Purchase Trail of History patch or medallions from years past...
We have a large inventory of some of the past year's patches and medallions at the Prairieview Education Center in Crystal Lake. Call (815) 479-5779 for availability or email education@mccdistrict.org.
Cost: 2013 patches–$3.00; medallions–$5.00 | All Past year's patches–$2.00; medallions–$4.00
Don’t just visit, be a part of it—volunteer! Learn more…
October 19 & 20, 2013
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Glacial Park 6316 Harts Rd., Ringwood
Glacial Park Map
Gates close at 3:00 p.m. to allow visitors time to make the one-mile hike over hilly terrain to the encampment. Please plan your trip accordingly! For those unable to make the walk, there is a special needs parking area; a shuttle from the special needs parking area to the event site is available. Sorry, no pets.
**Special Message** The Board of Trustees announced their decision to host the 25th Year of the Trail of History this October as the final year of the long running event.
The thought was that by hosting the Trail of History with notification that it is the final year, anyone who ever thought about, or wanted to come out and experience the event as a member of the public or as a valued volunteer will have the opportunity to do so.
Read the Press Release.Read more about the history of this event...
Advance Ticket Sales:
Advance tickets go on sale August 1 and can be purchased in person through 6:00 p.m. on October 11 or if postmarked by October 4 for mail-in requests.
Advance Ticket Prices:
Adults: $6
Seniors (60+) and children ages 6-12: $3
Children age 5 and under: Free
Purchase tickets:
In person or by mail: Cash or check only.
Lost Valley Visitor Center in Glacial Park, 7210 Keystone Road, Richmond, IL 60071. For mail orders please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope.
Online: August 1–October 4! Credit Card only.
Purchase through the Convervation District's portal on Activitek.
Tickets are non-refundable! The only exception will be if the District must cancel the event for any reason. Tickets may be used on either day of the event, but are good for only one day. There are no additional discounts for group sales.
Tickets Sales at the Event:
Adults: $8
Seniors (60+) and children ages 6-12: $4
Children ages 5 and under: Free
For information, call the Prairieview Education Center (815) 479-5779.
History of the Event
EVENT ATTRACTIONS
• View a re-enactment of military tactics during the French and Indian War.
• Children will enjoy learning in the frontier schoolhouse, making cornhusk dolls or candles and playing pioneer games. Parents, bring a camera to photograph your children at the dress-up area!
• Dr. Balthazar will awe visitors with his traveling medicine show.
• Visit vendors selling authentic wares and culinary treats.
• Musicians, dancers, and much more!
The first event occurred in 1989 and was named the Kames Rendezvous. In 1990, the event was renamed Trail of History to reflect the increased focus toward living history interpretation. Today there are over 150 encampments. The Trail of History encampment is nestled at the foot of the glacial kames in the rolling terrain of Glacial Park. It occurs annually the third weekend in October just as the prairie grasses and trees display their vibrant colors.
The McHenry County Conservation District presents the Trail of History with the assistance of numerous volunteers and other areas and re-enactors from across the country.