Author: marklongmainstream (Page 26 of 334)

Located at 5314 W. State Route 102, Bourbonnais, IL 60914, Kankakee River State Park is a hidden gem in northeastern Illinois. Spanning over 4,000 acres, this scenic park is situated along the Kankakee River and offers a diverse range of outdoor activities, stunning natural beauty, and historic significance. For more information, click here.

One of the park’s main attractions is its extensive trail system, which features over 10 miles of hiking and biking trails. The trails take visitors through a variety of landscapes, including forests, prairies, and wetlands, offering breathtaking views of the Kankakee River and surrounding countryside. Visitors can also explore the park’s many scenic overlooks, picnic areas, and fishing spots, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

In addition to its natural beauty, Kankakee River State Park is also home to several historic sites, including the Kankakee River Valley, which was once home to the Potawatomi Native American tribe. Visitors can explore the park’s museum, which features exhibits on the region’s natural and cultural history, as well as the Haigh Quarry, a former limestone quarry that now serves as a scenic overlook.

Another point of interest within the park is the Rock Creek Trail, a 2.5-mile trail that takes visitors through a stunning rock canyon and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can also explore the park’s many picnic areas, including the Davis Creek Picnic Area, which features a scenic overlook and access to the Kankakee River.

Whether you’re interested in hiking, biking, fishing, or simply taking in the stunning natural beauty of the Kankakee River Valley, Kankakee River State Park is a must-visit destination in northeastern Illinois. With its extensive trail system, historic sites, and scenic overlooks, this park has something to offer for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers of all ages.

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Pyramid State Recreation Area, located at 1562 Pyramid Park Road, Pinckneyville, IL 62274, is a hidden gem in southern Illinois. Spanning over 19,701 acres, this recreation area is one of the largest state parks in Illinois, offering a diverse range of outdoor activities and breathtaking natural beauty. For more information, click here.

The park’s unique name is derived from a coal mine slag heap that resembles an Egyptian pyramid. However, the site’s history dates back much further, with archaeological evidence showing human presence in the area as far back as 10,000 years ago. Today, visitors can explore the park’s many trails, lakes, and forests, which provide a habitat for a wide variety of wildlife, including deer, turkey, and bald eagles.

Outdoor enthusiasts will love the numerous recreational opportunities available at Pyramid State Recreation Area. The park features over 16 miles of hiking and biking trails, ranging from easy to challenging, as well as several lakes and ponds stocked with fish. Visitors can also enjoy horseback riding, camping, and picnicking, making it an ideal destination for families and nature lovers alike.

One of the park’s most notable features is its unique geology. The area is situated on the Shawnee Hills Wine Country, and the park’s landscape is dotted with ancient sandstone and limestone formations. Visitors can explore the park’s many rock formations, including the impressive Pyramid Rock, which offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

In addition to its natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities, Pyramid State Recreation Area also offers several educational programs and events throughout the year. Visitors can participate in guided nature walks, bird-watching tours, and conservation programs, making it an excellent destination for those interested in learning about the natural world. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, outdoor adventurer, or simply looking for a peaceful retreat from the city, Pyramid State Recreation Area is a must-visit destination in southern Illinois.

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The #1 ranked Penn State Lions return to the mat in Bethlehem Pennsylvania on Sunday December 8th at 2 PM against Lehigh. The dual features 16 ranked wrestlers, with 6  head to head ranked matches.

Don’t Miss: The 133 bout features two top 10 ranked wrestlers including the #1 ranked Ryan Crookham. This should be a fantastic matchup as Davis is the reigning Big 10 Champion. EDIT: This match will likely not be taking place and Gary Steen will be wrestling in his place. The 197 bout also features two highly talented wrestlers.

Keys To Victory: This Penn State team won’t lose, and It will take a huge effort from Lehigh just to keep the meet within 10 points.

125 Lilledahl, Luke #16 vs Seymour, Sheldon #15

133 Gary Steen or Braeden Davis #10 vs Crookham, Ryan #1

141 #3 Bartlett, Beau vs Hines, Malyke #22

149 #2 Van Ness, Shayne vs Griffin, Kelvin #29

157 #4 Tyler Kasak vs Logan Rozynski

165#1  Mesenbrink, Mitchell vs Lawrence, Thayne

174  #2 Haines, Levi vs Rogers, Rylan

184 #1 Starocci, Carter vs Wilt, Jack

197 #23 Barr, Josh vs Beard, Michael #6

285 #2 Kerkvliet, Greg vs  Owen Trephan #10

Conclusion: This is one of the best Penn State Teams I have ever seen, they have no weak links in the lineup, we could be seeing 10 all-americans on this team, with who knows how many National Champions. In this dual I see Penn State winning 8 of the 10 bouts and cruising to a 28-7 victory.

This meet figures to be a one sided beatdown as The Iowa Hawkeyes travel to beautiful St. Charles Missouri to battle the Princeton Tigers and Army on Friday December 6th at 6pm. With Iowa being the heavy favorite, I’m hoping we get to see a few of our backups get some experience. The undefeated Hawkeyes bring an absolutely loaded team to Missouri. Lead by NCAA finalists Drake Ayala and Jacori Teemer. The Hawkeyes are 4-0 while the Princeton Tigers are 2-2. The dual features 13 ranked wrestlers with 3 head to head ranked matches. The dual will be broadcast live on UFC Fight Pass.

Don’t Miss: 149 features two top 10 ranked wrestlers as number 4 Parco battles number 8 Whalen. 125, and 141, will also be fun to watch.

Keys To Victory:  For Iowa its simple just show up. For Princeton, its tough to say. Maybe Iowa’s bus will break down on the way to the dual. That’s about the only shot they have to walk away with a win here. So without any further ado lets take a look at each match and I will do my best to give you a winner and team score.

125 Kale Peterson NR VS Ethan Rivera #32

133 Drake Ayala #5 VS Heethuis, Drew 

141 Ryder Block VS Rivera, Eligh #31

149 Kyle Parco #4 VS Ty Whalen #8

157 Caleb Rathjen  VS Coles, Danny 

165 Michael Caliendo #2 VS Bergey, Blaine

174 Nelson Brands #8 or Patrick Kennedy VS Giles, Xavier 

184 Gabe Arnold #5 VS Michael Squires #30

197 Steven Buchanan #1 VS Luke Stout #16

285 Ben Kueter #11 VS Garibaldi, Sebastian 

Conclusion: On paper this looks like a potential shut-out, with Iowa favored in all 10 matches. Like I stated above, I’m hoping Iowa lets some back ups get mat time. Which could put Princeton on the board.

The Iowa Hawkeyes and the Army West Point travel to Missouri for a Friday night of wrestling. These teams meet up in beautiful St.Charles on Friday December 6th at 8 pm, for the Journeymen Wrestling Uncivil War event! Both teams enter the meet with a perfect record, although the level of competition the two teams has faced is vastly different. The undefeated 5-0 Hawkeyes bring an absolutely loaded team to Missouri. Lead by NCAA finalists Drake Ayala and Jacori Teemer. The 3-0 Army team comes into the meet led by wrestling sensation Charlie Farmer of Moline Illinois. The meet features 12 ranked wrestlers with 3 head to head ranked bouts. You can watch this meet on UFC Fight Pass.

Don’t Miss: The 125lb bout will get the action started and should be one of the most closely contested bouts of the night. The 141 bout should also be competitive.

Keys To Victory:  For Iowa its simple just show up. Army’s keys to victory don’t come so easily. They need upsets lots of upsets. As much respect as I have for this Army team, I just don’t see a reasonable path to victory for them. So without any further ado lets take a look at each match and I will do my best to give you a winner and team score.

125 Kale Petersen NR VS Charlie Farmer #24

133 Drake Ayala #5 VS Berginc, Ethan #22

141 Ryder Block VS Braden Basile #25

149 Kyle Parco #4 VS McDaniel, Trae

157 Caleb Rathjen VS Morris, Dakota

165 Michael Caliendo #2 VS Filipowicz, Gunner #18

174 Nelson Brands #8 or Patrick Kennedy VS Harkins, Dalton

184 Gabe Arnold #6 VS Christie, Andrew

197 Steven Buchanan #1 VS Frable, Wolfgang 

285 Ben Kueter #11 VS Stoddard, Lucas #26

Conclusion: Young Guns prodigy Charlie Farmer and Kale Petersen will likely be the match of the night. 141, and Heavyweight also promise compiling matchups. In the end the Hawkeyes will emerge victorious. Hopefully we get to see a few of Iowa’s backups step up and compete. This will make the meet a little more interesting, plus its always fun seeing these new kids compete.