Keep Moving in Lemont
Photos by Molly Hebda Photography and c/o The Forge: Lemont Quarries and FPDCC
The New Year always gives us motivation to get up and get moving — if not the sparkly promise of resolutions then it’s the forecast drab skies and cold weather that forces us to shake some life into our bones.
The good news is, Lemont never stops moving—even in the winter months. If you’re craving some adventure, we’ve got just a taste of some of the activities coming up soon.
Saturday, January 13 | The 3rd Annual Fat Tire Race at The Forge: Lemont Quarries
Bring on the adventure of winter racing and riding for The 3rd Annual Fat Tire Race on the (hopefully) snow-covered trails at The Forge and adjoining trails! A long and short course option will be available so riders of all abilities can choose the event best for them.
The race will take place on the gravel and MTB trails throughout The Forge: Lemont Quarries, adjoining Heritage Quarries Recreation Area, and I&M Canal trails.
The biking will be an approximately 20K long course race and an approximated 10K, short course race. The F^3 10K trail run will follow.
Saturday, January 13 | The F^3 Winter 10K Trail Run
The Forge: Lemont Quarries
Kick off the new year and bring on the adventure of winter racing at The 3rd F^3 Forge 10K Trail Run! The race will take place on the hopefully snow-covered gravel and MTB trails throughout The Forge: Lemont Quarries, adjoining Heritage Quarries Recreation Area, and I&M Canal trails. The F^3 10K trail run will follow the Fat Tire Race.
Registration starts at $40 per runner.
Sunday, January 14| The Amazing Race
Lemont Area Historical Society and Museum
Whether you’re a fan of the show or you’re ready for an exhilarating adventure, get your team together for a race through the heart of Lemont. Lace-up your walking shoes, charge your phones, and prepare for an evening of fun, challenges, and camaraderie.
The race kicks off at the Lemont Area Historical Society, and teams will navigate through 10 exciting stops in downtown Lemont.
You'll discover hidden gems, solve puzzles, and complete challenges that will put your physical and mental skills to the test. The first place team will take home $300 and the second place winners will take home $200.
Tickets are $30 for individuals and $100 for teams of 4. Must be 21+ to enter.
Sunday, January 21 | Conservation Sunday: Nature Walks
The Forge: Lemont Quarries
The Forge: Lemont Quarries is known for adventure. From archery, climbing, ziplining, and laser tag, there are tons of thrills to join in on. However, their biggest adventure yet is all of the conservation efforts they do to preserve and protect the natural wildlife and reduce the amount of invasive species.
Make a resolution to do some good for the Earth this year by joining in on one of the Conservation Sunday Nature Walks on Sunday, January 21 or Sunday, February 18.
Master Naturalists will lead you through some of the many miles of trails here at The Forge to discover what kind of nature and wildlife we have locally.
Varies | Sagawau Nordic
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center
From mid-December to early March, Sagawau Environmental Learning Center becomes Sagawau Nordic — a premier full-service cross-country ski center that provides ski rentals, groomed trails, and beginner lessons from a PSIA Gold Medal Ski School. If you’re feeling adventurous, stop by on a full moon for their Moonlight Ski nights!
Located just 15 minutes from the heart of Lemont Downtown, you can make your way to Sagawau Nordic seven days a week from 9am to 4pm. After your day of skiing, venture back to Lemont Downtown for food, drinks, and some shopping.
Call 630-257-2045 or visit Sagawau’s Facebook page for trail conditions.
To make reservations for cross-country ski rental follow this link.
Reservations are posted one week at a time with the week running Monday through Sunday. Reservations for the new week get posted Sunday mornings.
Varies | Sagawau Naturalist Programs
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center
As the saying goes—bad weather makes for good birding. All winter long, the birds and animals of our region are making due with the cold and adapt to deep freezes. The following programs will help you explore and understand the nature you may see as your out exploring.
Saturday, January 6, 10am | Feeder Watch: What birds are visiting the feeding station? Enjoy watching the feeders on a paved surface. Binoculars are available for loan. Weather dependent.
Sunday, January 7, 1pm | Birdy It’s Cold Outside: Learn about some of the surprising adaptations and behaviors birds use to survive winters deep freeze with an indoor presentation. Weather dependent.
Saturday, January 13, 1pm | Winter Insects: Believe it or not, some insects are active through the winter. Search for these cold-hardy survivors. Ages 14 & up. Weather dependent.
Saturday, January 21, 1:30pm | Winter Tree ID: Join a naturalist as we discover several ways to identify trees in winter. Ages 18 & up. Weather dependent.
Registration is required for many programs, so plan ahead! See the full calendar of programs >
Stay tuned for evening more fun and adventure throughout Lemont as we move into Spring. You can expect new guided trails, an exciting event to get you reading more and running, and the Legendary Quarryman Challenge in May 2024.
