Predicting Nature's Fury: Tornadoes and Earthquakes of the Midwest
Program Number:
17486RJ
Start and End Dates:
3/18/2013 - 3/21/2013
;
Duration:
3 nights
Location:
Carbondale, Illinois
Price starting at:
$526.00 -
Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type:
Science & Nature
Activity Level:
t (
see description
)
Meals:
8; 3 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 3 Dinners
Meal Options:
Vegetarian; Gluten Free
In 1812, the New Madrid earthquake shook the entire center of the country and altered the course of the Mississippi River overnight. In 1925, the Great Tri-State tornado killed 695 people, twice as many people as any other U.S. tornado. The “2011 Super Outbreak” created devastation from which the Midwest and other regions are still recovering. Explore the impact of these disasters and other storms, separating myths from realities and learning about preparation for the next “big one.”
Highlights
• At the National Weather Service Forcast Office in Paducah, Ky., see how warnings are issued and severe weather events are managed.
• Go inside the world of earthquake prediction with a geoscientist at Southern Illinois University’s seismology lab.
• Delve into accounts of the Midwest’s great historical weather disasters.
Activity Particulars
Walking up to one mile per day; some uneven, hilly terrain.
Coordinated by Land for Learning Institute.
Carbondale
This vibrant college town in southern Illinois is a gateway to the area's highlights, including the Shawnee National Forest, a preserve of magnificent sandstone cliffs, lowland fields and abundant wildlife. The region's hills and valleys also host local vineyards producing high-quality wines.
Accommodations
Historic lodge located in the heart of Giant City State Park. One room cabins with two double beds. Outdoor swimming pool.
Meals and Lodgings
Giant City State Park Lodge and Cabins
Makanda
4 nights
Giant City State Park Lodge and Cabins
Type:
Lodge
Description:
Found in the heart of the park is Giant City Lodge. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, it is in perfect keeping with the spirit of the park. Multi-hued sandstone and white oak timber were two of the native building materials used. The spacious and historic Lodge has a rustic beauty that creates an atmosphere found nowhere else in Southern Illinois. The Bald Knob dining room, with seating for 200, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, with an excellent reputation for food and hospitality. You’re sure to enjoy some of the best fried chicken ever if you choose the specialty of the Lodge, our all-you-can-eat Family Style Chicken Dinner.
Contact info:
460 Giant City Lodge Rd
Makanda, IL 62958 USA
phone: 618-457-4921
web:
giantcitylodge.com
Room amenities:
2 full beds, privte bath, television, outdoor swimming pool
Facility amenities:
Giant City Lodge has private rooms perfect for your special event, banquets, and meetings. The Lodge also features a historic lounge and bar, gift shop, and guest cabins for a quiet getaway. Outdoor swimming pool, numerous hiking trails, Visitor's Center nearby.
Smoking allowed:
No
Additional nights prior:
$69.00-$105.00 Make reservations with Giant City Lodge. Limited availability
Check in time:
3:00 PM
Additional nights after:
$69.00-$105.00 Make reservations with Giant City Lodge. Limited availability
Check out time:
9:00 AM
Travel Details
Start of Program:
Check-in begins at 4:00pm until 5:00pm. Introductions and dinner at 5:30, opening presentation at 6:30. You will be staying at
Giant City State Park Lodge and Cabins
that night.
End of Program:
Check-out and departures at 10:00am after morning session. You will be staying at
Giant City State Park Lodge and Cabins
the night before.
Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required.
Parking availability:
Free parking.
Transportation
To Start of Program
Location:
Makanda
Nearest city or town:
Carbondale, IL
Nearest highway:
IL. Route 13, I-57, I-24
Nearest airport:
Williamson County Regional Airport (MWA) Marion IL.
From End of Program
Location:
Makanda
(
Additional transportation information same as above
)
Travel Details
St. Louis, MO
From Airport
Service:
Commercial Van/Shuttle
B.A.R.T. Transportation
phone: 800-284-2278
Advanced Reservations Required
Per Person/One Way:
$60/adult reduced rate for children
Prices are subject to change.
Travel Time:
2.5
Distance:
144 miles
Shuttle service arrives/departs from the Ramada Inn in Carbondale. You then need to arrange taxi service to Giant City State Park Lodge. Taxi Service phone number: 618-457-8122 and 618-457-8121.
Driving Directions
Chicago, IL
Take I-57 south to exit #54, Illinois Route 13. Go West on Route 13 approx. 15 miles to Giant City Road. Take Giant City Road South, approximately 12 miles, to Giant City State Park. Follow signs to "Restaurant & Lodge".
Indianapolis, In
Take I-70 west to Effingham, Il. where you will pick up I-57 at mile #160. Take I-57 south to exit #54, Illinois Route 13. Go West on Route 13 approx. 15 miles to Giant City Road. Take Giant City Road South, approximately 12 miles, to Giant City State Park. Follow signs to "Restaurant & Lodge".
Kentucky
Take I-24 west/north to I-57 (in Illinois). Go North on I-57 approx. 7 miles to exit #54, Ilinois Route 13. Go West on Route 13 approx. 15 miles to Giant City Road. Take Giant City Road South, approximately 12 miles, to Giant City State Park. Follow signs to "Restaurant & Lodge".
St. Louis, MO
Take I-64 East to I-57. Take I-57 south to exit #54, Illinois Route 13. Go West on Route 13 approx. 15 miles to Giant City Road. Take Giant City Road South, approximately 12 miles, to Giant City State Park. Follow signs to "Restaurant & Lodge".
Elevation Note:
1200 ft max.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.
Daily Schedule
Day 1:
(Monday, March 18)
Arrive To:
Arrival/Introductions/Program Check-in begins at 4:00 p.m. Dinner at 5:30
Dinner:
Family style at Lodge restaurant
Evening:
Introductions and overview. Southern Illinois Natural Divisions presentation
Accommodations:
Giant City State Park Lodge and Cabins
Meals Included:
Dinner
Day 2:
NWS field trip
(Tuesday, March 19)
Breakfast:
Giant City Lodge Restaurant
Morning:
A field trip to the National Weather Service Forcast Office located in Paducah, Ky will show us how NOAA predicts the weather, issues watches and warnings, and manages severe weather events (such as the May 8, 2009 southern Illinois derecho).
Lunch:
Lodge Restaurant
Afternoon:
NWS field trip continued. Short hike at state park to observe weather, and overview of southern Illinois natural divisions.
Dinner:
Lodge Restaurant
Evening:
Presentation on the New Madrid Earthquake
Accommodations:
Giant City State Park Lodge and Cabins
Meals Included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3:
Southern Illinois University seismologist presentation
(Wednesday, March 20)
Breakfast:
Giant City Lodge Restaurant
Morning:
Field Trip to the Earth Quake Center at Southern Illinois University and presentation from seismologist.
Lunch:
in the field
Afternoon:
Presentation of weather forcasting models and methodologies past and present.
Dinner:
Dinner at a local winery, with optional wine tasting.
Evening:
Evening Music with a focus on folk and bluegrass music inspired by the natural world and intertwined with stories of life and adventure!
Accommodations:
Giant City State Park Lodge and Cabins
Meals Included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4:
Tri-State Tornado/Check-out and departures at 10:00 a.m.
(Thursday, March 21)
Breakfast:
Lodge Restaurant
Morning:
Historical accounts of the infamous 1925 Tri-State tornado.
Accommodations:
Giant City State Park Lodge and Cabins
Meals Included:
Breakfast
Important information about your itinerary:
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.
Suggested Reading List
The Forgotten Storm: The Great Tri-State Tornado of 1925
Author: Wallace E. Akin
Description: Wallace Akin recounts the great tri-state tornado as a survivor. He uses interviews, period newspaper reports, and other resources to reconstruct the path and devastation of the 1925 tornado.
The Weather Book
Author: Jack Williams
Description: Easy-to-understand weather graphics, weather patterns, and state-by-state records.
You can't find a better value than Road Scholar.
As a not-for-profit organization, we are dedicated to providing all-inclusive educational programs at great value. From lectures to gratuities to field trips to accommodations - the tuition you pay up front is all that you pay.
Specifically, this program includes:
4 nights accommodations
8 meals: 3 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners
Expert-led lectures: 4
Expert-led lectures
Led by one or more of our world-class instructors, typically in a classroom setting, lectures come in the form of presentations, discussions or workshops and offer expert insight into your area of study.
Field trips: 2
Field trips
The world is your classroom, as you're on location with an instructor to pursue your educational theme firsthand.
Performances: 1
Performances
A performance can range from a night at the opera to a visit from a local performer at your hotel.
Plus these special experiences...
Learn weather forecasting methods and take an in-depth look at severe weather outbreaks with the experts at the National Weather Service office.
Examine the complexities of seismic zones from the New Madrid and around the world with geophysicist from SIUC.
View the Daily Schedule to see more
And included with all Road Scholar programs:
Learning led by expert instructors who are authorities in the field of study.
An experienced Group Leader attuned to the needs of Road Scholar participants.
Customary gratuities throughout the program that you would normally pay yourself.
The Road Scholar Travel Assistance Plan, providing 24-hour-a-day emergency assistance coverage.
Taxes
© Road Scholar 2013
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Call toll-free: 1-800-454-5768