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Walk Route 66 Over the Mississippi on the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge
One of the most unique and longest pedestrian bridges in the world can be found just north of downtown St. Louis. This bridge allows you to get your kicks on Route 66 in two different states. The old Chain of Rocks Bridge was completed in 1929 and spans the Mississippi River between Missouri and Illinois. The main feature that sets this bridge apart is that there is 22-degree bend midway across the mile long span. When construction began on the…
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Follow the Tracks at Al Foster Memorial Trail
One of the more scenic and easily accessible trails of the Meramec River Valley can be found by following the Al Foster Trail in Wildwood, Missouri. The trail was developed through a partnership between the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, St. Louis County Department of Parks and Recreation, Great Rivers Greenway and the City of Wildwood. Named in honor of Al Foster, a 20th-century journalist and nature photographer, the 8′ wide crushed stone is very popular with both walkers and…
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Pere Marquette -Illinois’s Largest State Park
Pere Marquette is one of the very best parks in the state of Illinois. Over 8,000 acres of lush forests and rugged hills are waiting to be explored just an hour north of St. Louis along the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway. Fall brings a spectacular display of colorful foliage while winter is prime time for eagle watching. The expansive views and overlooks of the Illinois River and its backwaters can be viewed any time of year.…
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Explore Pink Rocks and Waterfalls at Castor River Shut-Ins
Stunning pink granite boulders and rushing clear cascades create one of the most beautiful views in all of Missouri. The Castor River Shut-Ins area is part of the Amidon Memorial Conservation Area near Fredericktown, Missouri. This spot is one of our absolute favorite places in Missouri and well worth the almost two hour drive. Water from the Castor River rushes over and through Missouri’s only pink granite shut-ins. The massive stones and gushing waterfalls present a scene of dramatic beauty…
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Exploring Caverns and Rock Art at Piney Creek Ravine in Illinois
Piney Creek Ravine Nature Preserve is a bit of a secret hike. Visit this spot even on a summer weekend and you may still have the whole trail to yourself. So many don’t realize this dramatic and historic spot exists tucked deep in the farm fields of southern Illinois. Not only does the preserve feature dramatic canyons and trickling creeks, but the main claim to fame here is the biggest display of prehistoric petroglyphs and pictographs in Illinois. You can…
