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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Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park and Hannibal MO

Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park and Hannibal MO

Midwest Wanderer Podcast Episode 1 – July 3, 2024

Welcome to the Midwest Wanderer Podcast Episode 1. In the inaugural episode of our weekly podcast, we start with a talk about weather preparedness. Then, we chat about our recent visits to Chicago Southland’s Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park and Hannibal, Missouri.

If You’d Rather Read and See a Few Photos…

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Palos Heights Public Art and Lake Katherine: A Day of Art and Nature

Palos Heights Public Art and Lake Katherine: A Day of Art and Nature

We planned a quick outing to visit sculpture parks in three Chicago suburbs. Instead, we spent the entire day exploring public art and Lake Katherine in Palos Heights, Illinois.

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Weber House and Garden: Tour a Storybook House and English Garden

Weber House and Garden: Tour a Storybook House and English Garden

From the moment you approach the Weber House and Garden arched gateway, surrounded by shrubbery and flowering plants, you know you’re in for a special treat. A button on a call box instructs you to “press to speak.” That’s to get the attention of Ted Weber, who most likely is toiling on the two-acre garden that surrounds the Streator, Illinois, Storybook house. Ted will lead you on a tour through the garden and house and entertain you with stories and conversation throughout the tour.

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John Deere Historic Site: Birthplace of the First Steel Plow

John Deere Historic Site: Birthplace of the First Steel Plow

You’re probably familiar with John Deere. The name conjures up images of bright green tractors and farm implements. Or maybe the logo of a yellow leaping deer on a green background. The huge company all began with a single, simple plow crafted by John Deere, a blacksmith. The John Deere Historic Site in Grand Detour, Illinois, tells the story of both John Deere the man and John Deere the company.

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