• 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…

  • Day Trip,  Illinois,  Missouri,  St. Louis

    7 Great St. Louis Fall Color Drives

    October is a beautiful month for a road trip from St. Louis. The leaves typically peak from mid through late October in the areas outside of the city. If you are looking to get out of town and do some leaf peeping, here are 7 great St. Louis fall color drives. 1. Great River Road This epic scenic drive is amazing no matter the season, but the road really puts on a show in fall. Start the drive with a…

  • Hikes,  Illinois,  Kids,  St. Louis

    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…

  • Day Trip,  History,  Illinois,  Kids

    Family Fun in Springfield, Illinois

    If you’re looking for a great destination that offers a blend of history, outdoor adventure, and family-friendly fun, plan a trip to Springfield, Illinois. Known as the home of Abraham Lincoln, this charming city is packed with activities for all ages. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through some of the top activities and attractions that make Springfield a perfect getaway for families seeking memorable Midwest experiences. Even better, many of the things to see and do are inexpensive…