Free Guided Hikes Offered For National Take A Hike Day

Take A Hike (In Ottawa, Illinois)
Free Guided Hikes Offered For National Take A Hike Day
 
There are over 60,000 miles of trails in the United States, and Ottawa has some of the best to offer! Come out and celebrate National Take A Hike Day on Saturday November 17^th with three free guided hikes around Ottawa, Illinois!
Each hike will focus on a theme that makes Ottawa’s parks unique: learn about ecology and preservation at Dayton Bluffs, hear fascinating tales of Ottawa’s past along the I&M Canal, and experience some of the largest pieces of landscape art in the country at Buffalo Rock State Park! These hikes are an excellent way to get one last day out on the trails before winter sets in. If you participate in any of the three hikes you will receive a free collectible button (one button per participant, while supplies last)!
This event is free and open to all ages, but you must RSVP to participate in these hikes. Reserve a space for any hike, or all three, just visit www.pickusottawail.com or call 815-434-2737. Additionally, you must provide your own transportation to any of these locations. Please make sure to bring seasonally appropriate hiking clothing and foot ware. This event is open to hikers of all experience levels, but bare in mind you will be hiking for over an hour on various grades and elevations.
 
HIKE SCHEDULE:
 
Dayton Bluffs Hike:
10:00am – 11:30am
From Indigenous American burial mounds, natural cascades, and beautiful forest scenery, seasoned Dayton Bluffs expert Joe Jakupcak will take you on a guided morning hike of Ottawa’s newest park!
2997 IL-71, Ottawa, IL 61341 (Just to the North of Hanks Farm Restaurant)
Tour will depart from telegraph pole west of the parking lot at 10:00am
This FREE guided hike is provided courtesy of Joe Jakupcak and The Conservation Foundation.
 
I&M Canal Hike:
12:00pm – 1:30pm
History comes alive on this entertaining and educational hike down Illinois’s longest trail! Join local guide Tom Aussem as he reveals hidden stories of Ottawa’s past, along the historic I&M canal!
1028 LaSalle Street, Ottawa, IL 61350 (The Ottawa Visitors Center)
Tour will depart from the Ottawa Visitors Center at 12:00pm
This FREE guided hike is provided courtesy of Tom Aussem at Awesome Ottawa Bike Tours, to book a more extensive tour visit Awesome Ottawa Bike Tours on Facebook.
 
Buffalo Rock:
2:00pm – 3:30pm
Nestled between the serene prairie trails and magnificent river views at Buffalo Rock State Park are giant earthen sculptures! Join guide Jake Maskel as he recounts the history of this internationally renowned art installation, Effigy Tumuli Mounds, and gives you the storied history of Buffalo Rock State Park!
1300 N 27th Rd, Ottawa, IL 61350
Tour will depart from the buffalo enclosure at 2:00pm
This FREE guided hike is provided courtesy of Jake Maskel and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.