Celebrate biodiversity at the 6th annual BioBlitz, held at Illiniwek Forest Preserve from 2 p.m. on July 9 to 2 p.m. on July 10. A BioBlitz is an intensive survey of as many species as possible within a specified area during a 24-hour period. This is a rare opportunity to join over 40 scientists and naturalists from around the region as they survey mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, plants, insects, and much more! Friday Public Activities* 6:30 p.m.         Going Native– Niabi Zoo 7:30 p.m.         Birds of Prey– Iowa Raptor Center 8:30 p.m.         Owl Prowl... Read More

How would you like to step back in time and see how life was for the Great Plains Native Americans? Well here is your opportunity! Join Illiniwek Forest Preserve (1201 State Avenue Hampton) this Friday Sep 27 – Sunday Sep 29 for the 2019 Tipi Gathering! This FREE event will feature elements of the Great Plains Native American culture. Tour fifteen different tipis while enjoying music, drum circles and dancing. Here is a full schedule of events for this weekend: Friday Sep 27 School group day 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Students will view tipis, learn history, and experience the drum circle and dancing.... Read More

Remember the days of loading up the family camper and setting out for a memory-making getaway? Take a step back in time this weekend, to a sun-filled summer day with some vintage trailers. The 5th Annual Great River Road Vintage Trailer Rally is taking place at Illiniwek Forest Preserve (1201 State Avenue Hampton) this week. More than 40 vintage trailer owners will be gathering together for a 4-day rally along the beautiful Mississippi. The rally will begin tomorrow, Thursday Jul 11, and will continue through this Sunday Jul 14. The Great River Road Vintage Trailer Rally is part of the Tin Can... Read More

Summer Solstice marks the longest day of the year and kicks off summer! How do you plan to celebrate? Join Illiniwek Forest Preserve (1201 State Avenue Hampton) this Friday Jun 21 for a jam-packed fun-filled day of Summer Solstice activities!   Check out these exciting summer fun events planned: 5 a.m.                                SUNRISE YOGA Start your day with sunrise yoga along the beautiful Mississippi River with Illuminate Reiki Studio.   8 a.m. to 4 p.m.               SCAVENGER HUNT From 8 a.m. to dusk, a campground-wide scavenger hunt... Read More

Looking for some fall family fun this weekend? Celebrate the changing season by bringing your family to Illiniwek Forest Preserve (1201 State Ave. Hampton) for a Fall Festival this Saturday Oct 20 from 12:30 – 7:30 p.m.! Come enjoy one of the last weekends for camping this season or just come out and enjoy the festival! Enjoy hay rack rides, trick-or-treating throughout the campground, pumpkin painting, a costume contest, campsite decorating contest or a scarecrow building contest! Sip on apple cider freshly squeezed from an apple press. Wiley’s BackRoad BBQ & Grill will be serving up delicious... Read More

Unfortunately, with cooler temperatures comes the end of the camping season. But it’s not over yet! Illiniwek Forest Preserve would like to celebrate another wonderful camping season by inviting you to their Halloween at Illiniwek party on Saturday Oct 21! Whether you are camping for the weekend or just want to swing by for the festivities, it will be a day filled with Halloween fun! From 2-4 p.m. enjoy hay rack rides and pumpkin carving (supplies provided). Starting at 5 p.m. camp-site trick-or-treating will begin. There will also be family-friendly costumes (adult and child category) and campsite... Read More

Jousting? Medieval games? Vikings? Sounds like a great time! The Greater Quad Cities Renaissance Faire returns this weekend, Saturday Oct 7 and Sunday Oct 8, at Illiniwek Forest Preserve in Hampton. From 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. you are invited to enjoy some family fun and entertainment. Admission for adults is $10 (or a 2-day pass for $15), kids 5-15 are $5 and under 5 are free! Live stage entertainment, activities and demonstrations will provide the utmost enjoyment for the entire family. From Joust Evolution, the Midwest’s premier equestrian show, to The Forking Queen, a children’s interactive... Read More