What is Heritage Canyon?

It is a 12-acre wooded structure nature walk dotted with buildings that take the visitor back to the 1800's. 

Mid-1800's - 1954: It was a limestone quarry where rock was crushed for field fertilizer, road beds, wing dams and levees. Trucks, trains and river barges hauled it away.

1954 - 1967: The quarry was abandoned in 1954 because dynamiting was damaging both sides of the river. The area became an eyesore to the community with its junk and dilapidated shacks.

1967 - 1999: In 1967, Harold and Thelma Wierenga bought the quarry. They converted the machine shop into a usable workshop and then built their home on the site of the old rock crusher. They changed the quarry, keeping two goals in mind: preserve Midwestern history, emphasizing detail and authenticity; and disturb nature as little as possible as each building is added. 

1999 - Present:  After the passing of Harold Wierenga in January 1999, his daughter and son-in-law maintained the Canyon for several years.  However, the volunteer task of maintaining the Canyon was simply too much for the couple.  In October 2005, the City of Fulton was given ownership of Heritage Canyon.  In October 2007, Thelma Wierenga passed away.  A memorial for Harold and Thelma is on display near the entrance into the Canyon. 

Tours
Self-guided walking tours marked by numbered yellow arrows on brick paths will guide you through a pleasant experience.   

Cost
Donations only, except on specials days when a $2.00 admission for adults and children over 14 is requested. All donations are used for improvement of this park.

Weddings
The church in the Canyon is available for small weddings.  The church seats up to 25 people.  Cost to rent the church is $185 (includes a $50 refundable deposit).  Please call the caretaker for details and availability - 815-589-4600.  

Special Times at the Canyon 2010:
Dutch Days           April 30, May 1 & 2   10am - 4pm
Fall Festival          October 2 & 3  10am - 4pm
Christmas Walk   December 4  4pm-8pm Illuminated Walk

At these events, the Early American Crafters, the Civil War reenactors, and other historical groups take us back in time as they recreate history in the mid-1800's. 

Click on any picture below for a slideshow.

 

HERITAGE CANYON BUILDING SPONSORS:
School House - Brinkman Building Center
Dr.'s Office - Frances Rus & Family
Iron Works - Arlyn & Claire Rus
Log Cabin Settlement - Kummerer Family
Blacksmith Shop - Barak's Truck Repair
Canyon Church - Jon & Vickie Lockhart