Category
- Art 3
- Bike Rides 11
- Boondocking 3
- Capitals 4
- Food on the Road 2
- Hikes & Trails 5
- Historic Sites 3
- History & Architecture 3
- History & Culture 17
- Kayaking 1
- Museum 4
- National Park 7
- Natural History 1
- Nature & Outdoors 35
- Photography 10
- Sculptures 1
- Shorelines & Water 1
- Street Art 1
- Travel Journal 51
- Van Life 72
- capitals 11
- hike 1
- historic sites 6
- parks 3
- photography 3
- trails 2
Land Between the Lakes: Elk
A restless night at a noisy Cracker Barrel in southern Illinois led me to the quiet wilds of Kentucky’s Land Between the Lakes. Despite the government shutdown, the visit turned into an unexpected highlight—wandering forested roads, spotting elk at sunset, and finding a little peace among the prairies.
Mark Twain-Hannibal, MO
Hannibal, Missouri, sits quietly along the Mississippi River, a town steeped in history and wrapped in the stories of Mark Twain. I spent the night nearby at the Edward Anderson Conservation Area, a peaceful stretch of woods just south of town, before exploring Hannibal’s historic streets the next day.
Riverfront Trail-St. Louis
Bike along St. Louis’s Riverfront Trail and experience history and art side by side—from the iconic Chain of Rocks Bridge to bold street art and sites marking the Lewis and Clark expedition and the fight for freedom.
Ste. Genevieve, MO
Ste. Genevieve is a place where history breathes through every street and story. I explored its French roots, walked through centuries-old homes, visited art galleries, and shared conversations that reminded me travel is as much about people as it is about place.
Battle of Fort Davidson, Hike in Hawn State Park
I started the morning at Fort Davidson, where one of Missouri’s fiercest Civil War battles unfolded. Later, I hiked the trails of Hawn State Park, surrounded by fading sunlight and the quiet rhythm of the forest, before camping at St. Francois State Park under a star-filled sky.
From Shut-Ins To Elephant Rocks
From the rushing waters of Johnson’s Shut-Ins to the summit of Taum Sauk Mountain and the massive granite boulders of Elephant Rocks, this trip through the St. Francois Mountains revealed Missouri’s deep geological history. I wrapped up the day photographing a quiet lake at sunset—a perfect ending to a full day of exploration.
Ozark National Scenic Riverways
The Ozark National Scenic Riverways felt like stepping into living history—where clear spring-fed rivers still run wild and small towns like Eminence hold onto their frontier spirit. I spent the day exploring Alley Mill’s red reflection on the Jacks Fork, hiking around Round Spring’s turquoise waters, talking with local craftspeople and riders in Eminence, and watching the light fade over Rocky Falls. It’s a place that reminds you how deeply people and rivers are connected.
Scenic Overlook, Ice Cream Detours, Branson, Missouri
A day meant for scenic overlooks turned into something richer—a coffee stop with students, a visit to a one-of-a-kind college, and a peaceful night tucked away in the forest.
Dogwood Canyon Nature Park
A day at Dogwood Canyon feels like stepping into a postcard version of nature—meticulously designed but undeniably beautiful. Between the waterfalls, wildlife, and scenic walkways, this Ozarks retreat balances conservation with comfort.
Wilson’s Creek National Memorial Park
My morning at Wilson’s Creek National Memorial Park unfolded across quiet trails and haunting history — from Gibson’s Mill to the Ray House, where the Battle of Wilson’s Creek once raged. It’s hard to imagine such peace in a place that once echoed with cannon fire.
Frisco Highline Trail – Springfield, Missouri
Starting from Springfield’s northwest trailhead, I rode the Frisco Highline Trail, a 35-mile rail-to-trail conversion that follows the historic Frisco Railroad. From paved sections to rugged stone, from Halloween decorations to a steady headwind, the day offered everything I love about cycling—history, landscape, and the people you meet along the way.
Exploring Lake of the Ozarks: From Bagnell Dam to Ha Ha Tonka’s Castle Ruins
I woke to a quiet morning at Lake of the Ozarks State Park and met a professional cyclist riding 8,000 miles across North America. The day led me through dam history, conservation trails, and the haunting castle ruins of Ha Ha Tonka State Park—each stop revealing a new side of Missouri’s landscape and resilience.
Jefferson City-Missouri Capitol
From quiet mornings in Rocheport to the grandeur of Missouri’s Capitol, this visit to Jefferson City revealed a blend of history, art, and unexpected stories — from Benton’s mural to the mysterious extra star in the state seal.
Katy Trail – Rocheport, Missouri
My overnight at the Rocheport trailhead led to a 60-mile ride on the iconic Katy Trail—through tunnels, past river bluffs, and alongside friendly strangers. From early-morning owls to the kindness of fellow riders, the day reminded me why this 240-mile Missouri treasure is more than just a bike path—it’s a journey through time, nature, and community.
Nelson-Atkins Art Museum
I explored the Nelson-Atkins Museum in Kansas City, wandering its sculpture gardens, discovering Noguchi’s stone pieces, marveling at El Anatsui’s Dusasa I, and losing myself in Monet’s water lilies. This mix of outdoor whimsy, modern masters, and Impressionist calm made for one of my most rewarding museum stops.
Joslyn Art Museum
I expected little but found a lot at the Joslyn Art Museum in Omaha. Free admission, diverse collections, and even a Kenneth Snelson sculpture made this Nebraska stop far more rewarding than I imagined.
Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum
I spent a day at the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum in Nebraska, exploring Cold War bombers, the legendary SR-71 Blackbird, and even a high school robotics competition. Aviation history, engineering, and inspiration all under one roof.
Homestead National Park
I visited the Homestead National Historical Park to see Daniel Freeman’s first claim site, learn how diverse settlers pursued land on the prairie, and wander the restored grasslands around the Freeman homestead.
Nebraska State Capitol & Sunken Gardens
A visit to Lincoln starts at the Nebraska State Capitol, with its mosaics, marble floors, and murals telling the story of the state. The tour highlights Nebraska’s unique unicameral legislature and even the governor’s office, complete with a life-size pig in a Huskers jersey. Just across town, the Sunken Gardens—once a neighborhood dump and later a Depression-era project—now bloom with flowers, ponds, and statues. Two very different places, but together they capture the history and character of Nebraska.
Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park
Ashfall Fossil Beds preserves entire herds of rhinos, horses, and camels buried in volcanic ash 12 million years ago. The Rhino Barn, exhibits, and trails reveal Nebraska’s Pompeii, a window into prehistoric life and a perfect vanlife adventure stop.