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Visit to the St. Louis Aquarium and the Wheel at Union Station
Since the kids were off school on Valentine’s Day, Ben decided to take the day off work so we could have a local adventure day as a family. We had been wanting to check out the new St. Louis Aquarium which opened Christmas Day. We decided to combine the aquarium visit with a spin around the St. Louis Observation Wheel since both attractions are located at the stunning and historic Union Station. A combo ticket is available for a discount…
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Climb to Great Views at Salt Lick Point Trail in Illinois
Salt Lick Point Land and Water Preserve is one of favorite hikes on the Illinois side of the metro area. This hike is located on a former quarry site in Valmeyer, Illinois. The site was developed to protect the glades, prairies, forest, and wildlife. The preserve also contains the highest point in Monroe County, Salt Lick Point. There are three different trails here of different difficulties. Whether you prefer a more gentle hike through the trees or a rugged climb…
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Cliff Cave County Park Trail in St. Louis County
Cliff Cave Park is a St. Louis County Park. The cave has a long and varied history of being used as a tavern in the 1700s, then part of the Cliff Cave Wine Company in the mid 1800s and finally used by Jefferson Barracks soldiers for recreation. In 1969 Cliff Cave was purchased by the county and opened as a park in 1977. Last year the park received upgraded trails and facilities. Two miles of trail extensions were added to…
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Shaw Nature Reserve in Gray Summit, Missouri
One of our favorite places to hike near St. Louis is the Shaw Nature Reserve. Only about 30 min from the city, it feels a world away. The Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis purchased the reserve land as a safe refuge for the plant collection from the smoke pollution of the 1920s. It has developed into a wonderful site to explore and view wildlife as well as view plants and habitat native to the Missouri region. The trails range…
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Where to find Bountiful Bluebells near St. Louis
One of my favorite spring wildflowers is the Virginia bluebell. They are native to Missouri and can be found in moist, wooded areas or floodplains. These delicate blossoms emerge in early spring and tend to peak around the very end of March to mid-April in our region. Here are six of our favorite area parks to see a stunning sea of bluebells in bloom. 1. Shaw Nature Reserve The Shaw Nature Reserve in Gray Summit, Missouri is a wonderful place…
