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

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

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

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.

Avalanche Bay Waterpark

At 88,000 square feet, Avalanche Bay is the largest indoor waterpark in Michigan offering huge amounts of water fun for every age. Centrally located at the heart of Boyne Mountain Resort, this wet and wild waterpark is always 84 degrees and open all year ‘round, making it the perfect destination for a vacation or just a day trip. Avalanche Bay Waterpark is the Midwest’s premier indoor water! Are you searching for crazy family fun?! Well, you’ve just found it! Avalanche Bay Waterpark is located at 1 Boyne Mountain Road in Boyne Falls, Michigan! For more information, click here.

Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark

Timber Ridge Lodge at Grand Geneva is the only all-season, all-suite resort of its kind in the Midwest. This 50,000 square foot water-park offers year-round fun for all ages. USA Today’s Readers’ Choice Awards just listed Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark one of the Top 10 Best Indoor Water-parks in the country! This gorgeous water-park resort is located at 7020 Grand Geneva Way, Lake Geneva, in Wisconsin. For more information, click here.

Jolly Mon Indoor Water Park

The Jolly Mon Indoor Water Park is part of the Margaritaville  Lake Resort at the beautiful Lake Of The Ozarks. The resort has a nice variety of activities and accommodations available.  There are also numerous  restaurants on-site, including the world famous Land Shark Bar & Grill! Nestled amid the rolling hills of Central Missouri, the area has long been known as the premier vacation destination in America’s Heartland. Enjoy fun and excitement at Jolly Mon Indoor Water Park, featuring 600 feet of water slides, an activity pool, an over-sized whirlpool, and a lazy river for tubing, and floating. This indoor water-park is open year round and is a perfect vacation destination! Jolly Mon Indoor Water Park is located at 494 Tan Tar A Drive, in Osage Beach, Missouri. For more information, click here.

Big Splash Water-Park

Big Splash Adventure Indoor Water-Park and Resort is a 40,000 square foot indoor water park with retractable roof! You’ll create unforgettable memories zipping down the Jolly Roger Jetty water slide, plunging down Pirate’s Plunder and into the famous “toilet bowl”, splashing and playing basketball in the Lost Treasure Lagoon, or simply relaxing on the Lost River at Big Splash Adventure. Make the most of your family time together at French Lick’s biggest and best indoor water park located in Southern Indiana. Big Splash Water-Park is located at 8524 W. St. Rd. 56 in French Lick, Indiana. For more information, click here.

Grand Harbor Resort and Water-park

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. The waterpark is loaded with fun, including: waterslides, tube rides, rope ladders, the lazy river, the activity pools and two giant hot tub whirlpools offers fantastic fun for the whole family. Grand Harbor Resort is located at 350 Bell Street, in Dubuque, Iowa. on the Wisconsin and Illinois Borders. For more information, click here.

WaTiki Indoor Water-Park Resort

With more than 30,000 square feet of indoor water fun, WaTiki Indoor Waterpark Resort offers excitement for the whole family, 365 days a year.  Located in Rapids City South Dakota, this resort is the hidden gem of the Midwest’s Indoor waterparks! From Koko’s Kingdom water adventures to Maui’s Body Slide or the relaxing Oasis Hot Tub, there’s something for everyone.WaTiki Indoor Water-Park Resort is located at 1314 North Elk Vale Road in Rapid City South Dakota. For more information, or to purchase tickets click here.

Great Wolf Lodge

Located near Cincinnati and Indianapolis, IN, this gorgeous resort offers indoor water park fun and exciting land attractions for the entire family. Along with the water park’s 13 slides and eight pools, your stay includes kid-friendly activities, dining options, and more — all under one roof. Of course the main attraction is the world class indoor water-park.  With 13 slides and 8 different pools this is the perfect place for guests of all ages. There is even an incredible lazy river, and you can rent your own personal cabana. When it comes to family fun, Great Wolf Lodge in Mason Ohio has you covered! For more information, click here. Great Wolf Lodge is located at 2501 Great Wolf Dr, in Mason Ohio.

Grand Bear Resort

Discover a magical family getaway just beyond the glow of Chicago at Starved Rock’s own Grand Bear Resort. Nestled in this gorgeous natural area of Illinois, Grand Bear Resort offers an oasis of relaxation and adventure – a destination where water-park fun meets nature! A truly unforgettable place to unwind, play, meet, dine and explore with family and friends. Grand Bear Resort is an oasis of relaxation and adventure where water park fun meets natural wonder! Featuring 24,000 sq.ft. indoor water-park, mini-golf, arcade, 4 cafe/restaurant/bars, banquet hall & party suites just steps from Starved Rock State Park. Grand Bear Resort is located at 2643 IL-178, North in Utica, Illinois. For more information, click here.

Grand Country Resort

Grand Country Resort has partnered with Splash Country Indoor Waterpark to offer all Grand Country Resort guests unlimited free access to the waterpark for the duration of your stay. Splash Country Indoor Waterpark has DOUBLED in size with the addition of a 5,000 square feet wave pool, two racing raft rides, an extra thrill dark raft ride, and a new basketball activity pool. Splash Country waterpark offers fun year-round, with an interactive outdoor playground for the Summer months and a climate controlled indoor waterpark (warm in the Winter, cool in the Summer) featuring 12 water filled attractions, from a relaxing lazy river to an action packed treehouse with a 1,000 gallon tipping bucket. When it comes to amazing places to stay in Branson Missouri, there is no shortage of amazing lodging options available. With so many options available, it may not be easy to decide.  Well, Grand Country Resort  is one place you need to consider.  Grand Country Resort is located at 1945 W 76 Country BLVD in Branson Missouri. For more information, or to reserve a room, click here.

Wilderness Resort

Wilderness Resort is a massive, family-oriented resort in the Wisconsin Dells. The resort is the largest waterpark resort in the state and has four outdoor and four indoor water parks that are available exclusively to resort guests. The parks include a Wild West themed park, an indoor wave pool and an adrenaline-pumping tubing slide. Other exciting resort activities include miniature golf, indoor go-carts, bumper boats, laser tag and zip-lining. Accommodations include rustic-themed but upscale hotel rooms as well as well-furnished condos, villas and cabins providing options for a wide range of budgets and preferences. Several cafes, restaurants, coffee shops and retail stores are located on-site and provide fantastic options for dining and shopping during your stay. For more information, click here. Wilderness Resort is located at 511 E Adams, in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin.

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. One of the most popular trails within the park is the Trillium Trail. The Trillium Trail is known for its towering bluffs, unique plant life, and dramatic rock formations. The trail also offers numerous scenic views.

Each season on Trillium Trail offers something different. In winter, many of the bluffs become visible and unique ice
formations appear. In the spring, enjoy wildflowers and breathtaking waterfalls. Summer brings lush green vegetation and cool blasts of air from between the rocks. The fall delivers bright colors of leaves visible from the bluffs.

The Trillium Trail is 2 miles in length and is considered rugged, due to its elevation changes and rocky surface. The trail takes about an hour to complete!

The trail takes guests through a nature preserve known as Fern Rocks Nature Preserve. The preserve is 110 acres of bluffs and forest that is designated as very high quality. In particular, the primary objectives of preserving this area were to protect the sandstone bluff and forest communities; and to protect two Illinois-endangered plant species.

The Trillium Trail is one of my favorite trails I have hiked however it can be dangerous as well. Be careful-steep cliffs are dangerous and sandstone can be slippery. Please stay on designated trails. Poison ivy exists on this trail. Copperhead snakes (venomous) hibernate in the sandstone bluffs.

The sandstone bluffs along the trail towering 80-100 feet above the forest floor are judged by geologists to be Pennsylvania era or around 250 million years old. The uplift, cracking, and crumpling of the Earth over millions of years formed the bluffs. Iron that occurred in the groundwater before the sand hardened formed deposits in the sandstone.

The trail is incredible and is one of the best in the area. This two mile stretch is loaded with bluffs, rock out croppings,  and even a few caves! My favorite part of this trail is that its less trafficked compared to some of the other more popular trails. During my time on the trail I only saw one other person.

Other trails worth visiting are the Giant City Nature Trail, The Devil’s SandTable Trail, and the Stone Fort Trail. All of these deserve a visit and offer stunning sites within the park.

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.