Category: Uncategorized (Page 1 of 334)

Nestled in the heart of Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks region, Ha Ha Tonka State Park offers a captivating blend of natural wonders and historical intrigue. Among its many alluring trails, the Spring Trail stands out as a must-experience journey, guiding visitors through a landscape sculpted by time and water. Located at 1491 State Route D, Camdenton, MO 65020, Ha Ha Tonka is easily accessible and promises an unforgettable adventure. For more information, click here.

The Spring Trail, a 1.4-mile loop, is rated as moderate in difficulty, though it offers diverse terrain to accommodate various fitness levels. The first 0.4 miles of the trail are paved and accessible, making it suitable for visitors with physical limitations. This initial segment provides a gentle introduction, winding along the serene shoreline of the Lake of the Ozarks and offering glimpses of the park’s namesake: the stunning Ha Ha Tonka Spring.

This magnificent spring is Missouri’s 12th largest, discharging an impressive 48 million gallons of crystal-clear, often bluish water daily into the Lake of the Ozarks. The name “Ha Ha Tonka” itself, derived from the Osage Indian language, fittingly translates to “laughing water,” a testament to the vibrant flow of this natural wonder. As you follow the initial paved section, you’ll witness the spring’s powerful emergence from beneath towering bluffs, creating a breathtaking tableau.

Lost Hill Lake is situated on 200 acres of picturesque woodlands along the Meramec River. Lost Hill Lake is known for their beautiful forest wedding venue and peaceful retreat grounds, did you know they also feature a one-of-a-kind glamping resort? Lost Hill Lake is located at 2300 Mill Hill Road in Saint Clair, Missouri, just 45 minutes outside St. Louis. For more information, click here. USE PROMO CODE MAINSTREAM10 TO SAVE 10%

On May 26th  from 11 AM to 3 PM the lake at Lost Hill Lake will be open for the public to come and enjoy! This is a perfect place to picnic, fish, swim, hike, kayak, or just chill with friends and family in this beautiful setting!

This fun in the sun event is just $10 admission and children 3 and under are free! Feel free to bring your cooler, pop up tent and even the family dog! This event is free for veterans and active military personnel!

Interested in spending the night? Lost Hill Lake has 6 cozy glamping (glamorous camping) units available. These charming glamping units are available year round and provide a very unique lodging option! These are perfect for weekends with friends or for a romantic getaway. These are available for overnight bookings by clicking here.

So if you’re looking for an exciting day of summer fun, Lost Hill Lake is where you need to be. Get your friends together, and mark your calendars for May 26th!!

Who is Massoma Endene you might be asking yourself? Well I had to ask myself the same question. However upon further review Massoma is an amazing talent and will be a great addition to the Iowa lineup.

Already a 3X D3 NCAA Champion from Wartburg winning 2 at 184 and 1 at 197. Massoma has a record of 72-1, with one year of eligibility remaining. He was also a U23 World Team Member in freestyle.

Iowa is becoming one of the best rooms for upper weights in the country. With training partners like Buchanan, Warner, Ferrari, and Ludington, in the room, he will get a lot of different looks. As of now he is a serious podium threat and by March he could be a top contender.

As of now the 2025/2026 Iowa Wrestling team looks like this: Rankings by wrestlestat.com

125 Dean Peterson #4

133 Drake Ayala #3

141 Nasir Bailey #8

149 Jordan Williams #8

157 Miguel Estrada

165 Michael Caliendo #2

174 Patrick Kennedy #2

184 Angelo Ferrari #1

197 Massoma Endene

HWT Ben Kueter #5

This is a solid team with 10 potential all-Americans! This team is capable of contending with any team in the country.

Escape the everyday and immerse yourself in the pristine natural wonders of Hammocks Beach State Park. Nestled along the captivating Crystal Coast of North Carolina, near the charming town of Swansboro, this state park offers a unique blend of untouched barrier island landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and a rich history waiting to be explored. Spanning over 1,600 acres, Hammocks Beach State Park is a haven for nature lovers, outdoor adventurers, and those seeking a tranquil coastal retreat. Hammock Beach State Park is located at 1572 Hammocks Beach Road, Swansboro, North Carolina. For more information, click here.

Activities to Embrace Nature

While the ferry to Bear Island is currently unavailable, the mainland portion of Hammocks Beach State Park still offers opportunities for exploration and enjoyment:

* Hiking: Discover the natural beauty of the mainland through its network of short trails, winding through maritime pine forests and alongside scenic marshlands. Keep an eye out for the diverse birdlife that inhabits the area, including herons and egrets.

* Paddling: Launch your canoe or kayak from the visitor center and explore the marked paddle trails that weave through the marshlands and around the islands (note: access to island trails may be limited due to the Bear Island closure).

* Fishing: While beach fishing on Bear Island is currently inaccessible, opportunities may still exist in the mainland waterways. Check park regulations for permitted fishing areas and licensing requirements.

* Bird Watching: With over 200 species of birds sighted in the park, it’s a paradise for bird enthusiasts. Observe migratory shorebirds feeding in the tidal marshes or spot ospreys hunting for fish.

* Picnicking: Enjoy a meal amidst the natural surroundings at the picnic areas located on the mainland.

Planning Your Visit

Address: 1572 Hammocks Beach Road, Swansboro, NC 28584

Important Information: Please be aware that as of April 2025, Bear Island, including the ferry service, campsites, and all facilities, is closed for a major construction project to replace the water and sewer system. There is currently no beach access on the mainland. Mainland camping, however, is open. It is highly recommended to check the official North Carolina State Parks website for the most up-to-date information on closures and reopening timelines before planning your visit.

Nestled in the Sauratown Mountains of Stokes County, North Carolina, Hanging Rock State Park offers a breathtaking escape into nature’s embrace. Often referred to as “the mountains away from the mountains” due to their isolation from the Blue Ridge range, the Sauratowns boast dramatic peaks and stunning vistas, with Hanging Rock itself being a jewel in this scenic crown. Hanging Rock State Park Address: 1790 Hanging Rock Park Road in Danbury, North Carolina. For more information, click here.

This 9,011-acre park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone seeking tranquility amidst picturesque landscapes. Its origins trace back to the 1930s when local visionaries recognized the area’s unique beauty and worked to preserve it. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) played a vital role in developing the park’s initial infrastructure, leaving a legacy of well-crafted trails and facilities that visitors still enjoy today.

Waterfalls and a Scenic Lake

Beyond the iconic Hanging Rock, the park is home to several other captivating waterfalls. The Upper Cascades offers a beautiful display of water carving through the rocks, accessible via an easy, paved trail. Window Falls provides a unique perspective as the trail passes behind the cascading water. For those looking to cool off during the warmer months, a 12-acre lake offers swimming opportunities and boat rentals from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.

More Than Just Hiking

Hanging Rock State Park provides a wide array of activities beyond hiking. Anglers can enjoy fishing in the park’s lake and the Dan River. Paddling is also a popular activity on the Dan River, offering a different way to experience the park’s natural beauty. For those who enjoy staying overnight, the park features a campground with tent and trailer sites and cozy vacation cabins. Rock climbing is permitted at designated areas like Moore’s Wall and Cook’s Wall, though it is not allowed on Hanging Rock itself.

A Glimpse into the Past and Present

The Sauratown Mountains, where Hanging Rock State Park is located, are remnants of an ancient mountain range. Over millions of years, erosion has sculpted the landscape, leaving behind the resistant quartzite that forms the dramatic cliffs and peaks we see today. The area was once inhabited by the Saura Native Americans, for whom the mountains are named. Today, the park is a sanctuary for diverse flora and fauna, including unique plant communities where Canadian and Carolina hemlock grow side-by-side, and the rare Wehrle’s salamander.

Plan Your Visit

Hanging Rock State Park is open year-round, offering different experiences with each season. Spring brings colorful wildflowers like rhododendron and azalea, summer offers lush greenery and swimming, fall showcases vibrant foliage, and winter provides a stark yet beautiful landscape for hiking. There is no entrance fee for day use, though fees apply for camping, swimming, and boat rentals.