• Day Trip,  Hikes,  Hiking,  Missouri,  St. Louis

    View a Rock Bridge at Missouri’s Clifty Creek Natural Area

    Clifty Creek Natural Area is combined with Clifty Creek Conservation Area to preserve 486 acres of woods, creeks, bluffs, and glades. Located about 2 hours from St. Louis in Dixon, Missouri, this spot of nature is worth the drive to view the 40′ long natural rock bridge. Clifty Creek Natural Area Trail Reaching the Trailhead The parking lot for the trail is located at 31825 Maries Rd 511, Dixon, MO 65459. The parking area is gravel and there are no…

  • Day Trip,  Hiking,  Illinois,  Kids,  Waterfall

    Hiking The Nature Institute’s Olin Preserve

    Based in Godfrey Illinois, the Nature Institute is non-profit land conservation and environmental education organization that aims to foster an appreciation of the natural world. The Institute owns and manages 450 acres of natural areas to provide the public a place to experience the diversity of the Riverbend area. The Olin Nature Preserve is one of these managed areas that provides a wonderful place for all ages to explore and enjoy nature. About Olin Nature Preserve The 294 acres of the Olin…

  • Day Trip,  Hiking,  Illinois

    Hiking Giant City State Park’s Trillium Trail

    Southern Illinois’s Giant City State Park is one of our top picks for kid-friendly hiking trails. Most of the hikes are short, not too steep, and avoid dangerous drop-offs. The trails keep kids interested with unique rock formations, shallow creeks, and small shelter caves. If you are up for a slightly more rugged trek, consider viewing the wildflowers and rugged bluffs by hiking Giant City State Park’s Trillium Trail. Giant City State Park Trillium Trail The Trillium Trail is located…

  • Day Trip,  Hiking,  Kids,  Missouri

    Walk the Streets of a Ghost Town at Old Greenville, Missouri

    When it comes to the idea of ghost towns, you probably think of rickety buildings standing in the mountains or deserts of locations far west. But you can find some interesting ghost towns in Missouri as well. You can view the streets, sidewalks, and foundations of a 200 year old town at Old Greenville Recreation Site in southeastern Missouri. History of Old Greenville Greenville was first settled back in 1818 and was established as the county seat of Wayne County.…

  • Day Trip,  Hiking,  Kids,  Missouri

    Exploring Sam A. Baker State Park

    Sam A. Baker is a gem of a state park in Missouri. This state park is one of the oldest in Missouri and offers a great mix of lodging, hiking, and water recreation. The Civilian Conservation Corps left its mark on the park in the 1930s and it is evident in the beautiful stone structures found throughout the park. Things to Do at Sam A. Baker State Park Visitor Center The Visitors Center is a great spot to start when…