What we’re about
I started Rick's Hiking & Fun Group a few days after 9/11/01 to bring people together for fun, friendship and community, both outdoors and in.
At first I advertised in the Chicago Reader, then on Craig's List, and starting in 2009, on meetup. the group had 181 events before joining meetup, so you can add that number to the meetup total for the true number of events.
To view some scenes from the early days of the group from 2002-2005, see https://www.angelfire.com/trek/rickhike/ .
We do hiking, game nights, dining out, conversation salons, music events, house concerts, potlucks, etc. we hike at a leisurely pace, stop to smell the roses, and value socializing. we welcome you, please join us.
Rick
...and remember “The world is full of nice people. If you can't find one, be one.”
~Nishan Panwar.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- A Trip to Central Beach, and lunch at Joe and Freddy'smy house, Beverly Shores, IN
note: if you have a National Park pass, please bring it along, it would be helpful.
there may be a porta-potty at Central Beach, but i'm not sure. there are restrooms on the corner of US 12 & Broadway at the Marathon Station, or at the South Shore train station.
dear friends--
we were planning for a beach day at Derby Creek Beach, but a beach hazard warning calling for 5-8 foot waves, combined with lower temperatures has led me to change the location to Central Beach, with more of an emphasis on a short hike than beach time, followed by lunch at Joe and Freddy's across US 12 in the town of Pines.
our special guest today, will be Jodi, visiting from Florida, who was active in the group in the early teens, before she left the area and moved south.
be sure to check the weather beforehand, and dress appropriately. http://www.weather.com/weather/tenday/Beverly+Shores+IN+46301 .
bring along a snack which we may eat at the beach, plus enough water (one quart minimum), a hat with a brim, sunscreen, etc.
we will meet at my house, park in front of the house of my neighbor to the east, Dominic, then drive to Central Beach in the fewest number of cars that have parking permits that we can.
we will hike from the parking lot to the scenic overlook above the beach, take some time for views and pics, then descend to the beach. we can fashion a walk of anything from a half mile to two miles or more, then return to our vehicles, ride across US 12 to Joe and Freddy's https://www.joeandfreddys.com/ for lunch or a drink as we chose, then back to my house to our vehicles and then go our merry ways.
hope to see you there,
Rick
directions & parking instructions:
take US 12, to Broadway (traffic light opposite National Park campground); turn north, continue about 3/4 mile, and turn left at Marne, go to 11 w Marne--a gray, three story house set back rather far from the road; street parking is not allowed in Beverly Shores, but you may park in front of our neighbor's house to the east of us (towards Broadway); pull straight into the spaces and park as close together as you safely can; DO NOT block anyone in, or block any driveways!
do not park in my driveway unless i tell you to. do not block anyone's driveway.
once you have parked, come to my front porch and take one of the parking permits there. put it in your car window facing the road.
if all spaces are taken, call me at 773-415-0428.
we will then drive in my car (or any others with National Park permits) to Central Beach parking lot.
- Hometown Jams: Justin MooreBulldog Park, Crown Point , IN
Get ready for an unforgettable night as Justin Moore takes the stage at Bulldog Park in Crown Point, IN, on Thursday, August 14th, 2025!
Kicks off at 5:00 PM with doors opening, featuring two opening artists and a DJ spinning between sets, all building the energy until Justin Moore ignites the crowd at 8:30 PM.
Get General Admission Lawn tickets (bring your lawn chairs) at Ticketmaster: LINK Sign up for the event when you buy your ticket so I have an accurate count. We can carpool or meet there.
Food and drinks available at Bulldog Park. No outside food or drink allowed.
