• Day Trip,  Kids,  Missouri

    Adventure Underground at Meramec Caverns

    If you have driven around Missouri much at all, you have certainly seen the billboards and painted barns advertising Meramec Caverns. This attraction is a mix of natural wonder and road trip kitsch. As the cave is a constant 58 degrees year round, it also provides a perfect place to take a tour on a steamy summer day. Located about an hour west of St. Louis, the cave and other on site attractions make a great road trip destination. History…

  • Hikes,  History,  Kids,  Missouri

    Discover Shut-ins and History at Lon Sanders Canyon Conservation Area

    Lon Sanders Canyon is a scenic and short hike located off the beaten path near Piedmont, Missouri. If you are looking for a quiet place to explore or a shallow place for kids to splash, the area contains rocky shut-ins along McKenzie Creek. Despite its rugged beauty, this place is relatively unknown compared to more popular parks such as Johnson’s Shut-Ins. History The canyon holds some interesting history. It is rumored that the Jesse James gang hid out in this…

  • Day Trip,  Hikes,  Hiking,  History,  Kids,  Missouri

    Visit to the Charming River City of Cape Girardeau, Missouri

    Cape Girardeau is a thriving river community located near the bootheel of southeastern Missouri. Rich in history and culture, the town features an array of attractions for all ages. The city makes a great getaway from St. Louis as it is a an easy 2 hour drive down I-55. We recently spent a day exploring the area and left wanting extra time to see even more. Here are our recommendations on some of the best places for a great visit.…

  • Hikes,  Kids,  Missouri,  St. Louis

    Rockwoods Reservation Lime Kiln Trail

    Rockwoods Reservation is a great spot to hike not far from St. Louis. Several different trails wind through this rocky and wooded spot. The Trail Amoung the Trees is probably my favorite trail here, especially in fall. We recently tried out the more challenging Lime Kiln trail, and found it to be a fun and scenic hike as well. Lime Kiln Loop Distance: 3.25 mile loop Difficulty: 4/5 This is known as a good local trail for training. There are some…

  • Day Trip,  Hikes,  Missouri

    Rugged Adventure Awaits at Pinnacles Youth Park

    Pinnacles Youth Park is a special place just north of Columbia, Missouri. The features of this park give you a taste of the more rugged terrain in states further west. You can admire the towering rock pillars from below or be more daring and explore them from above. No matter which way you explore this park, the scenery is outstanding. The park is privately owned, but open to the public. There are no trail maps or well marked paths here,…