The Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve complex,
located at a crook in the Fox River, is many things to many different people. The focus of activities is directed to this beautiful stretch of river and valley, with woodland hiking, picnicking, fishing, bird watching, lounging along the shore and skipping rocks in the river with stones from the old gravel pit hills. A concrete pad boat launch is also available.
In addition, the River Bend Bike Trail is a wonderful bicycle outing along the river that would be an enjoyable day trip and the forest preserve parking lot is the perfect staging area . The trail bridge, crossing the river nearby, creates a major trail hub and stopping point.
Enjoy watching the trolley arrive and depart the station platform. It operates on weekends from the end of April until the weekend before Christmas.
There are little wisps here and there of original prairie remnants and exposed rock ledges and outcroppings. An old Indian War soldier's grave site is marked by a boulder hidden in a small grove of trees, but most exciting is the little known 8 foot high natural waterfall; it cascades and pools in the clear rippling creek. The waterfall is found by riding south on the River Bend Trail.
Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve is located on Rte. 31 in South Elgin, 1 mile north of McLean Boulevard. BTW, Route 31 passes OVER Stearns Road. There is no intersection of these two roads. A large wood carved statue of Blackhawk is situated at this preserve's entrance. This is also the historical burial site of unknown soldiers of General Scott's Army.
The hours of occupancy of the forest preserve are from dawn to dusk, as is typical of any public park.
Välkommen to Vasa Park
Vasa Park is a tranquil 25 acre property situated along the beautiful Fox River, featuring towering mature oak trees and wide open space. Vasa Park holds numerous community events throughout the year, celebrating Scandinavian and Nordic traditions, including; music, art, crafts, food, and dance. These events are open to the public and persons of all ethnicities are welcome to join and enjoy. Vasa Park also serves as a learning center for local schools and scouting organizations.
I chose to associate my "Virtual Reward" with Vasa Park since it recognizes ALL Scandinavian countries, thereby honoring both my father's and mother's heritage. I am a first generation son of a Swedish immigrant (father) and a second generation son of Danish immigrants (grandparents).
Here is the 2019 schedule of events at Vasa Park:
Valborg Day (celebration of Spring) 4/27/2019
Paint/Rake/Dig Day 5/25/2019
During Swedish Days in Geneva 6/22/2019
Heritage Day 7/21/2019
40th Scandinavian Day Festival 9/8/2019 (10am-5pm) (Entrance Fee)
Scandinavian Fish Boil 10/5/2019
Fall Clean Up Day 11/9/2019
In order to claim a find for this cache, here's what you need to do:
1. Since the former name of the Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve is "Blackhawk Park", take a photo of yourself (or if you want to remain anonymous -- your GPS device) with Chief Blackhawk (posted coordinates) and post it with your log. The park is open from sunrise to sunset. If you have the inclination to explore Vasa Park next door during an event (listed above), by all means do that and post an additional photo from THAT park. (not required)
2. Send me an email with the number on the trolley that runs on the rail spur into the park. If the trolley is not in the park, look in the gazebo near the tracks for the answer to this question.
3. And also in your email, name the five Scandinavian countries commonly recognized in that group. The five flags that fly near the road (in Vasa Park) that represent these countries are (in alphabetical order):
D_______________ , F_______________ , I_______________ , N_______________ , and S_______________
Varsågod!
Virtual Reward - 2017/2018
This Virtual Cache is part of a limited release of Virtuals created between August 24, 2017 and August 24, 2018. Only 4,000 cache owners were given the opportunity to hide a Virtual Cache. Learn more about Virtual Rewards on the Geocaching Blog.