HAMPTON, Ill. (Aug. 29, 2017) – A group of seven tipis will be on display at Illiniwek Forest Preserve Sept. 29 and 30 for a Tipi Gathering designed to provide a glimpse at life of the great plains Native American culture.
The free, educational event will feature music, storytelling, drum circles and dancing. The tipis will also be available for the public to tour.
“We’re inviting everyone to visit Illiniwek for the Gathering” said Mike Peterson, Illiniwek park superintendent. “This is a great way to learn about Native American culture and better understand what it was like living on this land so many years ago.”
Schedule of events
Friday, Sept. 29
Tipis will be available to local school groups between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Drum circles and dancing will also occur during this time frame. Those interested in bringing a school group can contact Park Superintendent, Mike Petersen at 309-203-1404.
Saturday, Sept. 30
Hours: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
10 a.m. - 1 p.m. view tipis and talk to tipi owners, listen to stories
1 p.m. - 3 p.m. drum circles and dancing
3 p.m. - 5 p.m. dinner break
5 p.m. - 7 p.m. drum circles and dancing
Illiniwek Forest Preserve is located at 836 State Ave, Hampton, IL 61256.
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About the Rock Island County Forest Preserve District
The mission of the Rock Island County Forest Preserve District is to maintain and acquire lands and facilities in Rock Island County with the intent to restore, conserve and protect the waters, forests and prairies they contain and the goal to create educational and recreational opportunities for the residents of Rock Island County and beyond. The Rock Island County Forest Preserve District is governed by the Forest Preserve Commission. Today the Rock Island County Forest Preserve Commission governs six forest preserve areas totaling 2,529 acres. They include Loud Thunder Forest Preserve, Illiniwek Forest Preserve, Niabi Zoo, Indian Bluff Golf Course and Forest Preserve, Dorrance Park and Martin Conservation Area.
For more information about the Rock Island County Forest Preserve District, visit www.RICFPD.org.
