Lincoln – As Kickapoo Creek Park Ranger John Fink and I crossed the suspension bridge over the water that gave the park its name, a forbidden owl shrieked in the distance and other birds provided the soundtrack to our excursions.
We passed under a sign that read, “I hope the natural beauty of this park continues to inspire you and those who follow you.”
The natural beauty of Kickapoo Creek Park is definitely an inspiration, whether you’re walking along a creek, through woods and prairie, or among wildflowers.
John Fink, park ranger at Kickapoo Creek Park, sits on the suspension bridge over Kickapoo Creek, which connects to a loop track on the other side of the creek.
Lenore Sobota, for the paragraph
The 160-acre park on the north end of Lincoln is operated at 2000 N. Jefferson St. By Logan County Park & Trails Foundation. It is a private organization, but the park is open to the public from 7 a.m. until half an hour after sunset.
“The park was founded in 1969 by Violet Scully. She donated the land. She wanted to give back to the community,” Fink said.
The park has about 10 miles of trails. Large signs in three locations give you an overview of the trail system. One is located next to the first car park to your right as you enter the park.
Bluebells are among the wildflowers that bloom at Kickapoo Creek Park in Lincoln.
Lenore Sobota, for the paragraph
Smaller signs throughout the park help you orient yourself with the “You’re Here” stars and provide information about what’s nearby and what you might see. It includes QR codes for your smartphone for more detailed information.
Among those I stopped reading, my favorite was the No. 12 “Mr. Sycamore Tree,” in the picnic area by Kickapoo Creek near the suspension bridge. She describes the hollow tree as “a well known garden landmark and a great photo opportunity.”
“Mr. a sycamore tree appears on a driveway sign in Kickapoo Creek Park in Lincoln.
Lenore Sobota, for the paragraph
The Bottom Creek Trail follows the Kickapoo Creek and also cuts through the woods to make a loop.
Fink said that the trail “walks all the way along the creek…with bars of sand. People love to go out and play and skip the rocks.”
A wooden suspension bridge provides access to the Bald Cypress Loop Trail, part of which also follows the creek.
Kickapoo Creek meanders through the park that bears its name on the north end of Lincoln.
Lenore Sobota, for the paragraph
Spring wildflowers are currently blooming along the Bottom Creek Trails and Bald Cypress.
There is also the Prairie Trail and the Osage Orange Trail. Fink said the latter is fenced and is shady and cool in summer.
He added that the prairie road has a lot of birds and wildflowers in the summer.
John Fink, park ranger at Kickapoo Creek Park, describes the trails on either side of Kickapoo Creek that can be accessed by a wooded suspension bridge.
Lenore Sobota, for the paragraph
A good place for bird watching, in addition to the hiking trails, is a blind set up near the park office overlooking the many bird feeders. In the relatively short time I sat there, sheltered in a light drizzle, I saw a Baltimore plateau, three woodpeckers, a tufted monkey, a black-headed titmouse, white-throated sparrows, and a blacksmith pigeon.
Park next to the fitness track that starts across the street.
The Fun and Fitness Trail has stationary bikes, balance beams, seating, monkey bars, and other exercise equipment along the way.
The balance beam is among the exercise equipment along the Fun an Fitness Trail at Kickapoo Creek Park in Lincoln.
Lenore Sobota, for the paragraph
“It’s very hilly, so a lot of people like to work out and keep fit,” Fink said. “It’s probably a two-mile loop going through everything up and down the hills and people will stop and jump in sit-ups or pull-ups and get their exercise done.”
For those seeking a more relaxed approach, there is also a two-mile paved road that you can bike, hike, or drive.
The park also includes playground equipment and picnic tables. Two suites are available for reservation and there is an area for scouts to use.
Watch now: Mudpuppies, the great blue heron make their home at Hayes Woods Preserve
For more information, check out kickapoocreekpark.com or call 217-735-2953.
The sign at the other end of the bridge is a reminder to treat the area with respect – a message we should heed everywhere. The sign reads, “No one says to your choice that everything was beauty here until you came.”
Family Travel 5: Amazing ways to explore the natural world
Explore the National Water Trails System
It is a network of 22 river, lake, and other waterways, designated as such by the US Department of the Interior. The system provides families with vacation and recreational opportunities in the scenic regions of the United States
In southwest Ohio, families can access 291 miles of kayaking, fishing, and wildlife watching on Three Rivers and its many smaller tributaries, including the mighty Miami River, Stillwater River, and the Mudd River, as well as the Twin, Greenville, and Buck Creeks.
The Great Miami River Watershed Water Trail also includes whitewater and kayak parks, world-class fishing and more than 100 nature and urban parks in the area. Maps are available to help families locate the 117 public access points, as well as bike path information and plan an adventure.
For more: https://www.mcdwater.org/river-fun/river-trails/
mcdwater.org
Visit Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota
Visitors to this scenic landscape have the option of discovering two worlds – one above ground and one below ground. Under the vast skies, families can explore 44 square miles of prairie and pine forests, a landscape that, according to park rangers, is brimming with wildlife. Below, Wind Cave, the seventh largest cave system in the world, is known for its rare formations, particularly the grid-like structure called “boxwork”. The candlelit cave tour is much appreciated. Reservations are required.
For more: www.NPS.gov
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Explore the Brooklyn Botanical Garden, Brooklyn, New York
Infused with colour, scent and texture, gardens are a gift from the natural world. Toddler Discovery, Tree Lab, and Family Weekend programs combine to make Brooklyn Botanic Garden a great place to inspire young naturalists and encourage families to explore science and nature together.
Equip a plant or create a nature craft to take home with the help of volunteer discovery doctors and teen apprentices. Created for the park’s youngest guests, the Expanded Discovery Garden provides hands-on opportunities to explore flora and fauna in an immersive landscape. Don’t miss the winding paths and the unique beauty of Japanese gardens, referred to as BBG.
For more: www.BBG.org
Linda Harms / Dreamsteam / TNS
Explore the natural heritage area
Visit the National Heritage District, one of 55 specially designated places where historical, cultural, and natural resources combine to form nationally significant landscapes.
Home to some of the most influential crossroads in Alaskan history, the Kenai-Turnagen Mountains National Heritage Area offers historic, cultural, scenic, and outdoor recreational opportunities for those venturing into the last frontier. Explore mountains, lakes, rivers, glaciers, and fjords in an area made up of a north-south road, railroad passes, and trails from Bird to Seward as well as Girdwood, Portage, and Moose Pass. There’s also plenty to discover at Cooper Landing, Whittier, and the wild waters of Prince William Sound. The area offers a wealth of wildlife viewing, history and nature tours, hiking, biking, fishing, and countryside options.
For more: https://www.travelalaska.com
KMTA National Heritage District
Catch the post
Discover the bustling world of bees during a self-guided visit to the intriguing bee garden. Your family can safely learn about the importance of honeycomb, nectar, honey and pollen and why we need to conserve the bee population during a visit to the West Seattle Bee Garden. Take time to walk around the nearby garden and talk about plants and their role in the pollination process. Ask about their annual festival, which includes children’s activities, music, and enhanced educational programs.
For more: http://www.westseattlebeegarden.com/visit.html
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