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Journey to the Past: Uncovering the Secrets of Seminole Canyon State Park In Texas

November 9, 2025 /
Seminole Canyon State Park & Historic Site offers visitors an unparalleled opportunity to explore 12,000 years of human history, natural rugged beauty, and some of the oldest rock art in North America. Located in the Trans-Pecos region of Texas, the park’s main entrance is off U.S. Highway 90 West on Park Road 67 in Comstock, TX 78837. For more information, click here.
A popular destination for history buffs, hikers, and nature lovers alike, Seminole Canyon is a protected area where the sheer cliffs of the Pecos and Rio Grande rivers converge, providing dramatic views and a unique desert ecosystem. The park contains 2,172.5 acres and was officially opened to the public in 1980, preserving this crucial archeological landscape for future generations.
​Ancient Art: The World-Class Rock Pictographs
​The primary attraction at Seminole Canyon is the remarkable gallery of prehistoric rock art, known as pictographs, found in massive rock shelters carved by millennia of erosion. This artwork was created by the Desert Archaic people, a culture that thrived in the Lower Pecos River region for thousands of years. The distinctive Pecos River Style of art, dating back as far as 4,000 years, features striking human-like figures called anthropomorphs, animals, and complex patterns that are thought to represent shamanistic visions, ceremonial practices, and daily life.  Access to the most spectacular sites, such as the famous Fate Bell Shelter and the renowned Panther Cave (visible from an overlook), is strictly controlled and available only via guided ranger tours. These expert-led hikes are a must-do for a truly accurate and respectful look into this ancient, open-air art museum.
​Hiking and Exploring the Rugged Canyon Rim
​Beyond the historic shelters, the park offers nearly 10 miles of challenging and rewarding trails that traverse the canyon rims. The Canyon Rim Trail and the Rio Grande Trail allow hikers and mountain bikers to explore the scenic, semiarid landscape and enjoy stunning overlooks into the rugged canyons and across the Rio Grande into Mexico. Due to the blending of three major ecological zones—the Chihuahuan Desert, the Edwards Plateau, and the South Texas Plains—the park boasts a surprising variety of flora and fauna, including unique cacti, blackbrush, and rare bird species like the zone-tailed hawk. Visitors should be prepared for intense heat and lack of shade, making early morning hikes essential, particularly in the summer.
​Planning Your Visit
​Seminole Canyon State Park serves as a crucial hub for archeological study, outdoor recreation, and history education. Facilities include a visitor center with exhibits detailing the area’s geology and cultural history, a park store, and multiple campsites ranging from primitive to sites with water and electricity. Given the remote location and the importance of the guided tours for viewing the pictographs, visitors are strongly advised to check the park’s official website for tour schedules and to make reservations for both day-use passes and camping well in advance. Whether exploring the canyon floor on a guided hike or biking the open rim trails, Seminole Canyon offers a rugged, unforgettable journey into Texas’s deep past.
For more of the area’s best parks and locations, click here.  For the best lodging and campgrounds, click here. For the best adventures and activities, click here. 

Buffalo Rock State Park: Where History, Art, and Bison Meet the Illinois River

October 12, 2025 /
​Nestled on a majestic sandstone bluff overlooking the Illinois River, Buffalo Rock State Park in LaSalle County is a small but historically and artistically rich gem just a short drive from its famous neighbor, Starved Rock State Park. This 298-acre site offers a blend of natural beauty, deep-rooted history, and a touch of modern artistic wonder, making it a unique destination in North-Central Illinois. ​Address: 1300 N. 27th Rd., in Ottawa, Illinois. For more information, click here.
​The park’s history is centuries deep. Known to have once been an island in the Illinois River, the prominent bluff was home to the Illinois Indians. Legend suggests that the rock formation was used as a natural “blind canyon” for capturing buffalo—a story reinforced today by the small, dedicated enclosure that houses a herd of live American bison, a powerful, living connection to the site’s namesake and the wild past of the Midwest.
French explorers Louis Jolliet and Father Jacques Marquette first noted the area in 1673. Later, the site became a crucial French military and trading post, and was the rallying point for an estimated 4,000 Native American warriors gathered by LaSalle and Tonty to form a confederation against the Iroquois. In the 20th century, the land was owned by the Crane Company, which used it as a sanatorium for sick employees before donating it to the State of Illinois in 1928 to become a permanent state park.
​Buffalo Rock is perhaps best known for its striking environmental artwork, Effigy Tumuli. As a part of a mine reclamation project in the 1980s, artist Michael Heizer created five massive earth sculptures representing animals native to the Illinois River region: a snake, a turtle, a catfish, a frog, and a water strider. These colossal figures—with the snake alone stretching over 2,000 feet—are a tribute to the ancient Native American tradition of mound building. While walking atop the mounds on the Woodland Trail, visitors can appreciate their monumental scale, though their complete, abstract forms are best viewed from an aerial perspective.
​For outdoor enthusiasts, the park features easy to moderate hiking trails, including the scenic River Bluff Trail which offers expansive, panoramic views of the Illinois River and its valley from two observation decks. The park is a favorite spot for families, offering shaded picnic areas with tables and grills, a playground, and the opportunity to view the American bison daily in their grazing area. Whether for a peaceful afternoon picnic, a history lesson on the river, or a walk through an outdoor art gallery, Buffalo Rock State Park provides a memorable experience that stands distinct from the region’s other canyons and waterfalls.
For more of the area’s best parks and locations, click here.  For the best lodging and campgrounds, click here. For the best adventures and activities, click here. 

Enjoy A Fall/Winter Glamping Adventure At The Beautiful Lost Hill Lake In Missouri

October 12, 2025 /
​Ready to trade the city hustle for the serene sounds of nature without sacrificing luxury? Discover the ultimate cozy retreat at Lost Hill Lake Events, a premier glamping and event venue located at 2300 Mill Hill Road, in Saint Clair, Missouri. This stunning resort, nestled on 200 acres of natural woodlands along the Meramec River, offers a unique opportunity for glamping in Missouri during the picturesque Fall and Winter seasons. It’s the perfect, secluded outdoor getaway just 45 minutes from St. Louis, transforming camping into an unforgettable luxurious experience. You can view their glamping options here.
Lost Hill Lake Resort has 6 different Glamping units to choose from. The Happy Dayz Houseboat,  The Sunshine Skoolie, The Charming Apache Camper,  The Blue Sky Bus,  The Cozy Apache Camper,  and The Goodvibes VW Bus! Each unit is beautifully decorated, and provides a memorable glamping experience!
​As the air cools, Fall glamping at Lost Hill Lake provides a spectacular backdrop of changing foliage, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and couples seeking a romantic escape. Imagine waking up in a glamorous, weatherproof setup, sipping coffee as you watch the sun rise over the vibrant Missouri landscape. The luxurious amenities ensure you stay warm and comfortable, allowing you to focus on enjoying the crisp autumn air and the crackling sounds of a campfire under a blanket of stars. This is more than a stay—it’s an immersion into the beauty of the Ozark foothills.
​Don’t let cold weather deter your travel plans; Winter glamping at Lost Hill Lake is a truly magical experience. The resort’s glamorous camping accommodations are designed for year-round comfort, offering a unique and insulated haven against the chill. Experience the rare tranquility of a frozen landscape, where the forest is quiet and the air is clear.
Whether you’re planning a serene solo trip, a rejuvenating wellness retreat, or a unique celebration, these luxurious tent and cabin stays offer a warm, exclusive bubble from which to admire the Missouri winter wonderland.
​Stop searching for “things to do near St. Louis” and book your unforgettable adventure.
With its proximity to major Missouri destinations, Lost Hill Lake provides both seclusion and accessibility. Secure your spot now to experience the ultimate blend of rustic charm and modern luxury. For an unmatched Fall and Winter vacation, Lost Hill Lake is your premier choice for luxurious glamping in Missouri.

The Woodcutter Cabin Near Hot Springs Arkansas Is Simply Amazing

September 29, 2025 /

The Woodcutter Cabin is an ideal place to getaway, relax, unwind, and rejuvenate! This stunning cabin is part of: In The Trees Treehouse Resort. Located at 121 Blowout Mountain Rd. in Hot Springs, Arkansas. You can visit their website to check prices and availability, by clicking here.

The Woodcutter is a 1 bedroom luxury cabin, with an additional loft sleeping area! The master bedroom has a king size bed, the loft area has a twin bunk bed, and the living room has a full sized sofa sleeper.

The cabin includes a well stocked kitchen, with Caraway cookware! A coffee maker, fridge, stove, oven and microwave are also included!

Cabin Amenities include:

  • Hot Tub
  • Heated Bathroom Floors
  • Luxury Bedding
  • Smart TV w/ Wifi
  • Electric Indoor Fireplace
  • Stocked Kitchen with Caraway Cookware
  • Vinyl Record Player

This is the perfect place to getaway from all the hustle and bustle of daily life and soak up all the relaxing sounds of nature! A couple things I loved about this cabin, is the towering windows, the  large deck with hot-tub, and the gas fireplace.  After a few days at the Woodcutter Cabin you will feel brand new!

Escape to In the Trees, a private nature preserve nestled in the Ouachita Mountains. Immerse yourself in the great outdoors and leave the hustle and bustle of daily life behind. At the resort, you’ll find everything you need to unwind and recharge. Get ready to unplug and reconnect with nature in the most perfect way possible.

For more of the area’s best parks and locations, click here.  For the best lodging and campgrounds, click here. For the best adventures and activities, click here. 

Coconuts at the Lake: Missouri’s Premier Tropical Escape 🌴

September 28, 2025 /
Coconuts at the Lake is a vibrant, full-service vacation destination and premier RV resort located on the shores of the Lake of the Ozarks. The resort is packed with amenities and features, including a Caribbean-themed Coconuts Beach Bar & Grill, an exclusive adult pool and a family pool with a swim-up bar, and the family-friendly Bananas Water Park with four waterslides and a splash pad. For accommodation, it offers annual and nightly RV sites with full hookups on 10×50 concrete pads, as well as vacation villas. Guests can also access an expansive fitness center, a children’s playground, a convenience store, laundry facilities with arcade games and billiards, a dog park, a pickleball court and basketball court, and a marina offering boat slips and watercraft rentals. The resort operates as a private gated community for its RV guests, providing a safe and amenity-rich environment. You can visit the official website, by clicking here.
​Location
​Coconuts at the Lake is situated on the Gravois Arm of the Lake of the Ozarks, providing a lively atmosphere with stunning 2.5-mile views.
​Address: 15208 Red Hollow Road, Gravois Mills, MO 65037
​A Taste of the Tropics in the Ozarks
​Established in 2008, Coconuts at the Lake has grown into a major daytime party and family spot on the Lake of the Ozarks. The entire complex is designed to feel like a tropical getaway, from its beach-themed bar and grill to its multiple swimming areas.
​The Coconuts Caribbean Beach Bar & Grill is the central social hub, serving a full menu of lunch and dinner options alongside a wide selection of tropical cocktails. The restaurant’s design takes full advantage of the lake views, featuring multiple seating areas, including a popular rooftop deck and a relaxing outdoor fireplace area. It is particularly famous for its lively atmosphere, often featuring DJs and live music during the peak summer season.
​Resort and Accommodation Details
​Beyond the restaurant and pools, Coconuts is known for its RV Resort. It offers guests both short-term nightly sites and annual leases for those who wish to make the resort their long-term lake home. Each RV pad is a spacious concrete slab with full 30/50 amp hookups. Guests in both the RV resort and the vacation villas benefit from high-speed internet availability, on-site maintenance and management, and a private, key-card-accessible gated entrance for enhanced security. The addition of the Bananas Water Park ensures that the resort caters to all ages, solidifying its reputation as a complete family destination.
For more of the area’s best parks and locations, click here.  For the best lodging and campgrounds, click here. For the best adventures and activities, click here. 
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