Did you know that farmers continue to harvest crops across the nation despite their being some kind of political situation called a “government shutdown”. Did you know that I have entered a stage in my life that I am calling semi-retirement; it is like a partial shutdown. That means I am only writing an article for the paper every two weeks and doing all I can to work 60 hours or less per week and never work an 80-hour week again. This means I take a lot of mini vacations, and you are about to read about my latest in lieu of farm talk.
Did you know that last week I took my 3rd trip in 4 years to Shawnee National Forest during corn harvest. I spent 2 of the 3 nights of this trip in a state park. Now, back to my question format. Did you know that it is 306 miles from Manhattan Illinois to Giant City State Park. Did you know this 4,000-acre state park also had a lodge and cabins built by the CCC during the depression just like its big brother to the north, Starved Rock State Park.
Did you know that the lodge at Giant City has a restaurant that serves great food with friendly service and features award winning fried Chicken that I can personally attest was delicious. Did you know the state park also has a visitor center with the friendliest staff that assisted my wife and I on how to best see all the sites.
Did you know that Giant City State Park, just south of Carbondale is surrounded by many vineyards, apple orchards, lakes, farms and the Shawnee National Forest. Did you know there is also a trail of tears and king Neptune, the navy mascot pig, memorial in the area. Did you know the town of Makanda had some unique shops with an amazing nature hike in the back of the storefronts. Did you know Boo Castle Park is just south of Carbondale.
Did you know that the Shawnee Forest has a feature called the little Grand Canyon. This features a 3-mile hike that leads you over 200’ deep into the canyon, which unfortunately had some mosquitos. There is a wide spot on the road known as Alto Pass nearby, a community with many Amish farmers. This is where I witnessed an Amish farmer harvesting sunflowers with a John Deere 9400 combine.
Did you know there is a 1,500-acre nature center with the mansion of Robert Allerton in Monticello Illinois that you can stay the night in. That was our destination for the 3rd night of our trip. We were able to find a cute detour for lunch in Casey Illinois in route to Allerton Park. Why you ask; let me tell you.
Did you know that Casey, Illinois holds multiple Guinness World Records for: The largest rocking chair, wind chime, teeter-totter, pitchfork, mail,,, well let’s not give it all away. This detour through the heart of corn and soybean country featured almost every standing farm field with a combine in it harvesting.
Did you know you can visit Allerton Park yourself; it is less than 2 hours away. I recommend you do that and stay the night in the mansion to support its survival. Perhaps it is time I end this article before I ask, did you know, one more time.
Did you know I talked about farming twice after I said I wouldn’t, and asked “did you know”, another time as well. Did you also notice I never used a question mark, grammar desecration, I better stick to farming!
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