The NIKE missile program was launched in the 1950s as a highly visible symbol of America’s strength and defense readiness. It was the first nationwide air defense system, developed in response to growing Cold War tensions. Fears of a Soviet nuclear attack led the U.S. Army to begin planning a…
Bonne Terre Mine is one of the most unique places we’ve ever toured—where else can you take a boat ride on the world’s largest subterranean lake inside a five-level underground mine? Located in the Missouri Ozarks, this historic site was once a major hub for lead mining, operated by the…
Atlas Obscura has long been one of my go-to resources for travel planning. If you’re not familiar with it, the site is a treasure trove of weird and unusual places to explore. Both users and editors contribute entries, and you can create lists of places you’ve visited, plan to visit,…
For the last 3 years I’ve challenged myself to do something Halloween or fall themed every day of October and document it on my personal Instagram. Now that we’re full-time RVers, our spooky season will be spent on the road! I’ll be documenting Spooky Season 2024 on the blog and…
The LaPorte County Historical Society Museum may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of chilling true crime stories, but tucked away in this quiet Indiana town is a truly haunting exhibit that tells the tale of one of America’s most notorious female serial killers—Belle…
There’s something about abandoned places that pulls us in every time. Maybe it’s the history, the quiet, or just the sheer thrill of exploring something left behind. Over the years, we’ve tracked down some pretty cool spots in Illinois that are just waiting to be rediscovered—think old military bases, forgotten…
Cemeteries are often overlooked as places to explore, but we love visiting them not only for their rich history but also for the fascinating statues, monuments, and intricate headstones. Illinois is home to some truly remarkable cemeteries, each with its own unique character and stories. In this post, I’ll take…
While staying at Calumet County Park, on Wisconsin’s Lake Winnebago, we made a trip over to visit High Cliff State Park. Besides the hiking trails and natural wonders, this park is full of oddities and history. We saw an old general store, climbed an observation tower, walked among effigy mounds,…
Visiting the Field Museum is always an adventure, but our recent trip was particularly memorable. We were there with Josh’s coworkers for a meeting and had a chance to visit the Bloodsuckers: Legends to Leeches temporary exhibit. As we explored the exhibit, we learned about all sorts of blood-feeding creatures,…
During our April trip to Carbondale for the solar eclipse festivities, we checked off a must-see spot from my Atlas Obscura bucket list: Boo Castle Park. Officially known as Jeremy Rochman Memorial Park, this privately owned gem stands out as one of the coolest parks we’ve ever visited. The park,…