Historic Methodist Camp Ground

of Des Plaines

1250 Campground Rd.

Des Plaines, Illinois  60016

(847) 824-4924

History of the

Historic Methodist Camp Ground

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In the 1830's, as the northeastern corner of Illinois began to be settled and to develop, and the the city of Des Plaines emerged from the grasslands, religious activity was a part of this settlement. Before there were established congregations and churches to house them, circuit preachers roamed the countryside carrying the message. The circuit riders traveled from small settlement to settlement and hatched the idea of bringing larger numbers together in one location for extended services.

Thus the summer camp was born.

Although several Protestant denominations participated in the early meetings , it was the Methodists who continued the practice. With the mid-nineteenth century resurgence in religion, several Chicago ministers met to arrange for a camp meeting that would attract both city members and those from the country.

The Des Plaines Methodist Camp Ground was the outcome of their plans, with the first temporary site founded in 1860 and then the current site purchased in 1865.

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