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Best Tips for Family Fun at the Mall of America
Our clan tends to gravitate towards outdoor adventures with less people and natural attractions. Our usual choice is National Parks over theme parks. However, when the mighty Mall of America in Minnesota offered to host our family for a weekend stay, we loaded up and headed north. Our whole family is so glad we chose this adventure as the Mall of America blew us away with the huge amount of family attractions, shops, and food choices. Mall of America Overview…
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Take a Paved Path Through Nature at Meramec Conservation Area
Paved trail options at state parks and conservation areas can be limited. If you need an accessible trail, stroller friendly path, or just an easy walk, there aren’t a ton of options. However, Missouri’s Meramec Conservation Area offers just such a trail. A hidden gem near Meramec State Park, this is a fun paved nature trail to visit. Meramec Conservation Area Overview Meramec Conservation Area covers over 3,800 acres. It offers a variety of recreation including fishing, hiking, hunting, biking,…
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Find a Unique Waterfall at LaBarque Creek Conservation Area
The rugged canyons and clear creeks of Missouri’s LaBarque Creek Watershed offer many options for recreation. Don Robinson State Park is perhaps the most popular place for hiking in this area. However, if you want to escape the state park crowds and explore unique features, check out the LaBarque Creek Conservation Area. This LaBarque Creek Conservation Area consists of one hiking trail. The path has a small out-and-back portion followed by a loop. LaBarque Creek Trail Distance: 3 miles round…
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Cedar Falls and Phantom Canyon Trails at Camp Ondessonk
One of my adventure bucket list items had been to visit the tallest free-flowing waterfall in the state of Illinois. We managed to check off that item in 2022 by hiking to Cedar Falls and Phantom Canyon, both located on the Camp Ondessonk property. Camp Ondessonk is the site of a Catholic summer camp in far southern Illinois. When summer camp is not in session, this private property is open to the public for hiking with permission. There are 25…
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The Best Free Things to do in St. Louis
St. Louis is a great place to live or travel on a budget. Second only to Washington D.C., St. Louis has the most free attractions of any other large city. Many people are blown away that so many of the top attractions around town don’t charge a penny of admission. While some places do have a charge for parking or extra activities, general admission to all of these attractions is completely free. Gateway Arch National Park The Gateway Arch is…
