Cahokia Mounds

Illinois' only United Nations World Heritage Site. This 2,200 acre site preserves the central section of the largest prehistoric Indian city north of Mexico. An Interpretive Center presents a coherent account of this sophisticated prehistoric culture.

30 Ramey Street
Collinsville, Illinois 62234
(618) 346-5160

http://www.cahokiamounds.com/cahokia.html

World's Largest Catsup Bottle

This 170-foot-tall bottle that resembles a Brook's Catsup Bottle served as a water tower for the catsup manufacturer after being constructed in 1949. This example of roadside architecture, at its best, was restored in 1995.

http://www.catsupbottle.com/

Mineral Springs Haunted Museum Tour

Experience a night at the museum tour featuring a number of historic torture devices and their history. These devices are on loan from the Museum of Historic Torture Devices in the Wisconsin Dells. They will be in Alton for the winter tours and one spring tour.

301 E. Broadway
Alton, Illinois 62002
(618) 465-3200

Start Date: 2/16/2008 End Date: 2/16/2008

http://www.mineralspringshauntedtours.com/

Alton Segway Tours

Choose from a variety of tours that will take you gliding along the Mississippi River, under the Clark Bridge, through the streets of Downtown Alton, into tasty restaurants and to some of the most scenic spots in Alton. During the tour, participants will learn how to ride a Segway and obtain their official Segway license before venturing out on a guided tour. For more information, call 618-465-6676.

2 Lock & Dam Way
Alton, Illinois 62002
(618) 465-6676

http://www.visitalton.com/index.cfm

The Heron & Great Rivers Tour Boat Company

Daily sightseeing and sunset cruises on the Mississippi River. Departing from the Grafton Harbor, enjoy a fun and exciting lazy day on the river aboard the Heron. No two voyages are ever the same!

http://www.greatriverstourboat.com/

Pere Marquette State Park

Pere Marquette is the largest state park in Illinois offering visitors 8,000 acres of beautiful forested bluffs and some of the most expansive views of the region. Countless species of rare trees and unique plants can be found along the eight hiking trails in the park. A drive up the windy roads of the park affords visitors with spectacular views of the scenic byway and Illinois River Valley. Visitors love the recreational opportunities at the park, including: biking, hiking, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, boating and horseback riding.

Rte. 100, PO Box 158
Grafton, Illinois 62037
(618) 786-2331

http://www.dnr.state.il.us/

Sam Vadalabene Bike Trail

Extending 20 miles from Alton to Pere Marquette State Park, the Sam Vadalabene Bike Trail runs parallel to the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway along IL Route 100, as well as the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers. The route is completely paved and takes cyclists through the towns of Elsah and Grafton. Comfort stations are available at Piasa Park, Clifton Terrace Park, Elsah, Grafton Visitors Center, Grafton Harbor public restroom and Pere Marquette State Park.

IL Route 100
Alton, Illinois 62002
(618) 465-6676

http://www.visitalton.com/index.cfm

National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows

The beautifully landscaped acreage boasts gardens, an outdoor amphitheater, the Shrine Church, the Lourdes Grotto, Stations of the Cross, the Millennium Spire, the Shrine Restaurant, and the Shrine Hotel. Children will enjoy the Children's Memorial Park.

http://www.snows.org/

National Great Rivers Museum

Each year millions of people travel to the Mississippi River to learn about its history and its impact on our nation. The National Great Rivers Museum at the Melvin Price Locks and Dam is dedicated to telling the story of the Mississippi River from its grand history and cultural significance to its ecological importance and role as a transportation corridor. The museum features an exhibit gallery packed with more than 20 interactive and computer animated exhibits focusing on the cycles of the river, nature, barge traffic, water consumption and more.

http://www.mvs.usace.army.mil/Rivers

Lewis and Clark State Historic Site

The Lewis and Clark State Historic Site commemorates Camp Dubois, the 1803-1804 winter camp of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. It was at Camp Dubois that members of the Corps of Discovery prepared for their expedition to the Pacific Ocean. The 14,000 square-foot exhibit space contains six galleries that outline the background and history of the Lewis and Clark expedition from its conception to its meaning for today’s America. A “reconstruction” of the winter camp, Camp River Dubois, is located on the grounds near the visitor center. Its design reflects 1803 U.S. Army regulations for the construction of military posts. Interpreters are on site daily in the camp to explain how the men prepared for the journey.

http://www.campdubois.com/

Lincoln & Civil War Legacy Trail

Walk in the footsteps of Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln, and Civil War soldiers from both North and South. Experience the life of young Lincoln as a lawyer, duelist and orator. It was here that the final Lincoln-Douglas Debate took place, with the issue of slavery on the minds of spectators. It was here that Confederate soldiers were held captive, died and were buried. It was here that Alton resident and U.S. Senator Lyman Trumbull authored the 13th Amendment, putting an end to slavery in the United States. Walk with us and experience the 11 historic sites interpreted along the Lincoln & Civil War Legacy Trail.

http://www.visitalton.com/index.cfm

Alton Museum of History and Art

Through the exhibits, we share with you our past and present so that you too may discover the people, places and events that influenced our ancestors and continue to shape our destiny.

http://www.altonmuseum.com/

History & Hauntings Tours

The History & Hauntings Tour is an entertaining and spine-tingling trip into the unknown. Travel to the darkest corners of the region in search of ghosts and discover why the city has been called One of the Most Haunted Small Towns in America! Tours are based on the book Haunted Alton written by Troy Taylor.

http://www.altonhauntings.com/

Great Godfrey Maze

Get lost in Corn and Godfrey at the Great Godfrey Maze! Take an a-mazing adventure through two separate mazes cut into a 7-acre cornfield. This year, the "Wild Things" will be wandering about as you begin your jungle safari through the more than 2.4 miles of trails. The maze captivates thousands of visitors annually. Navigating by day is hard, but navigating through the maze after dark is an even greater adventure. Plus, the maze becomes haunted in October with extended evening and weekday hours. Admission fees. For more information, call (618) 466-1483 or visit www.GreatGodfreyMaze.com.

http://www.greatgodfreymaze.com/

Eckert's Farm and Country Store

Visitors to Eckert's in Grafton have been picking their own apples at the farm since 1964. Eckert's rustic barn and farm looks just like it did years ago. Specializing in peaches, apples and pumpkins, take a free wagon ride out to the farm to pick your own produce from July through October. Enjoy the charming country store and bakery with fresh produce and products made at the farm. Be sure to check their calendar for upcoming festivals and fairs down on the farm.

http://www.eckerts.com/

Heartland Rivers Wine Trail

Traveling the Heartland Rivers Wine Trail is an endless adventure through Southwest Illinois. The trail's 12 wineries follow a tradition of fine winemaking established by early settlers of Illinois who brought their winemaking expertise from Europe. Each winery is different. Member wineries are: Black Diamond Vineyards Ltd, Nashville; Crooked Creek Winery, Centralia; Forsee Vineyards, Coffeen; GenKota Winery, Mt. Vernon; Log Cabin Vineyards, Ellis Grove; Mary Michelle Winery at Pere Marquette State Park; Orchard View Winery, Alma; Piasa Vineyards, Grafton; Schorr Lake Vineyards, Waterloo; Springers Creek Winery, Edwardsville; Vahling Vineyards, Stewardson; and Villa Marie Winery, Maryville.

http://www.heartlandriverswinetrail.org/

If you know of other fall activities in your area, please send them to me at earthstorm@comcast.net so i can share with our members.

Thanks!

Nikki

Illinois Homeschool Nations Blog Coordinator

(Division of The Old Schoolhouse Magazine)

www.homeschoolblogger.com/Illinois

The Old Schoolhouse, America's largest homeschool

magazine

http://www.thehomeschoolmagazine.com

Homeschool Nations State Listings

http://www.thehomeschoolmagazine.com/Homeschool_Nations/State_Listings.php

Homeschool Illinois Support Group

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/homeschool-Illinois/

Experience this 10-day celebration in Springfield of all things Illinois, including agriculture and livestock showcases, Illinois wine tastings, carnival rides and concerts.
August 8 – 17, 2008 

Buffalo Rock State Park - Buffalo Rock Road, Ottawa, IL  61350, 815/433-2220.  Call for admission info and hours of operation.  Picnicking, hiking, buffalo viewing, and other outdoor activities. 

 http://www.dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/PARKS/I%26M/EAST/BUFFALO/Home.htm

Come see this year's exhibit!

"Bricks and Balustrades: School
Architecture in Champaign and Ford Counties"

Exhibit Opening--March 1, 2008

This year's special exhibit, explores the meanings of local school buildings, both architecturally and within their community. Photographs of all school buildings currently in use in Champaign and Ford Counties will be featured.

March 1 through December 31, 2008.
Jointly sponsored with the Regional Office of Education and
curated by intern Kali Morgan of Rantoul. Ms. Morgan undertook this
project in conjunction with her studies at Southeast Missouri State
University.

http://www.earlyamericanmuseum.org/visitorinfo.htm

Have you heard the rumblings?

There is a new homeschooling co-op group in the Champaign/Urbana area!

• Are you interested in a gathering of homeschoolers that

serves the entire family?

• Do you want to be directly involved in the coop experience

with your children?

• Are you looking to meet more homeschooling families?

• Are all of your activities requiring you to run around all

week "doing school" from the car instead of at home?

Christian Homeschooling Connection's

Family Center

may be for you!

CHC's Family Center is a Christian inter-denominational coop.  We

will meet together weekly to learn together and benefit from group-

style learning as well as many experiences that we can't implement at

home. Membership in CHC is a requirement.

We are having an organizational meeting on Tuesday May 20th from

7:30 -9:00 at Stratford Park Bible Chapel.

Click the link for more detailed information and a question and

answer sheet go to:

www.chc1.net

Scholastic Book Fairs will begin its end-of-year warehouse sales soon.

www.scholastic.com/bookfairs

Bloomingdale (Chicago Area)
300 Madsen Drive
Suite 101
Bloomingdale, IL 60108
(800) 426-1485

Fri., 05/09/2008 - Sat., 05/31/2008

SATURDAYS MAY 10, 17 & 31 8am-5pm
MON - FRI MAY 9 - MAY 23 10am-7pm
TUES - FRI MAY 27 - 30 10am - 5pm
CLOSED: SAT MAY 24 & MON. MAY 26

April 9^th Springfield, IL

Legislative Day, an annual statewide legislative and lobbying day in Springfield, has provided an opportunity to demonstrate to our elected officials the strength of home education in this state.  Legislative Day also provides an opportunity for home school families to develop a relationship with their legislators. We deliver to our state senators and representatives educational materials about the value and quality of home education as well as a cherry pie!  Finally, Legislative Day provides a wonderful opportunity for an educational field trip to our state capital and an opportunity to fellowship with many other home educators.  Keep homeschooling strong in Illinois and join us with your family on April 9th in Springfield. 

There is construction going on at the Capital Building but this does NOT affect our group.  For more details visit the website at http://www.chec.cc/Legislative_Day/legislative_day.html.

Blessings,

ICHE Board

Savoring the Shades of Women and New Hope Church of Effingham, IL are teaming up to bring a parenting workshop to mothers.  We are excited to be able to offer moms encouragement in the area of raising children with Godly character.  Join us as we seek to honor God by leaving a Godly legacy.  For more information visit http://www.crystalwetherholt.com/AChildsHeart.htm

Forward this information to any mother that has a desire to pursue God's parenting plans, the mother that is weary and needs uplifted, or the mother that just wants to be refreshed!  We hope to see you on May 3rd.

A Child's Heart... God's Garden

New Hope Church

2210 N Raney St

Effingham, IL 62401

May 3, 2008

Workshop Schedule

8:30-9:00 Registration and fellowship

(See http://www.crystalwetherholt.com/CrystalsBrochure1.pdf  for registration information)

9:00-9:45 Amending the Soil of the Child's Heart

Planting seeds without first working the soil makes for a weary, frustrated, and discouraged gardener.  Our Master Gardener created each of our children with their own distinct key that unlocks the door to their heart.  Join us as we look at why amending the soil of the heart is so important, how to identify the condition of the soil, and how to amend or repair the heart. 

10:00-10:45 Purposeful Planting

Planning before planting is the first logical step to any avid gardener, yet many parents raise their children without a plan in mind.  God's word is our ultimate parenting manual on how to raise the children that He has blessed us with. Matthew 28:18-20 commands Christians to go and make disciples.  Is discipling your children your main priority? We will consider how our priorities affect our children and the generations that follow.

11:00-11:45 Cultivating Godly Character

Without constant care, all gardens can quickly become overtaken by weeds or decaying fruit.  Allowing the Master Gardener to teach us, we will learn how to recognize, remove, and replace ungodly behavior with Godly character in our children.  Cultivating Godly character in our children allows God and others to enjoy the beauty that He has created within them.

12:00-1:00 Lunch on your own

1:00-1:45 Nip it in the Bud

Plants often can become competitors for light, water, and fertilizer. Domination can take its toll not only on the weaker plant but it can affect the other plants that live nearby.  Sibling rivalry is a disease that impacts the entire family. Exasperated, frustrated, and discouraged are words that can describe a mother who constantly deals with arguing siblings. It is possible to sow the seeds of peace in your home.  Mothers will learn

how sibling rivalry affects the family and practical tips to discourage and kill this dangerous disease. Encouragement, hope, and inspiration are available to all mothers who are looking for answers to this hot topic.

2:00-2:45 The Care and Keeping of the Gardener

As gardeners we are toiling over the soil conditions, planting our favorite crops, diligently pulling the weeds, and nurturing our precious plants but in the process, are we neglecting ourselves?  When the work becomes

burdensome, busyness overcrowds our focus, or interest starts to subside, moms need a power boost.  The condition of the mother's heart will take precedence in this session.  Not only do we want to see a bountiful harvest from our children, God desires a harvest of righteousness from our hearts as well.  Each mother will leave refreshed and motivated to continue her pursuit in learning from the unequaled instructor, The Master Gardener.

3:00-3:45 Question and Answer Session

The mothers will have the opportunity to ask questions, make comments, and offer advice to encourage each of the moms on their parenting journey. Parenting resources will also be shown during this time.

3:45-4:00 Closing/Door Prizes

God bless,

Savoring the Shades of Women

Crystal Wetherholt

www.crystalwetherholt.com

GARDEN OF THE GODS

Step back 200 million years, hiking scenic bluffs and challenging trails through the sprawling Shawnee National Forest, which stretches between the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. Start out with the easy 1/4-mile Observation Trail to view outstanding sandstone rock formations such as Camel Rock, Anvil Rock and the Devil's Smokestack. Then head on to the winding River to River Trail.

Garden of the Gods
Off Hwy. 34
Karbers Ridge, IL 62955
618-287-2201

REND LAKE

Rend Lake packs all of the fun in one place. Boat or fish on the beautiful lake. Golf the 27-hole championship course. Hike through peaceful natural areas. Stay in a luxury suite at the Seasons Lodge or the Fairway Suites (located right on the golf course!). Stop by the Rend Lake Visitor Center to learn about the flora and fauna that inhabit the area. Be sure to stop by the Southern Illinois Artisans Shop and Visitors Center to pick up a piece created by an Illinois artist.

Rend Lake Visitor Center
12220 Rend City Rd.
Benton, IL 62812
618-724-2493

SHAWNEE NATIONAL FOREST

Stretching from the Ohio to the Mississippi River, the Shawnee National Forest offers more than 270,000 acres of adventure. Explore the forest on horseback or grab a backpack and hike the 160-mile River to River Trail. Rock climbing and rappelling are permitted in several designated areas. The less adventurous can hop in a car and take a scenic drive. Especially beautiful is the Ohio River National Scenic Byway, which passes through the eastern portion of the Shawnee National Forest.

Shawnee National Forest
50 Hwy. 145 South
Harrisburg, IL 62946
618-253-7114
800-MY-WOODS (699-6637)

CAVE-IN-ROCK STATE PARK

Sitting high atop the bluffs overlooking the scenic Ohio River, the heavily wooded Cave-in-Rock State Park is named for its 55-foot-wide cave that was carved out of limestone rock by water thousands of years ago. Explore the riverside cave and miles of hiking trails. Stay in one of the duplex guest houses at the park and soak up the panoramic river view from your own private balcony.

For more

Cave-In-Rock State Park
#1 New State Park Rd.
Box 338
Cave-In-Rock, IL 62919
618-289-4325

FORT MASSAC STATE PARK

Overlooking the mighty Ohio River at the southern tip of Illinois, Fort Massac State Park has been preserved and maintained since 1908, when it became Illinois' first state park. The historic site is a replica of the 1802 American fort that was originally located on the site. Kids especially enjoy climbing and exploring the fort. An on-site interpreter can answer questions and further explain the Native American artifacts and military items on display, representing the period when the French occupied the fort.

Fort Massac State Park
1308 E. 5th St.
Metropolis, IL 62960
618-524-4712

CARLYLE LAKE

Carlyle Lake is the largest manmade lake in Illinois, with more than 26,000 acres of water and 11,000 acres of land. The lake is known as one of the best and most challenging in the state for sailboats. You'll also find sandy swimming beaches, fishing, hunting, hiking and golfing. Lodging choices include lakefront cottages at Eldon Hazlet State Park, along with a variety of nearby cabins and motels.

Carlyle Lake
20100 Hazlet Park Rd.
Carlyle, IL 62231
618-594-3015

CACHE RIVER STATE NATURAL AREA

Cache River State Natural Area in Belknap features more than 21 miles of designated foot trails that wind through this unique wetland wildlife refuge, totaling nearly 13,000 acres. One trail takes visitors past bald cypress trees more than 1,000 years old. Canoers can paddle through a magnificent cypress-tupelo swamp on the Lower Cache River Trail, alive with birds, alligator gar, amphibians and reptiles.

Cache River State Natural Area
930 Sunflower Lane
Belknap, IL 62908
618-634-9678

SHAWNEE QUEEN RIVER TAXI

Take a scenic cruise on the historic Ohio River, making stops in the river towns of Golconda, Rosiclare, Elizabethtown and Cave-in-Rock along the way. The Shawnee Queen's crew points out interesting sights, wildlife (including eagles, in season) and lovely waterfront estate homes.

Shawnee Queen River Taxi
P.O. Box 190
Rosiclare, IL 62982
877-677-6123

212 North Sixth Street
Springfield, Illinois 62706
www.alplm.org

(217)558-8844

The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum reinvents the concept of the museum with state-of-the-art exhibits that create a life-like history. Come and experience the great American story where history is high-tech and learning is fun. For groups of fifteen or more, check out www.alplm.org to plan your visit. Open daily 9-5.