Gebhard Woods State Park - Illinois State Park - Aurora, Bedford Park, Chicago, Cicero, Custer Park

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Gebhard Woods State Park

State Park Information

Camping

Trails
Gebhard Woods is only a footbridge away from the historic Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail. This 61 mile trail on the old canal towpath is easy walking and gives access to unparalleled scenic and historic sights. Bicyclists can also take advantage of the groomed towpath to enjoy the natural and manmade wonders. The trail is marked and has various wayside exhibits that describe features of the canal era encountered along the way. Due to the trails composition, horseback riding isnt allowed.

After a minimum of four inches of snowfall, snowmobilers may travel the 61 miles of marked trail available along the canal. Registration is required, so call ahead to the park office for snowfall and registration information. Cross country skiing is also permitted on the trail.

Picnicking

Boating

Fishing and Hunting

History of the Area
Gebhard Woods State Park was originally purchased from Mrs. William Gebhard by the Grundy County Rod & Gun Club in 1934 for the amount of $1,500.00. A game fish rearing pool was developed on the property by the Rod and Gun club who in turn donated the property to the State of Illinois to be developed and maintained as Gebhard Woods State Park. Members of the Brandon-Morris Civilian Conservation Corps were employed by the Department of the Interior to clear and landscape this newly formed state park. The CCC developed two additional spawning pools for game fish, interior trails - large shelter of handhewn beams with flagstone flooring, two small log shelters complete with fireplaces - sheltered resting bench and a large stone fireplace.

Today, hikers, campers, picnickers and canoeists frequent this 30-acre site, making it one of the states most popular state parks. Located in Morris, this picturesque park is bordered on the south by the Illinois & Michigan Canal and to the north by Nettle Creek which gently flows along the perimeter and through the park adding to its natural beauty and abundance of wildlife. Stately old trees including walnut, oak -sh, maple, sycamore, hawthorn and cottonwood provide ample shade throughout the park. In the spring, trillium, bluebell, white trout lily, violets, wild ginger, phlox, toothwort and spring beauties are just a sample of the wildflowers that can be enjoyed by park visitors.

More Info

This page provides maps, photos and directions for visiting Gebhard Woods State Park and the I & M Canal State Trail. Located at 15701 S. Independence Blvd., Lockport, Ill., 60441 tel (815) 740
...k and Accomodation GEBHARD WOODS STATE PARK, with its wealth of stately old shade trees, is located in the peaceful town of
to the south of Gebhard Woods State Park is the site of an old

The 16th annual Gebhard Woods Dulcimer Festival will be held July 1223, 2003 at Gebhard Woods State Park, Morris, IL The festival features a wonderful lineup of performers with concerts and

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passes through Channahon, McKinley Woods and William G. Stratton State Parks and Gebhard Woods State Park in Morris. The biggest tree in Illinois - eastern cottonwood, grows in Gebhard Woods

OLakes State Park Channahon State Park Des Plaines Fish and Wildlife Area Gebhard Woods State Park Goose Lake Prairie State Natural Area Heidecke Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area Illinois
...hard Woods State Park 402 Ottawa Street, Morris 815/942-0796 Ballfield, fishing ponds, picnic shelters, hiking, biking, bird watching, ice fishing, ice skating and snowmobiling. Goose Lake

slide. DuPage County Forest Preserve Web www.dupageforest.com 630-790-4900 Hiking and camping Gebhard Woods State Park Morris 815-942-9669 This small park is used mainly by cyclists on the
...hard Woods State Park Overview.