When choosing a new home community, many buyers are looking for the total package: a quality home, reputable builder and outstanding local amenities. For those buyers looking at purchase a new home from Gerstad Builders, you get just that. In fact, in addition to making sure all of our communities are near top schools, shops and restaurants, we also look for nearby recreation opportunities. And, this month, having plenty of local and state parks near your new home makes celebrating National Picnic Month easy!

Homeowners at The Trails of Dawson Creek will love making a short day trip to the nearby Rock Cut State Park in Loves Park, Ill. This recreation area near our Poplar Grove real estate offers more than just picnic shelters, though. You can also spend time hiking, biking and horseback riding on miles and miles of trails, taking your boat out on Pierce Lake, fishing on Olson Lake, going for a swim at Olson Lake beach or sleeping under the stars at one of the many campsites.

Another park that is a perfect day getaway for our Williams Bay real estate homeowners at Bailey Estates is Kettle Moraine State Forest. Open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., this park offers plenty of recreation in addition to picnic shelters. Activities include boating, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, swimming, horseback riding, hiking, biking and participating in sports at the Miller Sports Complex.

Residents of our McHenry homes at Liberty Trails can enjoy a plethora of local parks. Whispering Oaks Park offers picnic areas and picnic shelters in addition to its softball and baseball fields, fishing spots, nature area, playground, bike paths and open play areas. Creekside Park is designed for dining and playing with a playground and open areas that are perfect for a picnic.

Finally, homeowners of our real estate in Richmond at The Trails of Pheasant Ridge are just around the corner from Glacial County Park. Visitors to this beautiful park can enjoy canoeing on Nippersink Creek, exploring the two-mile interpretative nature trail, spending the night outdoors at one of the campsites, hiking or horseback riding on eight miles of trails or just spending time together with family and friends at one of three picnic shelters.

So, grab your blanket, basket and your friends and family, and have a picnic at one of the many local parks near your Gerstad Builders community!

If you’re not yet a resident of one of our new homes, give us a call at 815-385-4495 to learn more.