• Day Trip,  Hiking,  Kids,  Missouri,  St. Louis

    Find a Unique White Sand Beach at Missouri’s Klondike Park

    Klondike Park is one of the St. Louis area’s most unusual recreation sites. You may feel like you have traveled to an exotic location when you first glimpse the park’s out of place white sand beach. This St. Charles County gem features beautiful lakes, miles of trails, extensive amenities, and that unique white sand shoreline. With trail connections to the popular Katy Trail plus Missouri River Valley views, Klondike Park is a must see destination. Klondike Park History In the…

  • Hikes,  Kids,  Missouri,  St. Louis

    Best Tips for Finding Frost Flowers While Hiking

    Cooler weather is here and while you may feel the need to stay indoors, falling temperatures can bring about some beautiful natural surprises. One of the most unique natural wonders you can find hiking in the fall is the discovery of frost flowers. These delicate flowers aren’t actually plants at all. In face, they are delicate ribbons of ice that emerge from the stems of certain plants when the temperatures dip below freezing. I recently wrote an article all about…

  • Hikes,  Kids,  Missouri,  St. Louis

    Rockwoods Reservation: Rock Quarry and Trail Among the Trees Hikes

    Rockwoods Reservation is one of the nicest places to hike near St. Louis. Located in west St. Louis County, visitors can find a taste of the Ozarks tucked away from the busy suburbs. The area features 13 miles of trails past creeks, caves, and a spring. The Lime Kiln trail is one of the most popular hikes at Rockwoods Reservation, especially for those those trail running or training. However, the Rock Quarry and Trail Among the Trees trails are the…

  • Day Trip,  Hiking,  Kids,  Missouri,  St. Louis

    Take a Cave Adventure at Meramec State Park

    An easy hour drive down I-44 from St. Louis lies Meramec State Park. This lovely Missouri State Park is located along the scenic Meramec River. The park’s claim to fame is that it is the location of over 40 known caves, more than any other park in the state. Our family has enjoyed visiting over the years to hike Meramec State Park’s kid-friendly trails full of interesting natural features. Below is a round up of our favorite trails to explore…

  • Hikes,  Illinois,  Kids,  St. Louis

    Hiking Illinois’s White Rock Nature Preserve

    If you are looking for an Illinois hike big on views and low on crowds, check out White Rock Nature Preserve. Located near the more popular Salt Lick Point Reserve, White Rock is less well known and offers a quieter experience. The trails at White Rock also stay further back from steep bluff edges for those with young children or a fear of heights. History of White Rock Preserve During the Great Depression, miners cut and hauled limestone from the…