Visit the open-air Belleville Christkindlmarkt with food, entertainment, European crafts, and beverages this holiday season. Our Time at Belleville Christkindlmarkt The open-air market in Belleville, Il., is modeled after the Christmas Markets in Germany. It…
Posts tagged #Illinois
Hike Among Waterfalls at Matthiessen State Park
Find a canyon with waterfalls, cascades, and pools combine to give delight to hikers at Matthiessen State Park near Oglesby, Il. History of Matthiessen State Park Frederick William Matthiessen purchased the land at the end…
Giant City State Park Hikes
While exploring Giant City State Park, I marveled at the massive boulders, cascading waterfalls, and the majestic Devil’s Standtable. The park is a little over two hours south of St. Louis near Carbondale, Ill. Our…
Dixon Springs State Park Hike
See a natural spring and a creek with rapids in a canyon at Dixon Springs State Park in Southern Illinois. The park is located about 20 miles north of Metropolis, Ill., and Paducah, Ky. History…
Starved Rock State Park: Hiking French Canyon
French Canyon has walls that are 45 feet tall and is the first canyon you come to from the Visitor’s Center parking lot. It was named after the French explorers who first visited this area…
Granite City: Wilson Park Walk
My son rode his bike as I walked along the trail.
Bremer Wildlife Sanctuary Hike
Hike nature trails through woods, along a small creek, and through prairie grass at H & B Bremer Wildlife Sanctuary. The 203-acre wildlife sanctuary is a mile north of Hillsboro, Ill. It includes a wide…
Benld to Gillespie Bike Trail Walk
See a Russian Orthodox Church and downtown murals on the walk from Benld to Gillespie north of Edwardsville, Ill. This easy hike uses a paved trail on a former trolley line between Benld and Gillespie…
Greenspace East from Heritage Trail Hike
Trailhead information sign
2022 Top Ten Hikes
Here are the top ten hikes I liked the most in 2022. I chose them based on length, how much I enjoyed them, and what natural beauty I saw. Rock Bridge Memorial State Park Hike…
