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Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center
Back in Civil War times, the area near Powder Valley was full of caves. Federal forces stockpiled gunpowder in these caves to blow up bridges if the Confederate army attempted to invade St. Louis by way of the Meramec River. Now interstate 270 covers where the caves were and peaceful Powder Valley Conservation Area is full of nature instead of gunpowder. Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center covers 112 acres of oak hickory forest tucked away near the hustle of the…
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Take a Paved Nature Walk on the Rock Hollow Trail
If you are looking for an easier walk or a good non-muddy trail after a rain, check out the Rock Hollow Trail in Wildwood, Missouri. Part of the St. Louis area Great Rivers Greenway Trail network, this path is great for walking or biking. During the spring, the trail is one of the area’s hotspots for viewing bluebell flowers. Rock Hollow Trail Distance: 2.3 mile each way, out and back Difficulty: 2/5. Wide and paved, but has a hill heading…
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Exploring Missouri’s Roaring River State Park
While Roaring River State Park may be most well known as a great place for fishing, we discovered that it contains many opportunities for recreation for all. This rugged park in southwestern Missouri is home to one of the deepest explored natural springs in the entire United States. In 2021, divers explored the the spring to a depth of 472 feet with no end in sight. This depth of 472′ became the record for the deepest explored spring in the…
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The City Museum in St. Louis: A Unique Playground for All Ages
The City Museum is one of those places you have to see in person to believe. Not your typical museum in any way, the City Museum is more like a giant jungle gym full of slides, tunnels, caves, and secret tunnels. Where else can you climb inside a giant whale, shimmy up a tunnel to an airplane, or ride down a 10 story slide? In addition, there are the more typical museum exhibits of unique and quirky collections. *This post…
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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:…
