• Day Trip,  Hiking,  Illinois,  Kids

    Cedar Falls and Phantom Canyon Trails at Camp Ondessonk

    One of my adventure bucket list items had been to visit the tallest free-flowing waterfall in the state of Illinois. We managed to check off that item recently by hiking to Cedar Falls and Phantom Canyon, both located on the Camp Ondessonk property. Camp Ondessonk is the site of a Catholic summer camp in far southern Illinois. When summer camp is not in session, this private property is open to the public for hiking with permission. There are 25 miles…

  • Hiking,  Illinois,  Missouri,  Waterfall

    The Best Waterfall Hikes Near St. Louis

    While rainy days may keep most people away from the trails, wet weather is the best time for waterfall hunting. The St. Louis area may not have the continuously flowing waterfalls of other states, but heavy spring rains transform ordinary trickles into rushing cascades. Try to time your visit to these places after a good downpour. Bring those boots, brave the muddy trails, and ready your camera for an adventure. Here are 25 of the best waterfalls to explore around…

  • Hiking,  Kids,  Missouri

    Hiking Victoria Glades Conservation Area

    Victoria Glades Conservation Area is one hike we kept meaning to check out for several years, but often passed by in favor of more rugged trails. I’m so glad we finally took the time to hike this lightly traveled path. Victoria Glades is located near one of our favorite area hikes, Valley View Glades. Similar to Valley View, Victoria Glades Conservation Area contains open glade vistas, a scenic forest, and wet weather streams. The view is especially dramatic at sunrise…

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

    Find a Unique White Sand Beach at Missouri’s Klondike Park

    Klondike Park is one of the St. Louis area’s most unusual recreation sites. You may feel like you have traveled to an exotic location when you first glimpse the park’s out of place white sand beach. This St. Charles County gem features beautiful lakes, miles of trails, extensive amenities, and that unique white sand shoreline. With trail connections to the popular Katy Trail plus Missouri River Valley views, Klondike Park is a must see destination. Klondike Park History In the…

  • 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…