• 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…

  • 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…

  • Hikes,  Illinois,  Kids

    Beaver Dam State Park

    Beaver Dam is a small state park in west-central Illinois. Located in a more rural area, this state park is less well known but worth exploring. Situated in an oak/hickory woodland, Beaver Dam State Park offers a variety of recreational opportunities including fishing, picnicking, hiking, and both tent and trailer camping. The park did offer a restaurant and small watercraft rentals, but the concessions have been closed for 2024. Best Time to Visit Beaver Dam offers a nice retreat no…