2024 Group Walk Calendar

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, Kankakee and Illinois Rivers. This state park is one of the stops to view a lock on the Illinois/Michigan Canal. After years of neglect, the Civilian Conservation Corps restored Locks 6 and 7 along with the lock-tender’s house at Lock 6.The trail is out and back with a walk on “Moose Island.” The island has paved walking paths and a few grassy paths, which give a beautiful view of the river. There is also the Four Rivers Environmental Education Center. Inside there is a 2000-gallon fish tank stocked with river fish, a mussel exhibit that shows how these creatures filter toxins out of river water, and a view of an exterior oversized bird feeder/bath combination. 

Registration begins at 9:30 a.m., walk 10:00 a.m. 

Start point:   grassy area next to  Channahon State Park parking lot

                      25302 W. Story Street, Channahon, IL 

Driving directions:  From I-55, exit #248 onto Route 6, west, towards Morris. Follow Route #6 west approximately two miles to Canal Street, just past a Subway Restaurant. Turn left and drive four blocks to stop sign (Story Street). Turn right on Story Street and drive into parking lot. Registration is in a grassy area adjacent to the parking lot. 

Most of the walk is along the Old Plank Road Trail. The walk is 10k, with several turn-around points along the trail for those opting for a shorter walk.We are making a reservation for lunch after the walk at Trail's Edge in downtown Frankfort. A short club meeting will be held during lunch. If you haven't already, please let us know if you plan to lunch with us. 

This will be a traveling guided walk. 

Registration begins at 9:45 a.m., walk 10:00 a.m. 

Start point:   Trolley Barn

                      11 S. White Street, Frankfort, IL 

The Chicago Lakefront walk passes all of Chicago's finest attractions - the Museum campus, Buckingham Fountain, Navy Pier, Michigan Avenue, Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Chicago Water Tower. There are stunning views of the city skyline from the Museum campus. If you have lots of time, book a ticket to the Shedd Aquarium, the Field Museum of Natural History, or the Adler Planetarium. Navy Pier has many restaurants and a beer garden to enjoy. This is one walk that covers a lot ! Much of the walk is along Lake Michigan - use sunscreen, especially during the summer. 

Walk begins at 10 a.m. Please arrive 15 minutes early to register.

Start Location:  Hostelling   International USA         

                          24 E.   Ida B Wells, Chicago, IL