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Take a Cave Adventure at Meramec State Park
An easy hour drive down I-44 from St. Louis lies Meramec State Park. This lovely Missouri State Park is located along the scenic Meramec River. The park’s claim to fame is that it is the location of over 40 known caves, more than any other park in the state. Our family has enjoyed visiting over the years to hike Meramec State Park’s kid-friendly trails full of interesting natural features. Below is a round up of our favorite trails to explore…
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Hiking Illinois’s White Rock Nature Preserve
If you are looking for an Illinois hike big on views and low on crowds, check out White Rock Nature Preserve. Located near the more popular Salt Lick Point Reserve, White Rock is less well known and offers a quieter experience. The trails at White Rock also stay further back from steep bluff edges for those with young children or a fear of heights. History of White Rock Preserve During the Great Depression, miners cut and hauled limestone from the…
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6 Must See Spots in Missouri’s Ozark Scenic Riverways
Deep in southern Missouri, visitors can drive winding backroads to discover stunningly beautiful natural landscapes. The spring-fed and free-flowing Current and Jack’s Fork Rivers flow through this region and are protected as part of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. This national park unit is less well known than some of the big name parks out west, but it still visited by over 1.2 million people annually. While paddling on the river is the most popular activity in this region, there…
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Adventure Underground at Meramec Caverns
If you have driven around Missouri much at all, you have certainly seen the billboards and painted barns advertising Meramec Caverns. This attraction is a mix of natural wonder and road trip kitsch. As the cave is a constant 58 degrees year round, it also provides a perfect place to take a tour on a steamy summer day. Located about an hour west of St. Louis, the cave and other on site attractions make a great road trip destination. History…
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Discover Shut-ins and History at Lon Sanders Canyon Conservation Area
Lon Sanders Canyon is a scenic and short hike located off the beaten path near Piedmont, Missouri. If you are looking for a quiet place to explore or a shallow place for kids to splash, the area contains rocky shut-ins along McKenzie Creek. Despite its rugged beauty, this place is relatively unknown compared to more popular parks such as Johnson’s Shut-Ins. History The canyon holds some interesting history. It is rumored that the Jesse James gang hid out in this…
