Kennekuk County Park with 1000 gallon tank!

Vermillion County Illinois used to be known for coal mines and manufacturing. When the coal mining ended and manufacturing decreased, parks were created.

Kennekuk Park boasted a 1000-gallon aquarium. This sounds huge but turns out to not be as big as you think. Can you find the fish?

The 1000 Gallon Aquarium. Can you find the fish?

The park also boasts Lake Mingo, multiple hiking trails, and a historic area called Bunker Hill Historic Area. My first thoughts when hearing “Bunker Hill” was the 1775 Battle of Bunker Hill in Massachusetts. Kennekuk Bunker Hill doesn’t have anything to do with the battle. There is a Bunker Hill, Illinois but that’s not located in Vermillion County. Nor are the buildings from Bunker Hill, Illinois.

Bunker hill consists of various old buildings moved to the park for conservations and education purposes. A newer Wind Mill was added that provides electricity for restrooms. The walking tour pamphlet was provided to bettter understand the significance. Photos of the pamphlet is at the end of the blog.

The walking tour downside was that all the doors were locked. My best guess is the buildings are open on weekends or special events. I did peep through the windows and take a look.

I really enjoyed the train station since I was able to pretend to be baggage and ride the baggage cart. Too bad it wasn’t on the rails 🙂

I really wanted John to push me as part of the luggage. But since the luggage cart wasn’t on the track.. It was a no go 🙂

1874 Bismarck Train Depot. The interior was decorated with appropriate time period items. Unfortunately, the door was locked, and we were unable to see close up. We were peeping toms – looking through the windows 🙂

I went to get gas to the local Neff’s Grocery

1912 Neff’s Grocery. I couldn’t resist getting a selfie next to the gas pump.

1912 Neff’s Grocery. Notice the gas pump to the right (see selfie picture). The interior was decorated with time period items. We could see through the windows only.

Windmill that provides water for the restrooms and 1912 Laury Barn.

Notice not metal nails. The building was recreated using the same techniques using mortis & tenon joints, scarf joints and lap joints held together with wooden pegs.. Due to age and rot… 70% of the timbers had to be replaced.

Interior of the Barn. The building can be rented for events.

1892 Atwood House. Like the other buildings. The house was decorated in time period items and was locked..

>100 year old Herb house and Herb Garden

The park had quite a few hiking trails. John and I started by the Dam Overlook walked the dam spillway and continued around to the back the of the lake. The trail was nice until we were on the backside of the lake. The trail consisted of large healthy corn field on one side and woods on the other. It felt like we were walking on cut hay — not my favorite area to walk. The non hay field area was pleasant.

We walked partway around the lake. The last half we had a beautiful corn field on one side and the wooded area on the other. We walked through what felt like mowed hay field. I prefer a trail vs. hay field walking 🙂

Park Map. We hiked the Lake Mingo trail starting at the dam.

I hope you enjoyed hearing about our adventure.

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Kennekuk County Park with 1000 gallon tank!

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