Pilcher Park - Joliet, IL
Posted by: 
cldisme
N 41° 31.966 W 088° 01.421
16T E 414603 N 4598407
Quick Description: Pilcher Park in Joliet, IL
Location: Illinois, United States
Date Posted: 1/10/2008 2:05:09 PM
Waymark Code: WM2YDX
Views: 91
Long Description:
PILCHER PARK ARBORETUM, US 30, from Maple to Gauger Road, was
presented to the people of Joliet by Robert Pilcher in 1922 with
the stipulation that it should remain in its natural state. About
75 species of trees, including 9 kinds of oak, are native, as well
as many shrubs, bushes, and almost innumerable wild flowers. A
collection of imports started by John Higgenbotham, orginal owner
includes southern magnolia, sweet gum, cypress, tulip-tree, white
fringe, pecan, black birch, and hickories and black cherry trees.
Plans for development envisage introduction of trees from all over
the world. A five-acre picnic camp, across Hickory Creek, is
connected with the main part by a foot bridge. One-way motor lanes
are supplemented by five miles of narrow footpaths and several
miles of bridle paths.
Page 345; Joliet, Illinois - ILLINOIS: A Descriptive and
Historical Guide, 1939.
The equestian trails are still popular today. A foot bridge still
spans Hickory Creek. I cannot confirm it is the bridge described in
the Guide, but I suspect it is.
A statue honoring Robert Pilcher graces the western main entrance
to the park.
One major addition to Pilcher Park is a Nature Center where
children (and adults) can ask questions and get a close-up look
(but don't touch!) of various animals that can be found in
the adjoining woods.
Book: Illinois
Page Number(s) of Excerpt: 345
Year Originally Published: 1939
|
Visit Instructions:To log a Visit, please make every effort to supply an original
image of the Waymark.
If you do not have the option to provide an image, please
provide a detailed description of your visit so we can form a
'mental image'.