Join us for an

Autumn Getaway ~ Turkey Run State Park
Next Trip's Date: October 2013

Marshall, Indiana
Arrive Monday at 1 pm EDT ~ Depart Wednesday at noon

Nestled in Indiana’s countryside speckled with covered-bridges … lies Turkey Run State Park and 2,300+ acres of autumn beauty. On its hiking trails, you will:

•  Follow dry streambed passages through "hallways" of towering sandstone canyons

•  Stand atop 100-foot cliffs for vistas of the autumn-painted river valley

•  Cross a red covered bridge spanning Sugar Creek and 5 generations

•  Discover glistening waterfalls

•  Rock-hop creek beds, traipse under rock ledges, & follow Sugar Creek’s riverbanks

•  Savor the silence within mature autumn forests and hemlock groves

•  Scale rock faces on short wooden ladders

In the crisp autumn air, you’ll also enjoy:

  • Kayaking or canoeing pretty Sugar Creek, lined with grand sycamore trees, sugar maples, and covered bridges (optional activity)
  • Riding on an old-fashioned hayride through the park
  • Roasting hot dogs and s’mores around a crackling bonfire after the hayride
  • Horseback riding through the park with a guide (optional activity)

Our cozy, historic inn - built in 1919 — welcomes you to:

Turkey Run State Park is just 4 hours - but worlds away - from Chicago’s northwest suburbs.

 

Our Itinerary


Monday
  • Meet at Turkey Run State Park.
  • Hit the trails for about 3-4 miles of great hiking. Enjoy the views as we cross a sturdy suspension bridge over pretty Sugar Creek to Turkey Run’s most adventurous, dramatic trails. Follow Sugar Creek, meander hilly woodlands, follow streambed-passageways through towering sandstone canyons and hollows, climb short wooden ladders up rock faces, and rock-hop across creeks. Some trails will remind you of Starved Rock; some are unlike any trail we’ve hiked before.
  • After a full afternoon of hiking, enjoy the great salad bar and home cooking in the Inn’s dining room.
  • Following dinner, relax in the indoor pool, read by the crackling fire, enjoy gabbing and laughing in the Great Room … or turn in early.

Tuesday

  • Savor breakfast at the Inn.
  • Enjoy 2.5 miles of gentle hiking along Sugar Creek, as you wind under grand sycamore and walnut trees, cross a 129-year-old covered bridge, and pass an old quarry and coal mine. Enjoy trail lunch with views.
  • You choose how to spend the afternoon:

    - Kayak or canoe 4 miles on peaceful Sugar Creek and under two covered bridges.
    - Take a guided horseback ride through The park’s woodland trails.
    - Enjoy the pretty countryside’s many covered bridges on a pre-routed, self-guided car tour.

  • Jump on the wagon for an old-fashioned hayride through the park.
  • Roast hot dogs and s’mores around a crackling fire in our outdoor shelter.
  • Sleep well after a full day of fun.


Wednesday

•  Enjoy breakfast

•  Pack up and head to neighboring Shades State Park. There, a 2-mile hike gives you outstanding views of the river valley from 100-foot cliffs, a shimmering waterfall, and deep canyons.

•  Head for home, with great memories, photos, and friendships.

 

Testimonials:

  • Just a note to thank you for the incredible adventure at Turkey Run. I had anticipated spending a terrific time in the beauty and wonder of nature, but I was amazed by how warmly the others embraced me, a stranger. I loved sharing such a special time with new friends. Because of your engaging personality and able leadership you provided an awesome experience of recovery and discovery for this little "biophyte." I admire you so much for who you are and your vast knowledge of nature and depth of understanding of creation and the lessons we can learn from it. ~Leta
  • Just wanted to thank you for a lovely time at Turkey Run. It was wonderful to get away and gain some perspective. I hope you know how important what you do is for us. ~Jean
  • Turkey Run was a great trip! I think all the "newby" hikers felt the "regulars" were welcoming, and I am certain all the "regulars" enjoyed the "newbies"! As always, you managed to put together a great group of ladies interested in having fun! I truly enjoyed my time with each and every one of the ladies! Once again, THANK YOU for a wonderful time. I can’t wait for the next one! ~Dream Catcher