Stamp On

In my post about our trip back to Illinois last September, I blogged about trying to earn the Silver Master Traveler Award from the National Park Travelers Club by visiting at least 35 units across 5 regions and collecting 75 stamps minimum in 2023. Sadly, R's dad passed away just two weeks after we saw him in Chicago, so the rest of our fall travel plans were put to the side as we grieved our loss and settled his estate. The four of us returned again in November to celebrate his life. 

Then R and I both got an early Christmas present (COVID - ugh!), so the last few weeks of December were spent recuperating on the couch instead of visiting parks and getting stamps.

2023 final count:  31 units | 5 regions | 79 stamps 

However, with the trips that we have planned for 2024, we have a reasonable shot at Silver MTA again. On top of that, we have now been to 180 units in the National Park Service (429 total), so we could also reach Silver Lifetime Achievement (200) with visits to 20 more new-to-us units this year. Stay tuned!

Friday, February 9

Our first steps towards Goal #1 were taken at the Cook County Forest Preserve Headquarters in Forest Park, which was on the way to my parents' house downstate. This was a repeat stop, since I had gotten the same stamps last year.  

Here's the running tally...

Units: 2

Stamps: 6

Regions: 1

We took a slight detour off I-55 south to stop by the Four Rivers Environmental Education Center in Channahon. Located near where the Des Plaines, DuPage, and Kankakee Rivers meet to form the Illinois River, we had never been to this hidden gem before. Since the weather was nice, we spent some time walking the trail by the visitor center.

DuPage River

Units: 2

Stamps: 7

Regions: 1

Our last stamping location for the day was the Route 66 Association of Illinois Hall of Fame and Museum in Pontiac. The last time we were here was in June 2021. 

Units: 3

Stamps: 8

Regions: 1

As we were chatting with the museum volunteer, she suggested that we stop by the old Illinois State Police headquarters on our way out of town because it was built in the shape of the pistol. Check out the satellite view on Google maps to see for yourself! 

Remnants of the original Route 66 are still here next to the highway

Sunday, February 11

After saying goodbye to my parents this morning, we started the drive back up to Chicago. But instead of taking our usual route on this Superbowl Sunday, we went east on I-80 to visit the Joliet Area Historical Museum. Cute little museum with some cool displays!

Original Blues Brothers costumes worn by
Elwood (Dan Aykroyd) and Joliet Jake (John Belushi)

Units: 3

Stamps: 10

Regions: 1

Afterwards, we drove to Tinley Park for lunch. A couple weeks before this trip, I read an article online about the best regional hamburger chains. Schoop's Hamburgers made the list, so of course we had to try it. Glad we did - the burger was smashed thin, so the edges were crispy (like how Steak 'n Shake used to be before their quality went downhill), and the pork tenderloin was also great!

Cheeseburger and pork tenderloin sandwich

The final NPS stop for this trip was at Pullman National Historical Park. Yes, we were here to get the stamps in September, but up to 10% of stamps can be repeated year to year, so why not pad the totals?! 😉

Units: 5

Stamps: 21

Regions: 1 

 

We're on our way...