Author: marklongmainstream (Page 101 of 174)

Dogwood Falls (Dogwood Canyon)

Dogwood Canyon  has been described as an outdoor wonderland just waiting to be explored.  This Midwestern paradise is spread out on more then 10,000 acres of ruggedly beautiful terrain.  The park has 30 different waterfalls, 2 lakes, and a beautiful meandering stream, that winds its way through the canyon. Dogwood Canyon is located at 2038 West State Hwy 86 Lampe, Missouri 65681. For more information, click here.

Mina Sauk Falls (Taum Sauk Mountain State Park)

This picture is owned by David Massey

Mina Sauk Falls, drops 132 feet over a series of rocky ledges, and is Missouri’s tallest waterfall. The waterfall is located within Taum Sauk Mountain State Park, and is located on  Hwy. CC in Ironton, Mo. just 28 miles from Farmington Missouri. For more information, click here.

Lost Canyon Falls (Top of the Rock)

The breathtaking waterfall found at Top of the Rock is only visible on the Lost Canyon Nature Trail, at Top of the Rock. This two-and-a-half-mile journey on an electric cart is an unforgettable experience, that takes visitors past stunning rock formations,  brilliant waterfalls and breathtaking views of Table Rock Lake.  The adventure begins at 612 Devil’s Pool Rd, Ridgedale, MO 65739. For more information, click here.

Marvel Cave Falls (Marvel Cave)

Marvel Cave is a National Natural Landmark located just west of Branson on top of Roark Mountain in Stone County. Located 505 feet below the surface, the Waterfall Room is the lowest room on the cave tour. The source of the water is from the underground stream named The Lost River. Marvel Cave is located in Silver Dollar City In Branson. For more information, click here.

Rocky Falls (Stegall Mountain Natural Area)

Rocky Falls in Shannon County is another waterfall that can also be considered a shut-in. Located nine miles southeast of Eminence on Highway NN, Rocky Falls’ cascades down sixty feet of igneous rock into a pool of cold, clear water. Rocky Falls is located on Route NN, off of Route H east of Eminence and Winona. For more information, click here.

For more of Missouri’s Amazing Locations, click here.

Ferne Clyffe Falls (Ferne Clyffe State Park)

Ferne Clyffe Falls is said to be the most visited waterfall in Illinois, and for good reason; you can actually walk behind this waterfall! Though the flow isn’t always consistent – try going after a big rain to see the most impressive falls – it’s beautiful no matter the weather. It’s fairly easy to get to as well, making it the perfect outing for families. To visit Ferne Clyffe State Park, drive south on IL-37 from Downtown Goreville. In just 2 minutes, you will arrive at the entrance to the park. For more information, click here.

Lake Falls (Matthiessen State Park)

This picture is owned by Tonya Boyd

Canyons, streams, waterfalls, prairie and forest combine to delight visitors at Matthiessen State Park.  One of the  main attractions is, Lake Falls, this is a man made dam with a 65-foot-tall waterfall! Matthiessen State Park is an Illinois state park located a few miles south of the more famous Starved Rock State Park. The main entrances to both parks are located on Illinois State Route 178, the entrance is located at 2500 IL-178, Oglesby, IL 61348 For more information, click here.

LaSalle Canyon Falls (Starved Rock State Park)

This picture is owned by Tonya Boyd Photography

When its comes to beautiful scenery, very few parks in the Midwest can compare to Starved Rock State Park.  The park boosts more than 13 miles of well marked hiking trails, 18 canyons, and 14 different waterfalls! The best times to see waterfalls are in the spring when the snow and ice melt or after a heavy rainfall. Starved Rock State Park is situated along the south bank of the Illinois River, less than 100 miles from Chicago, at 2668 E 875th Rd., Oglesby, IL 61348. For more information, click here.

Jackson Falls (Shawnee National Forest)

Jackson Falls is one of the best waterfalls in all of Illinois.  During the 5 mile hike to get to the base of the falls, you can also see two other waterfalls, along a beautiful canyon. During the summer months, Jackson Falls is one of the most popular swimming holes in the state.  Jackson Falls is located in Shawnee National Forest at Glen St Falls Rd, Simpson, IL 62985. For more information, click here.

Thunder Bay Falls

Sherri Hasley

No walking is required to view this picture-perfect waterfall. This is a very popular spot for wedding and engagment photos, and has even been featured in several tourism ads both locally and on the state level. Thunder Bay Falls is located in the northwest corner of the state at 248-268 Thunder Bay Rd., Galena, IL 61036. For more information, click here.

Want to see more of Illinois’s Amazing Locations, click here.

Upper Iowa River

Located in northern Iowa just south of the Minnesota border is the  Iowa River.  This section of river was featured in National Geographic Magazine and listed as one of the top 100 adventures in North America.   Much of your float will take place along 200 foot high bluffs,  with beautiful old bridges crossing the river above your head.  This is a  perfect destination if your looking for a little adventure. Canoeing the Upper Iowa River is truly a one of a kind experience. Randy’s Bluffton Store provides kayak rentals and shuttle service. For more information, click here.

Maquoketa River

A trip down the Maquoketa River will take you past Pictured Rocks Park, and several other scenic locations. This is a more relaxing, day in the sun type of float.  The landscape along the Maquoketa River is beautiful Iowa forest, and towering rock bluffs.  There are several sand bars along the river which are perfect for stopping for picnics or taking a dip in the river to cool off.  This is a family friendly type of float, the current is usually mild, and the river is not too deep so its a great place the kids to swim. Need a shuttle service or to rent a kayak or tube, click here.

Catfish Creek

Catfish Creek is located within the Mines Of Spain Recreation Area in Dubuque. The creek winds its way through the park and is a popular destination for kayakers.  The creek offers unique views of the rugged forest, limestone bluffs, and in many areas is completely shaded under a beautiful canopy of trees. There is a launching dock found within the park and no shuttle service is needed.  There is no current on the creek so you can just paddle up and back at your leisure. This area is gorgeous and is perfect for those new to kayaking.

Des Moines River

Located on the West/Central side of Iowa, this river is a perfect location for your next float trip with plenty of scenery, including rock bluffs, wildlife, tall bridges and the river has plenty of sandbars for your picnic needs.  Canoeing this river will also take you past the  beautiful Ledges, of Ledges State Park.  My favorite part of canoeing the Des Moines river is all the twists and turns you face going down stream.  These turns in the river add the excitement of “what’s around the next turn”.   No matter if your kayaking, tubing or canoeing a trip on the Des Moines river wont disappoint. Seven Oaks Recreation is located in the area and offers a full shuttle service as well as kayak, canoe, and tube rentals. For more information, click here.

Charles City Whitewater Park

Marty Colbert

Iowa’s first whitewater park opened summer of 2011. The course has three distinct features playable at multiple river flows and skill levels. Kayakers, stand-up paddle boarders, tubers, fishermen and all river enthusiasts will enjoy this park on the Cedar River in heart of downtown Charles City. No charge and accessible year round. Tube and canoe rentals from area businesses area available by contacting the Charles City Area Chamber of Commerce. Adjacent Riverfront Park boasts a beautiful setting with stone amphitheater, naturalized play area, disc golf course, picnic shelters, labyrinth, public art and trail.

For more Incredible Adventures in Iowa, click here.

I have enjoyed the Midwest’s state parks all my life and I have to say some of the finest parks in these central states are located right here in beautiful Missouri. Our parks feature gorgeous waterfalls, amazing caves, stunning natural springs, and even ancient ruins from an old castle.

This picture is owned by Katie Isom/Wild Fern Images

Ha Ha Tonka

Ha Ha Tonka State Park is one of the most amazing state parks you will find in the Midwest.  The park rests on more than 3,700 acres of rough, hilly, Ozark terrain.  Ha Ha Tonka is a popular destination for hikers looking to enjoy the 15 miles of pristine hiking trails.  The park is easy to navigate with a series of trails and boardwalks. The park has been referred to as a geological wonderland, with sinkholes, caves, a natural bridge, and one of the largest natural springs in the state. One of the park’s most popular attractions is the ruins of a turn of the century stone castle.  For more information, click here.

Grand Gulf State Park

Most people don’t know, that Missouri has its own grand canyon.  Or Little Grand Canyon as its often called. Grand Gulf State Park is located in the Ozarks in  Koshkonong near the Arkansas border. The Little Grand Canyon is a series of collapsed caves that measure nearly a mile across with massive walls on both sides. This 322 acre park, is located on Missouri’s southern border, and is one of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the Ozarks! For more information, click here.

Johnson’s Shut Ins State Park

Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park is one of the most unique state parks in the region. Not only is it an excellent spot for hiking and camping,but its most famous for its epic natural waterpark! Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park is also a great place to camp with both basic and electric sites available.  The park also has a limited number of camper cabins available for rent.  For more information, click here.

Echo Bluff State Park

Echo Bluff Facebook

This beautiful park is literally jam packed with astonishing sights. Echo Bluff State Park is a year-round outdoor destination that allows visitors to create new memories as they experience all the Ozarks have to offer. Camping opportunities range from primitive to full-service campsites.  The park is surrounded with towering bluffs, a dense forest and the Sinking Creek. If that wasn’t enough, there’s also a beautiful natural spring hiding within the park.  Visitors of all ages can fill their days floating, hiking, swimming or fishing. For more information, click here.

Onondaga Cave State Park

The park was established in 1982 and has numerous activities including cave tours, camping, fishing, hiking, picnicking, and swimming.  The highlight of this park is of course the Onondaga Cave, cave tours descend deep into the depths of Onondaga Cave State Park and drop into a world of wonder! The campground offers basic and electric/water campsites and a special-use camping area.  For more information, click here.

To see more of Missouri’s Amazing Locations, click here.

I admit, Iowa is probably not the first place you think of when looking for the best places to enjoy nature.  But I got to say you maybe a little surprised.  Iowa’s parks may not be as big as parks in some other states, but they still pack a mighty punch. From scenic views, to outlandish rock formations, rugged trails, and flowing waterfalls, Iowa’s parks have a lot to offer.

Maquoketa Caves State Park

The park features 16 accessible caves, which offer great caving  for experienced and inexperienced cavers alike.  The hiking trails are just over 6 miles in length, and are a great way to see the park.  There is also a campground with 29 campsites, 17 of which have electrical hookups. This beautiful state park is one of the most popular in the entire state.  Located in Jackson County, sitting just Northwest of Maquoketa.  The park rests on more then 360 acres of rough, hilly terrain.  For more information, click here.

Wildcat Den State Park

Wildcat Den State Park is one of the most beautiful state parks in all of Iowa.  The unique trail system winds through a variety of different terrain and covers more then 4 miles on 420 acres of rugged beauty.  With 75 foot high cliffs and amazing rock formations scattered throughout, its easy to see why Wildcat Den is a favorite spot for hikers and outdoors lovers alike. The park has 28 campsites with non modern restrooms.  There is also two shelters and a wide variety of picnic settings throughout the park, many with picnic tables and mounted charcoal grills. For more information, click here.

Ledges State Park

This picture is owned by Kristin Michele

It’s with good reason that Ledges State Park is one of Iowa’s most iconic spots it’s full of bridges, trails, waterways and more wildlife than you can imagine. Ledges offers several campsites, including electrical hookups, non-electric hookups, and some hike-in. Modern restrooms, showers, a trailer dump station and a playground are also located in the campground. For more information, click here.

Mines Of Spain

The Mines of Spain has long been considered one of Iowa’s best kept secrets, but to hiking enthusiasts the park is a well known destination. There are more than 12 miles of trails within the Mines of Spain, that offer a multitude of scenic diversity.  The trail system takes you along towering limestone bluffs, winding logging roads, prairie, forests, and breathtaking scenic overlooks. There is also a 15 acre section of the park that is classified as wetland, and even includes two floating trails. For more information, click here.

Pikes Peak State Park

Bridal Veil Falls at Pikes Peak State Park

Pikes Peak State Park is located in McGregor, Iowa. This park is famous for its beautiful views of the Mississippi River, in fact its one of the most photographed locations in the entire state. Pikes Peak is a sought out place for hikers, with over eleven miles of wooded trail. The trail system winds you through some of Iowas most beautiful scenery, including Bridal Veil Falls, wooded bluffs and valleys, sheer walls of Decorah limestone, and more then sixty effigy mounds. Most visitors to Pikes Peak State Park stop by to take in the view of the Mississippi River from a 500-foot-high cliff, You’ll be hard pressed to find a better view anywhere in the Midwest. For more information, click here.