What we’re about
I started Rick's Hiking & Fun Group a few days after 9/11/01 to bring people together for fun, friendship and community, both outdoors and in.
At first I advertised in the Chicago Reader, then on Craig's List, and starting in 2009, on meetup. the group had 181 events before joining meetup, so you can add that number to the meetup total for the true number of events.
To view some scenes from the early days of the group from 2002-2005, see https://www.angelfire.com/trek/rickhike/ .
We do hiking, game nights, dining out, conversation salons, house concerts, potlucks, etc. we hike at a leisurely pace, stop to smell the roses, and value socializing. we welcome you, please join us.
Rick
...and remember “The world is full of nice people. If you can't find one, be one.”
~Nishan Panwar.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Indiana Dunes 8 Mile HikeIndiana Dunes State Park, Chesterton, IN
note: Rhonda wants this to be a brisk hike, at a "good pace of 3 miles an hour." i know i can't keep up that pace--i'm only coming to say hello, and will hike a bit myself when everyone has left. just want everyone to know going in.
i also encourage you all to take and post pictures to the site. if you don't know how to post to the site, text pictures to me at 773-415-0428, and i will post them.
Rick
this event is being held jointly with Michiana Adventures
https://www.meetup.com/meetup-group-yjezdrty/This is 10am ET, 9am CDT
We can meet by the large pavilion. Go through entrance and take the exit at the roundabout that goes down to the parking near the pavilion.
This will be about an 8 mile hike, at a good pace of 3 miles an hour. We will hike along the beach first to trail 9, to trail 10 and finish on trail 2 through the wetlands. Then a short hike back to the parking lot.
If you have an Indiana State Park Pass, this works here. If not, it’s $7 for in-state parking I believe.
Please keep your rsvp updated.
Rhonda
- Luminary Festival Potawatomi ZooPotawatomi Zoo, South Bend, IN
Start time is 6 pm ET 5pm CDT
This event is being held jointly with Michiana Adventures
https://www.meetup.com/meetup-group-yjezdrty/The zoo has paired with Tianyu Arts and Cultural to create 60 lantern installations throughout the zoo. The display is open from 6 to 10 pm. I’m thinking it might be nice to meet for a bite to eat at 6 pm ET then make our way over to the zoo. Let me see what is close or if you have a place you have been wanting to try, leave a comment.
Tickets are $20, more details to come.https://potawatomizoo.org/zooluminate/
Address:
Potawatomi Zoo, 500 S Greenlawn Ave, South Bend, IN 46615 - Chicago Blues Festival--meet at noon (Central Time)Millennium Park, Chicago, IL
Join us on Saturday, June 7th at The Chicago Blues Festival, located at Millennium Park in downtown Chicago!
We will meet at noon central time (that's 1pm eastern) at Cloud Gate-"aka The Bean," and I'll plan to be there until evening. You can stay as long as you'd like. I'd recommend bringing water, a portable folding chair, and cash for food/drinks. There will be food trucks onsite. Since this is an outdoor event- sunscreen, hat, & sunglasses are a good idea too.
This event is cross-posted with Wabash Valley Hiking & Social Group.
Hope to see you there,
ErinJune 5 – 8, 2025
Free admission • Millennium Park and beyondA legendary Chicago event since 1984, the Chicago Blues Festival is the world’s largest free blues festival.
Each year, more than 500,000 blues fans gather in Chicago’s Millennium Park and venues across the city for multiple days of performances — all free and open to the public — featuring some of the genre’s most revered musicians, along with up-and-coming and local talent.
This year’s performances, part of Millennium Park’s milestone 20th anniversary season, will include living legend Buddy Guy, along with Shemekia Copeland, Ronnie Baker Brooks, Southern Avenue, and a Tribute to Jimmy Rogers.
