GITAP Tour 2003 Accomodations
GITAP TOUR 2003
the Inaugural Grand Illinois Trail And Parks Tour

Accomodations for the Hotel/Motel Package:

Day One - Sunday

Location: Starved Rock

Starved Rock Lodge
Nestled within the 2,630 acres of thick forests, 18 lush canyons and sparkling waterfalls of Starved Rock State Park, the 1930's era stone-and-log Lodge is situated atop a wooded bluff overlooking the picturesque Illinois River.

Situated on a high bluff just southwest of the rock itself is the stone and log lodge built in part by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. The lodge has been refurbished, but still reflects the peaceful atmosphere of yesteryear. A new hotel wing has been added and features a registration lobby, an indoor swimming pool, children's pool, whirlpool, saunas and an outdoor sunning patio.

The lodge offers 72 luxury hotel rooms and 22 comfortable cabin rooms. The original Great Room is furnished with decorative rugs and art and is centered around a massive stone fireplace. The restaurant is open seven days a week and offers many house specialties. Rt. 178 and 71, Utica, IL 61373. Phone: 1-800-868-7625 Starved Rock Lodge.

Day Two - Monday

Location: Geneseo

Deck Plaza Hotel
Deck Plaza Hotel is located just 1 mile from the Geneseo High School where we will be having dinner and breakfast. Address: I-80 and State Route 82. Phone: 309-944-4651.

Geneseo is located in Henry County just east of Davenport between Moline and Princeton along Interstate 80 on the banks of the Green River near the Hennepin Canal and the Rock River. This quaint Victorian Community offers gift, specialty, and antique shops, charming restaurants, and many beautiful Victorian Mansions. Events include a Music Festival and Arts in the Park, Hikemabika Festival, Halloween Festival, and a Victorian Christmas Walk.

Day Three - Tuesday

Location: Thomson

Thomson House Villager
Thomson House Villager (815-259-7378) is located 20-30 minutes outside the Morrison State Park. We will be shuttling to and from the state park for dinner and breakfast. You will pick up the shuttle the state park. We will announce and print the shuttle schedule at registration. There is a lot to do at the park so plan to have some fun there.

The Morrison-Rockwood State Park is comprised of 1,164 acres, located north of Morrison in Whiteside County. It was established in 1971 and officially opened for "day use only" that same year. The park is named for the city of Morrison and a combination of nearby Rock Creek and the heavily wooded park area -- Rockwood. Lake Carlton, a focal point of the park, is a watershed impoundment, which was constructed in 1969 by building a 38-foot high, 1,800-foot long earthen dam across a stream. The lake was named in memory of L. Carlton Anderson, a local citizen who actively promoted the park and was an important civic and conservation leader. Improvements have continued to be made in the conservation area, making it one of the most popular recreation spots in northern Illinois.

Another amenity you will find at the park is a concession facility that offers a vast array of fishing tackle, boat rentals, bait sales, and a dining area that offers breakfast, lunch and dinner or just an ice cream cone. The bait/boat rental part of the business will open April 1st while the restaurant will open officially Mother's Day weekend or before if possible. Both will be open from 6am-6pm daily through October.

Day Four - Wednesday

Location: Mt. Morris

White Pines Inn
White Pines Inn (815-946-3817) is located in the White Pines State Park, 6712 West Pines Road, Mt. Morris, IL 61054. White Pines Inn, originally constructed by the Civilian Conversation Corps in the 1930s, has undergone an extensive renovation. To preserve the historic ambiance of this wonderful log cabin inn, the original stone and timbers were retained and the new features were carefully blended to enhance the original structure.

There are 13 one-room cabins and 3 cabins with 4 rooms, for a total of 25 guest rooms. Each cabin sleeps four people and is complete with shower, gas log fireplace, one queen bed and one trundle bed. All cabins are air-conditioned and heated, and have telephones and televisions. The historic lounge area, which is part of the main lodge, is filled with crafts and artwork, including a gift shop that offers everything from souvenirs to exquisite dolls and homemade candy. Numerous homemade delicacies are offered at the White Pines Inn Restaurant. www.whitepinesinn.com

Day Five - Thursday

Location: Rockford

Village Inn Motel
Village Inn Motel is located 5-7 miles outside the Rock Cut State Park. Phone: 815-633-3454. There is a wonderful bike path the run along the park and then ventures into the park and right to the picnic area where we will be catering dinner and breakfast. As always, if you choose not to ride to and from, there will be a shuttle to take you to the motel. Check out our newest addition, the Boathouse Cafe, now serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Chiseled out of the state's far northern region is Rock Cut State Park in Winnebego County. Nearby are other "rocky" landmarks - the mighty Rock River and the place where wagons once forded it, Rockford. It's an area of rolling plains, interesting history and recreational variety.

Day Six - Friday

Location: Richmond

Days Inn Hotel
The Days Inn Hotel is located in Richmond, which is about 5 miles BEFORE Chain O'Lakes State Park. Phone: 815-678-4711. Located in the heart of Illinois' largest concentration of natural lakes, Chain O Lakes State Park is a water oriented recreation area with outstanding opportunities for boaters, anglers and skiers. The park borders three natural lakes - Grass, Marie and Nippersink - and the Fox River that connects the other seven lakes (Bluff, Fox, Pistakee, Channel, Petite, Catherine and Redhead) that make up the Chain. In addition, the park contains a 44-acre lake within its boundaries.

The 2,793-acre state park and adjoining 3,230-acre conservation area are located in the northeastern corner of Illinois in both McHenry and Lake counties. The park is 60 miles northwest of Chicago, 20 miles west of Lake Michigan and only 4 miles south of the Illinois/Wisconsin border. With nearly 6,500 acres of water and 488 miles of shoreline on the chain, Chain O Lakes State Park is the heart of water wonderland. A biking/hiking trail, 6 miles in length can be accessed at any picnic area between the concession stand and the park office (847) 587-7165.


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