It’s not often you can find a swimming hole this exotic, right smack dab in the middle of the Midwest.  Perhaps that is why, The Fugitive Beach is such a popular destination for both locals and those all over the region.  Once an abandoned rock quarry, The Fugitive Beach now serves as a tropical paradise, surrounded by towering limestone bluffs. Fugitive Beach is located at The Fugitive Beach is located at 16875 County Road 5285, in Rolla, Missouri. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.

The Fugitive Beach is a family owned business, spread out on more then 20 beautiful acres.  The beach itself is over 300 feet in length of soft sand, just perfect for laying out in the summer sun. To check prices and hours, click here.

Other then the beautiful views of the azure blue water, the main attraction is the 65 foot cliff side, water slide!  There is also cliff jumping, at 10, 15, and 20 foot heights as well as a 60 foot slip and slide that is fun for kids and adults.

During the winter the staff at The Fugitive Beach has focused on developing a special beach side play area, for those 10 and under. They even added a toddler friendly slide. In addition to the kids area, they have also added more cabanas and a larger beach area! There will also be two floating obstacles on the water this year!

To add even more enjoyment to your visit, you can rent one of the cabanas overlooking the lake.  Each Cabana comes with seating for 5-6 people and a charcoal grill.  This is a great way to enjoy the beach in a more private setting.

Whether your looking for a fun summer activity for the family, a little adventure, or just a place to relax on a warm summer day, The Fugitive Beach has just what you need.

Pro Tip: Buy tickets online and skip the lines! You can purchase tickets by clicking here.  Save money by bringing your own food and sealed drinks

Best Time:  The park is open from May 20th to Labor Day, with June and July being the most popular times to visit! For hours and pricing, click here.

Pit Stop: Visit the Beach Bar and Grill, to refuel after a day in the water.  The grill serves pizza, burgers, nachos, pulled pork sandwiches, and hot dogs! There is also beer daiquiris, soda, and water for sale. The concession stands also offer a wide variety of snacks.

Extended Play:  Stay for the weekend!  Get a campsite at Maramec Spring Park, located apox 30 minutes from The Fugitive Beach.  The campground has 58 campsites available adjacent to the Meramec River. To see a list of nearby lodging options, click here.

Travel Smart:  The beach does get busy on weekends and holidays.  I suggest planning a visit during the week to avoid the crowds.  Remember to pack a swimsuit, sunscreen, a beach towel, and plenty of drinking water to stay hydrated.

For nearby lodging, click here. For a list of Missouri’s best hiking locations, click here. For a list of fun family activities in the area, click here.

The Rapunzel Tree-House is a one-of-a-kind work of art, and resembles something found in a fairy tale! This gorgeous Tree-House can be found within the Enchanted Treehouses Resort. The resort is located at 70 Dogwood Ridge, in beautiful Eureka Springs, Arkansas! For more information or to check prices and availability, click here.

The Rapunzel Tree-House comes complete with an epic Jacuzzi tower, four bridges covering a 60 ft span, and includes all the luxuries of other tree-houses, but on steroids!

The Rapunzel Tree-House is designed to sleep two adults, and has a stunning king size bed with luxury linens, and a private bathroom with custom tile and walk-in shower!

There is also a sitting area on both floors a romantic fireplace, dining area and a fully stocked kitchenette with dishes, cookware, apt fridge, microwave, two-burner cook-top, coffee pot with coffee, etc.

On the back deck is a  gas grill, and the house has  cable smart TV, free private WIFI, and, of course, AC/heat. This is the perfect place for a romantic get-away!

The tree-house is positioned on the back half of a mountaintop, and there are numerous reports of deer, turkeys, and eagles visiting the property!

The Rapunzel Tree-House is perfect for couples celebrating an anniversary or needing an escape from everyday life, this themed tree-house has all the amenities you desire.

For more amazing lodging options in the area, click here. For a list of nearby parks and amazing locations, click here. For a list of family activities, click here.

Aquarium at the Boardwalk is one of the newest things to do in Branson, Missouri, and is unlike any other aquarium you’ve visited. First hint – the massive octopus sculpture that greets guests at the front door. It’s modeled after Aquarius, a Giant Pacific Octopus and one of the Aquarium’s exclusive characters. Inside, stroll down the boardwalk and explore ten zones of fish & fun. Aquarium at the Boardwalk is located at 2700 West 76 Country Blvd. Unit A in Branson, Missouri. For more information, click here.

Aquarium at the Boardwalk meets all ADA requirements, and is completely handicap accessible! Once you enter at the stated time on your ticket, there is no limit to the length of time that you can enjoy the Aquarium.

Aquarium at the Boardwalk frequently sells out, and reservations are highly recommended. You can purchase tickets or make reservations by clicking here.

The Aquarium is open seven days a week 365 days a year! You can check the Aquarium’s hours by clicking here. Touring the aquarium generally takes about two hours, although some groups may not need as much time while others will require longer. You are free to enjoy the Aquarium at your own leisure.

The Aquarium has partnered with four other Branson attractions to offer the Five’r Pass. This pass will grant the bearer admission to 5 of the best attractions in Branson. Including: Aquarium at the Boardwalk, Hollywood Wax Museum, Castle of Chaos, Hannah’s Maze of Mirrors, and Shoot for the Stars mini golf. The Five’r Pass is available here.

Aquarium at the Boardwalk is an incredible attraction and is a perfect place to visit anytime of year! In the summer, its a great place to escape the summer heat, and during the winter the Aquarium offers relief from the cold winter wind. Regardless of reason or season, its always a great time to visit the Aquarium!

For nearby lodging, click here. For great family activities in the area, click here. For a list of some of Missouri’s best parks and amazing locations, click here.

Cave Country Canoes is a family run business carrying on the tradition of outdoor recreation on the beautiful Blue River since 1983. They offer canoeing, kayaking and camping. There summer season features many special events and live music from April to October. Cave Country Canoes is located at 112 West Main St, in Milltown, Indiana. For more information, click here. 

Float Trips

Experience the best Blue River kayaking or canoeing in Milltown, Indiana! Cave Country Canoes has you covered with wildlife, rapids, and the abundant scenic beauty of the Blue River.  Cave Country Canoes has 6 different river trips to choose from. Trips vary in length and difficulty, and take you past some gorgeous sites!

Special Events

Don’t miss the special events hosted by Cave Country Canoe! Events include, Paddle Fest, Twlight Canoe and Dinner for Two, Live Music, River Cleanup, a Women’s only Weekend, and my personal favorite, the Full Moon Float. To see their calendar of events, click here.

Camping

Enjoy an unforgettable camping experience in Milltown, Indiana! They offer primitive, non electric sites and 12 electric sites. They also have the covered wagon campsite. The grassy campsites are situated next to the river and all boast a river view! For more information on the campground, click here.

If your looking for an escape from the day to day,  Cave Country Canoes has you covered. They are  dedicated to providing a safe, fun, Blue River kayaking experience for all guests while preserving and protecting the environment of Blue River, Indiana’s first designated scenic river.

For more nearby adventures, the entire family can enjoy click here. For the areas best lodging and campgrounds, click here. For the best parks and amazing locations in Indiana, click here.

Step onto the meandering pathway that leads to your magical get-a-way… Enter through a cave like entry, and step foot into the Hobbit Cave! The Hobbit Cave is just one of the many amazing lodging options available at Eureka Springs Treehouses! Eureka Springs Treehouses is located at 3018 E Van Buren in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. For more information, click here.

© 2015 Stephen Ironside/Ironside Photography

As you round a corner you will be immersed in your first glimpse of the Grotto… Which happens to be a VERY ROMANTIC Jacuzzi for Two!

© 2015 Stephen Ironside/Ironside Photography

Continue on through rock formations and you enter the curved cavernous cavern to your main living area.
Magically you feel transported to a mystical cavern where a forest is beckoning through a wall of windows.
Meander out the door to your private courtyard and be immersed in a wall of singing nature with scampering squirrels and maybe a visiting deer.

© 2015 Stephen Ironside/Ironside Photography

Ahhh… after a day of experiencing all that Eureka Springs has to offer, returning to your Hobbit to enjoy the pulsating oasis of your Shower for 2, is sure to ease the two of you back into your very own romantic cocoon.
Pour a glass of wine or what have you and meander out onto your covered private courtyard and enjoy the sounds of nature while the two of you sway back and forth on a bench made just for you.

As twilight falls, snuggle in your King Bed and enjoy the ambiance of muted lighting that reflects off of your cave walls. Intrigue and a feeling of being in your very own cocoon is what the Hobbits are sure to bring. This is a magical place you will fall in love with and never want to leave! The Hobbit Cave is an Adult only destination.

© 2015 Stephen Ironside/Ironside Photography

For more of the best lodging and campgrounds in Arkansas, click here. For the best nearby parks and amazing locations, click here. For the best family activities in the area, click here.

There are THREE “Hobbit Caves”! Since there is a slight difference in exterior facades, the exterior picture is just an example of what to expect. Walkways will differ slightly for both of them, but the interiors are identical. Pictures used in this article are owned by Eureka Springs Treehouses.