wandering home
...the bite-size adventures...
the Jumbo Jaunt
While much of central Illinois is agricultural, we also have a significant coal mining history. From strip mine lakes to jumbos, the remnants of those coal mining days have left their mark on our area. If you’re wondering what a jumbo is, you’re not alone. Local folks used the term jumbo to describe the large hills or tailing piles created from mine waste. Some rise over a hundred feet and are visible from quite a distance as they stand out on otherwise flat land. Many of the jumbos have been removed over the years but a few remain and several local towns have converted them into parks. For this bite-size adventure, we headed to the towns of Minonk, Wenona and Toluca to hike to the top of each of their jumbos turned parks and take in the views from these man-made Midwest mountains.
the sites:
Coal Miners Trail, New Millenia Park, Minonk, IL
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Opinions & Particulars:
This is a short (1.7-mile) loop and other than the small jumbo climb, relatively flat. On our trip, the trail was not marked but we followed the mowed path and it was fairly obvious. Part of the stroll goes by a fenced area (grass covered hill) which we later found out was a closed landfill. New Millenia Park is just across the main road for restroom facilities, playground and picnics. Other (non-outdoorsy) Stuff: We enjoyed a quick lunch at the local coffee shop (Brickhouse Coffee Bar) and a sugary step back in time at the Sweet Shop. Locals told us about the Minonk Chocolate Factory and we were bummed that it is only open September through Easter. That will definitely be on our agenda the next time! |
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Jumbo Trail, Coal Miners Memorial Park, Wenona, IL
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Opinions & Particulars:
This is a very short (0.5-mile) out and back (or up and down) trail from the parking lot to the jumbo top. The trail is obvious from the parking lot and really feels like a narrow gravel road. We enjoyed the farmland, small town and windmill views from the top as well as the open space. Other (non-outdoorsy) Stuff: We very much enjoy small town and Midwest history. The informational plaques at the base and top were great for helping us understand the jumbo's history and an inspiration for us to learn more. |
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Jumbo Trail, Toluca Coal Mine Preservation Park (Toluca) , Toluca, IL
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Opinions & Particulars:
The path from the parking lot to the jumbo top (out and back) is about a quarter-mile but we chose to also wander the other park trails for a total of about 1.4 miles. Trails are clearly marked and provide a nice jaunt around the entire park. Views from this largest jumbo of the day were great and visitors to the top are greeted with a congratulatory sign at the picnic table. Other (non-outdoorsy) Stuff: Toluca is known in Central Illinois as a 'worth-the-drive' trip for Italian food. Had Mona's not been closed the day we visited, we would have struggled with which restaurant to choose. Capponi's did not disappoint and provided a delicious conclusion to our day of wandering home. |
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