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Hiking Giant City State Park’s Trillium Trail
Southern Illinois’s Giant City State Park is one of our top picks for kid-friendly hiking trails. Most of the hikes are short, not too steep, and avoid dangerous drop-offs. The trails keep kids interested with unique rock formations, shallow creeks, and small shelter caves. If you are up for a slightly more rugged trek, consider viewing the wildflowers and rugged bluffs by hiking Giant City State Park’s Trillium Trail. Giant City State Park Trillium Trail The Trillium Trail is located…
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Giant City State Park Post Oak Trail
Giant City State Park is one of our favorite kid-friendly parks to explore in Illinois. The trails are mostly short, easy, and scenic. The Post Oak Trail is the easiest trail at the park. Recent improvements have made the marked 1/3 mile loop ADA accessible and stroller friendly. You can also venture off the paved path for even better overlooks and blufftop views. Post Oak Hiking Trail Distance: 0.3 mile loop on paved path. Longer if you explore unpaved paths.…
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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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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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Beaver Dam State Park: A Hidden Gem in Central Illinois
Tucked away in the countryside of west-central Illinois, Beaver Dam State Park is a hidden gem filled with peaceful lake views, wooded hiking trails, and beautiful boardwalks winding through the marsh. Located just southwest of Carlinville, this 750-acre park doesn’t get nearly as much attention as some of Illinois’ more popular destinations, but it’s well worth exploring! We’ve visited in different seasons, but fall is my favorite time to explore Beaver Dam State Park. The colorful leaves reflecting off the…
