• 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

    5 Great St. Louis Fall Color Drives

    Fall has been off to a slow start in the St. Louis area this year. However, the cooler temperatures are finally starting to arrive and trigger the changing of the leaves. If you are planning to load up the car and head out leaf peeping, here are 5 St. Louis fall color drives for the ultimate scenic road trip. 1. Great River Road This epic scenic drive is amazing no matter the season, but the road really puts on 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

    We were recently in Springfield, Illinois for another event and managed to squeeze in some sightseeing as well. This state capital is full of history and attractions. Even better, many of the things to see and do are free! The biggest draw here is the huge collection of buildings and museums related to Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln made his home in Springfield for 17 years before becoming president of the United States in 1861. The downtown area is full of various…

  • Day Trip,  Hikes,  Illinois

    Visit Illinois’s First State Park at Fort Massac

    Fort Massac State Park is located in far southern Illinois along the Ohio River. Located in the town of Metropolis, this park is a must see. The history and views of this park make it a great road trip stop if driving on I-24. History The French first erected a fort here in 1757 which was then surrendered to the British. George Rogers Clark, the older brother of William Clark, led a group of men who captured the fort in…