September/October Spirit 2

WATERFRONT DINING OPTIONS

SOCK MONKEY

MUSEUM

HIKING OPTIONS

APLENTY

TAKE A FALL WALK

It’s the 25th annual Hike Lake County challenge

The Lake County Forest Preserves has a challenge – or seven of them – for you. Grab your walking shoes and head to the trails to participate in the 25th annual Hike Lake County program while enjoying the change of seasons, fall breezes and autumn colors.

Medical research shows that being outdoors in nature has many wellness benefits. Hike Lake County provides a way to get a dose of wellness while walking in a beautiful preserve.

Complete seven of 12 designated walks before Nov. 30 and earn a free commemorative shield for your walking stick or a zipper pull. Each year features different trails and a colorful new shield or zipper pull, (while supplies last). Bicycling and horseback riding do not count toward the program.

At each selected preserve, look for Hike Lake County logo signs at the preserve entrance and trailhead to get on the right route.

To get started, walkers need an official travel log to record your routes, which can be found online at lcfpd.org. Note that every walker needs their own travel log.

Let a canine companion join in the fun and complete the hikes with you. Record

their name on the travel log and the dog will receive a free commemorative dog tag (up to three dogs).

To receive a free dog tag, zipper pull or commemorative shield for your walking stick, submit your travel log online, or mail it with a self-addressed stamped envelope to: Lake County Forest Preserves, 1899 W. Winchester Road, Libertyville, IL 60048 by Jan. 31, 2024.

Walkers can also stop by the general office in Libertyville or the Ryerson Welcome Center, which is at 21950 N. Riverwoods Road, Riverwoods, to pick up free commemorative materials. Centers are open Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The 2023 Hike Lake County locations include: Fort Sheridan in Lake Forest; Grant Woods in Lake Villa; Grassy Lake in Lake Barrington; Greenbelt in North Chicago; Independence Grove in Libertyville; Marl Flat in Round Lake; McDonald Woods in Lindenhurst; Nippersink in Round Lake; Pine Dunes in Antioch; Ryerson Conservation Area in Riverwoods; Singing Hills in Round Lake; and Van Patten Woods in Wadsworth.

Participants can also choose a 2-mile Lake County Forest Preserves trail location as their “Wild Card”.

Note that all of the trails listed other than Ryerson Conservation Area are dog friendly. Two trails are natural surface and therefore not ADA accessible – McDonald Woods and Ryerson.

For more information and travel log visit lcfpd.org.

Hike Lake County is an annual walking program that encourages residents to explore a variety of forest preserves. Participants are encouraged to complete seven walks before Nov. 30 to receive a commemorative shield or zipper pull.

GENERAL MANAGER

Sue Z. Lange

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Heather Ruenz

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Vicki Vanderwerff

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Heidi Schulz

SECTION DESIGNER

Jennifer DeGroot

SALES

Pete Hansen

Tamera Hamilton

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER

Lindy Sweet

The Spirit of The Lakes is a complimentary publication, distributed throughout the Chain O’ Lakes and Kenosha County area. Keeping up with the same great tradition as the Spirit of Geneva Lakes. Send

Meal with a view

Area offers options for waterfront dining

by Sandra Landen Machaj CORRESPONDENT

Heading north up the Fox River by boat or other watercraft, one will cross the dam and meander through the lock just south of the City of McHenry. This dam was originally installed in 1907 by the Fox River Navigable Waterway Association.

In 1923, when they could no longer afford the cost of operating the dam, the Waterway Association deeded it to the State of Illinois. This would not prove to be a solution as the dam continued to deteriorate – and by the 1930s it was unstable.

The state contracted to replace the dam with a concrete structure in 1939. As the river which leads into Pistakee Lake, it was a way for boats to enter this recreational area. Pistakee Lake is the most southern lake in the Chain of Lakes and is one of the two largest lakes in the chain with an area of 1,700 acres. The chain stretches from the Wisconsin border and is known for having the most inland recreational boat traffic.

With increased water traffic on the Fox River, a lock was added to the dam in 1960, allowing boats to pass through easily and leading it to grow into one of the busiest locks in the state.

Traveling along the Fox River and into the Chain of Lakes, is a weekend activity for many water enthusiasts.

While enjoying the beauty of the lakes, boaters often enjoy stopping for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, or perhaps just an afternoon snack. There are several restaurants on the shores that offer beautiful views of the water either through their windows or at tables out on the patios.

For those who don’t have access to a boat to travel on the river and the Chain of Lakes, these restaurants can be accessed by automobile. For those driving to them, each has a large parking lot on site. For those arriving by boat all have ample piers to pull in and dock your watercraft while you eat.

Coming north from the lock, the first

place to be a consideration for those ready to eat or to stop along the shore and enjoy a drink or a snack will be the Snuggery River Roadhouse. That’s a new name for the restaurant however, it’s a long-loved space, known over the years by numerous names, including The Snuggery and Snug Harbor. For a short time, when it was purchased by Moretti’s – known for their fine local Italian food – it was renamed Moretti’s.

Recently, the restaurant was again renamed and this time the choice was the Snuggery River Roadhouse. According to staff, it’s still family owned and continues to carry Moretti’s unique pizzas. Among the different pizza options offered is the macaroni and cheese topped pizza, something everyone should try at least once, according to fans. The restaurant also offers a choice of 17 toppings, five different specialty pizzas, stuffed crust and gluten free crust.

The other menu items at Snuggery River that continue to be favorites include the broasted chicken, pulled pork sandwiches and dinners, and a great hamburger. Children’s meals are also available.

Happy Hour specials are available

Monday to Thursday from 2 to 5 p.m. and include special prices on beer, wine, special cocktails, and some half priced special appetizers. The restaurant also offers specially priced items each day.

The large open patio, featuring tables with sun umbrellas, is a great choice to meet friends and enjoy the beauty of the river while enjoying a great meal.

The Snuggery River Roadhouse is at 801 N. River Rd., McHenry. For more information – including to inquire about renting event space available for special events – call 815-578-9600 or visit the website at www.snuggerymchenry.com.

Vickie’s Place

Continuing up the river, until just before the Pearl Street bridge, is a place where boats can be pulled into the docks if front. This choice is Vickie’s Place, another waterfront restaurant with a large outdoor patio. Here friends can meet and gather and enjoy watching the flow of boats traveling the Fox River, which slow as they pass under the Pearl Street Bridge.

Vickie’s Place has been on the river in

above: The Snuggery River Road House has had several names and different owners, but the restaurant has long attracted visitors to the outdoor patio overlooking the Fox River. on the cover: On a pleasant day, guests can enjoy lunch or dinner on the patio of the Snuggery River Road House while taking in the beauty of the Fox River and passing boats.

SANDRA LANDEN MACHAJ Spirit of the Lakes

downtown McHenry since 1985 and most summer and fall days and evenings, the 28 outdoor tables on the patio are filled.

The restaurant has long been recognized as having a very large menu, so much so that choosing a meal can be difficult as a result of the variety of items on the menu and the quality of the selections.

Vickie’s specialties include, but are not limited to, ribs, homemade pizza and gourmet burgers. On the menu is a selection of other sandwiches, shrimp and homemade soups. The chili is made using an old family recipe that’s been used since Vickie’s Place opened.

The tropical bar offers a variety of special drinks, ideal to enjoy while seated on the deck, which faces west and so also features beautiful sunset views.

Children might especially enjoy walking to the front of the deck and feeding the fish hovering near the shore. Frequently, ducks can be found gathering on the deck and they’re always grateful for any crumbs customers wish to share.

They also sell honey from their own hives that’s local, raw and unprocessed, the kind often suggested for use if one has allergies.

Vickie’s Place is at 1211 N. River Rd., McHenry. For more information, including those wishing to make a reservation, call 815-385-2014 or visit www.vickiesplace.net.

The Lake House of Pistakee

Leaving Vickie’s Place and continuing up the Fox River, through McHenry and into Johnsburg boats will next enter Pistakee Lake. Note the small island seems to be a tree in the water, but at one time was known as Miller’s Island and held several homes.

However, with the placement of the dam to control flooding along the river, the depth of Pistakee Lake increased sending most of the island under water. If passing the island in early spring, there are often many pelicans resting along the sand bar adjacent to it as they make their way north after wintering in the south.

Tucked into a corner where Pistakee Lake meets Pistakee Bay is another of the restaurants with a patio to enjoy the waterfront view while enjoying a wonderful meal.

The Lake House of Pistakee has a smaller outdoor space than the other restaurants listed above, however, it faces the water, this time featuring the wide open Pistakee Lake, giving a much larger water view for diners than the river.

With a large number of dock spaces for boats, it can be a busy place as those out enjoying the water stop in for a meal or to meet friends or family for a drink and appetizers.

The patio has an outside bar where guests gather as well as some high tables for them to enjoy the view and food.

Off the patio there are picnic tables

above: From across the river, Vickie’s Place stands out along the shore, nestled along the Pearl Street Bridge in McHenry. top: The Lake House of Pistakee has a large playground for children to enjoy as well as a place for guest of all ages to enjoy a game of bags.

SANDRA LANDEN MACHAJ Spirit of the Lakes

closer to the waterfront that also give a great view of the lake. That’s a spot enjoyed by many families as there is a playground for children to enjoy, and there’s an area nearby where a game of bags can be enjoyed by both children and adults.

Most weekends – and some Thursday evenings – Live at the Lake House will present live music that’s played outdoors.

Like some of the other restaurants along the shore, The Lake House of Pistakee has gone through a variety of owners and name changes. Being a smaller venue than the two on the Fox River, their menu is not as large but contains enough variety in food options to satisfy the many tastes people have.

Beginning with appetizers, there are many choices including coconut shrimp, calamari, fried pickles and more, to enjoy prior to the meal. The salads at The Lake House are made with fresh ingredients, among them are a Cobb salad and seasonal salad options.

They are also known for their burgers and a variety of dinner choices including some fish entrees.

Several children’s meals are available at The Lake House such as a mini cheeseburger, cheese quesadilla or beef taco.

On weekends, guests are invited to stop in early and enjoy breakfast, which is available from 8 to 10:30 a.m., Saturdays and Sundays. There is no shortage of when it comes to breakfast options – from a variety of omelets and egg Benedicts to pancakes or French toast.

It’s an ideal way to start the day for many, arriving by boat and car and enjoying breakfast along with a beautiful lake view.

The Lake House on Pistakee is at 614 W. Bald Knob Point, Johnsburg. For more information, call 779-704-2903 or visit the website at www.thelakehouseonpistakee. com.

Dockers

Across Pistakee Lake in the Village of Fox Lake is another place to enjoy a meal on an outside deck. This restaurant, Dockers, has the largest outside deck overlooking the lake, giving visitors a gorgeous waterfront view.

Visitors to the restaurant may arrive by boat and tie up at the docks or drive in and park in the adequate parking lot.

Dockers’ large deck, decorated with artificial palm trees aims to offer the feeling of being in a tropic land. The venue attracts a large number of visitors from the water as well as those that drive in. They are known for their ½-pound Black Angus gourmet burgers and a large and varied menu.

Each day there is a daily special, which may include steak and a lobster tail, prime rib or seafood specials. Check the Dockers’

menu for details on the specials.

Whether stopping in for lunch –salads, sandwiches, or any of a variety of appetizers, or to enjoy a dinner on the patio, the food is known to be well-prepared and enjoyable.

On Sundays, they offer a brunch from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., which can be a busy time from the aspect of watching boats drive by on the lake.

Dockers is at 33 W. Grand Ave., Fox

Lake. For more information, call 847973-0033 or visit the website at www. dockersfoxlake.com.

Fall is a beautiful time to enjoy the outdoors as we watch the seasons change. It’s also a great time to enjoy the beauty of the waterfront and the changing colors of the trees as we move from summer to fall.

It won’t be long before winter makes its way to the area so it’s important to take advantage of the outdoors while we can.

top: Enjoy lunch or dinner sitting at a picnic table near the shore of Pistakee Lake at The Lake House. above: Dockers has a large patio along the lakefront. It’s one of the several restaurants in the area that offers outdoor dining with water views.

SANDRA LANDEN MACHAJ Spirit of the Lakes

Sock Monkeys Calling Long Grove home … of the

by Sandra Landen Machaj CORRESPONDENT

Tucked away in historic Long Grove is a unique museum – one to be enjoyed by both the young and the old.

The Sock Monkey Museum, 210 Robert Parker Coffin Rd., Long Grove, is home to thousands of antique, handcreated sock monkeys that museum owner Arlene Okun has collected over the years.

Many don’t know about sock monkeys or their origin. The handmade dolls were created during the Great Depression by mothers and grandmothers. They were sewn from old men’s work socks and stuffed with sawdust (or whatever other material was available at the time).

These unique toys allowed children to have dolls to play with during a time when purchasing toys was difficult due to the financial constraints families were facing.

For the Okun family, sock monkeys

entered their lives while traveling cross country in an RV. While stopping at a Cracker Barrel restaurant and store, they found and purchased one of the new sock monkey dolls.

“I bought the sock monkey because I thought he was cute and he became a mascot for the trip,” Okun said.

“After we returned home, I began to study the history of these unique dolls, and it was not long before I found many of these antique dolls available for sale at estate sales, garage sales, from collectors, and in resale shops,” she said.

“Of course, I couldn’t pass them up and over time they began to take over the house, spreading from one room to many rooms,” Okun added.

She noted that it was her husband who suggested they open the Sock Monkey Museum when the building in Long Grove – one that had previously housed a Christmas shop – became available.

“I think he just wanted to get them out of the house,” Okun said with a laugh. “However, he continues to buy me more of them when he comes across them.”

They leased the space and began working on it, hoping to create the perfect venue to display the many sock monkey dolls – a collection that continues to grow.

Growing collection

“I had one lady who lived in Portland and heard about my plans for the museum and she sent me her collection of 79 sock monkey dolls as she was moving to Portugal and could not take them with her,” shared Okun.

The gift shop, which is on the first floor of the building, opened two weeks before Christmas in 2021. New sock monkeys are sold, as well as a variety of sock monkey items – including a Christmas tree ornament. The Christmas tree display in

right: When in Long Grove, a fun stop is the Sock Monkey Museum, 210 Robert Parker Coffin Rd., which features displays of both old and new Sock Monkeys. above: Visitors can purchase their choice of new Sock Monkeys in the gift shop or sign up to come in and create their own.

SANDRA LANDEN MACHAJ Spirit of the Lakes

the gift shop is in honor of the Christmas tree store that was originally housed on the premises.

The Okuns continued to work on sock monkey displays and the history of the toy, which would be displayed on the second floor. After three years of work, the museum opened in April of 2022.

Sock monkeys are made out of a specific brand of men’s work socks manufactured in Rockford.

It all began with John Nelson, a Swedish immigrant, who made his way to Rockford in 1857. When he began to work for a sock manufacturer in 1865, he realized that the automatic sock knitting machines in use could use improvement. Improve them he did, receiving several patents for his designs throughout his lifetime.

In 1880, he formed the Nelson Knitting Company, which went on to become one of the best-known brands of men’s work socks created at the time. While they were called Celebrated Rockford Hosiery, they actually sold them under the brand name Nelson Sock.

The socks were unique. They were all brown other than a tan toe, heel and top. They were so popular that production reached 450 dozen pairs per day in 1904. That number increased to 686,218 dozen pair daily by 1930 with newer machines.

Competitive business

The company’s socks were often

imitated. In an effort to distinguish their product from others, the Nelson Knitting Company added its trademarked red heels to their socks in 1932.

The Great Depression was a time of resourcefulness, as families did not have money to go out and purchase new items.

Everything was used, and reuses as a way to provide for the family and allow them to have items needed and sometimes wanted. Clothing was often remade into clothing for younger children and toys were created out of items that seemed to have exhausted their original use.

Worn-out work socks were perfect for creating dolls for the children. By cutting and sewing the remnants of the socks, they were able to be transformed into sock monkey dolls. The red heels were perfect for creating the mouths of the dolls. Clothing for the sock monkey dolls was made out of material remnants from old clothing. The dolls were stuffed with a variety of materials, often dependent upon what the family had available to use.

Most of the very early dolls were stuffed with sawdust. As time went on, they began to use a variety of other materials such as old nylons that could no longer be worn, as well as rice or foam.

The dolls were hand sewn with expressive faces and clothing created and decorated by loving moms and grandmas. Looking at the clothing, it often reflects the

styles and materials that were worn by the families during that time.

Matching monkeys

The Sock Monkey Museum is located on the second floor and includes a history of the Nelson Socks Company. The company was sold in 1992 and is now known as Fox River Socks. They are no longer manufactured in Illinois, now being produced in Iowa.

There are numerous varieties of sock monkeys on display at the museum. One unique display is that of many monkeys who have been found to have been “matching sock monkeys.” They may have the same clothing or outfits made from the same scrap material. Perhaps they were made by the same person and became separated over the years.

According to Okun, the goal is to reunite these families of monkeys by displaying them all together.

There is a charge of $5 to go upstairs and visit the museum. A donation of a portion of the entry fee is donated to a Chimpanzee sanctuary in the northwest. The chimps in the sanctuary may have been used in medical

above: Arlene Okun and her husband welcome guests to the Sock Monkey Museum in Long Grove. right: Once in the museum, it’s worth it to read the history of the Nelson Knitting Company, which was well known for creating sturdy men’s work socks.

SANDRA LANDEN MACHAJ Spirit of the Lakes

research or in the entertainment field and are there to promote healing, Okun explained.

The Sock Monkey Museum can also be a unique place for a birthday party or special event. The large party room will be ready upon arrival or visitors can add decorations beginning 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start time. There are some restrictions on decorations, with glass, candles and latex balloons among the items prohibited. A complete list will be shared with customers at time reservation arrangements are made.

The “Stuff a Monkey” party package includes admission to the museum, a scavenger hunt, a sock monkey for stuffing, a packet to complete the stuffing, a wishing star or heart insert, a birth certificate and museum team members to assist with the party as well as to clean up. Each party lasts two hours, and the basic cost is $30 per guest. Additional add-ons can be purchased, such as an outfit for the sock monkey (which range from $10 to $15).

Refreshments can be purchased for the party from local vendors, or guests can bring in their own desserts and drinks. These parties are not limited to children, so those interested are encouraged to think beyond the typical child’s birthday party.

Future plans, dreams

The Okuns have plans for increasing the content of the museum, starting with more sock monkeys as they become available.

They continually work on updating the display areas to best show the sock monkeys. Additionally, more historical information is included as it becomes available.

The couple’s other dream is to have their sock monkey collection recognized as the largest collection of sock monkeys in the world.

“Make new friends over monkeys, while physically creating a new friend,” Okun said.

The Sock Monkey Museum is at 210 Robert Parker Coffin Rd., Long Grove.

The museum is open Thursdays and Fridays, from noon to 4 p.m., Saturdays, from noon to 5 p.m., and Sundays, from noon to 4 Parties can be scheduled outside of business hours and those interested can inquire to make a reservation.

Visitors are advised to check the website for changes in hours during festivals in Long Grove. Longer hours and days may be available during those times.

For more information about the Sock Monkey Museum, call 847-748-1155, send an email to burrito@sockmonkeymuseum. com or visit the website at www.SockMonkeyMuseum.com.

Over the years, Arlene has collected hundreds of sock monkeys, created by many moms and grandmas for their children. She said she’s always surprised when she finds one that matches one already in her collection.

SANDRA LANDEN MACHAJ Spirit of the Lakes

Autumn fun available in Antioch

Antioch is an authentic downtown where history has created a quaint downtown shopping community to stroll, events such as the Taste of Summer, Champagne Wine Walks, Dickens Holiday Village, Girls Night Out Margarita Partyville, Treat the Streets, a Village Independence Day, a 5K Run for Freedom, Wizards Weekend, Kringle’s Christmas Village, Christmas Musical Light Show, It’s Thursday Concert Series, a Wizard School of Magic, Witches Night Out and Santa’s Frozen Breakfast.

There are many fun choices, which makes Antioch a family friendly destination, along with many opportunities to shop in boutiques and gift shops.

Visitors will enjoy a variety of eateries and shops to choose from, enjoy the quaint storefronts featuring antiques, cafes, art gallery, home furnishing, clothing boutiques and many unique gifts.

A day of shopping should be rewarded with the perfect dining experience! From the local hot spots, sophisticated dining, and fun eateries, there is a restaurant for everyone!

Casual restaurant dining includes burgers, pizzas, pasta, BBQ, soups, salad and sandwiches, German, Caribbean and Irish delicacies or treat those taste buds to

an exquisite meal of filet mignon, Italian delicacies, mouth-watering seafood, Mexican cuisine and desserts.

Can’t wait until dinner? Coffee houses, candy shops and frozen delicacies are perfect for that afternoon treat. After the sun goes down, Antioch’s nightlife begins. The village is home to theaters that specialize in live theater and the most recent film releases. Or perhaps you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a travelling theatre group.

You can choose among the many lounges in Antioch and enjoy a leisurely drink. Or maybe you’d enjoy a quiet, relaxing drive along the shorelines of the Chain O’Lakes after a busy day of shopping and dining. Shopping, dining, and entertainment … create your own day of pleasure in historic Antioch.

Upcoming fall events in Antioch include:

• Craft Beer Walk, Oct. 14 – Antioch’s popular Beer Walk has been enhanced to include street tacos for all and features craft beers. You and your friends will enjoy an afternoon sampling Craft Beers throughout downtown Antioch, visiting participating shops and restaurants for delightful craft beer samples. Plus you will enjoy street tacos at your convenience.

• Witches Night Out w/ After Party, Oct. 19 – Put on your Witches Hat and meet your Friends in Antioch the evening of Thursday, Oct. 19. Enjoy contests, witch dance, raffles, prizes, pasta, salad, a witch potion and fun. The more witches the scarier!

• Champagne Walk & Brunch, Nov. 4 – Antioch’s popular Champagne Walk has been enhanced to include a Brunch for all. Visit participating shops and restaurants for champagne samples. Plus you will automatically be scheduled for a brunch as part of the fun! Tickets are limited.

• Shop Small Business Saturday, Nov. 25 – Start your holiday shopping in Antioch’s quaint business community. Enjoy browsing and shopping among unique shops that greet you with a smile, offer personalized service, and perhaps sales. Antioch is unique because shops are owned by people who live in the community and surrounding areas. By Shopping Small - you are helping support local schools, churches, sports teams, civic groups and many other worthwhile causes that receive donations from the shops in Antioch.

• Santa vs. Grinch Brunch, Nov. 26 –Santa vs. Grinch Brunch is food, fun and

Grab your witches hat and take part in Antioch’s Witches Night Out w/ After Party event on Thursday, Oct. 19. It features contests, witch dance, raffles, prizes, pasta, salad, witch potion and more fun.

a challenge to help Santa save Christmas! It includes gifts for the kids to enjoy, brunch, Santa and Grinch photo opportunities, and kids participate in a challenge to help Santa. Several seatings will be available. Registration is now open.

For more events in Antioch, visit antiochchamber.org.

Chain O’ Lakes

Something is always happening on the Chain! Boating, skiing, fishing, swimming, hunting, racing, and snowmobiling can all be enjoyed on the 11 chained-together lakes.

Visit the many unique resorts, restaurants and marinas located on the Chain O’Lakes.

For more information, contact the Fox Waterway Agency, 45 S. Pistakee Lake Road, Fox Lake, IL 60020. Or call the agency at (847) 587-8540.

Lakes Region Historical Society Museum

The Museum is located inside Antioch’s Second School, located at 817 Main Street. This building was in continuous use as a grade school from 1892 to 1971. It also included the first two years of high school education.

The renovation and museum construction were completed with contributions and volunteer labor. The Museum was dedicated and officially opened on July 18, 1987. They welcome donations of artifacts from Antioch and the Chain O’Lakes Region to add to their collection.

Private Tours are available for clubs and small groups by appointment. Admission is free but donations are gratefully accepted.

The museum is open every Saturday, March through December, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (volunteers interested should contact them directly).

The museum is located on Highway 83 in downtown Antioch.

above: Get a jump on holiday shopping and support small businesses in Antioch, Ill. on Saturday, Nov. 25. The village has many unique shops owned by those who live within the community or surrounding areas. top: On Oct. 14, Antioch, Ill. Will host is annual Craft Beer Walk, which was recently enhanced to include street tacos at participants’ convenience.

County leaders pledge support for proposed trail link

The governments of McHenry County, Ill., and Kenosha County, Wis. are working across the border to create a new bike and pedestrian trail to link them together.

Representatives from both counties came together in Wilmot, Wis. on Aug. 24 to formally kick off the initiative to build the Midwest Interstate Trail.

Representatives from both state government joined county officials to support securing the needed funding for the public-private venture.

“McHenry and Kenosha counties take pride not only in their open spaces, but also the innumerable ways that residents and visitors have to enjoy them, such as our great respective networks of hiking, biking and walking paths,” said McHenry County Board Chairman Michael Buehler.

“We’re very enthusiastic about uniting them through the Midwest Interstate Trail, and the possibilities it will open for both of our counties,” Buehler added.

The proposed trail will connect the existing bike trail systems of both counties.

The Kenosha County Division of Parks manages 16 miles of paved pathways, 23 miles of multi-use and hiking trails, and 13 miles of purpose-built mountain bike trails.

The McHenry County Conservation District manages more than 45 miles of trails.

“I’m pleased that we’re able to partner with our neighbors to the south on this link between our communities,” Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman said.

“Kenosha County is the gateway to Wisconsin, and I look forward to working with on this long-term vision that will make it easier and safer for bicyclists and pedestrians to cross the state line in both directions,” she added.

Funding is being sought from both states, and federal sources, to pay for phases of the project before any work moves forward.

Representatives from Thelen Sand and Gravel, which has pledged to donate a significant portion of the land to cover eight miles of the trail, also attended the Aug. 24 ceremony.

Founded in 1947, and with locations in northeastern Illinois and southeastern Wisconsin, Thelen Sand and Gravel is one the Chicago area’s largest family-owned aggregate and organic soil manufacturers.

members of the media during the event. This proposal – which would link existing trail systems in Kenosha and McHenry County counties – would be built largely on land that Thelen has pledged to donate.

“The Thelen Family remains committed to the communities that we serve, and we’re excited about this opportunity for public-private collaboration to build a regional trail system,” company President Steve Thelen said.

“We are proud to work with McHenry County and Kenosha County, as well as the villages of Twin Lakes, Fox Lake and Spring Grove, to provide

easements for a multi-use trail that will offer recreational activities, as well as economic opportunities, to help each of these communities thrive for generations to come,” Thelen said.

To receive updates on the project, follow McHenry County on social media and subscribe to its McH Thrive e-newsletter by visiting www.mchenrycountyil.gov/ social.

top: Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman speaks during an Aug. 24 event at Wilmot Mountain to celebrate the kickoff of the Midwest Interstate Trail alongside McHenry County Board Chairman Michael Bueller, Thelen Sand and Gravel President Steve Thelen, and Kenosha County Parks Director Matthew Collins. above: Thelen speaks before an audience of local officials and

KENOSHA COUNTY PHOTOS Spirit of the Lakes