Author: marklongmainstream (Page 54 of 174)

Sylvan Island Recreational Park is located on the Mississippi River just off the shore of Moline Illinois. The Island is connected to the mainland and is accessible by a walking bridge! The park is a converted abandoned industrial site, that is still riddled with the remains of the long forgotten Sylvan Steel plant. The plant was open from the 1890’s until the 1950’s. While lots of evidence of the plants existence still exists, nature is slowly devouring the remaining ruins. The park is located on 2nd street and 1st avenue in Moline.

Frank Ruiz

For years the Island sat abandoned, and was a popular spot for fishermen, and bird watchers. Now the island is officially open to the public, and is once again making a big impact in the community.

Sylvan Island has a total acreage of 37 acres, with 1.24 miles of trails both circling the Island and winding throughout. The park is open daily, year round from 6 am until sunset.

There is also a picnic area, numerous scenic overlooks, and countless spots for fishing. Scattered across the island are the remains of the former steel mill, and there are also a few underground passages that take you into the old basements of long torn down buildings. Most of these are hard to find, and are located on the Eastern side of the park.

The Island has become a popular location for mountain biking over the years with numerous trails designed for cyclists. There is even an annual race held on the Island called Taming Of The Slough.

Chad Mayerhofer

Fishing is another popular attraction found on and around the Island. The River is loaded with huge catfish, perch, and a wide variety of other species.

The Island is also loaded with folklore, and numerous stories and legends surround the park. One story dates back to the 1960’s, when a car had to be towed out of the river. Scuba Divers where called in to fasten chains to the submerged vehicle to tow it out of the water. Moments later the divers returned to land scared to death,claiming the car had 10 foot long Giant Catfish swimming  around it, both divers refused to return into the water and the submerged car remains today.

In the 1970’s there were stories of Lizard men living within the subterranean tunnels found on the Island.

Even today the Island has its share of stories. Just recently Haunted Illinois, listed Sylvan Island as the most haunted place in the entire state. You can read about their investigation by clicking here.  I have personally visited the Island 100’s of times and never seen anything supernatural. I can say; this is one very unique area, and its worth your time to visit and explore.

Whether you’re an urban explorer, hiking enthusiast, ghost hunter or history buff. Sylvan Island Recreational Park is a place you are sure to love!

Marcus Anderson

For more great locations in Illinois, click here.

When it comes to vacation homes, location is everything, and The Box Hop does not disappoint. Located just minutes from the gorgeous Hocking Hills State Park, just 5 miles from Catnwell Cliffs, and 8 miles from Rock House trail. These are some of the best hikes and scenic locations in the entire Midwest. The Box Hop is located in Rockbridge Ohio. . You can check pricing and availability by clicking here.

Other nearby activities include a world class zip-line and canopy tour, kayaking trips, horseback riding, and miles of biking and hiking trails.There are also several local shops, restaurants, breweries, scenic tours and the John Glenn Astronomy Park.

The property is centered on 18.5 acres in Hocking Hills, The Box Hop is made out of 3 inter-modal shipping containers that have been transformed into a beautiful vacation home. A different take on cabin life, with a simplistic approach focusing on sustainability and modern design, this getaway offers 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths and a plethora of views.

Inside, you can enjoy all the love and coziness of a small home and close quarters. Still room for eight at the dinner table. With a gas fireplace for the winter, and an “all glass” garage door with access to the rooftop patio for summer cocktails and sunbathing, this home has it all.

Outside, you have all 18.5 acres to hike and explore close by or simply sit out and enjoy the scenes of nature. Cook on the gas grill or cuddle up on the couch around the gas fire table. After a long day of hiking, you can relax in the 6-person hot tub nestled among the trees.

The goal is to truly enjoy every aspect and experience of simple living, nature and rest.

The hosts, Emily and Seth are considered Super Hosts and will do everything in their power to serve you to the best of their ability. They are always available for questions or concerns.

This is really one of those places you need to see to believe!

For more great lodging options in Ohio, click here. For the best parks and amazing location, click here. For the most incredible family activities in the area, click here.

Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park is one of the many natural spring parks within the state. The park contains a collection of natural springs, including a large second-magnitude spring that produces an average of 44 million gallons of water per day. This spring, known as Gilchrist Blue, has outstanding water clarity and discharges water through a shallow spring run about one-quarter mile to the Santa Fe River. Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park is located at 7450 NE 60th St, in High Springs, Florida.  For more information on this park, click here.

The other named springs on-site are Little Blue Spring, Naked Spring, Kiefer Spring and Johnson Spring, which provide scenic vistas and photographic opportunities.

The most significant ecological habitats include the spring run stream and floodplain communities. The main spring run is renowned for a diversity of wildlife species, including turtles, fish and invertebrates. Redbreast and spotted sunfish, largemouth bass, bluegill and channel catfish can be observed in waters with unparalleled visibility.

Paddling, snorkeling and swimming are all popular at the park. Pavilions are available, and a concession stand provides food and beverage service plus paddling equipment rentals. Other popular activities include camping, hiking, nature study and picnicking.

Lindsay Campbell

The park is located 25 miles south of Lake City and 20 miles to the northwest of Gainesville. Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park is located in Gilchrist County about five miles to the west of High Springs off Northwest 182nd Avenue (County Road 340) in the north-central part of the state along the Santa Fe River.

Sandy Baptist Burris

The park is open 365 days a year, from  8 am to sundown. There is a $6 per vehicle fee to enter the park.

Judy Williams

To see more of Florida’s Amazing Locations, click here. For the best nearby lodging and campgrounds, click here. For the best family activities in the area click here.

Tired of paying rent or a mortgage? To get away from these monthly bills many Americans are switching to tiny homes which are both cost effective and environmentally conscious. You can snag these arched tiny home cabin kits starting at $1,440 and ranging to about $20,000, depending on which model you purchase. For more information, click here.

These tiny homes are completely affordable  and have a wide range or pre-fab options to choose from.

Arched Cabins designs and manufactures tiny home cabin kits in several different sizes, then sends them to the location of your choice with easy instructions for how to build them.

These DIY arched cabin kits are perfect for anyone hoping to save a few bucks, and they’re made with eco-friendly materials by a family owned business.

These tiny home cabin kits have roofs made with 32 to 50 percent recycled steel, and the purchase comes with a 40-year warranty. Additionally, the “Super Span” roof paneling comes in 23 different colors, all in Energy Star-rated colors that can help you keep the building warm during cold months and cool during hot months.

The DIY tiny homes also include a minimum of R13 insulation, which is known to help conserve energy.

Arched Cabins notes that the DIY tiny home buildings can be used for a wide range of uses, including homes, workshops, offices, she sheds, hunting lodging, student housing, animal shelters, RV shelters, retirement homes, vacation homes and more!

When you order an Arched Cabin, the company offers a direct line to its build team who can help you navigate any difficulties, questions or other situations that could come up when you’re building the tiny homes on your own.

The arched tiny home designs also offer upgrades such as a fireplace thimble, multiple outdoor balcony and deck options, varying window layouts and upgradeable insulation up to R25 within the arched walls. Sizes for the DIY cabin kit range from 8 feet to 30 feet wide, with several varied configurations.

The basic 8-foot wide cabin is 10 feet tall, the 12-foot wide cabin is 10 feet tall or 12 feet for the extra-tall option.

Going upward in size, the 14-foot cabin is 12 feet tall, the 16-foot cabin is 14.5 feet tall, the 20-foot cabin is 17.33 feet tall, and the 24-foot cabin is 18.67 feet tall. Lastly, the 30-foot cabin is 17.33 feet tall, as measured to the top of the 4-inch thick ridge beam.

Whatever your affordable real estate needs are, the Arched Cabin tiny home cabin kit may be the perfect DIY project to suit your needs. From being inexpensive and easy to build to offering a wide range of sizes and configurations, this tiny home kit may just be your next indoor space.

You can snag these arched tiny home cabin kits starting at $1,440 and ranging to about $20,000, depending on which model you purchase. For more information, click here. Pictures used in this article are from the Arched Cabins Facebook Page.

Meadow Run Natural Water-Slide is one of several at Ohiopyle State Park in Pennsylvania.

Flickr/David Fulmer

The park serves as the perfect gateway to visitors headed to Laurel Highlands, and is comprised of 20,500 acres of scenic woodlands!

Flickr/David Fulmer

If your looking for a little adventure this is the place, thrill seekers can sit in the creek bed and ride the water through the two natural waterslides in Meadow Run, though officials recommend using caution when visiting the area as natural hazards do exist.

Check out this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLHWjfzjc7s

Parking is available adjacent to the SR 381 bridge crossing Meadow Run. Follow the signs to Meadow Run Trail or follow the path at the back of the parking lot. You’ll find the spot by following the signs to the Meadow Run Trail, which will lead you to the water.  For more information, click here.

For more great locations in Pennsylvania, click here.