Diving into Business at Haigh Quarry
Kankakee County CEO students visited Haigh Quarry, a unique local destination known as the “Caribbean of the Midwest.” Located in a former limestone mine in rural Kankakee, Haigh Quarry is a top-rated freshwater scuba diving site that blends recreation with business.
Owner Tina Haigh welcomed the class with a behind-the-scenes tour and shared insights about running a seasonal business. From managing customer safety and scuba training to adapting operations based on weather and demand, students learned what it takes to keep a specialized venture thriving year after year.
Students were fascinated by the transformation of the quarry into a tropical-themed diving resort, complete with palm trees, picnic spots, and underwater attractions like sunken boats and a marine dump truck. The fish, Tina explained, are the real stars, including bluegill, bass, muskie, and even paddlefish from Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium.
Interested in scuba diving? Haigh Quarry offers lessons with skilled instructors to help you get started. Not ready to scuba? You can still enjoy the experience—snorkeling is available for just $25 at their Caribbean-themed location. It’s a fun and refreshing way to spend a summer day!
A big thank-you to Tina and the Haigh Quarry team for investing in the CEO program and offering such an inspiring experience. To learn more, visit haighquarry.com.
5/9/25
