What is Heritage Canyon?
It is a 12-acre wooded structure nature walk dotted with buildings that take the visitor back to the 1800's. Fulton, Illinois is located across the Mississppi River from Clinton ,Iowa, and celebrates Dutch Days Festival every first weekend of May. The scenic River Drive along the Mississppi makes a nice day trip that I know most would enjoy.
Mid-1800's - 1954: It was a limestone quarry where rock was crushed for field fertilizer, road beds, wing dams and levees. Trucks, trains and river barges hauled it away.
1954 - 1967: The quarry was abandoned in 1954 because dynamiting was damaging both sides of the river. The area became an eyesore to the community with its junk and dilapidated shacks.
1967 - 1999: In 1967, Harold and Thelma Wierenga bought the quarry. They converted the machine shop into a usable workshop and then built their home on the site of the old rock crusher. They changed the quarry, keeping two goals in mind: preserve Midwestern history, emphasizing detail and authenticity; and disturb nature as little as possible as each building is added.
1999 - Present: After the passing of Harold Wierenga in January 1999, his daughter and son-in-law maintained the Canyon for several years. However, the volunteer task of maintaining the Canyon was simply too much for the couple. In October 2005, the City of Fulton was given ownership of Heritage Canyon. In October 2007, Thelma Wierenga passed away. A memorial for Harold and Thelma is planned.
Tours
Self-guided walking tours marked by numbered yellow arrows on brick paths will guide you through a pleasant experience.
Cost
Donations only, except on specials days when a $2.00 admission for adults and children over 14 is requested. All donations are used for improvement of this park.
Weddings
The church in the Canyon is available for small weddings. The church seats up to 25 people. Cost to rent the church is $185 (includes a $50 refundable deposit). Please call the caretaker for details and availability - 815-589-4600.
Special Times at the Canyon 2008:
Dutch Days: May 2, 3, & 4 10am to 4pm
Fall Festival: October 11 & 12 10am to 4pm
Christmas Walk: Dec. 6 10am to 4pm and Illuminated Walk 6pm to 8pm
At these events, the Early American Crafters, the Civil War reenactors, and other historical groups take us back in time as they recreate history in the mid-1800's.
The festival looks like great fun! It felt like I was right there with you! Lovely pictures and thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteWe had a great time Donna. This was better than most I have seen. It is all volunteer, both children and adults participate and dress in period clothing and participate with the cradts...wool dying and spinning, rug making both by crochet and loam as shown, chair caning, wood carbving, room making, baking, needlepoint, tatting etc.... For anyone living in this area, note the dates they open the living history part of the park, otherwise you can also walk through it during the year and see the buildings. a must see!
ReplyDeleteI love the slideshow!...thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteYou and Bob looked like you truly enjoyed this trip. I loved seeing all the old buildings and dress costumes. Very pretty area and great sites to see. Glad you went and took in the sights
ReplyDeleteGreat pics of the Canyon! it has been about 12 years since I was there last. Thanks for taking me back!
ReplyDeleteIt was so good because they all took their living history parts seriously ( and knew their crafts well) , even the children were crocheting,knitting, rug making schooling, cooking etc.
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