In 2015, we began the grand adventure of exploring our great country, targeting National Parks and taking in some State Parks along the way. During the summer of 2016 we set out from Tennessee to cross the country to spend a week at Glacier National Park in Montana. We left the farm as night settled on Thursday June the 30. We had chosen two State Parks to visit on our cross country jaunt. The first of these was Rock Cut State Park in Illinois.
Life is an adventure I want to make the most of. We left the farm around 9:30, two vehicles packed with people and camping gear. We drove over 25 to Corbin, Kentucky where we hit 75 through Lexington. In Lexington we hit 64 to Indianapolis and in Indianapolis we hit 65 to Chicago. I drove until I couldn’t see straight then turned it over to Mom and she drove until she couldn’t see straight and we stopped in the wee hours of the morning at a rest area just past Indianapolis to get a couple of restless hours of sleep. I drove us up 65 through Chicago, which we all gave the open jawed hillbilly stare.
We arrived at Rock Cut State Park and located our campsites. Mom and I set up our tents and Craig, his daughter Abby and Abby’s friend Amber found their site and did the same. We got our sites for 2 nights. I collapsed in my tent and took a nice afternoon nap. The sun was out, the sky was blue and the temperatures were warm and comfortable. The Campground was nice. Rock Cut State Park is the biggest state park in Illinois. The Campground was full of families.
After my nap Mom and I went exploring the park. It’s main attraction is by far the Lake. People were kayaking, water boarding, and paddle boating. They were fishing and there is a sunny beach where swimming is allowed.
The hiking trails are mostly flat easy strolls. A highlight is the boardwalk running beside the big rocks that give the Park it’s name. Blasting operations in the rocky outcrop by railroad construction crews in 1859 to provide a suitable roadbed gave the Park it’s name. I checked it out solo our first day. I passed family groups, young people and kids out enjoying the beautiful day.
On day two Craig and I ventured out into the Willow Creek wildlife area. There is a nice paved bike path and dirt trails meandering around the wildlife area. We were passed by serious Mountain bike riders, and by casual bike riders as well as a few joggers. It was a nice easy walk in the woods.
Rock Cut State Park has a little bit of everything for a nice family friendly camping experience. The ambiance is relaxed and the amenities are sufficient for a truly enjoyable stay.
MrsSmithsLifeUnexpected 