The Kingfisher Tree-house is the newest tree-house addition at River of Life Farm! The River of Life Farm property is located at 1746 River of Life Drive in Dora, Missouri. You can book and check availability by clicking here.

The Kingfisher Tree-house is the perfect secluded cabin for a honeymoon, romantic anniversary, vacation, or just a few days away for the two of you.

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.

Guests of the Kingfisher Tree-house 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, a 3/4 mile 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 of your treehouse while enjoying the relaxing sounds of the river below! 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 Kingfisher Tree-house is an unbelievable lodging option and provides a wonderful setting for a weekend away with that special someone!

When it comes to amazing resorts and vacations in general. One thing matters  more then anything else. LOCATION. River Of Life Farm is a rare combination, between luxury resort, rustic cabin, adventure lodge, and working farm. This is the perfect  destination, no matter what your looking for. The farm can serve as a romantic getaway, or a base camp for your next adventure. Whatever you desire, River of Life Farm is the location you need for an amazing vacation. Located at 1746 River of Life Drive in Dora, Missouri. For more information, click here.

This amazing resort is located on the North Fork banks of the White River and is the premier resort lodge in the Missouri Ozarks. River of Life Farm offers a variety of options for lodging and outdoor activities.

Stay in one of the beautiful Treehouse Cabins. Camp alongside a spring-fed river. Fly fish for wild rainbow trout and trophy browns at “The Falls.” Canoe or kayak the stream with outfitting and shuttle service. Hike the trail to Inspiration Point. Come to River of Life Farm and be surrounded by nature, and enjoy the peace and serenity that it has to offer.

The North Fork of the White River is a blue-ribbon trout stream offering  trophy fly fishing for wild rainbow trout, brown trout, and small mouth bass. The rainbows were stocked all the way back in the 1960’s and continue to strive to this day. The Brown trout are managed by the Missouri Department of Conservation. The upper sections of the river are prized fishing waters for small mouth bass. River of Life Farm has onsite experienced fishing guides who will be happy to show you the secrets of the river!

The Falls Restaurant is also located onsite, serving up delicious breakfast and dinner! The restaurant is only open seasonally, so make other plans if visiting during the off season.

River of Life Farm is one of those special places you’re sure to plan return trips to time and time again. Pictures used in this article are from the  River of Life Farm, Facebook page.

With its breathtaking natural beauty and unlimited opportunities for outdoor recreation, a trip to Giant City State Park near Carbondale is sure to delight visitors of all ages. From camping and horseback riding to fishing and rappelling, it’s an outdoor lover’s paradise. Giant City State Park is located at 235 Giant City Road in Makanda Illinois. For more information, click here.

Visitors will marvel at the many hiking trails. Especially popular is the Giant City Stone Fort Nature Trail, this trail features the remains of an ancient stone fort that dates back around 1,000 years.

The trail will take you back around 1,000 years to when Native American cultures were enjoying the area’s abundant resources (water, wildlife, nuts, berries, and roots). The massive stone wall was at one time 285 feet long, six
feet high, and nine feet thick. The appearance of a “stone fort” or stone wall here at Giant City is one of at least ten in
southern Illinois. The stone wall that you see today is a modern reconstruction of the original wall. Early residents
of the area had moved the stones for building purposes. During the 1930s the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corp)
workforce gathered the scattered stone and rebuilt the wall in its original location. An explanation for the large hole in
the front of the wall is unknown, although it most likely represents the work of treasure hunters. The hole was there
when the site was officially recorded as an archaeological site in 1956.

The trail is only 1/3 of a mile in length, and takes approximately 30 minutes to hike. The difficultly rating of this trail is moderate. While being one of the shorter trails in the park there is still plenty to see, and the remains from the stone fort give you a vision into what life may have looked like all those years ago.

The short, but steep, climb up to the stone wall contains large sandstone boulders in the trail, so please use caution
when walking. The steepness of the slope and the large number of visitors to the trail are causing a great deal of
erosion. The erodible surfaces are actually wind-blown loess: soft, fine-grained material blown in as dust during the
later part of the Ice Age or Pleistocene.

The small tributary creek lying next to the trail offers spectacular water falls during rain events, and unique ice formations in the winter. However, this creek is considered intermittent–flowing only during and after a storm event.

The stone fort is thought to have been built by prehistoric Native Americans during the Late Woodland Period (A.D.
400-900), probably between A.D. 600 to 800. Most of these sites are not habitation sites (villages) in the usual sense.
There is only a modest amount of artifacts, which is common among places of sporadic use for short periods of time.
Debris found on this site includes shreds of grit or grogtempered cord-marked pottery and stone tools, like projectile points. Some Late Woodland peoples lived in large, intensively occupied villages located near major streams.
Late Woodland groups had a mixed economy of hunting, gathering, and cultivation (gardening) of a series of native
plants (barley, sumpweed, maygrass, squash).

Weather its for the historical significance, the natural beauty, or just spending time in nature. Do yourself a favor a hike this trail, this is an experience you won’t soon forget!

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.

Rend Lake Beach In Illinois

Rend Lake Park District

The beach at Rend Lake has a large sand area, a swimming area that is buoyed off, multiple picnic sites as well as a shower house.  There is a $5 per car entrance fee and $20 per commercial vehicle fee. Rend Lake’s beach, located in the South Sandusky Day Use area, invites water recreationists of all ages. South Sandusky Beach is located on the west side of the lake, just off Rend City Road. Call for dates and hours of operation. (618) 724-2493 For more information, click here.

Sunrise Park In Illinois

Sunrise Park Beach is one of the best in the state. Scenic views, soft sand beach area, beach chairs, lifeguards on duty, picnic shelters, fire pits, and volleyball courts are just a few of the amenities you will find. Sunrise Park beach is located at Park in Lake Bluff, Illinois. There is a strict 10 pm curfew on the beach, and there is an entrance fee to enjoy the beach. For more information, click here.

Rocky Falls Beach in Missouri

This is one of the most unique beaches in the Midwest, and is located in Southeast Missouri near the town of Winona. The beach is surrounded by a beautiful rock backdrop, the rocks in the  area date back more then a billion years. The natural area, is made even more beautiful, by the  waterfall that pours into the swim area. This is one of Missouri’s BEST swimming holes. The beach can be found on County Road NN-526, in Winona. For more information, click here.

Long Branch Beach In Missouri

Long Branch Beach is a very popular family friendly beach located at 28615 Visitor Center Rd, in Macon, Missouri. There is  a sandy beach and calm water so its an ideal place for families with younger children. There are boat ramps, picnic areas, changing facilities, and volleyball courts as well. There is also a store selling sunscreen and snacks.  Kayaking and hiking are other activities you can enjoy at the beach. Long Branch Beach is located at 28615 Visitor Center Rd, Macon, in Missouri. For more information, click here.

Fugitive Beach In Missouri

It’s not often you can find a swimming hole this exotic, right smack dab in the middle of the Midwest. Once an abandoned rock quarry, The Fugitive Beach now serves as a tropical paradise, surrounded by towering limestone bluffs. The Fugitive Beach is a family owned business, spread out on more then 20 beautiful acres.  The beach itself is over 300 feet in length of soft sand, just perfect for laying out in the summer sun. The Fugitive Beach is located at 16875 County Road 5285, Rolla, MO 65401. For more information, click here.

City Beach in Iowa

Clear Lake, Iowa/Facebook

Located on Clear Lake, south of the central business district, this .83-acre park provides a beach area for sunning, swimming, and water sports.  City Beach gives you the opportunity for a quick dip and to enjoy the lake environment.  Restrooms and outdoor shower available.  Convenient and free parking. Located on the lakefront, south of the central business district, this .83-acre park provides a beach area for sunning, swimming, and water sports.  For more information, click here.

Bradford Beach in Wisconsin

Visit Milwaukee John Nienhuis

Located on beautiful Lake Michigan, Bradford Beach offers volleyball courts for pick up games, room for families to spread out and build sand castles, food carts serving Wisconsin cheddar cheese curds and more! Bradford Beach is located at 2400 N Lincoln Memorial Dr, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. For more information, click here.

Sleeping Bear Dunes

Photo Credit wsilver,flickr

This gorgeous beach was once called Americas Hidden Riviera! Sleeping Bear Dunes on the North side of Lake Michigan has two things that Lake Superior just doesn’t have. Swimming beaches and lots of sand. With dunes rising well over 400 feet, the 150 foot dune climb is more manageable for families with small children and offers incredible views of the lake! Sleeping Bear Dunes is located at 9922 Front St, in Empire, Michigan. For more information, click here.

Oak Street Beach in Illinois

Greg-Timm flickr

Oak Street Beach is located at 1000 N. Lake Shore Drive at Oak Street and Lake Michigan near the Gold Coast/Streeterville neighborhoods.  This popular summer hotspot offers beach goers amenities that include chair rentals, food and beverage options at Oak Street Beach Café, bike rentals, volleyball rentals, restrooms and a spectacular view of the city skyline. This beach hosts a number of popular amateur and professional volleyball tournaments throughout the summer. Distance swimming is available parallel to the shore from Division Street to the Chess Pavilion (20 yards west of the buoys). An ADA accessible beach walk is available. There is limited street parking nearby. Oak Street Beach is located at 1000 N. Lake Shore Drive in Chicago Illinois. For more information, click here.

Pine Lake In Indiana

Pine Lake Water Park  swimming oasis is a hidden gem in Berne Indiana. This is a perfect place to soak up nature’s majesty while swimming in a pristine, spring fed body of water as your worries and cares wash away. This water park is loaded with attractions, with five different water slides, a cable ride, the Black Hole, the Jump Tower,  and the log walk. There is also the Duck Boats and the Splash Pad. Pine Lake Water Park is located at 4640 Indiana Highway 218, Berne, Indiana. For more information, click here.

Cascade Falls Aquatic Center

The Cascade Falls Aquatic Center is a bit of a hidden gem in Iowa, with most of the attention going to the states bigger attractions, but like I said this is a hidden gem and there is plenty of bang for your buck! With 21,880 sq. ft. of water surface area there is plenty of room for everyone! One of my favorite features is the heated pool, keeping water temps a perfect 78 degrees all season long! There is also a FlowRider surf machine, an amazing lazy river, a lap pool, diving well and drop slide, and my personal favorite the high dive! Cascade Falls Aquatic Center is open Memorial Day to Labor Day! The water-park is located at 2350 SW Prairie Trail Pkwy, in Ankeny, Iowa. For more information, click here.

Grand Harbor Resort and Water-Park

Located on the Mississippi Riverfront, Grand Harbor Resort and Water-park is within walking distance of many of Dubuque’s prime entertainment options such as the National Mississippi River Museum, Diamond Jo Casino, the Dubuque Museum of Art and Stone Cliff Winery! Play year-round and get wet and wild in the 25,000 square foot indoor water-park that offers a variety of rides and attractions for teenagers, kids, pint-sized toddlers and the young at heart. Grand Harbor Resort is located at 350 Bell Street, in Dubuque, Iowa. on the Wisconsin and Illinois Borders. For more information, click here.

Honey Creek Resort

Whatever the weather outside, it’s a tropical party at our Buccaneer Bay Indoor Water Park. Zoom down the two-story water slide, float down the lazy river, relax poolside and soak in the hot tub. Buccaneer Bay also features a snack bar and arcade, and it’s the perfect place for kids’ birthday parties. Cruise through the waters of gorgeous Rathbun Lake, splash around at the indoor water park, tee up at the 18-hole championship golf course, discover nature’s wonders with the hands-on educational programs, indulge your taste buds at the restaurant, or head outdoors for endless adventures. Honey Creek Resort is located at 12633 Resort Drive in Moravia, Iowa. For more information, click here.

The Lost Island

This island-themed campground, located directly behind Lost Island Waterpark and Adventure Golf and Go Karts, is perfect for a family getaway. The Lost Island KOA is located at 4550 La Porte Rd ( Hess Rd) in Waterloo, Iowa. For more information, click here. Lost Island Waterpark was recently voted one of the Top 10 water-parks in the country! The water park has 14 different water slides, from body slides to twisting tube slides.  There is also a lazy river and wave pool!  Thrill seekers will love the lost soul falls water slide. No matter what your interests are, The Lost Island is a perfect location for a unforgettable family getaway.

West Lake Park

West Lake Park is a 620 acre facility offering four lakes for fishing and/or swimming. A boat dock, parking lot, handicap fishing dock, beach area, and paddle boat rentals are available for the water enthusiast. The inflatable water-park is made up of two large floating playgrounds. These structures can hold up to 40 kids at a time! West Lake Park Beach will reopen this summer after being closed the last few seasons. The reopening comes with some exciting news, the beach is getting a much needed make over! West Lake Park is located at 14910-110th Avenue in Davenport, Iowa. For more information, click here.