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Visit Illinois’s First State Park at Fort Massac
Fort Massac State Park is located in far southern Illinois along the Ohio River. Located in the town of Metropolis, this park is a must see. The history and views of this park make it a great road trip stop if driving on I-24. History The French first erected a fort here in 1757 which was then surrendered to the British. George Rogers Clark, the older brother of William Clark, led a group of men who captured the fort in…
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Ultimate St. Louis Summer Fun List for Families
If you are looking for the best things to do in St. Louis this summer with your kids, you have come to the right place! We have been exploring the St. Louis area with our family for years and every summer I update this list to make sure it reflects the best options out there for families. From free outdoor adventures and splash pads to unique museums and incredible playgrounds, the St. Louis area has so much to offer all…
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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…
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Beaver Dam State Park
Beaver Dam is a small state park in west-central Illinois. Located in a more rural area, this state park is less well known but worth exploring. Situated in an oak/hickory woodland, Beaver Dam State Park offers a variety of recreational opportunities including fishing, picnicking, hiking, and both tent and trailer camping. The park did offer a restaurant and small watercraft rentals, but the concessions have been closed for 2024. Best Time to Visit Beaver Dam offers a nice retreat no…
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Explore an Illinois Bayou at Cache River Natural Area
You may feel transported to a Louisiana bayou when you first visit Cache River State Natural Area. This unique landscape in southern Illinois preserves a rare remainder of the cypress swamps and bottomland hardwood forests that once existed in the Ohio River floodplain. Settlers attempted in the past to drain the wetlands and convert the land to farmland. Today, the Cache River Wetlands is one of the few remaining wetlands in the area and provides habitat for a diverse variety…
