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Explore Multiple Waterfalls at Burden Falls in Illinois
Burden Falls is a more off the beaten path waterfall to visit in the Shawnee National Forest. The rugged beauty of this spot in far southern Illinois is well worth the drive. Even better, you can see part of the waterfalls right from the parking lot. Burden Falls Trail Length: Upper Falls can be seen right from parking area. Lower falls require a one mile each way or you can make a loop by doing some sketchy rock scrambling. Difficulty:…
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7 Great Day Trips from St. Louis
Spring break and summer vacation are right around the corner. If you are looking to stay closer to home this year, here is a roundup of several great destinations all less than two hours from St. Louis. Load up the kids, pack all the snacks, and head out to explore these great destinations. * Be sure to check the websites of attractions before visiting for up to date COVID restrictions or closures. Ste. Genevieve, Missouri Take a trip just one…
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View Missouri’s Best Swimming Spot from the Johnson’s Shut-Ins Trail
The scenic and popular Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park is well known as a great spot to cool off on sticky summer day. This park in southeast Missouri features a section of dramatic rock gorges and chutes carved out by the Black River. Visitors climb over and along the rocks looking for the perfect natural water slides and swimming holes. While the day use area of the shut-ins can be bustling with summer swimmers, few people take the time to explore…
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Don Robinson State Park LaBarque Hills Trail
Don Robinson State Park has quickly become a popular hiking destination due to its proximity to St. Louis. While most people tend to explore the Sandstone Canyon Trail, the LaBarque Hills Trail is also worth a hike. While the LarBarque Hills Trail does not have the dramatic canyons and waterfalls on the Sandstone Trail, it has it’s own sense of beauty as the trail passes up and down hills and around a scenic creek. If you visit at the right…
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A Frozen Fairytale at Lake Geneva’s Ice Castles
A couple years ago I had seen amazing photos of the intricate ice castles created each winter at several locations throughout the country. This award winning attraction is built using hundreds of thousands of icicles grown and hand-placed by professional ice artists. The ice sculptures include tunnels , slides, and thousands of LED lights. I immediately added the experience to our adventure bucket list and this year we were able to finally attend. Despite the windchill falling below zero, we…
