When most people think of National Parks, they often think of the famous sites like Yellowstone, Yosemite, or the Grand Canyon. While those parks out west are truly amazing, the Midwest is also home to its own stunning National Park sites. From rugged mountains to rolling prairies and unique history, the Midwest has something for every park enthusiast. In this blog post, we’ll highlight some of our must-see Midwest National Park sites to add to your family travel bucket list. 1. Apostle Islands National Lakeshore – Wisconsin The Apostle Islands are a must-see Midwest National Park site located ..read more

Looking for a family getaway full of outdoor recreation, historic sites, and small town charm? Check out the quaint and lovely town of Fort Pierre, South Dakota. Located just across the river from the state capitol, Fort Pierre is a wonderful destination full of adventure for the whole family. Things to do in Fort Pierre, South Dakota Fort Pierre offers a convenient road trip location just 30 minutes north of I-90 in central South Dakota. The town has a storied history including Native American tribes, early French explorers, and the famed Lewis & Clark expedition. Located along the Missou ..read more

Based in Godfrey Illinois, the Nature Institute is non-profit land conservation and environmental education organization that aims to foster an appreciation of the natural world. The Institute owns and manages 450 acres of natural areas to provide the public a place to experience the diversity of the Riverbend area. The Olin Nature Preserve is one of these managed areas that provides a wonderful place for all ages to explore and enjoy nature. About Olin Nature Preserve The 294 acres of the Olin Preserve were once owned by John M. Olin. The site is a dedicated Illinois Nature Preserve ..read more

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 in the far northern part of the park along Stonefort Road. This portion of the state park is actually part of ..read more

Tucked away in the farm fields of southwest Missouri is the nation’s first National Monument dedicated to an African American. This national park site preserves the birthplace and childhood home of George Washington Carver. Best known for his work with peanut crops, George was an avid inventor, teacher, scientist, and artist. The site features a wonderful museum, Visitor Center, and an interpretive nature trail. History of George Washington Carver George Washington Carver was born into slavery to a woman named Mary. Mary was owned by Moses Carver who lived on a farm in southern Missouri. Durin ..read more

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 support the World War II effort in the 1940s. Many families were forced to leave their homes and farms and the two nearby towns of Howell and Hamburg ..read more

Missouri’s Route 66 State Park has a complicated and unique history. The area that is now a state park was once the home of the community of Times Beach. In the early 1980s it was discovered that the oil used to control the dusty streets of the town was contaminated with the toxic chemical dioxin. The entire town was condemmed and the residents forced to evacuate. After an extensive environmental cleanup, the area opened as a state park to celebrate historic Route 66. History of Route 66 State Park Times Beach Beginnings The area that is now part of the state park first began as a summer retre ..read more

Dr. Edmund Babler State Park, or just Babler as it’s known locally, is a wonderful oasis in a the busy St. Louis suburbs. Over 2,400 acres offer hikes, scenic drives, bike trails, camping, and more. Babler State Park History In 1934, Jacob and Henry Babler presented the state with 88 acres in memory of their brother, Edmund Babler, a prominent St. Louis surgeon who was dedicated to helping the less fortunate. An additional 800 acres of land was quickly added to the park. Almost 200 Civilian Conservation Corps workers soon arrived to develop the park. They cut roads through the hilly countrysid ..read more

Ha Ha Tonka State Park is one of the most beautiful and unique state parks in Missouri. The park offers stunning natural beauty with a turquoise blue spring, cave, and natural rock bridge. Visitors can also explore the ruins of a turn of the century stone castle perched on a bluff above Lake of the Ozarks. This is truly a must-see park and great for the whole family. History of Ha Ha Tonka State Park The area around Ha Ha Tonka attracted both Native Americans and early settlers. In 1830, a man named Garland dammed the lower end of spring and constructed a grist mill. Garland was also involved ..read more

Lake of the Ozarks State Park is Missouri’s largest state park and is located along the shores of one of the state’s biggest lakes. The park offers many options for adventure and outdoor recreation. First established in the mid-1930s by the National Park Service and turned over to the state in 1946, the park features log buildings and rustic bridges built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. While recently visiting Lake of the Ozarks, we had a wonderful time exploring a small portion of this great park. Things to Do at Lake of the Ozarks State Park Camping and Cabins The park features a campgro ..read more