVIVAL SKILLSSurvival Workshop-Native Tools-Nov. 9, 2013

Join us on November 9th, from 10 am to 3 pm for a Survival Workshop with the theme: Native Tools. Human beings are toolmakers by nature, and native peoples used what they gathered in the wild to survive. This class will show you how. Make cordage from nettle. Practice small game hunting with throwing sticks, and craft a figure-four deadfall trap. Create a bow drill set and try your hand at making fire! Learn seasonal Read More

MEGAHIKEMega Hike – Summer 2013 – Saturday, July 13, 2013

  JUST ANNOUNCED!! – Summer 2013 MEGA Hike! Saturday, July 13, 2012 Have you ever wanted to hike all the canyons at Starved Rock State Park?  Well now you can do it in one day.  Or Mega Hike leaves the Lodge at 8:30a.m.  Expected time for lunch is 1:00.  Finish time is approximately 4:30.  Hikers will board a trolley with a pair of guides and be taken to the east end of the park where Read More

FEATURED IMAGE PIONEER DAYS FESTIVALPioneer Days Festival – August 16-18, 2013

Explore days gone by with pioneer crafts, a frontier skills workshop, an authentic medicine show, a petting zoo and stagecoach rides along with storytelling on Friday & Saturday nights. All of this part of the Lodge’s Pioneer Days Festival. Each activity is appropriate for all ages and will be on a pay as you go basis. Storytelling on Friday and Saturday nights is a free event.  End the day on Sunday with a Chuck Wagon Read More

Fox RidgeWilderness Wednesday at Fox Ridge – “The Inside Story on Insects”

Wilderness Wednesday at Fox Ridge – “The Inside Story on Insects” August 28 3pm Not all insects are ‘icky’ but they sure are interesting.  Join us for an introduction to the many native insects you’ll see while visiting Starved Rock State Park. Some of these friends may even be spotted in your own backyard or neighborhood. There will be a ‘make-&-take’ activity following your session.  This program is appropriate for all ages but recommended for Read More

Fox RidgeWilderness Wednesday at Fox Ridge – “Flit, Flutter & Fly…All About Butterflies”

Wilderness Wednesday at Fox Ridge – “Flit, Flutter & Fly…All About Butterflies” August 7 3pm They are the friends in our garden and a delight to observe as they flit from flower to flower doing a very important job. Butterflies are a vital member of the nature cycle. Join us as we introduce you to the native butterflies of Illinois, their habitats and life cycles. You’ll learn how to attract butterflies to your own backyard. Read More

OWLWilderness Wednesday at Fox Ridge – “Hoo’s That I Hear…All About Owls”

Wilderness Wednesday at Fox Ridge – “Hoo’s That I Hear…All About Owls” July 31 3pm Spend some time outdoors learning about a mysterious night time creature. Explore stories , legends and superstitions attributed to these fascinating nocturnal birds. Learn about their living habits, hear their calls, and try calling an owl yourself! Admission: Voluntary Donation

Fox RidgeWilderness Wednesday at Fox Ridge – “What’s the BUZZ About Bees?”

Wilderness Wednesday at Fox Ridge – “What’s the BUZZ About Bees?” July 17 3pm Many people question whether bees are friend or foe. Dr. Ed Bell will do his best to put our fears to rest and enlighten us about just how valuable bees are in our lives. You’ll be amazed at what a large roll these small creatures play in the ecosystem. Get up close with an active hive and learn AT LEAST ten Read More

Fox RidgeWilderness Wednesday at Fox Ridge – “Wild about Wildflowers”

Wilderness Wednesday at Fox Ridge – “Wild About Wildflowers” June 3 3pm Explore the vibrant colors and varied species of Wildflowers found at Starved Rock State Park. Starved Rock State Park is ‘in bloom’ all summer long. This introductory session will familiarize you with the wildflowers found during the summer season and learn about their growing patterns. There will be a ‘make-&-take’ activity following your session.  This program is appropriate for all ages but recommended Read More

6856 petting zooWilderness Wednesday at Fox Ridge – “Getting to Know our Furry Friends”

Wilderness Wednesday at Fox Ridge – “Getting to Know our Furry Friends” Education Program & Petting Zoo July 10 August 21 3pm There’s nothing like a chance to snuggle with an animal considered not to be so snuggly. Deb Moreland of Furry Friends will present a program on characteristics and living habits of some familiar and not-so-familiar animal friends. After the program participants will have a chance to get up close and personal with a Read More