Name: LGBTQ Plus Introverts Matthiessen State Park Hike and Fossil Hunt!
Start: 2025-05-17T15:30:00.000Z
Location: Matthiessen State Park

Come out for a lively weekend hike! We will start out with a walk through the woods and then we will exit onto the path and walk around the lake. If we are feeling it, perhaps we can all walk up the hill at the end. This hike will likely have some muddy spots and or puddles so you will want to wear appropriate foot wear.

We will meet at the shelter right off of the first parking lot as you enter the preserve.

PLEASE NOTE:

By registering for this event, you acknowledge and accept the terms outlined in the group's Liability Waiver. Specifically, you understand that the organizers of LGBTQ plus Introverts Explore Chicagoland are not trained professionals. We are simply individuals volunteering our time to coordinate activities we personally enjoy, with the goal of sharing these experiences with others.

Activities such as hiking, camping, boating, rock climbing, biking and other activities carry inherent risks. By participating, you agree that the group, its organizers, co-organizers, and event hosts are not liable for any injuries, accidents, or damages that may happen during travel to or from an event, or while participating in, before, or after any group activity. By attending, you willingly accept all associated risks and choose to take part entirely at your own discretion.

LGBTQ plus Introverts Explore Chicagoland

Kyla Donovan

Michael Zyskind

Oakhurst Forest Preserve hike

Oakhurst Forest Preserve

Come join us for a short hike at Matthiessen State Park to see the Cacade waterfall, and then driving to three different spots to collect fossils on a guided tour by well... me!

Spot one is off the Vermillion River looking for rare Trilobites, Spot Two is a hike down some mountian biking trails to get some carbon leaf impressions! (everyone should get one!) Spot three is a rock cut with Brachiopods (fossil sea shells, as many as you can carry rocks!)

The state park hike is not handicap accessible. The Fossil hunts are varying levels of activity. Spot 1 is down an incline gravel ramp, spot 2 is a hike that people can sit out and picnic. spot 3 is right off the road.

Wear good outdoor clothes and shoes, bring a change of hiking clothes and shoes, and clean compfy clothes for the drive back! Pack a bag lunch, we can get fast food afterwards. bring a backpack or bag strong enough to carry your fossils, and a hammer and flat blade screwdriver for fossil picking (or rock hammer and chisel if you mean business!)

We can figure out carpooling for city lgbtq friends who dont own cars, and pick you up at an L stop. If we get enough city rsvps Ill look into renting a bus van.

The event is free except for the driving part, so bring your non lgbtq friends and family if they like hiking and fossils.

Msg me with any questions about the state park, the fossils, or the car pooling. Travel details will be discussed closer to the event occurring.

Event is weather dependent and will be rescheduled for a different weekend if it is nasty out.

Danika

Jules Gerdes

Finn (Grey)

Sarah

Rita Smith

LGBTQ Plus Introverts Matthiessen State Park Hike and Fossil Hunt!

Matthiessen State Park

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