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Lives of the Voyageurs

Lives of the Voyageurs program

Go back to early Lake County as 18th-century French voyageurs lead activities on land and water. Discover why voyageurs traveled to Illinois in the 1740s and learn their effect on natural and cultural development. Weather permitting, paddle our 34-foot canoe across the lake and back in time.

Forest Preserve education staff realize the excitement and anticipation students and teachers feel when joining us for a floating classroom program, but there are circumstances when it is unsafe to include the canoe portion of the program. In the event that canoe use has to be cancelled, staff is prepared with additional activities to present a complete education program.

Floating classroom programs are primarily held at Independence Grove, near Libertyville, but are also offered on Sterling Lake at Van Patten Woods in Fall 2012.

Due to construction, this program will not be offered at Van Patten Woods during Spring 2012.

Waiver & Release forms are required for all students attending this program. Download the waiver here.

Call 847-968-3321 to reserve this program.

Cost: 
1 group: $140 ($200 out of county), 2 groups: $150 ($210 out of county) Must be concurrent, 3 groups: $205 ($290 out of county) Must be same day, 4 groups: $220 ($310 out of county) Must be same day, two groups in the morning, two in the afternoon.
Grade Level: 
4-12
Learning Standards: 
4A, 7C, 13B, 15A,B,D,E, 16A,C,E, 17C,D, 18B,C, 19A,B,C, 21A,B, 29,A,D,E
Length (time): 
1 ½ hours
Number of People: 
Grades 4-7: 2 adults and 16 students max. Grades 8-12: 2 adults and 15 students max
When Offered: 
Sept-early Oct, late Apr-May
Location: 

Independence Grove, Libertyville

Independence Grove Forest Preserve
Libertyville
Get Directions: Google Maps

Independence Grove offers outdoor recreation and education opportunities centered on a 115-acre lake. Surrounding prairie and woodlands provide a picturesque backdrop for hiking, biking, picnicking and other fun activities.

The preserve is located in central Lake County near Libertyville. The entrance and parking area are located on Buckley Road (Route 137) just east of Milwaukee Avenue (Route 21) and west of River Road.

Location: 

Van Patten Woods, Wadsworth

Van Patten Woods Forest Preserve
Wadsworth
Get Directions: Google Maps

 

Van Patten Woods Forest Preserve features oak forest, 86-acre Sterling Lake and the Des Plaines River. Van Patten Woods is located in northeast Lake County near Wadsworth. The entrance and parking area are located on Route 173, east of Route 41 and west of Green Bay Road.