Climbing Near Oneida, Illinois

As of October 2018, Rocky Glen has officially become a park open to the public. A nice parking lot and new entrance to Rocky Glen has been added to Kickapoo Creek Road. Peoria Park District has recently posted a trail map at the entrance, along with a new trail, that is well marked, and leads to the spray painted sandstone formations. At the opposite end of the small creek that flows through the Glen is an abandoned coal mine entrance that is welded shut.  Peoria Park Destrict has added a new parking lot on Kickapoo Creek Road. The parking lot has a trail map posted at the entrance. Follow the trail markers until you reach the small creek at the bottom of a ravine, head right (north) to find the sand stone formations, head left to find the abandoned coal mine.

Nestled inside the city of Burlington's arboretum and botanical garden, just on the edge of the mighty Mississippi River, you will uncover some obscure, yet bullet-proof cliff-line bouldering. Is this is a weekend destination? Nope. Nor is it a world class destination. However, the rock is good and the views of the Big Muddy are worthy of Mark Twain's pen. The main cliff-line is roughly 40-50 feet long and averages at about 14ft high. Tops are surprisingly good just be willing to commit to a strong mantle or pull up. Enter Crapo Park on S Main Dr until you see the right turn onto Blackhawk Dr. Stay left and do not go right into the graveyard entrance. Go around the loop until you see parking spots on the left and park. From the parking, there is a trail behind you (to the north). Following the trail east toward the river and do not cross the ditch (this will take you to some smaller, less desirable cliffs, but not the main area). You'll know you are headed in the right direction if you cross Blackhawk Spring. Then, you'll come around the corner and see the main area.