Category: Uncategorized (Page 82 of 174)

The Haw Creek Falls Recreation Area is a magical place located deep in the Ozark National Forest.  This incredible area has not one, not two, but three breathtaking waterfalls! The Haw Creek Falls Recreation Area is located off of Hwy. 123 in Hagarville, Arkansas. For more information, click here.

This picture is owned by hiking the ozarks

This primitive campground has 9 spacious sites. Campers are allowed, but no special hook-ups are available.  There are no restrooms, and you will need to bring your own water. The campsites are equipped with picnic tables and pedestal grills.

The campground is surrounded by a beautiful mature hardwood forest, and is located on a small mountain stream with picturesque falls, rocks, and a bluff, making this the perfect setting for your next family outing!

This picture is owned by Keep Arkansas Beautiful

It’s the views, that make this campground truly special.  The campground is located within sight of Haw Creek Falls, and its only a short hike to Pam’s Grotto Falls and Pack Rat Falls.

Keep Arkansas Beautiful

While this is a great place to camp, its also an incredible place to enjoy the beautiful Arkansas nature.

Jonathon Ball

Hiking, swimming, fishing, camping, animal spotting, and taking in the breathtaking scenery are just some of the highlights this area has to offer.

Flickr/Just too lazy

Or you can just enjoy a picnic surrounded by beautiful scenery.

For more information about this recreation area, visit the U.S. Forest Service website by clicking here.

For directions to Haw Creek Falls Recreation Area, click here.

Hanging Lake Falls

Yingna Cai / shutterstock

Hanging Lake is a beautiful sight, teal-green water below mountains and replenished by crystal-clear waters falling over the rock faces. It is not the height of the waterfalls that is impressive but the number of cascades of water, which vary by season. It is a tranquil place that even the sound of falling water does not interrupt. You have an uphill hike to get to the lake – certainly more than a couple of hours – but the effort is certainly worth it because you will have some great photographs to show your friends. Unfortunately, swimming is not permitted. Located in Glenwood Springs.

Treasure Falls

Lars Leber Photography

If you are driving along Highway 160 from South Fork on the way to Pagosa Springs, you will be able to see Treasure Falls. It is certainly worth stopping to get a closer look if you have time. You’ll find Treasure Falls at the foot of Wolf Creek Pass and can access it along a hiking trail. The water drops from 105 feet into Falls Creek to ultimately reach the San Juan River. The name comes from the legend that the mountain contains gold, which French invaders found in this Spanish territory in the late 18th century but only 2 of 300 returned to tell the tale.

Helen Hunt Falls

Danny Fyffe / shutterstock

Helen Hunt Falls in North Cheyenne Canon Park are fairly close to the parking lot. The trail goes on to a second falls known as Silver Falls. Because of its proximity to Colorado Springs, and because it is a beautiful setting, Helen Hunt Falls are fairly popular. Visitors come from late spring onwards, with the snowmelt meaning they are in full flood. There is a visitor center with videos and exhibits as well as a gift shop. Your dog is welcome if under your control and make sure you wear comfortable footwear.

Seven Falls

If you don’t want to hike up the 224 steps beside the Seven Falls, take the elevator. The drop is 181 feet in different segments and the views from the top over Colorado Springs and the surrounding area are spectacular. It was included in National Geographic’s list of waterfalls and some suggest it is the best piece of scenery in a very scenic state. They are lit at night in the summer and the Eagle’s Nest Lookout is a great place to take it all in. A restaurant is a fairly recent addition to the site.

Boulder Falls

Faina Gurevich / shutterstock

Boulder Falls have been a popular tourist destination since the 1800’s. Some of the trails closed a few years ago after serious floods and things have only just got back to normal, they are busy once more. It is worth getting there early in the day if you want a parking spot. There are warning signs to stick to the designated trails which stress that climbing is not permitted. Some of the rocks to the left of the falls near the viewing area are now being retained by wiring, so there are some issues.

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 is located at 6684 Crystal Lake Cave Rd in Dubuque, IA 52003. For more information, click here.

As mentioned above the cave is located in Dubuque Iowa, the city is a hot-bed of adventurous activities, and the cave is located just a mile from the beautiful Mines of Spain.

With every step you take through the cave you will see a wide range of pristine stalagmites, helictites, and rare anthodites. Crystal Lake Cave offers two amazing tours, through this underground wonderland. The first tour is the general tour, which 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.

The second tour is called the Wild Tour, and for good reason. This tour is a spelunkers delight. Brave thrill seekers, are guided through unexcavated and narrow passageways. You will see sections of the cave that very few have seen before. This tour is done mostly on your hands and knees, so knee pads are needed and a hard hat must be worn. The tour lasts an hour and a half and is perfect for the more adventurous members of your group.

The Crystal Lake Caves gift shop is packed with all kinds of mineral-related keepsakes, and the kids will love the Mining Sluice, where they can uncover precious gemstones, fossils, and other hidden treasures using water and a sifter.

With two different tours to choose from, and a beautiful sheltered picnic area, Crystal Lake Cave is the perfect destination for your next family Adventure! The cave opens in May and closes again in mid October.We recommend calling and checking hours before planning a trip.

For more great campgrounds in Iowa, click here. For great locations to hike and explore in Iowa, click here. For a list of nearby activities, click here.

Go On Safari

Aikman Wildlife Adventure opened last year in Arcola, and has since grown into one of the biggest and best tourist attractions in Southern Illinois. The Adventure Park has more then 150 different animals, and over 50 different species, just waiting to be seen. Aikman Wildlife Adventure is currently offering several great ways to experience this unique park. A walk through adventure, a drive through adventure, and a wagon ride adventure! There is also a petting zoo and a behind the scenes tour, and coming soon to the park will be an Aviary Adventure. Aikman Wildlife Adventure is located at 125 North County Road 425E Arcola Illinois. For more information, click here.

Chestnut Mountain

Chestnut Mountain Resort is one of those rare places, where luxury and adventure come together to create the ultimate vacation destination the whole family will enjoy! During the winter months Chestnut Mountain is one of the Midwest’s most popular ski resorts.  During the summer months, the resort offers a wide variety of activities! There’s the Alpine Slide, the Soaring Eagle Zipline, as well as a Mississippi River Cruise. Chestnut Mountain Resort is located at 8700 W Chestnut Road in Galena. For more information, click here.

Ride A Gondola

The Grafton Sky-tour is a local attraction like no other! Our scenic aerial lift not only provides a unique way to reach Aerie’s Hill, but also showcases the breathtaking views of the unique Grafton bluffs, and the confluence of the Illinois and Mississippi rivers. The SkyTour is a perfect activity for all ages, so if you’re looking for things to do, come see our view! If that wasn’t enough, there is also Grafton Zipline, the premier zipline course in the Midwest, with 7 incredible lines totaling 2 miles in length. The ziplines range  from 300 feet to the longest line checking in at just over 1600 feet.  YOu can look high and low and you won’t find a longer line in the entire Midwest! Grafton Sky Tour is located at 14 West Main Street, Grafton Illinois. For more information click here.

Go Whitewater Rafting

There Is Only One Place In Illinois You Can Go Whitewater Rafting. Rafting the Vermilion River is an amazing experience for several reasons. First, It is one of the rare rivers in the US that runs South to North.  Second,  its total lack of development along its banks. It’s a unique river because during the whole trip the only man made structure you will see is the Lone Star Cement Plant near the end. One of only a few white water rafting experience’s in the Midwest. The  Vermilion River pushes a swift 3 MPH pace, during its high season.  Using the International Scale of River Difficulty from the American Whitewater Affiliation, the Big Vermilion River would probably rate a Class III out of 6 classes.  There are about 14 sets of rapids spread out over 9 1/2 miles. Most are classified 1’s and 2’s, but If the river water is up over 4 foot, you will get some class 3 rapids.  Highlights of the float include Wildcat Falls, the Lone Star Dam, and The Narrows. Vermillion River Rafting is located at 779 North 2249th Road Oglesby, IL. For more information, click here.

Go Skydiving

The Quad City Skydiving Center is a safety oriented drop zone, geared towards teaching beginners the exhilarating sport of skydiving. Weather your looking to check another one off on your bucket list or working to become a licensed skydiver, the friendly staff will work with you to help you meet your goals. Just about everyone has skydiving on their bucket list, and there is no better time than now, and no better place then the Quad City Skydive Center. So call and make a reservation today, this is one summer Adventure you will never forget. The QC Skydive Center is located at 20028 E 1650th St, Geneseo, IL. For more information, click here.

Timber Ridge Outpost

Nestled in the Shawnee Hills of Southern Illinois, Timber Ridge Outpost & Cabins is centrally located with something for everyone. You’ll find an endless number of things to do, historical places to visit, groomed trails through some of the most ecologically diverse and beautiful woodlands. Throw a line in the pond and spend the afternoon or just simply relax, listen to the birds sing and read a book. The tree houses offer everything you need to relax in the tranquil treetops. Located minutes away from the famous Garden of the Gods in the Shawnee National Forest, Timber Ridge Outpost & Cabins offers an unforgettable ‘Glamping’ experience.  At Timber Ridge, you can take your pick of the Treehouse, the Log Cabin, or the Private Home. Timber Ridge Outpost is located at 546 N Iron Furnace Rd Elizabethtown, IL. For more information, click here.

Private Beach House

This cabin near Carbondale that’s got all the amenities you need to be comfortable, and it’s even got its very own beach! This spacious home is 2,700 square feet, and it has everything you’ll need to make you feel right at home. All you need to bring is your toothbrush! You’ll love the knotty pine interior and cozy furniture. Curl up in front of the fireplace, and enjoy the 60-inch television with satellite. Four bedrooms and three bathrooms provide accommodations for up to 15 people. The cabin is situated just 500 yards from a four-acre lake that’s stocked full of fish. This little gem is available through VRBO.com.

Willowbrook Cabins

At Willowbrook Cabins  in Southern Illinois location is key! These gorgeous cabins are conveniently located just minutes from Garden Of The Gods, Jackson Falls, Bell Smith Springs, and the Famous Rim Rock National Trail.  If that wasn’t enough, there is also nearby horseback riding, canoeing, scuba diving, and even white water rafting! Willowbrook Cabins is the largest cabin rental company in Pope County just North of Golconda, IL in the middle of the best and largest part of Shawnee National Forest.   Cabins range in size and style, with four different units to choose from.  Two of the cabins include an outdoor hot-tub, and all of them come with washer and dryers, high speed internet, direct TV, and outdoor fire-pit. For more information, or to make a reservation visit Willowbrookcabins.com

Cedar Hill River Resort

Cedar Hill River Cabins are located on the Ohio River Scenic Byway surrounded by the beautiful Shawnee National Forest of Southern Illinois. The cabins are nestled on 11 acres in the Shawnee Forest on the Ohio River, five miles from Elizabethtown, Illinois and one mile downriver from Tower Rock National Recreation Area. We have seven private and spacious rustic décor cabins of various sizes. Our pet friendly cabins are equipped with fully furnished kitchens, gas grills, air-conditioning, TV with dish network, hot tub, Jacuzzi tub, and much more. Cedar Hill is located on the Ohio River and has over 800 feet of river shoreline and a picturesque limestone bluff and natural spring. For more information, click here.

The Nest Cabins

Three picturesque rental cabins, nestled on peaceful farmland, overlooking the mighty Mississippi river.The Nest at Palisades Cabins is a second-generation, family-owned property in Savanna. Cabins are available year round, for a peaceful weekend getaway, or a longer stay. The area surrounding the cabins is a  prime location for all sorts of outdoor activities and is located within close proximity to historic Galena, and beautiful Chestnut Mountain. For more information, click here.