McHenry Conservation District Glacial Park

About McHenry Conservation District Glacial Park

At Glacial Park, McHenry County Conservation District’s most treasured open space, outdoor adventure awaits. Over 3,400 acres of rolling prairie, delta kames, oak savanna and tranquil presence of the meandering Nippersink Creek make this destination a nature lover’s paradise. From fishing and birding, to biking and paddling, Glacial Park is the perfect spot for a day of exploration. The park is home to over 40 state endangered and threatened plant and animal species, and is listed as one of the top five areas to view migratory wetland birds in the region. Over 64,000 guests visit the park each year to hike or horseback along eight miles of trails, bike a five-mile portion of the 26-mile Prairie Trail, or fish the shoreline of Nippersink Creek. At the Lost Valley Visitor Center, visitors can enjoy changing exhibits, pick up trail maps and guide books, and check out upcoming featured programs, outdoor concerts or workshops. Self-guided exploration is also encouraged, with options such as the Glacial Park hiking app, the two-mile interpretive trail loop, or outdoor treetop decks equipped with binoculars, guide books, and viewing scopes. No matter your interest, a day at Glacial Park promises a unique and unforgettable experience.

Programs

The classes, camps and experiences this business offers.

ECO-EXPLORER CAMP | AGES 8-9 AND 10-11

In this five day, noncompetitive program, campers canoe the Nippersink Creek and hike Glacial Park’s trails, exploring prairie, woodland, and wetland. They also play popular camp games such as Predator-Prey, an off-trail game about food chains, and Restoration Tag, a camp favorite. Campers get to decorate their own t-shirts to take home and take part in a Friday cookout and graduation.

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HUNTER SAFETY CAMP | AGES 9-17

Aspiring young hunters, this camp is for you! In this 5-day non-competitive day camp, we teach all the requirements of the Illinois hunter safety course, including hunter responsibility and ethics, firearms and ammunition, firearm safety in the home, state regulations, and more. We also offer you the chance to go out into the park off-trail to practice blood trailing and tracking, setting up a tree stand, first aid scenarios, and transporting your deer. As a summer camp opportunity, we also include games and activities regarding wildlife management and conservation as well as an archery class and a wild game cookout! At the end of the week, you can take the test for Illinois hunter safety certification at no charge. This camp includes instruction from certified hunter safety instructors as well as camp counselors.

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NATURE AND ART CAMP |AGES 8-9

Artistic adventurers wanted! Campers get to sample a wide variety of creative arts and explore nature on a daily basis. These investigations of their natural surroundings provide campers with inspiration and possibly even the supplies for their artistic endeavors. Will it be weaving, painting, photography, music, poetry or pottery? Every day offers opportunities for some hands-on fun along with traditional day camp activities.

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