Author: marklongmainstream (Page 11 of 174)

The SiloBarn is an amazing lodging destination, and with it being brand new, there is plenty of availability!  Unwind at this Country Paradise! Stay in a converted Barn & Silo w/ private swim pond pool and waterfall! Step out on your porch for coffee/drinks with the farm animals. Take a hike around the Lake on the 5+ miles of trails before cooling off in the pond while you gaze up at the stars.The SiloBarn is located in Louisa Virginia. You can check prices and availability by clicking here.

The SiloBarn is a beautiful three bedroom with four beds vacation home! This gorgeous vacation home has its own private waterfall/swimming hole, and is situated on 142 wooded acres!

The goal with SiloBran is to provide a unique adventure for guests with all the conveniences of home. The Barn & Silo is surrounded by forest on 3 sides and Farm Animals on the other.

The kitchen area includes: a microwave oven, a stove, toaster, mini fridge, pot and pans plus dishes and silverware. There is even a coffee maker and dining table.

Just outside the vacation home you can find dwarf fainting goats, sheep, chickens, bunnies and more!

Of course the main attraction is no doubt the private pond with waterfall, along with a deck that goes right up to the edge of the lake. This is perfect for jumping off into the crystal clear pond. Right next to the pond is the back porch complete with grill and picnic table.

At Mainstream Adventures we pride ourselves with discovering the best Parks, Destinations, Tours and Vacation Homes in the country. Well this amazing vacation home may take the cake. It’s really that amazing, the property was just listed a few hours ago, so there are plenty of openings this summer.

For more great lodging options in Virginia, click here. For nearby family activities, click here. For the best parks and amazing locations in the area, click here.

I have always been a spelunking enthusiast, and with my job at Mainstream Adventures, I have been fortunate enough to have the opportunity to visit and explore some of the best caves in the country! The following are 10 of my favorites, right here in the Midwest.

Meramec Cavern

Not long ago USA Today published a bucket list of the top 60 things to do in the United States before you die. On that list was a visit to Meramec Cavern. This amazing cave system draws more than 100,000 visitors a year from all corners of the Earth.  The cave dates back 100’s of millions of years and has quite an interesting history. Cave tours take place year round, and are led by expert rangers.  The tour covers a 1.25 mile path and takes you past some of the most beautiful rock formations you will ever see! Cave tours lasts about an hour and a half, and take place on a lighted walkway. Meramec Cavern is located at  1135 Hwy W, in Sullivan, Missouri. For more information, or to start planning your adventure, click here.

The Crystal City Underground

Weather your an adventure junkie like me, or its your first time in a  kayak. This is one Adventure you won’t want to miss! Located deep in the heart of the Midwest, lies a one of a kind kayaking experience that you will never forget.   Operated by Marsan Canoe and Kayak Tours, this amazing Adventure takes you into the depths of the long forgotten PPG no.9 glass mine. The 3 hour tour takes you up to 400 feet below ground, as you navigate your kayak through the flooded former sand mine. The Crystal City Underground is located at 700 Crystal Ave, in Crystal City, Missouri. For more information, click here.

Bluff Dwellers Cave

Located deep beneath the ground just south of Noel Missouri, lies a beautiful subterranean wonderland.  Bluff Dwellers Cave is a rare gem, lost in the Ozark region of Missouri.  This cave has a long rich history in the area, dating back over 5,000 years, when Paleo-Indians used the cave as shelter.  A tour through Bluff Dwellers Cave, is as much educational as it is beautiful.  During the 1 hour guided tour you will hear the history of the cave and learn about all the different mineral formations. Bluff Dwellers Cave is located at 163 Cave Rd Noel Missouri. For more information, click here.

Talking Rocks Cavern

Talking Rocks Cavern was discovered in 1883,  by local rabbit hunters.  In 1921 the cave was opened to the public and became an instant hit with tourists, and remains so to this day attracting more than 40,000 visitors annually. Talking Rocks Cavern has been referred to as Missouri’s Most Beautiful Cave! Which is quite an honor considering there are over 7,300 known caves in the state.  However just one peek inside and its easy to see why it has earned this prestigious nickname. Cave tours consists of an hour long walk taking visitors on a breathtaking vertical decent into a subterranean wonderland.  Your tour guide will lead you past several world class formations. Talking Rocks Cavern is located at 423 Fairy Cave Ln. in Branson West, Missouri. For more information, click here.

Fantastic Caverns

Fantastic Caverns is America’s only ride-thru-cave. The 55 minute tour takes place in Jeep drawn trams and is run by expert guides. The path follows an ancient underground river and provides guests an up-close look at beautiful cave formations. The cave is packed full of beautiful rock formations, that have been formed over millions of years. Once inside Fantastic Caverns, tour guides explain the origins of the cave and its formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, columns, soda straws, flowstones, cave pearls and draperies. Fantastic Caverns is located at 4872 N Farm Rd 125, Springfield, MIssouri. For more information, click here.

Marengo Cave

Marengo Cave offers two epic walking tours! The first is a 40-minute tour that winds through formation-filled rooms and past huge flowstone deposits. The second tour takes guests for a walk on the Dripstone Trail. This 60-minute tour is known for delicate soda straws, totem pole stalagmites, and Penny Ceiling. Either tour is fantastic, and I can’t really recommend one over the other. For the more adventurous members of your family,  Marengo Cave offers 5 different wild cave tours! These  tours allow guests to explore sections of the cave that very few will ever see. These tours involve, walking, crawling, and even  scrambling through sometimes tight and narrow passages. Marengo Cave is located at 400 East State Road 64, in Marengo, Indiana. For more information, click here.

The Niagara Cave

On Minnesota’s southern border is a geological marvel known as Niagara Cave. This massive cave located in Harmony, Minnesota was discovered in 1924 when 3 pigs fell into a sinkhole. After spending almost a decade exploring with candles and lanterns, they decided to open the cave up to the public in 1934. It became an instant hit with tourists, and remains so to this day, attracting about 30,000 visitors annually.  Consistently rated as one of the top 10 show caves in North America, people travel from all 50 states and over 100 different countries to take the hour long guided tour through the cave. The tour has been described as an educational adventure in nature that you won’t want to miss! Niagara Cave is located at 29842 Co Rd 30, in Harmony, Minnesota. For more information, click here.

The Spook Cave

Located just west of McGregor, lies the Spook Cave Campground. This scenic campground has been providing cave tours since 1955, and remains a popular destination for tourists today.  On a boat ride through Spook Cave, the tour guides tell about the discovery and development of the cave. Formations are also pointed out and described. There is no walking involved though low areas in parts of the cave require extensive bending. The tour is underground and out of the weather where the temperature is always 47°F. The Spook Cave is located at 13299 Spook Cave Rd, in McGregor, Iowa. For more information, click here. 

Cave of the Mounds

Cave of the Mounds, was discovered in 1939, in Blue Mound Wisconsin, and has been open for cave tours for over 75 years. Since then Cave of the Mounds has become recognized as the premier cave in the upper Midwest, often referred to as the jewel box of America’s show caves.  A trip to Cave of the Mounds is an opportunity to create memories which will last a lifetime. Guided tours of this underground wonderland follow paved, lighted walkways everyday of the year.  Cave of the Mounds is located at 2975 Cave of the Mounds Road Blue Mounds, Wisconsin. For more information click here. 

Crystal Lake Cave

The beautiful rock formations found inside Crystal Lake Cave are literally two million years in the making. The cave system has been described as an underground labyrinth of wondrous mineral formations. The cave tour is a 45 minute guided tour, on flat paved walk ways. This tour takes you past some amazing formations, including; the Swiss Cottage Roof, the Lop-Eared Dog, The Cliff Dwellers, and the gorgeous Lost Gardens! The tour is well lit, and is ran by friendly, expert guides. Crystal Lake Cave Is located at 6684 Crystal Lake Cave Rd Dubuque, IA. For more information, click here.

We love visiting all the beautiful resorts around the Midwest, in this article we will feature 10 of our favorites.

Kalahari Resort

Kalahari Resort is a unique, African-themed, family-oriented resort that provides a one-stop family destination. Many flock to the resort for the massive water park attractions including the Flow Rider surfing attraction and an exciting array of rides, slides and more. In addition to the water park, the resort has an Indoor Theme Park that offers fun and adventure for all ages. Parents won’t be left out, there is exceptional dining, a fantastic salon and spa and a championship golf course. Kalahari Resort has two Midwest locations, the one in Wisconsin Dells as well as a location in Sandusky, Ohio. Kalahari Resort is located at 1305 Kalahari Drive in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin. For more information, click here.

Still Waters Resort

Still Waters Resort in Branson is a luxury, family resort located on Table Rock Lake. Conveniently located near Silver Dollar City, the resort has the perfect combination of convenience to all of Branson’s attractions at the same time providing a relaxing, lakefront escape. The resort is built around fun on the water. A variety of rentals are included in your stay including kayaks, pedal boats and bikes. The resort also has three pools for endless swimming, three hot tubs and a water slide. If you’ve had enough time in the water, the resort also has a sand volleyball court and access to several hiking trails.Still Water Resort is located at 21 Stillwater Trail, in Branson, Missouri. For more information, click here.

Wilderness Resort

Wilderness Resort is a massive, family-oriented resort in the Wisconsin Dells. The resort is the largest waterpark resort in the state and has four outdoor and four indoor water parks that are available exclusively to resort guests. The parks include a Wild West themed park, an indoor wave pool and an adrenaline-pumping tubing slide. Other exciting resort activities include miniature golf, indoor go-carts, bumper boats, laser tag and zip-lining. Accommodations include rustic-themed but upscale hotel rooms as well as well-furnished condos, villas and cabins providing options for a wide range of budgets and preferences. Several cafes, restaurants, coffee shops and retail stores are located on-site and provide fantastic options for dining and shopping during your stay. For more information, click here. Wilderness Resort is located at 511 E Adams, in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin.

Bass River Resort

This gorgeous resort located in Steelville Missouri is the perfect destination for your next family vacation. There is so much to see and do you could stay for the whole summer. The campground has over 400 different sites to choose from, and 55 different cabins. Everything from tent sites to sites with full RV hookups. They have sites for pop up campers with electrical hook ups all the way to renting a full house. So no matter what type of adventure you desire, Bass River Resort has you covered. Even with all the fantastic lodging options, the real reason people come to the resort is all the fun activities available to them. At Bass River Resort there is no shortage of things to do. Bass River Resort is located at 204 Butts Rd, in Steelville, Missouri. For more information, click here.

Grand Bear Resort

Discover a magical family getaway just beyond the glow of Chicago at Starved Rock’s own Grand Bear Resort. Nestled in this gorgeous natural area of Illinois, Grand Bear Resort offers an oasis of relaxation and adventure – a destination where water-park fun meets nature! A truly unforgettable place to unwind, play, meet, dine and explore with family and friends. Grand Bear Resort is an oasis of relaxation and adventure where water park fun meets natural wonder! Featuring 24,000 sq.ft. indoor water-park, mini-golf, arcade, 4 cafe/restaurant/bars, banquet hall & party suites just steps from Starved Rock State Park. Grand Bear Resort is located at 2643 IL-178, North in Utica, Illinois. For more information, click here.

Aeries Resort

At Aerie’s Resort your treated to an incredible adventure with first class accommodations.   Whether you’re planning a romantic rendezvous for two, a fun retreat with friends, or a weekend adventure for the family, Aerie’s offers a variety of accommodations with something sure to fit your plans. If your looking for comfort, convenience, and the Best View in the Midwest, book your stay with Aerie’s. Aerie’s Resort and Grafton Zipline is so much more then just a beautiful resort and Canopy tour.  There is also an amazing winery.  The winery at Aerie’s Resort is the perfect choice for award-winning wines, fine dining, and live entertainment. They also recently added the only Alpine Mountain Coaster in the state. Aerie’s Resort is located at 14 W Main St, in Grafton, Illinois. For more information, click here.

Off Shore Resort

Off Shore Resort is situated on the most scenic Mississippi Riverfront property in the upper Midwest and features a hotel, campground, state of the art outdoor pool an aquatics center, bar and restaurant and an event center. Whether you enjoy, making smores while sitting around a campfire, or getting massaged at the luxury resort, this is the place for you. The Off Shore Resort is a hidden gem summer paradise, you need to see to believe. Off Shore Resort is located at 4115 N Riverview, in Bellevue, Iowa. For more information, click here.

Honey Creek Resort

Honey Creek Resort is situated on the banks of the Rathbun Lake, and provides for an outstanding array of accommodation choices. From Lodges overlooking the lake, to free-standing cabins and a huge number of powered RV or tent sites, the Resort provides for travelers from every walk of life. There are plenty of amenities and programs available to fill the day, including lake activities (of course) which include canoe, stand up paddle board and jetski hire, and an indoor water park which is available for use all year round. The resort also incorporates an 18-hole championship golf course at The Preserve. If those activities don’t suit, the operators run other programs on a daily basis to ensure any stay at Honey Creek is worth remembering. Honey Creek Resort is located at 12633 Resort Dr, in Moravia, Iowa. For more information, click here.

Lake Shore Resort

Lake Shore Resort, is a peaceful retreat where you can relax, refresh, and reconnect.  With nature all around you and gorgeous views from every room, deck, and pool, Lake Shore combines the tranquility of a waterside resort with a convenient location just three miles from downtown Saugatuck Michigan. Lake Shore Resort is located at 2885 Lakeshore Drive, in Saugatuck, Michigan. For more information, click here.

The Hocking Hills Lodge

The resort style lodge will have 81 rooms, an indoor and an outdoor pool, plenty of patio space, four indoor fireplaces, and the Rock House restaurant, the new location has been under construction since 2020. The newly-constructed lodge replaces one that burned down in 2016, although this lodge is a huge step up from its predecessor. This glorious park is already a much-beloved vacation destination, and with the addition of the lodge, families will be able to enjoy first class accommodations while in the area! The Hocking Hills Lodge is located at 20020 State Route 664 South in Logan, Ohio. For more information, click here.

So here is our list, let me know if I left any amazing resorts off the list! Thanks for reading!

While it’s true, that everyone loves Christmas, it seems the good people in WaKeeney Kansas love it a little more than most. This wonderful celebration began all the way back in 1950, and is still going strong today. To see the full schedule of events, click here.

WaKeeney’s Christmas celebration is well known all over the Midwest! Which is quite impressive considering the towns population is just under 2,000. This is one of the longest running Christmas celebrations available today.

WaKeeney gives off that small town vibe, and strong sense of community that is so hard to find today. The town has a feeling of true Americana that you just can’t find in the city!

The celebration takes place in the downtown area, and the whole town just comes to life. Everything is decorated with Christmas lights, centering around a 35 foot handmade Christmas tree. The tree has over 3,000 lights and rests under a canopy of heavenly blue lights in the middle of town.  The tree is topped with four ivory stars, each 5-foot in diameter. The celebration is a total collaboration of the entire town.

The town of WaKeeney takes considerable pride in its Christmas celebration! The entire holiday display takes weeks to set up and is done so completely by volunteers. Everything remains up from the weekend after Thanksgiving until New Years!

The decorations are just part of the fun. WaKeeney has numerous activities planned as well. There is train rides around the downtown area, and even Clydesdales Carriage Rides! Kids can meet with Santa, and even the Reindeer make an appearance!

Or you can just walk around the town and check out all the store front Christmas displays and enjoy the Tour of Trees. You may even bump into Holiday themed characters. This is one holiday celebration you need to see to believe.

To check out an incredible Reindeer farm, click here. For a list of amazing sleigh rides, click here.

Jackson Falls in Illinois

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 Falls in Illinois

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.

Gooseberry Falls in Minnesota

Gooseberry Falls is one of Minnesota’s most popular state parks due to its easy access to several scenic waterfalls! This park provides 70 non-electric camping sites that are available year-round. There are 18 miles of hiking trails, including 8 miles of mountain bike trails. The trails connect to the Superior Hiking Trail. There are popular picnic and swimming spots found throughout the park. Gooseberry Falls is located at 3206 MN-61, Two Harbors, MN 55616. For more information, click here.

Agate Falls in Michigan

Considered by many to be one of upper Michigan’s most picturesque waterfalls, Agate Falls Scenic Site is located on the middle branch of the Ontonagon River. The falls are created as the river finds its way over an extended shelf of terraced sandstone. The resulting waterfall is a broad band of interlacing cascades and small falls nearly 40 feet high. Agate Falls Scenic Site is located at M-28, in Trout Creek, Michigan. For more information, click here.

Lake Falls in Illinois

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.

Minneopa Falls in Minnesota

Minnesota’s third oldest state park is home to a newly re-established American Bison herd. Enjoy a fun day of exploring Minneopa State Park filled with natural and historical features, including Southern Minnesota’s largest waterfall. Minneopa Falls checks in at a stunning 60 feet in height. The park is located off U.S. Highway 169 and State Highway 68, five miles west of Mankato Minnesota.

Dogwood Falls in Missouri

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.

Copper Falls in Wisconsin

Jason Paul/Facebook

Copper Falls State Park has some lovely trails which lead to two waterfalls, Copper and Brownstone, both of which are around 30 feet high. Ancient lava flows, deep gorges and spectacular waterfalls make Copper Falls State Park one of Wisconsin’s most scenic parks. If you are in the park, you have to see the stunning gorge on Bad River. Copper Falls State Park is located at 36664 Copper Falls Rd, in Mellen. For more information, click here.

Smith Falls in Nebraska

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

Smith Falls is located in the charming Smith Falls State Park and the falls are known to be the highest waterfall in all of Nebraska. Smith Falls is a popular place to enjoy during the summer months when many people come to kayak, tube, boat, and camp for a few days. Smith Falls was named after Frederic Smith; he was the first person who filed the smallholding patent on the property surrounding the falls. These falls are great for taking pictures and enjoying a picnic at one of the picnic tables in the park. If you are adventurous, try kayaking while visiting Smith Falls. Smith Falls is located at Smith Falls State Park at 90165 Smith Falls Rd. in Valentine, Nebraska.

Cedar Falls in Ohio

Cedar Falls are fairly narrow but have become one of the most visited falls in Ohio State. That is because they are family-friendly and offer the chance to cool off on a hot day. Their appearance changes by the season with the flow of water. Inside the state park, you will see caves and cliffs around this 50-foot waterfall. Visitors facilities are excellent and have led to even greater numbers coming, without the environment being spoilt in the least.The trails are good and cyclists can explore the park at their leisure – all stop to look at the falls. This waterfall can be found in Hocking Hills State Park.

Are there any we left off the list? Let me know in the comments.