• Day Trip,  Hiking,  Illinois,  Kids,  Waterfall

    Hiking The Nature Institute’s Olin Preserve

    Based in Godfrey Illinois, the Nature Institute is non-profit land conservation and environmental education organization that aims to foster an appreciation of the natural world. The Institute owns and manages 450 acres of natural areas to provide the public a place to experience the diversity of the Riverbend area. The Olin Nature Preserve is one of these managed areas that provides a wonderful place for all ages to explore and enjoy nature. About Olin Nature Preserve The 294 acres of the Olin…

  • Hiking,  Kids,  Waterfall

    Best Family Hikes in Ohio’s Hocking Hills

    Ohio’s Hocking Hills is a scenic gem in the southeastern part of the state. Located just an hour from Columbus, this region encompasses Hocking Hills State Park, a state forest, and several nature preserves. We were blown away by the rugged beauty of this region when we visited. The Hocking Hills includes miles of stunning hiking trails and park admission is free! These trails pass by waterfalls, caves, and rugged rocks. Many of the trails are short and kid-friendly with…

  • Hiking,  History,  Kids,  Missouri,  St. Louis

    Explore the Times Beach Ghost Town at Route 66 State Park

    Missouri’s Route 66 State Park has a complicated and unique history. The area that is now a state park was once the home of the community of Times Beach. In the early 1980s it was discovered that the oil used to control the dusty streets of the town was contaminated with the toxic chemical dioxin. The entire town was condemmed and the residents forced to evacuate. After an extensive environmental cleanup, the area opened as a state park to celebrate…

  • Hiking,  Illinois,  Kids

    Illinois’s Stoneface Hike Really Rocks

    Tucked in far southern Illinois, Shawnee National Forest is full of amazing rock formations and scenic views. One of the more unique and lesser known features is Stoneface, or Old Stoneface as locals call it. This rock formation very closely resembles the shape of a face. Read on to learn how to find and hike the Stoneface trail. Illinois Stoneface Hike Reaching the Stoneface Trailhead The trailhead is not well marked. You can find the road to the trailhead off…

  • Hiking,  Kids,  Missouri,  St. Louis

    Plan a Nature Escape to Missouri’s Babler State Park

    Dr. Edmund Babler State Park, or just Babler as it’s known locally, is a wonderful oasis in a the busy St. Louis suburbs. Over 2,400 acres offer hikes, scenic drives, bike trails, camping, and more. Babler State Park History In 1934, Jacob and Henry Babler presented the state with 88 acres in memory of their brother, Edmund Babler, a prominent St. Louis surgeon who was dedicated to helping the less fortunate. An additional 800 acres of land was quickly added…