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QC Outdoors blogger, Wade Ellett, shows us some of the area’s “quiet places” that are perfect for a winter stroll whether there’s a mid-winter thaw happening or not.
By Wade Ellett, Let’s Move QC Outside Blogger
Outdoor blogger and local adventurer, Wade Ellett
Building in more outdoor time will benefit you in many ways.
Being outdoors does more than just make you happy (although it does that, too). Research shows that being outside lowers stress, improves memory, reduces inflammation and offers many more benefits. Plus, it feels fantastic.
Try visiting these 3 QC-area places to get started!
Morrison-Rockwood State Park
Location: Morrison-Rockwood State Park, Morrison, IL
Have you visited Morrison-Rockwood State Park? It’s a great place to enjoy a day in the woods.
In the summer, you’ll find people boating and camping, but this time of year you’re likely to have some privacy on the 3.5 mile foot trail. You may also see some ice-fishing on Lake Carlton, and even some ice skaters.
You may also see some riders on the equestrian trails, cross-country skiers when we get some snow, and folks like me strolling with their pups.
Starr’s Cave Park and Reserve
Location: Starr’s Cave Park and Reserve, Burlington, IA
Recently, I had to spend about 6 hours near Burlington, IA, with nothing to do.
True, I could sit in a coffee shop and get a little work done. Or I could check out a cool outdoor spot that a reader recommended right around the corner. That spot was Starr’s Cave Park and Reserve.
The trail meanders along the creek, where you can look up at limestone bluffs before the trail turns and leads through the woods and then back to the Nature Center.
It was only a couple of miles all told, but the perfect way to spend a little extra time.
Sylvan Island
Location: Sylvan Island, Moline, IL
When Clarissa and I moved to the Quad Cities, the pedestrian bridge to Sylvan Island was already closed, so we never had much of a chance to explore it.
People had told me stories about having a great time here, and we’ve often wanted to check it out. Turns out they were right. It’s a great place to wander!
For a small island, there is an extensive network of trails. These are mostly for bike use, and we saw plenty of mountain bike and fat bike tire tracks.
If you’re on foot, I’d recommend sticking to the path on the island’s perimeter, and be very conscientious about who you’re sharing the trail with.
I hope these 3 parks will help you get started exploring!
Don’t let the weather keep you inside. Just remember to wear layers, keep hydrated, and stay warm.
By Wade Ellett, Let’s Move QC Outside Blogger
Outdoor blogger and local adventurer, Wade Ellett
Building in more outdoor time will benefit you in many ways.
Being outdoors does more than just make you happy (although it does that, too). Research shows that being outside lowers stress, improves memory, reduces inflammation and offers many more benefits. Plus, it feels fantastic.
Try visiting these 3 QC-area places to get started!
Morrison-Rockwood State Park
Location: Morrison-Rockwood State Park, Morrison, IL
Have you visited Morrison-Rockwood State Park? It’s a great place to enjoy a day in the woods.
In the summer, you’ll find people boating and camping, but this time of year you’re likely to have some privacy on the 3.5 mile foot trail. You may also see some ice-fishing on Lake Carlton, and even some ice skaters.
You may also see some riders on the equestrian trails, cross-country skiers when we get some snow, and folks like me strolling with their pups.
Starr’s Cave Park and Reserve
Location: Starr’s Cave Park and Reserve, Burlington, IA
Recently, I had to spend about 6 hours near Burlington, IA, with nothing to do.
True, I could sit in a coffee shop and get a little work done. Or I could check out a cool outdoor spot that a reader recommended right around the corner. That spot was Starr’s Cave Park and Reserve.
The trail meanders along the creek, where you can look up at limestone bluffs before the trail turns and leads through the woods and then back to the Nature Center.
It was only a couple of miles all told, but the perfect way to spend a little extra time.
Sylvan Island
Location: Sylvan Island, Moline, IL
When Clarissa and I moved to the Quad Cities, the pedestrian bridge to Sylvan Island was already closed, so we never had much of a chance to explore it.
People had told me stories about having a great time here, and we’ve often wanted to check it out. Turns out they were right. It’s a great place to wander!
For a small island, there is an extensive network of trails. These are mostly for bike use, and we saw plenty of mountain bike and fat bike tire tracks.
If you’re on foot, I’d recommend sticking to the path on the island’s perimeter, and be very conscientious about who you’re sharing the trail with.
I hope these 3 parks will help you get started exploring!
Don’t let the weather keep you inside. Just remember to wear layers, keep hydrated, and stay warm.
Wade Ellett
Outdoor Blogger and Pathfinder
Wade is an outdoor adventurer who shares his passion for QC outdoor adventures – he was a regular contributor to Let’s Move Quad Cities when he lived in the area between 2016 – 2019.
You moved here when the bridge was closed? I grew up jumping off the old one saw 2 of my best friends die there in 96 the place has gotten more family friendly over the last 20yrs but growing up it was a junkyard where the parking lots are muddy trail s by the river trees everywhere its not a place I would recommend to a family wanting a picnic there’s still bodies in that water from the factory mishaps