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midwestnomadfamily

❄️Snowy weather means having the trails and wa ❄️Snowy weather means having the trails and waterfalls all to yourself. 

____________________________________
#visitmo #moconservationareas #moconservation #missourilife #puremissouri #hikemissouri #hikeit #snowhike #missourioutdoors #midwestmoment #midwestlivingmag @visitmo @moconservation #waterfall #missouriwaterfall #midwesthiking #hikemidwest #midwestnomadfamily
🤸‍♀️𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗲 🤸‍♀️𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝗠𝘂𝘀𝗲𝘂𝗺 🤸‍♂️
📍St. Charles, Missouri
⠀
🏠If you are looking for a fun place for indoor play, check out Play Street Museum in St. Charles. The museum features a town square of multiple child sized buildings and all the accessories for hours of pretend play. From fighting a pretend fire to rescuing animals or making ice cream, the creativity here is endless. My daughter actually cried when it was time to leave as she loved it so much!
⠀
🏠The museum also features multiple interactive activities such as puzzles, building blocks, and sensory play. An art and craft center is available for little artists.
⠀
❓𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄:
• The museum is open Tues-Sun 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Admission is $11.50 for kids and $5 for adults. Children under 1 are free with paid sibling.
• A play pack of 5 admissions for $50 can be purchased
• Weekdays are open play, no reservations required. Reservations are required for weekends
• Temperature checks are required for anyone entering. Capacity is limited.
• Private playdate may also be booked for up to 10 people for a 90 minute slot.
• No food allowed but drinks are ok.
________________________________
#playstreetmuseum #stcharlesmo #pkaystreetstcharles #stl #stlouiskids #stlkids #explorestlouis #visitmo #midwestmoment #midwestnomadfamily #familytravel #familytravelblog #stlouisforkids #stcharlescounty #missouri
@playstreetmuseum
⠀
⠀
🌿𝗧𝗿𝗶-𝗧𝗼𝘄𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 🌿𝗧𝗿𝗶-𝗧𝗼𝘄𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗸🌿
📍Troy, Illinois
⠀
🌿𝗔𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀: Playgrounds, sports fields, RC crawler course, small zoo, skate park, pavillions, Veteran's Memorial
🥾𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗹: ❷+ miles of easy walking trails with a mix of paved and unpaved path
🚻𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗺𝘀: The restrooms near the zoo and in the pavilion by the purple Playground/skate park remain open.
⠀
A popular family spot in the Metro-East, Troy's Tri-Township Park features not one but four different playgrounds. Younger kids will enjoy the toddler sized playgroud on the south side of the lake while older kids may prefer the climbing features of the playground north of the lake or next to the skate park.
⠀
A small petting zoo near the playground and lake features a cute assortment of farm animals to view. Swans and ducks also make their own home on the Park's pretty lake.
⠀
Various events and activities make this park a wonderful community spot.⠀
___________________________________
#troyil #troyillinois #illinoisouth #southernillinois #tritownshippark #troyilparks #stlouisparks #illinoisparks #kidstoparks #metroeast #enjoyillinois #madisoncountyil #1000hoursoutside #midwestnomadfamily #playgrounds
It was 17 degrees when we headed out hiking this m It was 17 degrees when we headed out hiking this morning. ❄️The frigid weather made it a little rough at first but the beautiful views and endless frost flowers made it all worth it. 

What are your best tips for staying warm outdoors? Do you have a cut off temperature for outdoor activities? 🥶
____________________________________
#mostateparks #donrobinson #donrobinsonstatepark #missouri #visitmo #midwestmoment #winterhiking #midwestnomadfamily #midwesthiking #stlouishiking #hikesnearstlouis #hikemissouri #missourioutdoors #missourilife #familyhike
🌿𝗝𝘂𝗹𝗶𝘂𝘀 𝗝 𝗞𝗻𝗼𝗯 🌿𝗝𝘂𝗹𝗶𝘂𝘀 𝗝 𝗞𝗻𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗵 𝗪𝗼𝗼𝗱𝘀 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲🌿
📍 Belleville, Illinois
⠀
𝗗𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲: 0.75 loop
𝗗𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘆: ❷/❺ Minor hills, small creek crossing, can be muddy
𝗦𝗰𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗰 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲: ❸/❺ Nothing outstanding but a pleasant walk in the woods. Can sometimes see houses through trees.
𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗺𝘀: None 🚻
⠀
🌿Knobeloch Woods is a small spot of nature located between Belleville and Mascoutah. If you aren't looking close you may miss it, as the only parking is a small pull off on the side of the road. A sign marks the trail entrance.
⠀
🌿The trail makes a short loop up and down small hills and a across a pretty log bridge. A gentle creek passes through the area. Kids will have fun hopping along the tree stump stepping blocks to cross the water. This is a great family hike or for anyone looking for a trail that's short and sweet. 
⠀
🌿Spring and summer bring wildflowers but also poison ivy so hike with caution. Obey private property signs and make sure not to block any mailboxes when parking.

________________________________
#knobelochwoodsnaturalarea #illinoisouth #heartlandsconservancy
#hikeillinois #illinois #enjoyillinois #illinoisoutdoors #southernillinois #midwestmoment #midwestliving #midwestnomadfamily #familyhike #hikingwithkids #hikesnearstlouis #stlhiking #hikestlouis #illinoishikes #familytravel #familytravelblog #bellevilleil #bellevilleillinois #nature #indr #ilnaturalarea #ilconservation
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🌿𝗛𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝘆𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗿𝗲𝗮🌿
📍Ste. Genevieve, MO
⠀
🌿𝗗𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲: 0.25 mile out and back on east side. ❶ mile loop on west side.
🥾𝗗𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘆: ❸/❺ Moderate hills, rocky path in some areas, creek crossings
🌿𝗦𝗰𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗰 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲: ❹/❺ Great year round
🚻𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗺𝘀: None 
⠀
Hickory Canyons is a hidden gem near the more popular hiking at Pickle Springs and Hawn State Park.
⠀
Two trails are located on each side of the road. The shorter path leads to a box canyon and a tall seasonal waterfall. The longer loop drops in and out of a canyon and along a scenic creek.
⠀
Kids will enjoy the shallow creeks for splashing while adults admire the rugged beauty along the trail. Winter can bring dramatic ice formations when the temperature drops.
⠀
𝘍𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘶𝘭𝘭 𝘥𝘦𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘭𝘴 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘩𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘣𝘭𝘰𝘨 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘵. ↖️𝙇𝙞𝙣𝙠 𝙞𝙣 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙛𝙞𝙡𝙚 𝙤𝙧 𝙜𝙤 𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙞𝙙𝙬𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙣𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙙𝙨.𝙘𝙤𝙢.⠀
____________________________________
#visitmo #hickorycanyons #moconservation #missouri #missourilife #naturalmissouri #missourioutdoors #midwestmoment #winterhike #midwesthiking #midwestnomadfamily #hikesnearstlouis #farmingtonmo #stegenevievemo #hikemissouri #missourilife #mooutdoors #hikemo #hikingwithkids #kidstoparks #1000hoursoutside #waterfall #familyhike #familytravel #familytravelblog #havekidswillhike #midwestliving #midwest.
🌉 𝗘𝗮𝗱𝘀 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗴𝗲 🌉
⠀
The need for a bridge to cross the Mississippi River at St. Louis was a major roadblock to westward expansion in the 1800s. Many professionals said a bridge that size to carry the railroad could not be built. It would take James Buchanan Eads, a self taught engineer to do the job.
⠀
Eads had gained fame after building several iron-clad boats for the government in record time. However, he had never before built a bridge! He was set on using steel alloy for the bridge, which was a new material at the time. Critics scoffed and said his design would never work. Eads responded by asking, "𝘔𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘸𝘦 𝘢𝘥𝘮𝘪𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵, 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘢 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘥𝘰𝘯𝘦, 𝘪𝘵 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘦?"
⠀
The bridge opened with much fanfare on July 4, 1874. To prove that the first ever steel bridge was sound, an elephant was walked across the bridge first. It was thought at the time that elephants would not cross a bridge that was unsafe. 🐘
⠀
Today the bridge carries vehicular traffic on the upper deck and light-rail trains on the lower deck. The pedestrian walkway on the upper deck provides a great view of the Arch. Named a National Historic Landmark, the bridge continues to stand elegant and strong almost 147 years later. As an engineer myself, I always admire the view of this beautiful structure. 
⠀
__________________________________
 #missouri #eadsbridge #bridge #bridgesofinstagram #visitmo #missourilife #explorestlouis #stl #downtownstl #midwestliving #midwestlivingmag #midwestmoment  #midwestnomadfamily #stlmag #stlouis #mississippiriver #onlyinmissouri #familytravelblog
𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘧𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯... ⠀ I' 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘧𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯...
⠀
I'm not a fan of most winter outdoor activities. I don't really like piling on layers to throw snowballs, build a snowman, or take a ride on a sled. ⛄I will do all of those things only because my kids enjoy it.
⠀
The thing I do absolutely love in snowy conditions is to go a hike. The quiet stillness of freshly fallen snow is purely magical. ❄️
⠀
While we had no snow at our house, I saw that further south in Missouri had a few inches overnight. So we had everything packed and out the door before 6 a.m. to catch it before it melted. The views of the forest and canyons blanketed in white were well worth the cold and early morning wakeup. ❄️(More info on the hike coming soon!)
⠀
How about you? Do you have a favorite outdoor activity in winter? Or do you prefer to stay cozy inside?
________________________________
 #stlouishiking #stlmag #missourioutdoors #hikesnearstlouis #hikingstlouis #missourihiking #missourilife #ruralmissouri #farmingtonmo #hickorycanyons  #southernmissouri #semo #visitmo #missouri #explorestlouis #winterhike #midwestliving #midwestlivingmag #midwesthiking #hikemidwest #midwestmoment #winterhiking #familyhike #midwestnomadfamily  #1000hoursoutside #kidstoparks #hikingwithkids #familytravelblog
💠𝑭𝒓𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝑭𝒍𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒔💠
⠀
💠Have you ever heard of frost flowers? Not really flowers at all, these unique creations are actually delicate ribbons of ice crystals. This unique phenomenon occurs on the lower stems of a few specific plants.
⠀
💠Frost flowers can typically be found in late fall and early winter after the first few hard freezes while the ground is still warm. When the plants stems are ruptured by freezing temperatures, the root system is still sending up plant sap from the warmer ground. The sap pushes out through the broken stem and freezes on contact with the cold air. As more sap moves out, it pushes the ice crystals into ornate ribbons.
⠀
💠You really have to be at the right place at the right time to see them.  They last a short time as the sun can melt them quickly. The up and down temps this year mean frost flowers have been popping up with more frequency.
⠀
💠A few places around St. Louis where frost flowers may be found include Babler, Castlewood, St. Francois, Robertsville, Hawn, Washington, and Meramec State Parks. Many other wooded areas can be good spots to hunt. The flowers shown here were found at Rockwoods Reservation just yesterday. 
⠀
________________________________
#frostflowers #rockwoodsreservation #stlouishiking #stl #stlouis #stlmag #missourioutdoors #mostateparks #missouristateparks  #hikesnearstlouis #hikingstlouis #missourihiking #missourilife #explorestlouis #winterhike #midwestliving #midwestlivingmag #midwesthiking #hikemidwest #midwestmoment #winterhiking #familyhike #midwestnomadfamily  #1000hoursoutside #kidstoparks #hikingwithkid #familytravelblog
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  • Hikes,  Hiking,  Kids,  National Parks,  Trips,  Uncategorized,  Utah

    Our Favorite Family Hikes in Arches National Park

    January 26, 2020 /

    Since we have been to Arches National Park three times now (2010, 2012, and 2019) I figured it would be great to condense all that info in to one post on our top picks of places to hike as a family. Since it is impossible to do everything, I’ve also tried to help you select a trail by adding my own personal rating from 1-5 for how easy the trail is (1 being super easy,…

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  • Hikes,  Hiking,  Kids,  National Parks,  Off Road Trips,  Trips,  Utah

    COLORADO AND UTAH TRIP 2019 – DAY 10

    January 14, 2020 /

    Day 10 started with a dramatic sunrise view and ended with enjoying our last Utah sunset of the trip. We began our day by leaving the hotel well before sunrise to head out to Dead Horse State Park for some sunrise photos. Dead Horse is well known as a great place to go for sunrise. The sun gradually rises to fill the canyon with golden red light. The wife grabbed some great photos while I…

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  • Hikes,  Hiking,  Kids,  National Parks,  Off Road Trips,  Trips,  Utah

    COLORADO AND UTAH TRIP 2019 – DAY 9

    December 31, 2019 /

    We were excited to start day 9 by showing the kids some areas we had visited before as well as exploring some new discoveries. After grabbing a quick hotel breakfast, we headed back out to Arches National Park to see some sights before the rest of the tourists showed up. The biggest tip I can give for visiting Arches or any National Park is to go early. Drag yourself out of bed at sunrise or…

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  • Colorado,  Hikes,  Hiking,  Kids,  National Parks,  Off Road Trips,  Trips,  Utah

    COLORADO AND UTAH TRIP 2019 – DAY 8

    December 12, 2019 /

    We started out this trip with one last awesome breakfast at the Avon Cafe before bidding a tearful goodbye to my folks as this was the point where we parted ways for awhile. The kids were not happy about this separation from their beloved Nana and Papa. But we made it up to them by telling them that we were headed to a giant sandbox. That “sandbox” being the great state of Utah.

    Read More
  • Colorado,  National Parks,  Off Road Trips,  Trips,  Utah

    Colorado and Utah 2012 in a 2 Door XJ – Thursday

    April 7, 2016 /

    373 more miles on the XJ today as we made our way back to Colorful Colorado:

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123

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Welcome! We are a family that believes you don't have to travel far and wide to find an adventure. Our family loves to share all the interesting hikes and sites we discover around the St. Louis area and beyond. We encourage everyone to just get out there and make memories as the best adventure can be the one you find today!

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midwestnomadfamily

❄️Snowy weather means having the trails and wa ❄️Snowy weather means having the trails and waterfalls all to yourself. 

____________________________________
#visitmo #moconservationareas #moconservation #missourilife #puremissouri #hikemissouri #hikeit #snowhike #missourioutdoors #midwestmoment #midwestlivingmag @visitmo @moconservation #waterfall #missouriwaterfall #midwesthiking #hikemidwest #midwestnomadfamily
🤸‍♀️𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗲 🤸‍♀️𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝗠𝘂𝘀𝗲𝘂𝗺 🤸‍♂️
📍St. Charles, Missouri
⠀
🏠If you are looking for a fun place for indoor play, check out Play Street Museum in St. Charles. The museum features a town square of multiple child sized buildings and all the accessories for hours of pretend play. From fighting a pretend fire to rescuing animals or making ice cream, the creativity here is endless. My daughter actually cried when it was time to leave as she loved it so much!
⠀
🏠The museum also features multiple interactive activities such as puzzles, building blocks, and sensory play. An art and craft center is available for little artists.
⠀
❓𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄:
• The museum is open Tues-Sun 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Admission is $11.50 for kids and $5 for adults. Children under 1 are free with paid sibling.
• A play pack of 5 admissions for $50 can be purchased
• Weekdays are open play, no reservations required. Reservations are required for weekends
• Temperature checks are required for anyone entering. Capacity is limited.
• Private playdate may also be booked for up to 10 people for a 90 minute slot.
• No food allowed but drinks are ok.
________________________________
#playstreetmuseum #stcharlesmo #pkaystreetstcharles #stl #stlouiskids #stlkids #explorestlouis #visitmo #midwestmoment #midwestnomadfamily #familytravel #familytravelblog #stlouisforkids #stcharlescounty #missouri
@playstreetmuseum
⠀
⠀
🌿𝗧𝗿𝗶-𝗧𝗼𝘄𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 🌿𝗧𝗿𝗶-𝗧𝗼𝘄𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗸🌿
📍Troy, Illinois
⠀
🌿𝗔𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀: Playgrounds, sports fields, RC crawler course, small zoo, skate park, pavillions, Veteran's Memorial
🥾𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗹: ❷+ miles of easy walking trails with a mix of paved and unpaved path
🚻𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗺𝘀: The restrooms near the zoo and in the pavilion by the purple Playground/skate park remain open.
⠀
A popular family spot in the Metro-East, Troy's Tri-Township Park features not one but four different playgrounds. Younger kids will enjoy the toddler sized playgroud on the south side of the lake while older kids may prefer the climbing features of the playground north of the lake or next to the skate park.
⠀
A small petting zoo near the playground and lake features a cute assortment of farm animals to view. Swans and ducks also make their own home on the Park's pretty lake.
⠀
Various events and activities make this park a wonderful community spot.⠀
___________________________________
#troyil #troyillinois #illinoisouth #southernillinois #tritownshippark #troyilparks #stlouisparks #illinoisparks #kidstoparks #metroeast #enjoyillinois #madisoncountyil #1000hoursoutside #midwestnomadfamily #playgrounds
It was 17 degrees when we headed out hiking this m It was 17 degrees when we headed out hiking this morning. ❄️The frigid weather made it a little rough at first but the beautiful views and endless frost flowers made it all worth it. 

What are your best tips for staying warm outdoors? Do you have a cut off temperature for outdoor activities? 🥶
____________________________________
#mostateparks #donrobinson #donrobinsonstatepark #missouri #visitmo #midwestmoment #winterhiking #midwestnomadfamily #midwesthiking #stlouishiking #hikesnearstlouis #hikemissouri #missourioutdoors #missourilife #familyhike
🌿𝗝𝘂𝗹𝗶𝘂𝘀 𝗝 𝗞𝗻𝗼𝗯 🌿𝗝𝘂𝗹𝗶𝘂𝘀 𝗝 𝗞𝗻𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗵 𝗪𝗼𝗼𝗱𝘀 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲🌿
📍 Belleville, Illinois
⠀
𝗗𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲: 0.75 loop
𝗗𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘆: ❷/❺ Minor hills, small creek crossing, can be muddy
𝗦𝗰𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗰 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲: ❸/❺ Nothing outstanding but a pleasant walk in the woods. Can sometimes see houses through trees.
𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗺𝘀: None 🚻
⠀
🌿Knobeloch Woods is a small spot of nature located between Belleville and Mascoutah. If you aren't looking close you may miss it, as the only parking is a small pull off on the side of the road. A sign marks the trail entrance.
⠀
🌿The trail makes a short loop up and down small hills and a across a pretty log bridge. A gentle creek passes through the area. Kids will have fun hopping along the tree stump stepping blocks to cross the water. This is a great family hike or for anyone looking for a trail that's short and sweet. 
⠀
🌿Spring and summer bring wildflowers but also poison ivy so hike with caution. Obey private property signs and make sure not to block any mailboxes when parking.

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#knobelochwoodsnaturalarea #illinoisouth #heartlandsconservancy
#hikeillinois #illinois #enjoyillinois #illinoisoutdoors #southernillinois #midwestmoment #midwestliving #midwestnomadfamily #familyhike #hikingwithkids #hikesnearstlouis #stlhiking #hikestlouis #illinoishikes #familytravel #familytravelblog #bellevilleil #bellevilleillinois #nature #indr #ilnaturalarea #ilconservation
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🌿𝗛𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝘆𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗿𝗲𝗮🌿
📍Ste. Genevieve, MO
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🌿𝗗𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲: 0.25 mile out and back on east side. ❶ mile loop on west side.
🥾𝗗𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘆: ❸/❺ Moderate hills, rocky path in some areas, creek crossings
🌿𝗦𝗰𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗰 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲: ❹/❺ Great year round
🚻𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗺𝘀: None 
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Hickory Canyons is a hidden gem near the more popular hiking at Pickle Springs and Hawn State Park.
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Two trails are located on each side of the road. The shorter path leads to a box canyon and a tall seasonal waterfall. The longer loop drops in and out of a canyon and along a scenic creek.
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Kids will enjoy the shallow creeks for splashing while adults admire the rugged beauty along the trail. Winter can bring dramatic ice formations when the temperature drops.
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𝘍𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘶𝘭𝘭 𝘥𝘦𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘭𝘴 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘩𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘣𝘭𝘰𝘨 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘵. ↖️𝙇𝙞𝙣𝙠 𝙞𝙣 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙛𝙞𝙡𝙚 𝙤𝙧 𝙜𝙤 𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙞𝙙𝙬𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙣𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙙𝙨.𝙘𝙤𝙢.⠀
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🌉 𝗘𝗮𝗱𝘀 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗴𝗲 🌉
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The need for a bridge to cross the Mississippi River at St. Louis was a major roadblock to westward expansion in the 1800s. Many professionals said a bridge that size to carry the railroad could not be built. It would take James Buchanan Eads, a self taught engineer to do the job.
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Eads had gained fame after building several iron-clad boats for the government in record time. However, he had never before built a bridge! He was set on using steel alloy for the bridge, which was a new material at the time. Critics scoffed and said his design would never work. Eads responded by asking, "𝘔𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘸𝘦 𝘢𝘥𝘮𝘪𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵, 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘢 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘥𝘰𝘯𝘦, 𝘪𝘵 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘦?"
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The bridge opened with much fanfare on July 4, 1874. To prove that the first ever steel bridge was sound, an elephant was walked across the bridge first. It was thought at the time that elephants would not cross a bridge that was unsafe. 🐘
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Today the bridge carries vehicular traffic on the upper deck and light-rail trains on the lower deck. The pedestrian walkway on the upper deck provides a great view of the Arch. Named a National Historic Landmark, the bridge continues to stand elegant and strong almost 147 years later. As an engineer myself, I always admire the view of this beautiful structure. 
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 #missouri #eadsbridge #bridge #bridgesofinstagram #visitmo #missourilife #explorestlouis #stl #downtownstl #midwestliving #midwestlivingmag #midwestmoment  #midwestnomadfamily #stlmag #stlouis #mississippiriver #onlyinmissouri #familytravelblog
𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘧𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯... ⠀ I' 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘧𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯...
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I'm not a fan of most winter outdoor activities. I don't really like piling on layers to throw snowballs, build a snowman, or take a ride on a sled. ⛄I will do all of those things only because my kids enjoy it.
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The thing I do absolutely love in snowy conditions is to go a hike. The quiet stillness of freshly fallen snow is purely magical. ❄️
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While we had no snow at our house, I saw that further south in Missouri had a few inches overnight. So we had everything packed and out the door before 6 a.m. to catch it before it melted. The views of the forest and canyons blanketed in white were well worth the cold and early morning wakeup. ❄️(More info on the hike coming soon!)
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How about you? Do you have a favorite outdoor activity in winter? Or do you prefer to stay cozy inside?
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💠𝑭𝒓𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝑭𝒍𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒔💠
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💠Have you ever heard of frost flowers? Not really flowers at all, these unique creations are actually delicate ribbons of ice crystals. This unique phenomenon occurs on the lower stems of a few specific plants.
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💠Frost flowers can typically be found in late fall and early winter after the first few hard freezes while the ground is still warm. When the plants stems are ruptured by freezing temperatures, the root system is still sending up plant sap from the warmer ground. The sap pushes out through the broken stem and freezes on contact with the cold air. As more sap moves out, it pushes the ice crystals into ornate ribbons.
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💠You really have to be at the right place at the right time to see them.  They last a short time as the sun can melt them quickly. The up and down temps this year mean frost flowers have been popping up with more frequency.
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💠A few places around St. Louis where frost flowers may be found include Babler, Castlewood, St. Francois, Robertsville, Hawn, Washington, and Meramec State Parks. Many other wooded areas can be good spots to hunt. The flowers shown here were found at Rockwoods Reservation just yesterday. 
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#frostflowers #rockwoodsreservation #stlouishiking #stl #stlouis #stlmag #missourioutdoors #mostateparks #missouristateparks  #hikesnearstlouis #hikingstlouis #missourihiking #missourilife #explorestlouis #winterhike #midwestliving #midwestlivingmag #midwesthiking #hikemidwest #midwestmoment #winterhiking #familyhike #midwestnomadfamily  #1000hoursoutside #kidstoparks #hikingwithkid #familytravelblog
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