Some great things about East, West, Central and Southern Illinois (Peoria: houses, to buy)

[linicx]

I would not argue what you say at all. Politics being what they are, Chicago and Springfield get the most of the tourism 'high-fives' whlle the rest of the state goes begging. Nevertheless, there are some very nice camping areas in the state that are not nearly as well known as Starved Rock that do not need permits or reservations. Some of them are a very nice weekend retreat - depending upon your expectations and your needs.

[doll lady]

Wow I've never had a problem when I make reservations at an Illinois state park. I have always given them my credit card numberover the phone and they mail me a sheet showing the nights I reserved and that I paid. In the Jim Edgar State park, they only want one night payment then I pay the rest in cash to the park site camp host. Perhaps it might be easier if a person could do it on the internet, but I don't give out my credit card number on the internet .... it might be that they are unable to provide a security layered atmosphere on the site(s) where reservations are made.

[linicx]

I agree. DNR is more interested in Chicago and Springfield than in the big picutre. It is sad.

[linicx]

Originally Posted by doll lady

Wow I've never had a problem when I make reservations at an Illinois state park. I have always given them my credit card numberover the phone and they mail me a sheet showing the nights I reserved and that I paid. In the Jim Edgar State park, they only want one night payment then I pay the rest in cash to the park site camp host. Perhaps it might be easier if a person could do it on the internet, but I don't give out my credit card number on the internet .... it might be that they are unable to provide a security layered atmosphere on the site(s) where reservations are made.

I don't camp but I love big parks that I can drive through or pack a lunch and enjoy nature. When my kids were little, we spent a lot of time in the Peoria Parks. Unfortunately I judge other states by the park system. Most are sadly lacking. But, one of the prettiest city parks is in Carthage, Missouri. It has an 18-hole golf course that is just gorgeous any time of year. One of the prettiest full-service state parks in America I was ever saw is at Grove, Oklahoma. The 33-acre park is located on the shores of Grand Lake. It's a four hour drive around the lake. I used to stop at the south end of the lake a grab a snack not far from the world's longest multiple-arch dam. It's quite a sight when the dam gates are opened and you can see thousands of gallons of water rushing through. I took a picture one year that was published in the paper. .

[doll lady]

A couple of weekends ago we went to Nauvoo, Illinois. I had never been there and just wanted to see what it was. We took a scenic route along the Mississippi River for several miles and that was spectacular except for the logs floating along the shores in places.

I was disappointed in Nauvoo village. I know it's operated by the Latter Day Saints, but when we went into the buildings but I felt these volunteer people rather than concentrating on showing the wonderful demonstrations of old and explaining the techniques, the time allowed for that was little but a huge amount of time was spent tyring to get visitors to listen to their religious beliefs. I was disappointed this was done. I liked looking at the buildings on the flats....it seemed like a newer version of Lincoln's New Salem. I'm not sure if I just was there at a time that the particular volunteers had a different way with visitors or it this is the way it always is. I don't think I will go back. But the temple was magnificent to look at.

[linicx]

I think that is pretty common. I had a member in my home for business reasons and she wanted to seal my family in the temple - despite the fact they died 200 years ago. I was offended and disgusted. The brassy church members have no shame and have no business in my family affairs. I cannot believe their shtick is to "ensure" my dead and buried go to Heaven.

Speaking of Illinois churches, here is a piece of trivia. The only Dutch Reformed Church in the Midwest was built in central Illinois in Fulton County during the early 1800s. Sunday services are held every week. .

[cubssoxfan]

Originally Posted by doll lady

Wow I've never had a problem when I make reservations at an Illinois state park. I have always given them my credit card numberover the phone and they mail me a sheet showing the nights I reserved and that I paid. In the Jim Edgar State park, they only want one night payment then I pay the rest in cash to the park site camp host. Perhaps it might be easier if a person could do it on the internet, but I don't give out my credit card number on the internet .... it might be that they are unable to provide a security layered atmosphere on the site(s) where reservations are made.

I just looked at the DNR website and it said only cabins are reservable for Jim Edgar/Panther Creek. We did camp at Kankakee River State Park this weekend. Pretty nice. They assured us campsites would be available and reservation didn't matter and it worked out. My wife mentioned "I wonder if some parks don't fill up because they don't take reservations or if they don't take reservations becasue they never fill up." I wish Illinois would spend time assesing IN, WI & MI parks in amenities, what they charge ( I think IL charges too little by way of not requiring entry fee or annual sticker) and using a secure 3rd party internet reservation service to increase visitors & corresponding income.
Anyway back to Kanakakee River, Walnut Creek which flows into the Kankakee River is really cool for fishing and wading. The bike trail is also nice.

[linicx]

Cubsoxfan,

On a recent camping trip, you mentioned that your wife commented "I wonder if some parks don't fill up because they don't take reservations or if they don't take reservations because they never fill up." This is the classic chicen/egg question.

I do not camp, but parks are my favorite outdoor destination. The Midwest states east of the Mississippi River generally provide beautiful camping areas. The big problem I see is all of the hiking, boating, camping areas are not promoted equally or very well. The DNR does an outstanding job, but on the flip side of the coin, how many visitors go to IL DNR fo find a site? Also there is no complete list of campsites or campgrounds in Illinois. Further, not all sites are listed on DNR because some camp areas fall under the protection of the US Department of Fish and Wildlife. A few other campgrounds are community sponsored or a site is commercial. A different issue is websites that may provide useful information, If the site is easy to use, If the site is easy to read, and If the links aren't broken.

Additionally there are the ad-sponsored sites that provide information for handicap visitors, or age-appropriate camp sites - of which too many are commercial and expensive. . Then there are the issues of hunting, fishing, boating, parking and RV usage. Central Illinois has an abundance of all these issues and a few more. In short, readers want to know which services are offered, where the site it located, what is in the area, and what does it cost?
I spent several house one night looking for a campground in central Illinois in IL 29. I finally called two police departments to discover the only sites were commercial.

As an aside. Missouri allows fishing at their hatcheries, but I do not believe Illinois does. The amount of money that is generated per person that buys bait and fishes is simply amazing. . .

[cubssoxfan]

Originally Posted by linicx

Cubsoxfan,

My wife mentioned "I wonder if some parks don't fill up because they don't take reservations or if they don't take reservations becasue they never fill up." This is the classic chicen/egg question.

The Midwest states east of the Mississippi River generally provide beautiful camping areas. The big problem I see is it not promoted well. The DNR does an outstanding job, But on the flip side how many campers go to IL DNR fo find a site? Also there is no complete list of campsites or campgrounds in Illinois. Further, not all are listed on DNR because some sites that allow camping are under the protection of the US Department of Fish and Wildlife, or a community or it is private. . Then there are the issues of hunting, fishing, boating, parking and RV usage. Central Illinois has an abundance of all these issues regarding camping.

As an aside Missouri allows fishing at their hatcheries, but I do not believe Illinois does. The amount of money that is generated per person that buys bait and fishes is simply amazing. . .

Many WI and MI State Park's fill up even on non-holiday weekends. They set aside a non-reserved section and I think maybe a small # for just residents.

[linicx]

Originally Posted by cubssoxfan

Many WI and MI State Park's fill up even on non-holiday weekends. They set aside a non-reserved section and I think maybe a small # for just residents.

The way you describe registration in those areas make me think these states are far better organized than Illinois. It seems like they are and it hurts Illinois tourism