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Family Vacation Guide for Indiana Dunes National Park
Did you know you can find one of the most biodiverse National Parks in Indiana? Indiana Dunes became a National Park in 2019 and it is well worth a visit. While you might not think of Indiana when planning a trip to the beach, Indiana Dunes National Park offers hiking trails, historic sites, and sugar sand beaches to explore. Read on for the best tips and vacation guide for a family trip to Indiana Dunes National Park. About Indiana Dunes…
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Family Travel Guide to Carlyle Lake and Eldon Hazlet State Park
Less than an hour east of St. Louis you can explore Illinois’s largest manmade lake. Carlyle Lake is a popular lake for sailing, camping, fishing, hiking, and more. There are several state parks and recreation areas located along the shores of the lake with Eldon Hazlet being the largest. This recreation area is a great spot to spend a day or weekend on the lake without having to travel far. Read on for a family travel guide to both Carlyle…
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Explore a Prehistoric Settlement at Millstone Bluff
Millstone Bluff is a historic gem tucked within the Shawnee National Forest of southern Illinois. This archaeological site is not very well known, but worth a visit to view the remains of a prehistoric Native American village. A short and easy trail circles that site and is suitable for the whole family. History of Millstone Bluff The topography of Millstone Bluff rises 320 feet above the valley below. At the top of this mesa-like bluff, the Mississippian peoples constructed a…
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Take a Hike at Young Conservation Area
Young Conservation Area is another one of several great conservation areas in the Eureka, Missouri area. This conservation area is part of the LaBarque Creek watershed filled with diverse species of aquatic and plant life. The park contains two hiking trail loops plus creeks and a pond. Hiking Trails Young Conservation Area contains two hiking trail loops. The 3 mile Taconic Loop Trail winds along LaBarque Creek past seasonal wildflowers and through a pine tree grove. The 3.5 mile LaBarque…
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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,…
