Hike the Trail of History in McHenry Illinois

This event is both entertaining and educational. It helps children gain a deeper understanding of pioneer life and it’s also a fun excursion for families. This year, 2008, marks the 20th anniversary of this event which attracts more than 10,000 visitors.

Visitors to the Trail of History walk a one- mile trail through a glacial landscape, where they can enjoy the beauty of blooming prairie grasses and autumn-hued trees. The trail is interspersed with trail stops that highlight the natural and cultural history of the area. The Trail of History encampment is situated at the foot of the kames, unique hill formations that were created by the Wisconsin Glacier.

The site includes approximately 140 encampments which were chosen, from throughout the country, based on their ability to accurately portray some aspect of pioneer life. Throughout the event, re-enactors stay in character. The period portrayed is between 1670 and 1850 in the former Northwest Territory which was in Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and portions of eastern Minnesota.

French-Indian War Re-enactment

Families can hear about medical treatments and dentistry during the Revolutionary War. They can see how brooms were made from grass. They can witness military tactics during the French- Indian War re-enactment. Three different entertainment stages creative a festive atmosphere with acts such as musicians, folk dancing and juggling. The swordsmanship demonstrations are a popular event. Food vendors are available and many have pioneer offerings such as chowder, turkey legs and rootbeer.

Historical Dress Up and Hands On History

There are plenty of educational encampments where families can hear and see how pioneers lived. However, the Trail of History also gives children an opportunity for hands-on experience. Children can learn to make cornhusk dolls and candles. They can check in at the Apprentice Servant Station where they will wash dishes, haul water, and beat rugs clean, among other duties. “It gives kids an idea that it wasn’t all play in pioneer times, kids were working all day,”said Wendy Kummerer, communications manager for the McHenry County Conservation District. Children can also dress up in period clothes and get their photos taken.

Kummerer said the oxen and wagon team and the horses are always popular with children. This year, there will also be a sheepherder and collie.

See Building of Birchbark Canoe

Another fun area for children is the Metis Village. Metis were French fur traders married to Native American women. They can see how the Metis made a birchbark canoe by burning and carving out the middle. During the Voyageur Landing, reenactors will travel down the Nippersink Creek and visitors can watch how trading was done. Here, children can also learn how to make thatched mats out of cattails.

This year, Trail of History will be held Saturday and Sunday Oct, 18 and 19, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Trail of History is hosted by McHenry County Conservation District at Glacial Park, which is located off Rte. 31 between the cities of McHenry and Richmond, Illinois. Admission is $6 per adult, $2 per child (ages 6-12) and $2 for senior citizens (60 years and older). Children ages 5 years and under are free. For more information, contact the Prairieview Education Center at 815-479-5779.

Making cornhusk dolls

Learning to saw wood

Building a birchbark canoe

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