McNaughton Park, Pekin IL

I finally made it out to McNaughton Park in Pekin, and it was pretty great. I’d heard about the place from a few friends and classmates who mentioned the trails and the disc golf course, but I wasn’t expecting the mix of terrain and the sheer size of the park.

I decided to tackle the Potawatomi Trail, which is about 7 miles long. The trail starts behind the horse stables and winds through meadows, hills, and woods. It took me around 3 hours to complete, but I took my time to enjoy the scenery. The trail is marked with red blazes, but I’d recommend downloading a map beforehand. There aren’t many signs, and it’s easy to get turned around if you’re not paying attention.

Be prepared for some mud, especially if it’s rained recently. Parts of the trail were pretty slippery, and I had a few close calls. But the challenge made it more fun, and the views were worth it. There’s a small waterfall along the way, and I even stumbled upon an old cemetery and a spot called the “Dirksen Swimming Hole,” where Senator Everett Dirksen used to swim as a kid.

McNaughton Park isn’t just for hiking. There’s an 18-hole disc golf course that looked pretty challenging, and I saw a few people out there playing. Also, if you’re into horseback riding, there’s a stable on-site that offers guided trail rides. I didn’t try it this time, but it’s on my list for the future.

Overall, McNaughton Park is a great spot to get away from everything and get a bit off-campus. It’s got a little bit of everything—hiking, disc golf, horseback riding—and the natural beauty is top-notch. Just make sure to bring good shoes and maybe a change of clothes if it’s been wet out.