Cuivre River State Park: Frenchman’s Bluff Hike

The Frenchman’s Bluff Trail features a half-mile walk along limestone cliffs at Cuivre River State Park near Troy, Missouri. I hiked this trail at 1.7 miles, although the trail guide says it is 1.5 miles, and it has 200 feet of elevation gain. Entering the Park I entered Cuivre State Park via Missouri Highway 147, making my first stop at the visitor center. Here, you…

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Cuirve River State Park: Turkey Hollow Hike

Turkey Hollow Trail offers a brief hike through fields and woods alongside a small brook at Cuirve River State Park. I hiked 0.8 miles with an elevation gain of 95 feet. Start of the Hike This is the only trailhead on the left side of Lincoln Hills Road before reaching the stop sign at Camp Cuivre Drive. The trail begins with a descent through trees…

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Lewis and Clark Trail Hike at Weldon Spring

Hike along the bluffs of the Missouri River, through deep valleys, and explore a small cave on the Lewis and Clark Trail loop at the Weldon Spring Conservation Area. The complete loop covering the Lewis and Clark trails is 8.4 miles long and gains 883 feet in elevation. This includes a short detour to the Katy Trail and various lookouts, which I also visited. If…

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370 Lakeside Park Loop Hike

A scenic hike around a large lake and Dardenne Creek, abundant with waterfowl, can be enjoyed at 370 Lakeside Park, located just north of Missouri Highway 370 in St. Peters. This 3.5-mile loop is paved and mostly level, with 33 feet of elevation gain. Beginning the Hike I parked to the left of the prominent Corporate Pavilion, which can accommodate up to 300 people. This…

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Wilderness Resort Winter Waterpark Fun in Wisconsin Dells

Spanning 600 acres, Wilderness Resort is America’s Largest Waterpark Resort. During winter, you can enjoy three different water parks, one of which features an indoor wave pool. The resort features three lodging locations: The Wilderness Hotel & Golf Resort (Main Lodge), Glacier Canyon Lodge (where we stayed), and Wilderness on the Lake (off-property, reached by shuttle bus or summer ferry). During summer, there are four…

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2024 Top Ten Hikes

The 2024 Top Ten Hikes includes the longest cave in the world and what was once the largest city north of Mexico before Columbus. This year’s list was compiled from summer travel, midwest hikes, and amazing natural beauty. (Waterfall at Letchworth State Park in New York in Main Photo). Click the Titles for the Full Story. Broemmelsiek Park Hikes Hiking alongside a brook and discovering…

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2024 Top Five Summer Travel Books

Here are my top five summer travel books for 2024, featuring walks through various cities and beautiful spots we have explored as a family or plan to visit soon. Secret Walks: A Walking Guide to the Hidden Trails of Los Angeles by Charles Fleming This book features exciting urban walks through parks, canyons, and neighborhoods unknown and unseen. Each walk is rated for duration, distance,…

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Winter Wonderland of Lights At Tilles Park

Listen to Christmas music, as you check out the North Pole and drive under jumping deer at the Winter Wonderland in Tilles Park in Ladue. This St. Louis area holiday tradition began in 1987. Glimmering lights are fashioned into over 100 displays of festive characters and winter scenes in seventy-five acres of parkland. At the Entrance You can only enter the Christmas drive-through display from…

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