-
Discover Lakes, Trails, and Bunkers at Busch Memorial Conservation Area
August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area in St. Charles County, Missouri has an interesting past. Tucked among the dozens of lakes and miles of hiking trails at can be found concrete bunkers once used to store TNT. What once was used as a munitions plant to support World War II, is now a great place for recreation. August A. Busch Conservation Area History The Conservation Area land was used by the Department of Army as a TNT munitions plant to…
-
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…
-
Ferne Clyffe State Park – A Secret Oasis in Southern Illinois
Many people think of Illinois as “flyover country.” They believe the state is nothing but flat and boring farm fields as far as the eye can see. While much of the state is geographically monotonous, far southern Illinois is drastically different. This rugged area is known as the Illinois Ozarks. Rising bluffs, trickling waterfalls, and jagged rocks create a lush and varied landscape worthy of exploration. Tucked away near the bottom of the state, Ferne Clyffe State Park has been…
