Author: marklongmainstream (Page 132 of 174)

Heritage Canyon is a 12-acre wooded structure and nature walk dotted with buildings that take the visitor back to the 1800’s. Heritage Canyon is located at 515 North 4th street in Fulton Illinois. For more information, click here.

Mid-1800’s – 1954: It was a limestone quarry where rock was crushed for field fertilizer, road beds, wing dams and levees. Trucks, trains and river barges hauled it away.

1954 – 1967: The quarry was abandoned in 1954 because dynamiting sound blasts were damaging both sides of the river. The area became an eyesore to the community with its junk and dilapidated shacks.

1967 – 1999: In 1967, Harold and Thelma Wierenga bought the quarry. They converted the machine shop into a usable workshop and then built their home on the site of the old rock crusher. They changed the quarry, keeping two goals in mind: preserve Midwestern history, emphasizing detail and authenticity; and disturb nature as little as possible as each building is added.

1999 – Present: After the passing of Harold Wierenga in January 1999, his daughter and son-in-law maintained the Canyon for several years. However, the volunteer task of maintaining the Canyon was simply too much for the couple. In October 2005, the City of Fulton was given ownership of Heritage Canyon. In October 2007, Thelma Wierenga passed away. A memorial for Harold and Thelma is on display near the entrance into the Canyon.  The Canyon is now maintained by an on-site caretaker, a dedicated Public Works person and the Early American Crafters.

Self-guided walking tours marked by numbered yellow arrows on brick paths will guide you through a pleasant experience.

Free-will donations, except on special event days when a $2.00 admission for adults and children over 14 is requested. Under 14, $1.00 per child. All donations are used for improvement of Heritage Canyon.

The church in the Canyon is available for small weddings. The church seats up to 25 people. Cost to rent the church is $250 (includes a $50 refundable deposit). The Heritage Canyon Chapel can be reserved by contacting the Heritage Canyon caretaker to check for date availability, to get more detailed information and to schedule your wedding event.  Call:  (815) 589-4600.

There are also several events held thru-out the year. Dutch Days in May, Bluegrass Festival in June, Fall Festival in October, and the Christmas Walk in December.

Heritage Canyon is located at 515 North 4th street in Fulton Illinois.  The park is open daily from 9 to 5.

Whispering Elm Treehouse

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Prairiewood Retreat & Preserve

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Hidden Valley Wilderness Retreat

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The Country Cabins

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Rock Creek Marina & Resort

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Kansas City Jellystone Park

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Graham’s Tree-House

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Acorns Resort

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Cedar Crest Lodge

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The Light Center

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The United States  has no shortage of breathtaking natural wonders, but one stands out among them all. Havasu Falls, known worldwide for its unparalleled beauty, and has some of the bluest water in the country.

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Havasu Falls in Arizona, is one of the most beautiful destinations on Earth, however very few will ever see it.  Of all of America’s waterfalls, Havasu Falls is one of the most difficult to reach.

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Aside from the challenging hike, the popular waterfall is located on Havasupai tribal lands, and is one of the most admired waterfalls in the country!   A permit is required and must be obtained for visiting the Havasupai Reservation. Then it’s an eight mile hike from the hiker’s parking lot to Havasupai Village; and another two miles from the village to Havasu Falls.

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If a 10 mile hike is not your thing, there is a much easier way to get to the falls. For a fee, you can bypass the hike and jump aboard a helicopter that ferries hikers in and out of the canyon.

AllTrails/Peter Major

Once you have arrived, there is no shortage of things to see in this breathtaking oasis.

Havasu Falls is a breathtaking oasis of blue-green water located within the Havasupai tribal lands of the Grand Canyon in Arizona.

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The topography is rugged, and includes a 100 foot waterfall, that descends into a series of lagoon like pools, each of which is filled with gorgeous  blue-green water!

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The stunning blue-green color is a result of a high concentration of calcium carbonate in the water.

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This incredible destination attracts visitors from all over the world, and it’s such a coveted attraction that an entire year’s worth of the required permits often sells out within minutes.

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While Havasu Falls is the most popular, waterfall in the area, there are 3 other amazing waterfalls in the area as well!

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Navajo Falls

AllTrails/Lily D.

Mooney Falls

and Beaver Falls

More adventurous hikers choose to keep going beyond Beaver Falls, to the confluence of Havasu Creek and the Colorado River.

Camping is also available for those who have received permits for visiting the Havasupai Reservation. Can you imagine waking up each day to this stunning landscape?

For more information, click here.

Blue Ridge Mountain Cabin

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Treetop Hideaways

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Cherry Lake Hideaway

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Mountain Cabin 

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Laurel Mountain Cabins

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Riverfront Cabin

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Mountain Top Cabin Rentals

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The Secluded Treehouse

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Laughing Waters

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Stone Mountain Park Campground

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The Rock Ranch

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Wisconsin is well known for having more than its fair share of beautiful state parks.  Devil’s Lake, Governor Dodge and Wyalusing are just a few of the parks that come to mind.  However, there is another park that ranks among the states best. Copper Falls State Park is located at 36664 Copper Falls Rd, in Mellen, Wisconsin. For more information, click here.

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Ancient lava flows, deep gorges and spectacular waterfalls make Copper Falls State Park one of Wisconsin’s most scenic parks.

Craig E. Photography

The park offers multiple opportunities for a little adventure, there is camping, hiking, bicycling, picnic areas, fishing, and even swimming in Loon Lake.

History buffs will enjoy the log buildings built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s!

Hiking enthusiasts will take delight in the 1.7-mile Doughboy’s Nature Trail. This unique trail leads hikers along the Bad River,  and is one of the best hikes in Wisconsin.

Kim Pfister Photography

Deep gorges, well marked trails, a variety of plants, and an array of wildlife only add to the park’s breathtaking beauty.  The primary attraction at the park however, is the two spectacular waterfalls.

Bobbi L Photography

There are also more than 50 campsites, and even an observation tower overlooking all the gorgeous nature!

For more of the best parks and amazing locations in Wisconsin, click here. For nearby lodging or campgrounds, click here. For the best family activities in the area, click here.