Jester Park is a bit of a  hidden gem in Iowa’s unbelievable park system. The park has a wide range of activities all year long, ranging from hiking to horse drawn sleigh rides and so much more! Jester Park is located at 11121 NW Jester Park Dr, in Granger, Iowa. For more information, click here. PICTURES USED IN THIS ARTICLE WERE PROVIDED BY HALEY SYTSMA.

Jester Park is located on the west shore of beautiful Saylorville Lake and is a popular migration stop for large flocks of pelicans and waterfowl that use Saylorville Lake during the fall and spring.  The park is relatively small in size covering just over 1,670 acres of land, however it more than makes up for its size with its large and diverse recreational activities available!

Camping and picnicking are two favorite pastimes for many park users. Picnic tables and shelters are scattered throughout the park, accommodating small and large groups. The park also provides boat ramps, a natural playscape, fishing ponds, golf, horseback riding, snowmobile and hiking trails, four modern reservable cabins, a Lodge rental facility, and the Jester Park Nature Center. Birding is especially popular at Jester Park. Don’t forget the binoculars on your next visit to the park.

The bison and elk herds that live in this wildlife animal enclosure have been popular attractions at Jester Park for almost four decades.  Features is the enclosure include an ADA accessible observation deck, an inviting viewing and picnic area, educational displays and high quality art components! An electric fence surrounds the animal exhibit. SO REMEMBER TO USE CAUTION AND STAY AWAY FROM EXHIBIT FENCING.

Jester Park offers more than 148 campsites along the lakeshore and across the wooded hills overlooking Saylorville Lake. There are 80 electric sites, 62 non-electric sites, 4 walk-in primitive sites, and 2 youth areas. Two campground shower houses are open mid-April through the end of October. There are also two boat ramps providing easy access to the lake.

A favorite at Jester Park is its well marked hiking trails. The park offers more than 8 miles of natural trails to explore, including the 5 mile Lake-shore Trail from the Mile-Long Bridge to the parking area at Trailhead #21. Hiking is a great way to explore and enjoy the beauty of the area.

During the winter months the park is well known for its horse drawn sleigh or wagon rides. This is a magical experience as the winter snow transforms the park into a winter wonderland. Rides will be available every half hour from 10am-11:30am and 1pm-3:30pm from early December through Mid-February. The sleigh can accommodate up to 7 adults.

Looking for nearby lodging or campgrounds, click here. Looking for more family fun activities in the area, click here. For more of the best parks and amazing locations in Iowa, click here.

Hidden in the stream-side tree tops, the Treetop Hideaway tree house cabin was built by local craftsmen to provide the perfect  Missouri cabin romantic vacation. This stunning cabin is located on the property of River of Life Farm. The River of Life Farm is located at 1746 River of Life Drive in Dora, Missouri. You can book and check availability by clicking here.

This is the ultimate spot for two to get away from everything, get close to nature, and relax while enjoying all the comforts of a first class vacation. The Treetop Hideaway tree house has been handcrafted with stained glass windows, cedar cabinets, and a native stone fireplace to set the mood for that great romantic vacation you’ve always dreamed of.

Guests of the Treetop Hideaway can enjoy many activities. The hiking trails at River of Life Farm cover more than 500 acres of Ozark beauty! You’ll enjoy a gorgeous view of the North Fork River from Inspiration Point, just a short hike from your cabin. The trail is well marked and at a gentle enough incline for almost anyone to make the trip.

This is also a perfect location for canoeing and kayaking! The North Fork River is a beautiful destination and a day on the water is a perfect way to enjoy your stay! Anglers will also enjoy world class fishing! The river is well known for for trout and small mouth bass!

Or maybe you just want to stay inside and enjoy the views. If that’s the case be sure to schedule a therapeutic massage. Just imagine getting massaged on the deck while enjoying the relaxing sounds of the forest around you! When you make your cabin reservation, be sure to schedule a therapeutic massage, you can find more information on this here.

If your looking for the perfect vacation destination with a nice balance of relaxation and adventure you found it at River of Life Farms. The Treetop Hideaway is an unbelievable lodging option and provides a wonderful setting for a weekend away with someone special.

Missouri has some incredible lodging options scattered all across the state. In this article we will showcase some of the most unique vacation homes we have seen! To see more of the best lodging options in Missouri, click here.

The Silo

Location Location Location! This unique lodging destination is surrounded by some of Missouri’s most popular Parks and Attractions! The Silo is a very unique vacation home located in Bonne Terre Missouri on a private lake. For more information, or to check availability, click here. This unique vacation home can host up to 5 adults, and has two bedrooms with three beds and one bathroom. There is also a electric fire place, as well as an outdoor propane fire pit!

The Blue Sky Bus

The Blue Sky Bus is only 45 mins from St. Louis, Missouri, located on 200 beautiful acres of private land. This is the place guests come to connect with nature and enjoy all the fun things the property has to offer. The property is a dream come true for outdoor enthusiasts! Highlights include: A private lake swimming/fishing, incredible views of the Meramec River, hiking trails, and so much more! The Glamping Blue Sky Bus is so unique! The bus offers 1 queen size bed, 1 set of bunk beds, a large couch, and an additional cot if needed. Pillows and sheets are included, just bring your favorite blankets! Two air conditioning units and one box fan are provided. Lost Hill Lake is located at 783 Lost Hill Lake Rd , in Central Township, Missouri. For booking and availability, click here. Use Promo Code MAINSTREAM10 when booking any glamping unit for a 10% discount.

The Geo Dome

The Geo Dome in the woods is a unique nature retreat, finally available in beautiful Eagle Rock Missouri. This is a one-of-a-kind adventure, perfect for those looking for a unique and memorable getaway! The Dome is surrounded by extraordinary natural beauty within a wooded geological oasis. A wet-weather creek carves a path through the property, which forms a beautiful hollow with unique rock formations and seasonal waterfalls! The Geo Dome has 300 square feet of living space with an 11 foot ceiling. The Dome has a plush queen-size bed, linens, blankets, and a queen air mattress for additional sleeping space. It also includes a small kitchenette, dining set, and basic utensils. The Dome is fully equipped with electricity and lighting for added convenience. Additional amenities include a mini fridge w/ freezer, water dispenser, coffee maker, toaster oven, electric griddle, games, books, etc. To check prices and availability, click here.

Camp Long Creek

At Camp Long Creek you can enjoy an incredible camping experience without sacrificing any of the comforts of home. Spend the night in a luxurious glamping tent, complete with a picturesque view of Table Rock Lake. Each site covers a spacious 280 square feet lot and comfortably sleeps two guests.  These amazing units come with a full list of amenities including free WiFi, a flat-screen TV, heating and a/c, electricity, complimentary s’mores and water, a king size canopy bed, a table and chairs, a refrigerator, and a private stone room with firepit and outdoor tub. Camp Long Creek is located at  190 Top of the Rock Road, Ridgedale. For more information, click here.

The Cave House

The Cave House is a unique home built around a cave entrance located on the Stone Park property. The Cave House is located at 8614 Berry Road in beautiful Bonne Terre, Missouri. For more information, or to check prices and availability, click here.  One thing I can say about this vacation home is location, location, location! The Cave House is surrounded by some of the best parks and attractions in the Midwest.  The interior features 3 luxury bedrooms, 2 baths and a full kitchen. The living area contains beautiful natural limestone formations and a fireplace. The Cave House also showcases an indoor pond sanctuary, complete with waterfalls, live goldfish and more. Cable TV and wifi are available.

If your looking for a place to stay, these 5 Tree-Houses in Missouri are the perfect place for your next family vacation or romantic getaway. To see our complete list of Missouri’s Best Lodging options, click here.

The Kingfisher Tree-House

The Kingfisher Tree-house is the newest tree-house addition at River of Life Farm! This is the perfect secluded cabin for a honeymoon, romantic anniversary, or vacation. This luxurious tree-house can sleep 2 adults in it’s hand-crafted king size bed. With the large whirlpool tub, this is a perfect place for a romantic getaway! At the end of the day you can relax around a fire in front of the fireplace! The cabin has all the comforts of home, just with better scenery! The Kingfisher Tree-house has a fully equipped kitchen, air conditioning, and many other amenities. Plus incredible views of “The Falls” on North Fork River! This treehouse is located at 1746 River of Life Drive in Dora, Missouri. You can book and check availability by clicking here.

The Captain’s Quarters Tree-House

If your looking for a unique place to stay during your Branson Missouri Vacation. This is it! Enjoy a night in the trees with the “Romantic Couples” treehouse that sleeps 2 adults (NO children). It features a corner two-person jetted tub, a bathroom with shower, a small kitchenette, and a private deck. It also has a Samsung smart TV and a DVD player. The main area of the Captains’s Quarters Tree-house features a living area with chairs, Samsung smart TV and DVD player.  Outside the tree-house is patio furniture, a small grill, and a private deck offering beautiful views! The deck is a perfect place to enjoy your morning coffee! The Captain’s Quarters is available at Branson Treehouse Adventures! This epic treehouse resort is located at 159 Acorn Acres Ln, Branson West, Missouri. For more information, click here.

TreeLoft

Location Location Location! This unique lodging destination is surrounded by some of Missouri’s most popular Parks and Attractions!  If you love nature and visiting incredible attractions then TreeLoft, is the perfect lodging option to serve as BaseCamp on your next adventure! This is a custom built luxury treehouse for two, and is a fantastic place to relax and reconnect with nature! TreeLoft is a one bedroom, one bed, one bathroom treehouse, that has been featured in Architectural Digest, and GQ Magazine! There’s a skylight just above the king size bed for night sky gazing with a remote solar shade to keep you sleeping in the wee morning hours. Amenities include: Private patio/balcony, fire pit,  outdoor furniture, grill, indoor gas fireplace, and a private hot tub, among many others! TreeLoft is located on a private farm near Perryville Missouri, for more information, or to check availability, click here.

The Getaway Tree Suite

The Getaway Tree Suite is an authentic tiny-house Treehouse and Jacuzzi bath house nestled within seven trees on 10 wooded acres. The Getaway is surrounded with some of the Midwest’s most amazing parks and natural springs. The area is an absolute paradise for nature enthusiasts. The treehouse is an authentic tiny-house treehouse built for 2 adult guests, although it can accommodate as many as four. If the Getaway looks familiar to you, that goes with reason as it has been featured in Southern Living and Bob Vila. The treehouse and bath house are adjoined by a walkway bridge on a hillside. The heated jacuzzi bathhouse bathroom (adjoined by the walkway deck) has a jacuzzi bathtub and a picture window overlooking the hillside. The treehouse is located in Cassville Missouri, just minutes from Roaring River State Park! For more information, click here.  

The Lake-Front Tree-House

This is a one of a kind luxury treehouse that sits 20 feet in the air just a stone throw from the beautiful Sayersbrook Lake. Guests will sleep in a loft which has a California king bed! The views from this loft are incredible, from bed you can see the stars above or the beautiful lake in front of you. On the lower deck there is a private hot-tub. Imagine relaxing in the tub while surrounded by all the nature the area has to offer.  Among the many perks of staying here, you will also have access to the beach and Sayersbrook Lake! This stunning vacation home is located in Potosi Missouri. For more information or to check availability click here.

The Hawk’s Cave Trail in Southern Illinois is one of the best in the Midwest and leads hikers to the largest shelter bluff in the state. The Hawk’s Cave Trail is located in Ferne Clyffe State Park at 90 Goreville Rd, in Goreville, Illinois. For more information, click here.

The Hawk’s Creek Trail is only a half mile in length, but that half mile packs a mighty punch because there is just so much to see and explore.

The trail winds through picturesque woods, allowing visitors to view fascinating rock formations and inspiring vistas. Ferne Clyffe also offers camping, picnicking, hiking, hunting and fishing.

Located on Illinois Route 37, just one mile south of Goreville and 12 miles south of Marion, the 2,430-acre Johnson County park is easily accessible from both I-57 and I-24.

Ferne Clyffe has a campground for every type of camper: modern, primitive, youth groups, backpack or equestrian. Shower facilities offered at some campgrounds are available seasonally. Some campsites can be reserved online at ExploreMoreIL.

Horseback riders can ride directly to their own Class C Equestrian campground on the trail, or drive to it in their vehicles. Up to 25 riders can be accommodated at the site, which includes picnic tables, drinking water, cooking grills, toilets, parking and showers. The campground is well-shaded by an abundance of trees, and you must protect the trees by tying horses to the hitching rails.

Bank fishermen will be impressed by Ferne Clyffe Lake’s populations of largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish and redear in the lake. Hunters will appreciate the 1,750 acres of forested habitat, with good populations of deer and squirrel. Quail and rabbit populations are fair.

Since 1960, the 16-acre Ferne Clyffe Lake has offered visitors additional recreational and scenic opportunities. The lake has a maximum depth of 22 feet, and a hiking trail is on the 1-mile shoreline. The lake is open to bank fishing, but boating and swimming are prohibited. Spectacular views of the lake can be seen from Lake-view Picnic Shelter and Blackjack Oak Trail.

Ferne Clyffe has been a favorite picnic spot for decades. Seven picnic areas have tables, cooking grills, parking and toilets, and several also have shelters, drinking water and playground equipment. Only park grills or personal cook-stoves should be used for cooking.

Eighteen diverse trails​ offer visitors the chance to view the beauty of Ferne Clyffe at their own pace. Motorized vehicles and bicycles are not permitted on the trails. Naturally occurring dangerous areas exist within the park, so hike on designated trails, exercise awareness and caution. Each trail has been assigned a number, as well as a name, to make map reading easy for even the novice hiker.

My personal favorite trails include the Hawk’s Cave Trail and the Big Rocky Hollow Trail. Both of these provide stunning views and an excellent hike. The trails are shaded and well marked and are fairly easy to navigate!

If your looking for nearby lodging, click here. If you want to find more hidden gems nearby, click here. For the areas best family activities, click here.