Food Trucks and Live Music Provide for Fun Thursday Evenings This Summer in the Ravinia District
Summer Thursdays will be hopping during Ravinia District Food Truck Thursdays starting July 8! I am so thrilled that this summer treat is back for this festive season! Revelers are invited to enjoy a rotating assemblage of more than a dozen food trucks each week. During this fun Highland Park foodie extravaganza, there is sure to be something to tempt everyone in the family!
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Northern Illinois presents nature lovers with an incredible range of trails inviting exploration of rocky landscapes, spectacular water views, cascading waterfalls, nature etched canyons, lush woodlands, glacial landscapes and prairies and grasslands ablaze with brilliant blooms. You may even spot bison from some trails! With my list of 25 Northern Illinois hiking trails, you will experience a range of what the region has to offer:
Delighting in Ravines, Wildflowers and a Rocky Beach at Sheridan Park in Cudahy, Wisconsin
Continuing on our adventurous Southeastern Wisconsin hikes, we traced Lake Michigan to discover Sheridan Park in Cudahy, Wisconsin. A few weeks ago, we hiked at Warnimont Park in Cudahy and loved it. So, we were excited to explore another park nestled on Lake Michigan.
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24 Family Fun Events in the Chicago Suburbs June 24-27, 2021
The weekend is nearly here! Here are my picks for family fun in the Chicago Suburbs this weekend! Please remember to verify with websites any special COVID measures they may have as some still are requiring masks. Have a great weekend!
Located on the south shore of Wisconsin's Lake Mendota, Lakeshore Nature Preserve easily charms nature lovers with lake views, woodlands and prairie. As part of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the 300-acre preserve serves as an outdoor classroom for university students and the local community. We quickly found the preserve to be rich in wildlife and experiences during our wander.
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Summer Nature Scavenger Hunt for Summer Hikes in the Midwest
After a bit of a hiatus, I am back with another nature scavenger hunt! This Summer Nature Scavenger Hunt is based on what I am seeing on the trails in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin but would be good for a lot of other places in the Midwest this season. See if you can discover all of these sights and sounds on your hikes the next few weeks! Happy exploring! The hunt is printable.
Splendid Nebraska Hiking Location at Platte River State Park
Platte River State Park in Louisville, Nebraska welcomes nature lovers to explore a variety of nature experiences including a slightly rolling hike to a waterfall as well as views of the Platte River. We spent a morning forest bathing on the trails of Platte River State Park and immediately discovered a remarkable preserve.
19 Family Fun Events in the Chicago Suburbs June 19-20, 2021
Summer is in full gear! We have some really great events in the suburbs this weekend! Here are my picks for weekend fun:
Equestrian Connection Creates a Warm and Supportive Environment Helping Those with Cognitive, Emotional and Physical Impairments
"Best Days Happen Here!" Equestrian Connection's motto really encapsulates what happens at the center. Located in Lake Forest, Illinois, Equestrian Connection provides a crucial service for children and adults with cognitive, emotional and physical impairments. Recently, I visited the center and left totally amazed with the incredible work done there. Equestrian Connection is one of those places where you can truly see and feel the heart of our community.
On a peaceful evening in Omaha, we adventured to the enchanting wetlands of Heron Haven to scout for wildlife. Evening is one of my favorite times to be on the search for wildlife and our evening walk at Heron Haven did not disappoint!
Chicago Suburbs Family Fun June 10-13, 2021
I know that a lot of you are probably itching to get out there and enjoy summer fun! There are plenty of great ideas for this weekend! With this transition period due to COVID protocols, please check the venue's website before venturing out to make sure you follow their protocols. Here are my picks for this weekend:
Lewis & Clark Monument Park in Council Bluffs, Iowa not only marks a significant historic moment but also offers amazing views and hiking in the Loess Hills. Overall, we found Lewis & Clark Monument Park to be quite and impressive. We loved exploring this fantastic spot for hiking near Omaha.
Warnimont Park Provides for an Intriguing and Beautiful Wisconsin Hiking Location Near Milwaukee
Warnimont Park bestows hikers with a beautiful and intriguing hiking location in Cudahy, Wisconsin, south of Milwaukee. The preserve maintains a section of the extensive and paved Oak Leaf Trail. However, for us, the natural Forked Aster Trail is the star of the preserve. This impressive trail spindles off of the Oak Leaf Trail and offers a wander through stunning nature.
Izaak Walton Park and Prospect Heights Slough Present a Beautiful Nature Oasis
Izaak Walton Park in Prospect Heights, Illinois has been hidden in plain sight from me for way too long. The 4.0 acre preserve is only a few minutes from my home in Arlington Heights. Now that I have discovered this sweet little preserve, I will be spending quite a few quiet moments meandering its trails.
Meandering Along Duck Creek at Devils Glen Park in Bettendorf, Iowa
Disclosure: Thank you to Visit Quad Cities for hosting my trip to the Quad Cities in order to share incredible experiences with my audience. Opinions are 100% my own.
Devils Glen Park beckoned us to wander and scout for a waterfall! The first park established in Bettendorf, Iowa features limestone bluffs, woodlands, Duck Creek, a waterfall and plenty of green space. We spent a quiet Sunday morning wandering the paths of Devils Glen Park. While the waterfall is a star and worthy of adding as an Iowa waterfall trip, the entire preserve brought a calm only nature can to our morning.
22 Family Fun Events in the Chicago Suburbs June 4-6, 2021
Summer weekends are here and there is plenty of fun to be had! Here are my picks for this upcoming weekend:
Enjoying a Calm End to Daily Adventures at the Radisson on John Deere Commons in Moline, Illinois
Disclosure: Thank you to Visit Quad Cities for hosting my trip to the Quad Cities in order to share incredible experiences with my audience. Opinions are 100% my own.
The Radisson on John Deere Commons maintains a perfect position for a Quad Cities getaway. During our relaxing stay, we found that we were only footsteps away from so many food options! Additionally, the John Deere Pavilion and the TaxSlayer Center are adjacent.