Author: marklongmainstream (Page 51 of 174)

Wildcat Den State Park is one of the most beautiful state parks in all of Iowa.  Combining preserved historical structures with natural beauty, and a wonderful trail system.  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. Wildcat Den State Park is located at 1884 Wildcat Den Road, in Muscatine Iowa. For more information, click here.

With so much  natural beauty, its easy to forget about the two historical attractions.  the first is the pine creek grist mill, built in 1848.  This mill is listed on the national register of historic places, and is one of the best examples of mid 19th century mills left in the country.  The other historical attraction is located near the south entrance, and is an early 1900’s era, one room school house.  These two attractions offer a glimpse into the past and are perfectly preserved and open for viewing throughout the summer months.

Wildcat Den State Park is also a great location for your next camping and picnicking, 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.

Don’t Miss:   The Pine Grist Mill and bridge.  If hiking is not your thing, you can still make your way over to the pine mill bridge.  It’s only a short walk from the parking lot, but the view is breathtaking!  This section of the park is one of the most photographed locations in the state.  A popular destination for prom and engagement photos.   There is also a waterfall located just behind the mill.

 Logistic’s:  From Highway 22 turn North on Wildcat Den Road, follow road for 1 mile to the park entrance.  1884 Wildcat Den Road, Muscatine.

Best Time:  It’s always a good time to visit Wildcat Den.  Although visiting during the fall is my personal favorite. The park is gorgeous and the fall foliage just brings it all to life.

Pit Stop:  The Buffalo Shores Parkway is located less then 8 miles from the park, and offers camping and fishing.  The parkway also features a long sandy beach perfect for swimming or relaxing on the Mississippi River.

Extended Play:  West Lake Park is only 14 miles away, and has rental cabins, fishing, camping, paddle-boat rentals, and a beach area to dip your toes in the water.

Travel Smart:  As always when hiking, remember to pack weather appropriate clothing and comfy shoes.  I also recommend bringing sandals or a water shoe, as there are several different opportunities to cool off by wading into the pine creek which runs throughout the park.  Remember to pack plenty of water for your trip, bug spray, and sunscreen may also be a good idea.

For more great Iowa parks, click here.

Spend the night in this private three-story firehouse with paranormal activity and ghostly gadgets! The Ghostbusters Firehouse is located in Portland Oregon, and is available by clicking here. 

Just in time for Halloween, Sony Pictures and vacation rental company Vacasa have teamed up to offer a stay in the “Ghostbusters” firehouse. The building, which is a replica of the one featured in the comedy classic, is in Portland – not New York City, where the film is based.

Still, it has all the essentials, including iconic Ecto-1 car, ghost traps and proton packs. Guests can even try on the famous “Ghostbusters” fight suits and snack on Stay Puft marshmallows.

Due to countless reports of strange activity in neighborhoods across the city, the Ghostbusters have opened their Firehouse in Portland. So, while Venkman and the crew are out on patrol, you can keep an eye on the Ecto Containment Unit while kicking back in this private three-story firehouse built in the late 1800s, complete with two bedrooms, one bathroom, a full kitchen, and multiple living quarters.

When you’re not zipping into Ghostbuster uniforms, setting Ghost Traps, polishing up your unlicensed nuclear accelerators, examining some Ectoplasm, or using the Aura Video-Analyzer, you’ll experience a life-changing vacation. Enjoy all the comforts of a fully furnished home courtesy of Vacasa’s premium standards, with fun finds like shelves of ghostly gadgets and newspaper clippings, a pinball machine, and of course, a stare-down with the seven-foot Vigo painting hanging in the living room.

The property has 1 bedroom with 3 twin beds, there is also a sofa bed, and 1 bathroom. There’s just one house rule: Don’t. Cross. The streams. It would be bad. It would be a total protonic reversal… For more great lodging options, click here.

There is so much to do at Interstate State Park along the beautiful St. Croix River. Explore unique geology and stunning cliff-top views, hike trails through diverse habitat, canoe or kayak, or relax on an excursion boat. Interstate State Park is located at 307 Milltown Road in Taylors Falls, Minnesota. For more information, click here.

Minnesota Parks Service

Park highlights include: scenic river views, float trips, camping, hiking, fishing, rock climbing, and of course the world’s deepest potholes.

Midwest Hiking

Interstate State Park is also a popular destination for rock climbers.

Visit in spring for trails lined with wildflowers. Come in fall for picturesque valley views. Experience the park’s glacial potholes during any season. These impressive holes were carved into the rock by swirling sand and water thousands of years ago.

Midwest Hiking

The diverse habitat in the park is home to white-tailed deer, skunks, raccoons, squirrels, reptiles, amphibians and over 200 bird species. The St. Croix River borders the park and supports numerous fish and mussel species.

Midwest Hiking

The campground has 37 drive in sites, these sites include several non-electric sites on the river. Camping is available from April 1 through the third weekend in October.

There are numerous hiking trails found within the park and even a popular loop-trail that is wheelchair accessible.

Midwest Hiking

If your short on time, park by the visitor center and head to the Glacial Potholes Area, an experience not to be missed. ♦ Peer into the world’s deepest explored pothole, find potholes of all sizes, and enjoy scenic views of the river gorge. This little adventure should take about 60 minutes, and is an amazing experience.

Midwest Hiking

Park highlights include: scenic river views, float trips, camping, hiking, fishing, rock climbing, and of course the world’s deepest potholes.

Midwest Hiking

A huge thank you to Midwest Hiking, for providing these pictures! For more great locations in Minnesota, click here.

Wapsipinicon State Park sits on the edge of the charming town of Anamosa, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Many of the park’s structures, including the stone arch bridge, lodge and shelters were handcrafted by prisoners from the nearby Anamosa State Penitentiary and remain historic icons to visit. Wapsipinicon is abundant in unique formations and geology, so make sure to take your time exploring the natural wonders of this state park. Wapsipinicon State  Park is located at 21301 County Road E34, in Anamosa, Iowa.

This picture is owned by Midwest Hiking

Hike more than three miles of multi-use trails, winding through wooded areas and open grass prairies. The trails to Horse Thief Cave and Ice Cave lead to the recreation area, and the other trail meanders to Dutch Creek. These multi-use trails are also open to cross country skiing and snowmobiling in the winter.

MIDWEST HIKING

Explore the bowl-shaped Horse Thief Cave and Ice Cave hidden in the rocky bluffs along the trails. Horse Thief Cave is named after legendary horse thieves who used the cave as an escape while traveling decades ago, and Ice Cave is named for its chilling temperatures inside. Prior to their use by horse thieves, the caves served as a shelter for prehistoric Native American cultures.

Midwest Hiking

Fish along the Wapsipinicon River, also known as the Wapsi. Dutch Creek runs through the park and empties into the Wapsi, which is a feeding area for walleye. The river is popular for its channel and flathead catfish, spring crappies, bullheads and smallmouth bass.

Midwest Hiking

Golf at the nine-hole golf course owned by the Wapsipinicon Country Club and located within park boundaries. Please call the country club at 319-462-3920 for more information about fees and times.

Midwest Hiking

Camp in Wapsipinicon’s shady campground, offering the perfect setting for a weekend getaway or family vacation. The modern campground has non-electric and electric campsites, showers and restrooms. Advanced reservations can be made through the online reservation system for Wapsipinicon State Park.

Reserve the Dutch Creek or Playground Shelter for an outdoor gathering during your visit. The Playground Shelter is ADA accessible, and the Rotary Lodge is a larger venue available year-round for large events. The lodge can be reserved up to 12 months in advance through the online reservation system for Wapsipinicon State Park.

Midwest Hiking

A big thank you to Midwest Hiking for providing these great pictures! For more of Iowa’s amazing locations, click here.

Bella Vista Lakeside Tree-House

This place is perfect for those who enjoy life on the lake, this waterfront property offers easy access to outdoor adventure at home and is located near biking and hiking trails. This unique Ozark cabin has 4 bedrooms, and 3 baths and is listed as one of the top vacation rentals in the area by NWA Travel Guide! Situated on the shore of Lake Rayburn, this home offers spacious decks, a sunroom, a private dock, 2 kayaks, and modern amenities. The cabin is located on beautiful Lake Rayburn in Bella Vista Arkansas. For more information, or to check availability, click here.

The Beckham Cave Creek Lodge

Looking for a once in a life time lodging option?  Look no further. The Beckham Cave Creek Lodge, is the perfect place for your next vacation. Completely remodeled, this luxurious and comfortable  12 person 4BR 4BA 5800 s.f. home is located in the beautiful Ozark Mountains of Northwest Arkansas on 256 private, secluded acres. This is the perfect destination for romantic weekend getaways, company retreats, family reunions, weddings/honeymoon venue, or families traveling together seeking a once-in-a-lifetime vacation, this cave home ensures a memorable vacation! This luxurious vacation home, has more than 5,800 square feet of space! The Cave is located at 1110 NC 8610 Parthenon, AR 72666. For more information, pricing, to check availability, or to book your stay, click here.

The Nest

The Nest is a one of a kind romantic experience staying in a high end luxury tent. This five Star African Tent is built on stilts and hovers over the valley floor in Hot Springs Arkansas.  From the deck, guests will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the valley. You can even see the lake in the distance thru the beautiful foliage. The Nest is the perfect place to relax, and get away from it all.  The spacious hot-tub on the deck is a great way to unwind and enjoy the views of the night sky. Inside the tent, you will be transported to five star accommodations.  The tent, has both heat and air conditioning, a plush kind size bed, a 55″ TV with Dish Network. A stay at The Next is an experience you will never forget, and after just one visit you will want to return over and over again. The Nest is located in Garland County, Arkansas near Hot Springs Arkansas. To check prices or to book your stay at The Nest, click here.

Halcyon Cabin

A visit to Halcyon is an escape from everything, seclusion at it’s finest! When renting a cabin, location is everything and this gorgeous cabin doesn’t disappoint.  Located deep within the Ozark National Forest. About a 20 minute drive from Jasper Arkansas. It’s true wilderness and even over looks a stunning waterfall. The cabin is 1440 square feet, it has 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, and can sleep up to four adults. The house is furnished with craftsman cedar tables, bed frames, dressers, and chairs, comfortable lounging furniture, and everything you’ll need in the kitchen, including a dishwasher, washer, and dryer. Also included with the house are patio furniture, screened canopy, tent, 2-person anti-gravity chair, portable fire pit, charcoal grill, and various other outdoor amenities. To book your stay or check availability click here. More information can be found by clicking here.

Longbow Resort

Longbow Resort is a remote cabin getaway spanning two square miles in Prim, Arkansas, between Greers Ferry Lake and Mountain View in the Ozarks. Named Arkansas’ own “Garden of Eden” and described as a “secluded, enchanted paradise” by Southern Living magazine, this breathtaking resort preserves the natural beauty of its landscape while providing guests a perfect setting in which to relax and embrace nature. Hidden in a boxed canyon, this secluded cabin brings in the outdoors as an ideal escape for anyone hoping to get back to nature. Longbow’s open floor plan features an 18-foot sheer cliff wall intersecting a high ceiling with skylights. A large picture window draws your gaze outside to the 30-foot waterfall and private natural swimming pool. A set of stone steps leads down to a cliffhanging patio, providing a closer view of the waterfall and a hammock for napping. Longbow allows you to be one with nature while enjoying comfortable accommodations. The cabin has a guest limit of 4 and has a queen size bed and single couch. This is truly a hidden gem, one of the most amazing lodging options available, do yourself a favor and book your stay. Longbow Resort is located at 4349 Prim Rd, Edgemont, Arkansas. Right in the heart of the beautiful Ozarks! For more information, click here.

If your looking for more places to stay in Arkansas, visit our lodging database by clicking here.