Posted by islandertek on 11/27/2007 on islandertek's blog
What's up climbing community!!
I'm looking for some help! I am going out to Chicago for a business trip from December 10th to the 16th, and would love to sneak some climbing in to see what "IL" has to offer (Bouldering, sport, Trad, TR, or whatever. I am kind of limited on the amount of gear I can bring with me). Does anyone know of any crags or boulders close by or in the vicinity?? (within an hour or two drive!!) Is anyone up for some climbing when I get out there??? I know it's freezing out there, but I'm from Colorado and willing to give it a shot!!
woodchuck07 says:
are you crazy or serious? there is NOTHING here! Illinois state parks do their best to discourage anything adventurous, especially rock climbing. It's a city environment with too many lawyers out there to help folks sue you. There are no boulders I know of, but then again I'm not into crawling on a boulder; I want routes and roped climbs.
We do have limited ice access just 90 minutes from Chicago, but our ice season never freezes up until mid Feb lately. Devils Lake is 3+ hours north of the city in central Wisconsin, great rock with no friction, especially on a cold winter day. 6 hours or more south will get you to the rocks of Southern Illinois fame. You got cold in Colorado, but you got nice sunshine at altitude too. We got cold, wet and gloomy weather here, or days of rain/sleet combo. Winter has moved away from area and left us with really crap weather in Dec lately.
Not sure where you are staying/working in the Chicago area(like suburban or right in downtown) but there are area gyms of course and you're welcome to stop by here at Camp Woodchuck if weather is warm enough to hit my outside TR climbing wall. I'm at the end of the commuter train ride south from the city. Best of luck.
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