Welcome to Fox Bluff
The site is recognized as the place chosen by the first european of McHenry County, the Gillilan family. At the time of the Gillilan arrival the family consisted of Samuel (husband), Margaret (wife) and their 8 children. The exact location of their first winter encampment and log home that followed is debated among historians, however, the consensus believes that the encampment and settlement was somewhere within sections 23, 26, or 27 of Algonquin Township. The Gillilan family crossed the Fox River and set-up camp along the west side on November 18, 1834, entering a wilderness only 2 years removed from the end of the Blackhawk Wars, yet still belonging to the Indians according to Federal law.
The southern portion of the site includes the former 116-acre Camp Algonquin which closed in 2011. The natural resources throughout the property include woodlands, wetlands, fens, wet prairies and 3,530 linear feet of shoreline along the Fox River. The topography is steep with varying slopes and ravines.
Highlights of the Final Master Plan for the entire Fox Bluff complex include improved public access to the Fox River, roughly five miles of additional hiking trails, canoe/kayak launches, improved fishing access and the protection and restoration of the significant natural resources.
Cache Your Way Question
Which McHenry County Conservation District site has the LEAST amount of documented native tree species? Current count is 1 – one native tree species on site.
To learn how to participate in the GeoSeries and earn a special District geocoin visit MCCDistrict.org/Geocache
Geocachers
Please join us in playing! Geocaching is a high-tech “treasure hunting” game played throughout the world by adventure seeker. All are welcome who observe and obey the rules.
- Please do not move or vandalize the container.
- Once you find it, log your name in the book, take a trinket and leave one of your own behind for the next person.
- Replace the cache in the same spot that you found it, and make sure it is completely covered.
- Please do not remove the informational card from the containers, this is an essential game piece for cachers completing the GeoSeries.
- The real treasure is finding the container and sharing your thoughts with everyone who finds it.
For a complete list of rules and instructions on how to earn a special district geocoin visit MCCDistrict.org/Geocache
Email geocaching@MCCDistrict.org with any questions or concerns
McHenry County Conservation District Information
Visit our website at MCCDistrict.org or call (815) 338-6223
Photo Release
5/20/2021 Photos posted here may be featured on the McHenry County Conservation District's various social media accounts including Facebook, Instagram, and twitter, as well as our website (MCCDistrict.org) and print material such as Landscapes Magazine. By posting photos to this log you agree to allow us to share your work. Photographers will be acknowledged in any shares or posts of photos, so please include your name in your post if it is different from that of your username.