Illinois keeps on winning

• Tourism
• Mississippi River Tug of War
• Wall Street Journal
• Port Byron
• Recreation

 Illinois remains decade-long champion of Mississippi River Tug of War

For the past nine years, Illinois has proven its dominance in at least one offbeat contest: Winners in an epic tug of war competition across the Mississippi River itself.

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Illinois park of the month: Apple River Canyon State Park

• Park of the month
• Tourism
• Apple River Canyon State Park

Scenic Apple River Canyon State Park is located in the northwest corner of Illinois in Jo Daviess County.

Established by the state in 1932, the park has deep ravines, limestone bluffs, springs and streams. Its gorgeous canyon area was formed by the waters of the Apple River.

Hawks, eagles and 47 other varieties of birds can be found at the park along with different kinds of plants and 165 types of flowers.

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Did You Know? The first animal purchased for the Lincoln Park Zoo was a bear cub.

• Chicago
• Lincoln Park
• zoo

The Chicago Lincoln Park Zoo was founded in 1868, making it one of the oldest zoos in the country. The first animal purchased for the zoo was in 1874, a bear cub for $10. Still running today, there is a large variety of animals located there.

In 1868, a pair of swans were given to the zoo by the Lincoln Park Commissioners, making them the first occupants of the zoo. Six years later, the bear cub was introduced. Due to the cub learning how to adapt to its new exhibit, it would climb the trees and was often found roaming around the zoo at night.

Today, the Lincoln Park Zoo has around 1,250 animals living there including: polar bears, penguins, gorillas, reptiles, monkeys and other species. If you plan to go to Chicago, no matter alone or with family, a visit is not complete without visiting the Lincoln Park Zoo.

For more information visit the Lincoln Park Zoo website.

Volunteering as a family with The Honeycomb Project

• Families
• Children
• Growth
• Chicago
• Volunteering

As parents, finding time to volunteer can be hard with a busy schedule and wanting to spend time with children.

But what about accomplishing both at once?

Volunteering with children strengthens families as they bond through contributing to the community. The Honeycomb Project in Chicago specializes in doing just this.

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