Four exciting events are coming to Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center this fall, so save the dates and make plans now.
The complete details will be available soon for all events, but registration is already underway.
Join in the fun run/walk
The fun begins with the Rocky Ledges 5K/10K Fun Trail Run/Walk on Oct. 4. Set during Family Weekend, the eighth annual run/walk is open to walkers and runners of all ages. The scenic 10K starts at 8:30 a.m., and the 5K kicks off a half-hour later. Prizes will be awarded in a wide variety of divisions. Early registration is available through 11:59 p.m. Oct. 2 at discount pricing, and participants can sign up until just before the event if spots remain. Visit the website for details.
Music galore and more at TON
One of the Midwest’s premier music festivals, the Little Grassy Get Down, returns to Touch of Nature Oct. 10-12 with a talent-filled playbill of performers. The powerhouse lineup includes the famed Woodbox Gang, Chain Station, Lucas Wayne & The Cottonmouths and a variety of other longtime favorites and popular newcomers.
The family-friendly fest features predominately original acoustic Americana music, and the weekend offers an assortment of entertaining activities to appeal to all ages, from kid-friendly yoga to guided bike rides, archery and the Giant Swing to jam sessions and more. Ample good food and vendors will be on-site as well, and lodging is available on a first-come basis by reservations. Come for the day or the weekend.
Learn more about Little Grassy online. Check out the band and vendor applications and opportunities for volunteers to lend a hand. Get day or weekend tickets online and explore assorted lodging options (note that some lodgings typically sell out quickly). Ticket pricing varies, but children 15 and younger are admitted free with an adult. And for the first time, a special deal is available for SIU students: they can claim a full weekend pass and tent camping for $75 with valid ID.
Halloween-style fun for the whole family
Haunted Hollow, the popular, free late October happening returns on Oct. 19 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a wide variety of attractions to thrill all ages. A haunted cabin (not too scary at all), fall games and crafts, a hands-on creepy crawlers exhibit, a hayride, pumpkin painting, giant swing and climbing wall are some of the offerings in store.
Much like carnivals, the event will offer an assortment of complimentary activities as well as some ticketed attractions. Tickets, available that day and nonrefundable, are just $1 each, and a nominal, variable number of tickets are required for some of the activities. Some Haunted Hollow events require a signed waiver from a parent or guardian. Save time at check-in by downloading and completing the waiver from the website.
Costumes are encouraged, and the fun goes on rain or shine. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the event is stroller- and wheelchair-accessible.
Note that available slots are limited for some attractions, including the hayride, which usually books up quickly. Community and campus volunteers are needed and can sign up online.
A tasty tradition
Wrapping up the fall lineup at Touch of Nature is the history-steeped and delicious Buffalo Tro on Nov. 21. For more than 60 years, Touch of Nature has offered this annual tradition featuring steaks cooked over hot coals, then clinked to remove the ashes and served alongside a complete meal. The event traces its roots to Lloyd B. Sharp, an outdoor education pioneer who founded the event that features storytelling elements and a focus on heritage and community.
SIU’s tro includes two glasses of wine or beer and entertainment. There’s a vegetarian option as well. Tickets are $50 each or $375 for a table of eight. This year, for the first time, SIU students can enjoy the whole enriching experience, minus the alcohol, for just $35. Tickets can be purchased online through Nov. 19. No door sales will be available.
Learn more on the webpage.
Additional details
All events are open to the community. In addition to offering a great time, the Little Grassy Get Down and Buffalo Tro are major fundraisers to help Touch of Nature continue its mission of enhancing the lives of all people via outdoor experiences. For more information about any of the fall happenings at Touch of Nature, visit ton.siu.edu, email ton@siu.edu or call 618-453-1122.
