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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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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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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The Keeper of the Plains and Mid-America All-Indian Center

The Keeper of the Plains and Mid-America All-Indian Center

At the confluence of the Arkansas and Little Arkansas Rivers in downtown Wichita, Kansas, the 44-foot awe-inspiring Keeper of the Plains sculpture stands with arms stretched upward to the Great Spirit. Even more imposing atop a 30-foot rock promontory, the Cor-Ten steel sculpture has become the iconic symbol of Wichita.

Nearby, the Mid-America All-Indian Center teaches about Indian culture and showcases American Indian artists.

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