• Hiking,  Kids,  National Parks,  South Dakota

    Family Guide to Wind Cave National Park

    We recently returned from an amazing 9 day trip across North and South Dakota. With so many wonderful parks and sights to explore, I was tempted to skip South Dakota’s Wind Cave National Park. While this park is less well known than other big name sites, I’m so glad we did make the time to include Wind Cave on our itinerary. The intricate cave formations, vast prairie terrain, and diverse wildlife are worth the trip. Here is the ultimate travel…

  • Day Trip,  Hikes,  Hiking,  History,  Kids,  Missouri

    Visit to the Charming River City of Cape Girardeau, Missouri

    Cape Girardeau is a thriving river community located near the bootheel of southeastern Missouri. Rich in history and culture, the town features an array of attractions for all ages. The city makes a great getaway from St. Louis as it is a an easy 2 hour drive down I-55. We recently spent a day exploring the area and left wanting extra time to see even more. Here are our recommendations on some of the best places for a great visit.…

  • Day Trip,  Hikes,  Illinois,  Kids,  Missouri,  St. Louis,  Trips

    7 Great Day Trips from St. Louis

    Spring break and summer vacation are right around the corner. If you are looking to stay closer to home this year, here is a roundup of several great destinations all less than two hours from St. Louis. Load up the kids, pack all the snacks, and head out to explore these great destinations. * Be sure to check the websites of attractions before visiting for up to date COVID restrictions or closures. Ste. Genevieve, Missouri Take a trip just one…

  • Day Trip,  Illinois,  Kids,  Popular,  Trips

    Visit to Casey, Illinois-The Little Town of Big Things

    At first glance the tiny town of Casey appears just like any other location in small town America. Like many small towns, this spot just off I-70 in eastern Illinois has seen a loss in population and manufacturing as people and jobs moved on to bigger cities. However, the town of Casey has reinvented itself in a big way. It all started when one of the residents decided to try and fight the decline by attracting more attention and business…

  • Hikes,  Kids,  Michigan,  Trips

    Family Fun in St. Joseph, Michigan – What to See, Do, and Eat with Kids

    One of the destinations I get asked about the most is our yearly trip to St. Joseph, Michigan. From St. Louis, it is less than a 5.5 hour drive to this amazing family friendly vacation spot. Since we are already up north in Chicago at least once a year to visit family, it is easy for us to tack on a couple more days for a mini beach getaway. St, Joseph features so many beautiful beaches, great food, and numerous…