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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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Explore History at Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site
While most visitors to St. Louis make a point to visit Gateway Arch National Park, another nearby National Park site often falls under the radar. The Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site is well worth the trip to visit. This site preserves the home where the Union Civil War General and 18th president once lived. Read on to learn all about the best tips to explore history at Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site. Ulysses S. Grant Historic Site History…
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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 recently 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 miles…
