• Hikes,  Hiking,  Illinois,  Kids,  St. Louis

    Fults Hill Prairie Preserve – Steep Hiking with Panoramic Views

    Bluff Road in southwestern Illinois is one of the most scenic drives in the area. Rugged bluffs rise high above the road on one side with farmland stretching toward the Mississippi River on the other. If you have ever wondered what the view is like from atop those rocky bluffs, check out the Fults Hill Prairie Nature Preserve. Located off Bluff Road near the tiny town of Fults, the hiking trail at this preserve will get your heart pumping. The…

  • Gear,  Hiking,  Kids,  Shop

    Great Gifts for Outdoor Adventure Families

    Finding the perfect gift can be an annual struggle, especially as many families try to focus on experiences over things. Here is a round up of both fun and functional gifts sure to please any adventure orientated family member. As a bonus, many of the items come from small shops running some great holiday sales and deals. *This post contains affiliate links. Read our full disclaimer policy here. Apparel Gifts Given the choice between the beach or the mountains, I’ll…

  • Kids,  Missouri,  St. Louis

    Missouri Botanical Gardens Garden Glow Event

    The Missouri Botanical Gardens in St. Louis is a beautiful place to visit year-round. During the holiday season, the grounds are transformed into a winder wonderland filled with over a million lights on display. The pathway runs approximately one-mile long and starts at the Visitor’s Center. The display varies slightly each year with some crowd favorites such as the lighted tunnel remaining each year and some new features added. The pathway includes several firepits and concession stands along the way…

  • Illinois,  Kids,  Missouri,  St. Louis

    The Best Christmas Lights around St. Louis

    One our family’s favorite holiday traditions is to drive around and look at the colorful light displays. Some of these trips are through elaborate set ups in various parks with millions of lights. Other displays are put up by festive homeowners who go all out to celebrate the season. No matter which side of the river you are on, here is a list of some great spots to check out this year. *List has been updated with new events and…

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

    View Historic Ruins at Fort Belle Fontaine Park

    Fort Belle Fontaine is a St. Louis County Park steeped in history. This site was established in 1805 as the United State’s first military installation west of the Mississippi River. The fort took its name from a nearby spring named “Belle Fontaine” which means “beautiful fountain” in French. Lewis and Clark camped near this site at the start of their famous expedition and also stayed at the newly established fort and trading post on their return in 1806. The fort served…