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Tall Pines Camp was established in 1947, and was originally called Ballard's Tall Pines Camp, named after Rennie Ballard.  Since the first cabins were built by the Ballards, there have been six other owners, each making gradual improvements.  Ryan and Bridget are its current owners and hosts.  Since 2019 they have been honored to be a part of the Tall Pines family, continue long running traditions, and keep the history of this beautiful fishing camp alive.   Bridget and Ryan met in the 90's at Eastern Illinois University, and have been happily married since 2002.  

        

Prior to running Tall Pines, Ryan operated his own painting/remodeling company for 20 years, and has been using those skills at camp to continually make cabin and camp improvements.  Bridget was a middle and high school teacher for 22 years, and has transferred those skills to operating camp as well.  They both love the outdoors,  nature, and travelling in the off season; Ryan has been fishing Canada since he was a kid, and it was a dream to run a camp like this for years.  "God provided us this amazing opportunity, and we witness His presence everywhere up here," Bridget says.   They have embraced this lifestyle and love sharing it with others.  They enjoy working at camp well before and after the official season to create personal touches to cabins as well as experience the fishing and camp life themselves.

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Tall Pines has a small team, but each staff member is committed and we value them tremendously in their efforts, whether it be dock duty or behind the scenes cleaning or anything in between.  From Earl, to Colin, Patsy to Darlene, Wanda, Kate and so many others over the years, our dedicated and hard working staff deserves all the credit.

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Our mission is to share this opportunity we've been given so guests can create memories with their loved ones, accomplish their own dreams, respect and conserve our resources God has provided, and can share our love of God’s country. 

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Together, we are comitted to this mission and making your Tall Pines fishing vacation an unforgettable one!

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Ryan and Bridget Taylor

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