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June 2nd - June 8th, 2001 will be our 7th annual Olde Lincoln Trail Ride. This ride starts at Vincennes In. and we closely follow a portion of the old original Lincoln trail that Abe's family took when his father moved them to Illinois near Charleston. There his father had purchased a farm. Where the old farmstead was is now the Lincoln Log State Park. This is where our ride ends.
This is a progressive type ride and both wagons and outriders are welcome to join in. Keeping to the rural areas and using back roads where possible makes it very inviting for wagons.
We move trailers forward to our next campground at 8am. A shuttle will be provided to take us back to our waiting horses. If you are making the ride alone you can easily find someone to watch after your horse or team while moving your trailer. We like getting an early start so we can enjoy longer evenings in camp and if the weather is warm we can take advantage of the cooler mornings.
We cover approximately twenty miles a day. Our shortest day is around fourteen miles and our longest day is twenty-four miles.
We have a water trailer with an on board "porta john" that we meet up with about every four miles. On the trailer we also keep coolers with soft drinks and bottled water that you may help yourself to.
Most of the small towns we pass through are rich in history. Our first campsite in Russelville, Il. is an old river town and some there still make their living fishing the Wabash river.
Going to our second campsite in Palestine a portion of our trail follows along the banks of the Wabash river. Also this day we will be stopping at an old cemetery that is known for its burial site of the only woman that was ever executed by hanging in Illinois. Her husband could not handle his morning coffee laced with a little arsenic. I guess the box said "For Killing Rats".
Our stayover next to the arena in Palestine is always a pleasant one. Their arena host one of the best known small Rodeos around. There we normally get lots of visitors and the Chamber of Commerce always welcomes and feeds us good with an evening meal and breakfast.
Next stop has always been in the past at the park in West Union. This year this campsite may change location just for a change of scenery. In route to West Union we would go through Hutsonville where we would enjoy lunch at the Hudson Park. Close by is the Hudson Memorial cabins. They have several log buildings, Church, General store, some shops and all furnished like they would have been in the early 1800's. This site was erected in memorial of the Hudson family that was massacred by Indians.
On our way to our fourth campsite we go through Moonshine, Il . Careful, don't blink.

Moonshine is one our favorite stops where we buy our lunch at the Moonshine General Store where their "Moonburgers" are famous. Always a lot of hospitality and friendly folks.
Our fourth camp is planned at Clyde Coleman's campsite. He has a nice area for parking trailers and camping. Clyde and his wife Becky has always seen to it that everyone is well fed. Becky makes some of the best cobbler you have ever eaten.
Our fifth campsite has been in the past at Greenup Fair Grounds. This year we are doing something different at this area and plans are still being made. The back road trails will offer some handsome scenery.
Our sixth and final campsite is in the Lincoln Log State Park. This is a beautiful park with a Lincoln museum that you don't want to miss. Here we dwell on what a great week it has been and relive some of the events that has taken place during the ride. It is always sad to part company with all our old and new friends. Everyone starts looking forward to next years ride.
If you would like an application or more information on this ride you can e-mail or phone us or contact anyone of the other organizers listed.
Charles and Betty Tuttle       ph. 618-563-4480
Bob and Beverly Dart           ph. 618-592-4834
Clyde and Becky Coleman    ph. 217-932-4865

The total ride is approximatly 125 miles.
All evening meals will be provided and some lunches.
A complete itinerary of the ride will be sent to you on receipt of your application. These are normally mailed out two or three weeks before the ride date.

Offering a ride like this for a very minimal charge is only possible through donations and volunteer help we receive. This years ride is only twenty dollars per person and children under twelve are free. This is most definitely a not for profit ride.
We are always grateful when someone offers their help or money donations for shuttle fuel, meals, etc.
We are currently looking for a different shuttle for riders. This could be an old school bus or large van. Being non-profit any donations are tax deductible.