Outdoor fun all year 'round at Loud Thunder

LMQC’s outdoor bloggers, Teri Stickler and Kaia, marvel at how much there is to do at the Loud Thunder Forest Preserve near Andalusia, IL.

By Teri Stickler and her Samoyed, Kaia

Woods, meadows, water and prairie, our September adventure finds us just off Highway 92 in Rock Island County at Loud Thunder Forest Preserve, Illinois City, Illinois.

The story behind Lake George

Teri and Kaia get ready to head off on a day of adventure at Loud Thunder Forest Preserve near Andalusia, IL

In 1944 a 1,240-acre ranch was purchased from Charles Searle. Not long after that purchase, additional land was acquired, thus creating today’s park of 1,480 acres.

In the 1950’s development began with campgrounds, trails, and parking lots. In 1967 the Big Branch Creek was dammed to make Lake George.

And as if drawn by a huge magnet, Kaia and I made a beeline to Lake George. Here at this 167-acre man-made lake, with depths upwards of 55 feet, one can canoe, kayak, paddle board, boat and fish.

Sorry, no swimming and no gas motors allowed. Electric motors only.

Plenty of fish for all kinds of fishermen

The lake is stocked with largemouth bass, channel catfish, muskellunge, crappie, bullhead and bluegill.

Note: Be sure to have an Illinois fishing license. These are available on-line at the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

Seasonal boat rentals are available for use on Lake George. Canoes, kayaks, Jon boats, 2-man small pontoon boats, and party barges (max. 8 persons), can be rented. Life jackets are provided and are required.

Kaia explored the shoreline

There’s lots to explore along the shores of Lake George – even if you don’t have a fishing license

Since they did not have a life jacket to fit Kaia, we just walked near the lake, did a thorough inspection of a couple docks, (love the dock specifically designed for kayakers,) and did a little wading at water’s edge.

Some of the docks even have an attached bench, so come, bring an apple, and sit a spell. It’s bound to make you feel good.

Plenty of trails, campgrounds and more

If you come to hike, which of course is Kaia’s favorite activity, you’ll have plenty of trails from which to choose.

Just click on this image to download a map of Lake George and the trails at Loud Thunder

The Sac Fox Trail is a 12-mile continuous loop with trails of moderate difficulty traversing through the forest and adjacent to Loud Thunder Boy Scout Camp. The Hauberg Trail East and West Branch, which together make over 2 miles, is moderate hiking through forest and along the Mississippi River.

Loud Thunder also offers several shared-use trails for not only hikers, but horseback riders and mountain bikers. Trail maps are available at the park office and on-line. (Just click here or on the image to download a map.)

Loud Thunder offers so much, it deserves more than a day’s visit.

There are numerous picnic areas, some with playground equipment, shelters, and restrooms. There are camping areas, both tent and R.V.

Worth a return trip when the weather turns cold

So much to do all year ’round at Loud Thunder

And although we are not there yet, keep this park on a list for this winter’s “Let’s Move Quad Cities,” because then there will be cross-country skiing, snow shoeing, and sledding to fill the day.

That said, don’t wait ‘til winter, come enjoy summer’s end and the beautiful fall season at Loud Thunder Forest Preserve. Just a short and pleasant drive from the Quad Cities.

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Check out Teri and Kaia’s pictures from their most recent adventure …

By Teri Stickler and her Samoyed, Kaia

Woods, meadows, water and prairie, our September adventure finds us just off Highway 92 in Rock Island County at Loud Thunder Forest Preserve, Illinois City, Illinois.