Illinois’ Cahokia Mounds An Archaeological Wonder

One of the world’s greatest cities in existence in AD 1250 lies within miles of present day Collinsville, Illinois. Larger than London was at the time, the city had inhabitants who were accomplished builders, constructing everything from homes to monumental … Continue reading

Pere Marquette Park: A Nature Lover’s Illinois Paradise

For anyone who enjoys being out in nature, Pere Marquette Park in West Central Illinois offers a year-round playground. The park is located near to Grafton, and visitors can find great lodging at Green Tree Inn or Maple Leafe Cottage … Continue reading

Cross-Country Skiing in Lake County, Illinois

For those who enjoy Nordic skiing, there is no better place to head in Illinois than Lake County, an area located north of Chicago, along the shores of Lake Michigan. Both beautiful and convenient to the city, Lake County is … Continue reading

Johnson-Sauk Trail A Year-Round Illinois Playground

The rolling hill country in north-central Illinois is where you’ll find the Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area (SRA), and if you’re someone who likes to get outside and play, this is one place you’ll want to mark on your map. … Continue reading

Touring Illinois’ Shawnee Hills Wine Trail

Are you looking for an outing that combines gorgeous rolling hills and sips of wine along the way? Head to southern Illinois for a trip on the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, which includes 11 wineries nestled in the shadows of … Continue reading

Autumn in Illinois Means Apple Festivals!

Along with cooler days and colorful trees, autumn in Illinois means apple harvest. Fortunately for residents and visitors, there are a wealth of orchards scattered across the state, many of which offer pick-you-own options. But the real fun is the … Continue reading

Southern Illinois’ Scenic River To River Trail

Stretching 160 miles from Battery Rock on the Ohio River to Devil’s Backbone Park on the Mississippi is one of the prettiest stretches of trail in the Midwest, the Illinois River to River Trail. From now through autumn is a … Continue reading

Ziplining In Illinois’ Shawnee National Forest

For a birds-eye view of the beauty of the Shawnee National Forest, located in southern Illinois, sign up for a ziplining tour that will have you soaring above the trees. The Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois is a perfect … Continue reading