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…
During our time camping near Indiana Dunes National Park, we decided to check out a local museum just a short drive away: the La Porte County Historical Society Museum. This spot offers an eclectic mix of local history, quirky collections, and fascinating exhibits. Whether you’re into antique cars, local folklore,…
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 camping at Fort Massac, we took a trip to Cairo, IL, and discovered the quickest route was through Kentucky. On the way back, we decided to stop and visit Wickliffe Mounds State Historic Site, in Wickliffe, Kentucky. We’ve been to several Native American mound sites before, but I don’t…
People warned us not to go to Cairo. But we did anyways. And yes, we found destruction and decay. But we also found hope. Hope from the people desperately trying to preserve their town and its history. This post has taken a while to write, because we haven’t been able…
We spent a few hours exploring Fort Kaskaskia State Historic Site and its satellite historic sites- the Pierre Menard Home and Kaskaskia Bell. We’ll share all about how to visit these three sites, as well as a guide to the Fort Kaskaskia campground. Fort Kaskaskia State Historic Site Historic Areas…
Let’s step back in time and explore Fort de Chartres, a French colonial fort in southern Illinois. This massive stone fort is now managed by the Illinois DNR as a state park. Featuring the oldest building in Illinois, the fort is an important part of the history of the French…
We did a double feature adventure day visiting both the ruins of the Lincoln Park Nursery and the burial site of the first nuclear reactor in Lemont, IL. These sites are located within Waterfall Glen preserve in DuPage County and Red Gates Woods preserve in Cook County, respectively- but only…