A Hike Through This 12-Acre Wood In Illinois Is Like A Trip Back To The 1800s
By Elizabeth Crozier|Published November 22, 2018
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Elizabeth Crozier
Author
An Illinois transplant who grew up and went to school in Indiana for 22 years, Elizabeth holds a BFA in creative writing and has enjoyed traveling across the country and parts of Europe. She has visited half of the states, as well as parts of Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, and regularly travels home to the Hoosier State to see friends and family. With more than five years of writing experience, Elizabeth’s articles have been featured on several websites, and her poetry and short stories have been published in multiple literary journals.
The ultimate blast from the past can be found in Fulton, Illinois at a little-known nature walk that spans 12 acres. Tucked within the trees is an ancient village from the 1800s you’ve got to see to believe.
Get your walking shoes ready for an exciting adventure you’ll never forget. Scroll on for more details.
Wierenga's Heritage Canyon in Fulton is a 12-acre historic nature walk that few Illinoisans know exists. It is open daily between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. between April 15 and December 15.
Tours are self-guided, and it is free to enter most days, though donations are accepted. On special days, $2 is requested for each adult and $1 for children below the age of 14 (more details below).
This historical walk was established in 1967 and depicts an ancient village from the 1800s. It is built on top of a limestone quarry that was abandoned in 1954 due to the damage it was causing to the Mississippi River.
Specific buildings found on-site include a schoolhouse, doctor's office, iron works, blacksmith shop, an old church, and several log cabins. Guests are allowed to go in and out of each one.
One of the most iconic old structures found at Wierenga's Heritage Canyon is the old church. It can be used for small weddings and seats 25 guests. The cost to rent is out is only $250.
Special events take place throughout the year at this wonderful place. There will be a Christmas walk in December, and a fall festival takes place each September.
The original owners of this ancient village operated the place until 1999, after which, family kept it up. In 2005, though, it was sold to the city of Fulton for better upkeep. There is a memorial to the first owners, Harold and Thelma, at the entrance.
Heritage Canyon is located at 515 N 4th St., Fulton, IL 61252, and you can learn more about it on its Facebook page or the city of Fulton’s official website.
