The Sacred Heart Seminary Shrine, also known as the Geneva Grotto, sits perched on a little knoll along a creek within Gunnar Anderson Forest Preserve. Geneva Grotto fascinates as a little reminder of history in a tranquil and picturesque setting. A jaunt out to visit the grotto provided such a wonderful moment of peace and discovery for us on a winter's day.
Family Fun in the Chicago Suburbs January 28-30, 2022
The weekend is right around the corner! Hooray! Here are my picks for family fun on this last weekend of January:
Hiking at Ferne Clyffe State Park in Shawnee National Forest
We began our Ferne Clyffe State Park ramble up on top of a bluff. Upon embarking on the trails, we were unsure how far the noted waterfall would be from the trailhead. Soon, we found ourselves on a rocky descent down to the canyon floor. The descent rewarded us with intriguing views of rock formations in addition to a bit of a hiking challenge. Ferne Clyffe State Park certainly provides a landscape not to be missed nestled within Shawnee National Forest!
12 Super Road Trip Destinations from Chicago Perfect for Your Next Adventure
With warmer days hopefully upon us soon, time is here to think about road trips! I am sharing a few of my favorites within a range of distances. Happy trekking!
Chicago Suburbs Family Fun January 22-23, 2022
Happy almost weekend! Here are my picks for family fun this wintery weekend in the Chicago suburbs:
Winter Adventures to the Quad Cities Treat to Bald Eagle Viewing
Bald eagles winter along the Mississippi River in the Quad Cities making the destination perfect for a winter nature adventure. This past weekend, we visited the Quad Cities for the first time in the winter and were immediately enthralled by the bald eagles majestically flying through the air in a variety of locations along the mighty Mississippi.
On The Lookout for Bald Eagles at McHenry Dam
McHenry Dam State Park entices visitors with the promise of seeing a range of birds as well as a spot for fishing, biking and hiking. Sitting immediately adjacent to Moraine Hills State Park, the duo of preserves invites explorers to an incredible plethora of nature experiences. Benefitting from an unseasonably warm day, we headed to McHenry Dam State Park to try our luck at spotting a bald eagle.
Family Fun in the Chicago Suburbs January 15-17, 2022
The weekend is nearly here! I am back to putting together my list of weekend fun ideas for families. Here are my picks for this weekend:
Winter Hiking and Cross-Country Skiing at Silver Creek Conservation Area Invite Explorers to Enjoy a Snowy Scene
Snowy trails enticed us to explore at Silver Creek Conservation Area in Cary, Illinois. Approximately five miles of trails traversing the preserve treat outdoor lovers to a range of experiences throughout the year. This weekend we had to explore outside a bit to enjoy our blanket of snow, so we opted to adventure to Silver Creek Conservation Area.
Silver Creek Conservation Area is 840 acres with over 5 miles of hiking trails.
10 Interesting Facts About Valley Forge
Valley Forge marks a particularly difficult time for George Washington's hodgepodge force of colonial militias while also representing a time when that force became more cohesive. Troops were exhausted and not well supplied. Washington chose Valley Forge for the encampment because it was on a naturally defensible plateau and was close enough to Philadelphia that the colonial military could keep an eye on the British. The encampment would last for 6 months. Training at Valley Forge would mold the force into a more unified fighting unit.
A long weekend adventure in the Cape Girardeau, Missouri area offered us an opportunity to explore the Mississippi River Tales Mural and learn more about regional history. The brilliant 24-panel mural lays out significant elements from Cape Girardeau history right along the city's flood wall.
Conservatories and butterfly enclosures in both Chicago and Milwaukee treat to summer experiences during the depths of winter. When I need a little green uplift, I like to wander the paths of one of our local conservatories or butterfly enclosures. I am sharing a list of my favorite indoor greenspaces in the area to help you enjoy a little winter adventure with vibrant flora:
