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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…
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Hiking Victoria Glades Conservation Area
Victoria Glades Conservation Area is one hike we kept meaning to check out for several years, but often passed by in favor of more rugged trails. I’m so glad we finally took the time to hike this lightly traveled path. Victoria Glades is located near one of our favorite area hikes, Valley View Glades. Similar to Valley View, Victoria Glades Conservation Area contains open glade vistas, a scenic forest, and wet weather streams. The view is especially dramatic at sunrise…
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Best Tips for Visiting Wonders of Wildlife Museum and Aquarium
We recently visited the highly rated Wonders of Wildlife Museum and Aquarium in Springfield, Missouri and it lives up to its acclaim. This 350,000 square foot attraction features over 1.5 miles of exhibits. Pack your walking shoes and get ready for a wildlife adventure to remember! The Wonders of Wildlife Museum and Aquarium first opened in 2001 as a much smaller attraction. It closed for extensive renovations before reopening in 2017. Johnny Morris, the owner and CEO of Bass Pro…
