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…
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History in Stone: 10 Remarkable Illinois Cemeteries To Visit
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…
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Hiking Southern Illinois: 15 Iconic Trails You Can’t Miss
We spent almost two months in Southern Illinois and the focus of our trip was hiking and exploring the region’s outdoor offerings. The landscape of this part of the state is so different from where we grew up in the north that it felt like we were in a different…
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15 Things You Need to Do in Rockford, Illinois
Looking for a fun and diverse getaway not too far from Chicago? Just 90 miles northwest of the Windy City lies Rockford, Illinois—a vibrant town brimming with unique attractions and activities. Whether you’re into exploring world-class gardens, delving into fascinating museums, or enjoying serene parks, Rockford offers something for everyone.…
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Oceans Unseen: Exploring the Field Museum’s New Temporary Exhibit
Going to the Field Museum is always exciting, but our recent visit stood out. We went there with Josh’s colleagues for a meeting and got to see the temporary exhibit, Oceans Unseen. This exhibit takes you beneath the waves to discover the hidden wonders of the deep ocean. The exhibit…
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Bloodsuckers: Legends to Leeches- An Inside Look at the Field Museum Exhibit
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,…
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Fort Massac State Park Campground Guide & Review
Thinking about camping at Fort Massac State Park? We had a two-week stay, and we’ve got plenty to share. Nestled along the Ohio River in Illinois, this park offers a unique blend of natural beauty and rich history. In this post, we’ll dive into our experiences, provide an honest review,…
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A City at a Confluence: Visiting Cairo, Illinois
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…
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Quest Accepted: Discover the Magic of Boo Castle Park
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,…
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Meeting the Man of Steel in Metropolis, Illinois
We visited Metropolis, Illinois- the official hometown of Superman. The town of Metropolis was founded in 1839 and was home to a 1700s fort before that. But it wasn’t until many years later that residents noticed that the town happened to share the name with Superman’s hometown. In 1972, the…