GORDON'S PARK

"YOUR OUTDOOR RECREATION CENTRE ON MANITOULIN ISLAND"

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The Arrogant Worms

OUTDOOR WILDLIFE MUSEUM

Gordon's Park features 4km of trails through open meadows, mixed hardwood forests and around a pond area. The Outdoor Wildlife Museum is located along the trail which is made up of mounted exhibits of endangered species & Canadian wildlife. Information on flora & fauna, fossils & rock formations, plants, ferns & trees are also found alond the trails. See the beech tree that was a winner in the Great Manitoulin Tree Hunt, Woofer the retired Mascot of the Sudbury Wolves, our Baden Powell Grove created by participants of our 1996 Rendezvous & the escarpmet area. Check out our natural butterfly habitat and the goldfish & turtles in the pond.

Watch for real wildlife viewing opportunities of hawks, partridges, deer, porcupines, wolves and foxes. There are two clearly marked and easy walking trails. The Mother Nature Trail takes approximately 30 minutes and Fossil Lane approximately 45 minutes. Each offer exciting natural features along the route and are different in each season. Featured in CAA Leisure Ways, Canadian Tire Autoroute & OWL/Chikadee Family Magazine. Made Famous by the ARROGANT WORMS comedy group song " Mounted Animal Nature Trail ".

ARCHERY

Ever wanted to try archery? We have bow & arrow rentals for all ages. We also have two archery courses, one featuring twenty 3D animal targets, the other, fourteen FITA targets. Monthly competitions and an annual 3-D Championships. Host location of the 2000 O.A.A. ( Ontario Archers Association ) Field Championships. See our Calendar of Events for tournament dates.

MINI-PUTT

This eighteen hole miniature golf course weaves its way through the natural terrain of a shaded cedargrove. Players shoot around 3-D animals, rocks, through tree trunks and down tunnels creating a variety of interesting and challenging putts. Entertainment for all ages including bookings for groups, birthday parties, family reunions, etc.

HOOT & HOWL PAVILION/PATIO LLBO

Come hoot and howl in our new licensed pavilion or on our outdoor patio with a cool and refreshing drink. There is a light food menu available featuring items such as chili, hot dogs, hamburgers, ice cream and more. Music Venues have included performances by celebrity bands such as the ARROGANT WORMS and Country Gold.

CAMPING

REGULAR CAMPSITES: Several shaded sites, some with hydro are conveniently located alongside Hwy. 6. Each site has a picnic table and campfire pit. There are washroom facilities and water available at the pavilion. We build campfires for late arrivals who have made prior reservations.

WILDERNESS SITES: Truly undeveloped and private, these sites are situated in the fields and meadows on the back portion of the park property. This area can easily accomodate up to 1000 people. There is an outdoor amphitheatre with seating for 150 people, swings, a tipi and the deertale cabin which often serves as headquarters for large groups. Ammenities include picnic tables, privies, wash basins, communal fire pits and our hot rocks cooking station. Also included in the area is the Baden Powell Grove which provides a quiet spot to sit and reflect. These sites are great for astronomers, bird watchers and wildlife viewing. Access site via backpacking or by vehicle.

RV OVERNIGHTERS: Easy pull in, pull out onto Hwy. 6 Great for late night arrivals, some electrical hook-ups, washroom facilities & water available at the pavilion.

NATURE'S GIFTS STORE

Come in and browse through one of the most unique gift stores on the Manitoulin. The wildlife theme carries throughout with unique gift ideas for all ages, everything from kids toys, to genuine Manitoulin Island native crafts, soaps, candles and art.

PLAYGROUND

Unique playground featuring large tractor tire swings, individual horse tire swings, a treehouse, slides, bouncing boards, rings & stepping rocks. In addition the psrk has horseshoe pits and a one on one basketball net. The playgound can easily be viewed from the Hoot & Howl Pavilion and Patio.

ACCOMODATIONS

DEERTALE CABIN: The cabin sleeps 8- 10 persons and features two double bunk beds, four single bunks and a pull out couch. It is fully insulated which keeps it cozy and warm in the winter and comfy and cool in the summer. The mid size fridge, full size stove and camp lights all run on propane. The cabin is heated with an airtight wood stove with a glass door creating a warm glowing ambience. Water, flush toilets and shower facilities are available at the main building. The cabin has a large privy on site which is kept spotless and clean. Water is transported in five gallon jugs and can be obtained at the pavilion. Firewood and kindling is included. Please bring your own towels (dish and bath) and sleeping bags. All pots, pans and dishes are supplied. Extra cot is available. Ask about our hunting packages. Please...... no smoking & no pets.

BED & BREAKFAST: Two smoke free rooms open year round, one queen and one with two single bunks. Full service breakfast, private entrance, kitchenette, bathroom with shower. Astronomy, snowmobile & bike tour packages, summer time events & access to all other park activities make this bed and breakfast a popular overnight destination.

CALL FOR RATES AND RESERVATIONS

ASTRONOMY

Host location of the Great Manitou Star Party. Gordon's Park is the perfect site for astronomy and night sky viewing. A portion of the property has been designated a dark sky sanctuary therefore preserving the site from light pollution for future generations. Gordon's Park is a member of MIDSA ( Manitoulin Island Dark Sky Association ). Wilderness camping and cabin rentals are available in the immediate vicinity. B & B and Astronomy packages are also available.

HOW DO I GET THERE?

GROUP OUTINGS

Facilities for:

Bus Tours
Educational Outings
School Trips
Staff Parties
Corporate Retreats
Scouts/Guides
Family Reunions
Outdoor Enthusiasts
Church Groups
Senior Citizens
Large Gatherings
Fall Colour Tours
Haywagon Rides
Picnics & BBQ's

BIKE TOURS

Stay with us and we will provide you with four self guided bike tours that take you through country fields, over rivers, along shorelines and forested areas. Tours range from 20km to 50km, all beginning and ending at Gordon's Park.

SNOWMOBILE TOURS

Guided snowmobile tours over 500 km of trails on lovely Manitoulin Island. Package includes Bed & Breakfast accomodations. Deertale cabin available for larger groups. Short distance to ice fishing on Lake Manitou. Cross country skiing, snowshoeing & winter hikes on the trails in the park.

GORDON’S PARK
2001 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

MAY 13, 2001 3-D ARCHERY TOURNAMENT
MAY 20, 2001 NATURE IN SPRING TOUR

JUNE 10, 2001              3-D ARCHERY TOURNAMENT
JUNE 17, 2001              MANITOULIN BIKE RALLY
JUNE 22 - 24, 2001       WOMEN OUTDOORS WILDERNESS RETREAT
JUNE 28, 2001              WILDFLOWERS & BUTTERFLIES TOUR

JULY 5, 2001                 EDIBLE WILDS, SEEK & TASTE TOUR
JULY 12, 2001               FOCUS ON FORESTS TOUR
JULY 13, 2001               MEDIA MINI PUTT CHALLENGE
JULY 19, 2001               ANIMALS & THEIR HOMES TOUR
JULY 22, 2001               3-D ARCHERY TOURNAMENT
JULY 24 - 27, 2001        ECO CAMP FOR KIDS
JULY 29, 2001               FIELD ARCHERY TOURNAMENT
JULY 31, 2001               RESORT MINI PUTT CHALLENGE

AUG 1, 2001                  HAUNTED TRAILS
AUG 2, 2001                  LANDSCAPING FOR WILDLIFE TOUR
AUG 3, 2001                  MOONLIGHT HIKE & WOLF HOWL
AUG 4 & 5, 2001            ISLAND 3-D ARCHERY CHAMPIONSHIPS
AUG 7 - 10, 2001           ECO CAMP FOR KIDS
AUGUST 16, 2001           FROM FIELDS TO FORESTS TOUR
AUG 19, 2001                CYCLING TOUR & BBQ
AUG 21 - 25, 2001         GREAT MANITOU STAR PARTY
AUG 30, 2001                TRACKING & SIGNS OF WILDLIFE TOUR

SEPT 8, 2001                 HOOT & HOWL 5 K CROSS COUNTRY RUN
SEPT 13, 2001               MUSHROOMS, MOSSES & LICHENS TOUR
SEPT 14 - 16, 2001        LAND & SKY ECO RETREAT

TOUR OF OUTDOOR WILDLIFE MUSEUM, TUESDAY & WEDNESDAYS DURING THE SUMMER

ECOTOURISM ACTIVITIES