A Winter Wilderness Weekend (Jan. 19 & 20, 2018)

From FlockToTheRock.com

There is a lot going on this weekend in the Winter Wonderland of the Starved Rock area - making it a great weekend to "Flock to the Rock."  It's Winter Wilderness Weekend!  A few hikes are planned, some are mild ... some are MEGA.  And some involve some walking and some trolleying. There have been eagles spotted in the area, and you may have a chance to see some this weekend.  Keep in mind, with warmer temperatures, eagle sightings can't be guaranteed.

WINTER MEGAHIKE Saturday and Sunday - 8:30am and 9:00am To participate, you must have some sort of additional traction (Yak-trax or Kathoohlas).  You will start out at the Starved Rock Lodge (either at 8:30am or 9:00am either day).  You're going to take in:

• 13.4 miles
• 18 canyons
• 6 overlooks
• Lunch

You must make a reservation at https://www.starvedrocklodge.com/events/event/winter-megahike-2/.  The cost is $37 per person.  Expect to finish at 4:30pm or 5:00pm, depending on your start time.

VISITOR CENTER HIKES Saturday and Sunday - 9:00am and 1:00pm Join the Starved Rock Visitor Center guides on a hike to see the spectacular icefalls of Starved Rock.  Make sure to bring your binoculars!  There will be some time to potentially see eagles from the top of Starved Rock.  You'll also learn about the history and geology of the park.

PARKRUN Saturday:  9:00am parkrun (spelled with a small P) is the world's largest organized running activity.  Take part in this free 5k run/walk/jog in Heritage Harbor Ottawa.  Meet in the parking lot of the Red Dog Grill.  Find out more on the Heritage Harbor parkrun page - http://www.parkrun.us/heritageharbor/.

LODGE GUIDED HIKES Saturday and Sunday:  11:00am Meet in the hotel lobby of Starved Rock Lodge, and join the Lodge guides on a guided winter hike through Starved Rock State Park.  The hike will be about 4.5 miles, and includes a homemade granola bar, bottled water, "Starved Rock" backpack and voucher for a hot chocolate or coffee in the Lodge's cafe upon return.  Cost is $12 per person, and reservations can be made at https://www.starvedrocklodge.com/events/event/guided-winter-hikes-2/?t=1516406400.

BALD EAGLE TROLLEY TOURS Saturday:  9:00am  MAKE RESERVATIONS HERE Saturday:  11:00am  MAKE RESERVATIONS HERE Sunday:  10:30am  MAKE RESERVATIONS HERE Tours include transportation, a tour guide, eagle presentation at the Illinois Waterway Visitor Center and lunch.  Meet at the Starved Rock Lodge, and make sure to dress warmly - thereis minimal walking during the tour.

THIRD SATURDAY TRIVIA NIGHT Saturday:  7:00pm - 10:00pm Get your team of 5-10 people and compete for your chance to win cash prizes at the Reddick Mansion!  There will be beverages, snacks and a 50/50 raffle - with all proceeds being used for maintenance and restoration at the Reddick Mansion.  $10 per person, reserve your table at reddickmansion.org or by calling 815-433-6100.

MATT, ZACH AND TOM Saturday:  8:30pm - 11:30pm Three guys that grew up playing music who love sharing their passion ... will be performing LIVE at The Lone Buffalo by Tangled Roots Brewing Company.

SUNDAY BRUNCH AT THE LODGE Sunday:  10:30am - 2:00pm (seatings on the half-hour) Make sure that you're well fed as you either start (or conclude) your hikes.  Scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, carving station and more.  Click here for the buffet menu.  Adults are $15.95, children 4-10 are half price, and children 3 and under are free.  Make your reservations at https://www.starvedrocklodge.com/events/event/sunday-brunch/?t=1516492800.

MAKE SURE TO STAY TUNED to the winter happenings of the Starved Rock Country area by visiting FlockToTheRock.com.  You can also follow on Facebook at FlockToTheRock.com.