WWE Chicago- We Hike To Heal Event with Optional Sunset Picnic

Join Women Who Explore and We Hike to Heal for a 2.5 mile loop hike on gravel (Dead River and Dunes Loop Trail rated moderate) followed by a 1.4 mile paved out and back hike (Illinois Beach Trail rated easy), for a total of 3.9 miles. There will be incorporation of #wehiketoheal mindfulness activities (pausing for journaling, reflection, and self-led meditation) and a discussion at the end of hike. There will be an optional sunset picnic at the beach afterwards! Please see below for more information about We Hike to Heal and Outdoor Journal Tour.

We will be meeting outside of the Nature Center. Please see information about parking and meeting location below. Illinois Beach is the only remaining beach ridge shoreline left in the state, with dunes and swales, sprawling marshes, forests of oak and vast arrays of animal life and vegetation.

Alltrails and state park links for more information:

Dead River and Dunes Loop Trail

Illinois Beach Trail

Illinois Beach State Park Map

Dogs are not allowed on the Dead River and Dunes Loop Trail, so please leave your pups at home.

There are vault/public toilets at the park, including the parking lot we are parking in.

Address: Patomos Ave., Zion, IL 60099

Please park here: Directions to Parking Lot

Parking is free.

Where we will meet: We will meet outside of the Illinois Beach State Park Nature Center. Address: Nature Center Meeting Location

The mission of #wehiketoheal is simple – to encourage women all over the world to tap into the healing and empowering influences within ourselves, our communities and the Great Outdoors.

#wehiketoheal stands for Women Everywhere Hike(ing) to Heal – but it is also a play on words – “WE” also standing for we, as in humankind everywhere. Many people hike to help manage anxiety, depression, stress, grief, sadness, confusion, oppression, or perhaps for more connectedness, for fitness, or just to feel alive. Everyone’s reason is very personal and at the end of the day – we just want to make space for folks to enjoy mother nature and feel at one with themselves. It’s important to note that “healing” doesn’t imply that we are broken; it simply implies that there are many different streams to our wholeness.

For more information, check out the their home page and their #wehiketoheal page. You can sign up to participate all month long and to log your mindful minutes.

Outdoor Journal Tour Information

We Hike to Heal Information

Please note- you must register on Eventbrite in order to attend this event.

We ask that you are 100% committed to attending when you register. If you reserve a spot and are unable to attend, please cancel as soon as possible on Eventbrite and/or contact Danielle at 847-544-6101 or via Facebook.

** PLEASE NOTE: Ambassadors are not wilderness first aid certified and are not guides. This is a casual get together for shared outdoor enthusiasts. Safety is a top priority; please plan accordingly.**

By registering for this event, participants agree to abide by the guidelines set forth by Women Who Explore which include:

- Practice self-awareness and do not attend if you have had any flu-like symptoms, exposed to or have tested positive for Covid in the last 14 days.

- Post-event; anyone who develops flu-like symptoms within 14 days after joining an event should contact the ambassador and Women Who Explore at lindseyegan@womenwhoexplore.com.

Liability Waiver: Friendly reminder that it is required to sign the e-waiver before attending your first Women Who Explore event. Please sign on an annual basis.

https://forms.gle/HwwDkNxiDZAk15vW7

What to bring:

* journal and pen

* water

* snacks (optional)

*Picnic dinner (optional)

*beach towel or chair to sit on (optional)

* appropriate clothing; bring layers, hat, sunglasses, rain coat, or any other items needed depending on the weather

* shoes with good traction (that can get dirty)

* bring a light backpack to put layers in as you shed them

* sunscreen/bug spray

* camera/extra charging unit

Questions or concerns? Please reach out to ambassador Danielle on Facebook or at 847-544-6101 with any questions. Can't wait to see you on the trail!