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Best Family Hikes in Ohio’s Hocking Hills
Ohio’s Hocking Hills is a scenic gem in the southeastern part of the state. Located just an hour from Columbus, this region encompasses Hocking Hills State Park, a state forest, and several nature preserves. We were blown away by the rugged beauty of this region when we visited. The Hocking Hills includes miles of stunning hiking trails and park admission is free! These trails pass by waterfalls, caves, and rugged rocks. Many of the trails are short and kid-friendly with…
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Exploring George Washington Carver National Monument
Tucked away in the farm fields of southwest Missouri is the nation’s first National Monument dedicated to an African American. This national park site preserves the birthplace and childhood home of George Washington Carver. Best known for his work with peanut crops, George was an avid inventor, teacher, scientist, and artist. The site features a wonderful museum, Visitor Center, and an interpretive nature trail. History of George Washington Carver George Washington Carver was born into slavery to a woman named…
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Discover Lakes, Trails, and Bunkers at Busch Memorial Conservation Area
August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area in St. Charles County, Missouri has an interesting past. Tucked among the dozens of lakes and miles of hiking trails at can be found concrete bunkers once used to store TNT. What once was used as a munitions plant to support World War II, is now a great place for recreation. August A. Busch Conservation Area History The Conservation Area land was used by the Department of Army as a TNT munitions plant to…
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Explore the Times Beach Ghost Town at Route 66 State Park
Missouri’s Route 66 State Park has a complicated and unique history. The area that is now a state park was once the home of the community of Times Beach. In the early 1980s it was discovered that the oil used to control the dusty streets of the town was contaminated with the toxic chemical dioxin. The entire town was condemmed and the residents forced to evacuate. After an extensive environmental cleanup, the area opened as a state park to celebrate…
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Illinois’s Stoneface Hike Really Rocks
Tucked in far southern Illinois, Shawnee National Forest is full of amazing rock formations and scenic views. One of the more unique and lesser known features is Stoneface, or Old Stoneface as locals call it. This rock formation very closely resembles the shape of a face. Read on to learn how to find and hike the Stoneface trail. Illinois Stoneface Hike Reaching the Stoneface Trailhead The trailhead is not well marked. You can find the road to the trailhead off…
