How the Mississippi River Left Kaskaskia, Illinois, Stranded in Missouri

How the Mississippi River Left Kaskaskia, Illinois, Stranded in Missouri

When Kaskaskia, Illinois, served as the first state capital in the early 1800s, its population was somewhere between 3,000 and 8,000. Today, the population is fewer than 25, and the only way to access this Mississippi River town is through Missouri. Only accessible through Missouri? That curiosity alone made us want to check it out.

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6 Unique Southwest Michigan Beach Towns You Need to Visit

6 Unique Southwest Michigan Beach Towns You Need to Visit

As you drive up the coast of Southwest Michigan, you pass through beach town after beach town dotting the shore of Lake Michigan. All of these towns have a beach, of course, most have a downtown area filled with shops and eateries, and the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail leads to wineries throughout the region. But, each of these towns has its own personality. In this article we’re taking a look at six unique Southwest Michigan beach towns we visited this summer that we’re sure you’d enjoy, as well.

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Exploring the Elvis Presley Birthplace – Tupelo’s Tribute to His Early Years

Exploring the Elvis Presley Birthplace – Tupelo’s Tribute to His Early Years

As we planned our Natchez Trace Parkway road trip last fall, we found the road runs right through Tupelo, Mississippi, the birthplace of Elvis Presley. So, we added a visit to Elvis’ home to our Natchez Trace itinerary, thinking it would be a quick drive past, maybe even a walk through. Were we ever wrong! The Elvis Presley Birthplace is a whole lot more than a house. There’s a church, museum, park with reflecting pond and more. And then there’s the rest of the town, which still has an Elvis focus.

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Beyond Blooms: The Wonders of Botanica, the Wichita Gardens

Beyond Blooms: The Wonders of Botanica, the Wichita Gardens

We’ve been to a lot of botanic gardens, in the Midwest and other parts of the U.S. So, when we say Botanica, the Wichita Gardens is at the top of our list of favorites, it means a lot. What makes it special? Read on (or watch the video) to find out.

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Exploring Historic Mills of the Missouri Ozarks

Exploring Historic Mills of the Missouri Ozarks

Road trips are our thing. Add history and nature, toss in a little culture, and it’s a perfect combination. That’s what we found as we explored the historic mills of the Missouri Ozarks. The mills date back as far as the 1800s.

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Free Local Summer Concerts

Free Local Summer Concerts

Midwest Wanderer Podcast Episode 2 – July 9, 2024

Welcome to the Midwest Wanderer Podcast Episode 2. In this episode we chat about local events, particularly free local summer concerts found throughout the Midwest.

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