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Beautiful Nauvoo Illinois; Admiring the Mississippi and Learning History
Where is Nauvoo Nauvoo, Illinois is located mid state, on the western edge of Illinois. It sits right next to the Mississippi River with the scenic Great River Road running through it. This little river town is 3 hours north of St. Louis Missouri, 2.5 hrs northwest of Springfield, Illinois, and 1 hour north of…
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Bluebell Trails in Central Illinois
Want to know where to find bluebells in central Illinois? You are at the right spot! Virginia bluebells are native wildflower found throughout Illinois. They thrive in moist woodlands and river flood planes. Bluebells bloom together, before the Woodland canopy has a chance to steal the sun. Depending on the weather, this can happen anywhere…
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12 Scenic Wheelchair Accessible Trails in Illinois: Nature for Every Ability
Rare Disease & Natures Healing I am a firm believer in natures ability to promote health both physically and mentally. Unfortunately getting outside and benefiting from nature is not always easy especially for those who need it the most. Whether you are a patient or a caregiver, you should be able to get outside and…
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Senic Bike Trails and Thrilling Pump Tracks in Shelbyville Illinois
Bike riding is one of our favorite family activities. During the spring and fall, when we can’t get too far from home, but want to do some riding, the bike trails in Shelbyville, Illinois are our favorite spot. Living out in the country, it is not safe for kids to ride bikes on the road.…
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Chasing Waterfalls: 15 Must See Waterfalls in Illinois
Did you know Illinois had waterfalls?!? It’s not just one either! There are quite a few across the state! Waterfalls aren’t something you expect from the Prairie State, which is mostly known for its flat terrain and farmland. Today I’m going to tell you about 15 must see waterfalls in Illinois, how to get to…
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Starved Rock State Park: Hiking Canyons with Kids
Illinois Most Visited State Park Starved rock State Park is the most visited state park in Illinois. It is also one of the most visited state parks in the whole United States! We visited in August of 2022 making it our 12th State Park on our Illinois State Park Challenge. Some people say that the…
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Hidden Springs State Forest: A Central Illinois Scenic Adventure
Our Illinois State Park Challenge Hidden Springs State Forest was our 5th Illinois State area visited during our Illinois State Park Challenge that we began in 2022. Our first couple visits to this state forest were confusing to say the least. Every time I put Hidden Spring State Forest into my GPS it would bring…
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Lake Shelbyville: A Guide to Hidden Gems & the Top Spots
Hi, I’m the local Hi I’m Meghan! Not only am I local to the Lake Shelbyville area but I love it here. As much as I enjoy traveling, I also appreciate this area that I call home. The plentiful outdoor recreation, the kind and hospitable people, and the quirky hidden gems are just a few…
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Exploring Ferne Clyffe State Park with Kids
Our favorite Illinois hidden gem When we began our state park challenge in 2022, Ferne Clyffe State Park was an easy one to check off first. It is one of our most frequented. We have visited the state park in all seasons, and never disappoints. There are waterfalls, rock, formations, a lake and beautiful views…
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Hello, from on the go!
If you’ve made it here, howdy! This blog has been a long time coming. I am so happy to finally be up, running and sharing! We are The Garriotts, obviously, and we are always on the go! Whether we are exploring a new IL state park, driving across the country or just exploring the back…