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…
There are few things I love more than a good travel checklist- especially one that comes with a fun souvenir at the end! Whether it’s hiking all the best trails in a park or tracking down quirky roadside attractions, I can’t resist a challenge. That’s why when I heard about…
Washington, D.C., is packed with famous landmarks, but one of its most beautiful spots often flies under the radar- the U.S. National Arboretum. This massive, 446-acre green space is home to stunning gardens, scenic walking trails, and one of the most unusual photo ops in the city: the Capitol Columns,…
While staying near Indiana Dunes National Park, we took a day trip to Michigan City, Indiana, to explore one of the area’s most fascinating historic sites- the Old Lighthouse Museum. Sitting just a short drive from the dunes, this charming museum tells the story of the city’s maritime past, the…
When we spent a couple of months out East last year, we had a little gap between our longer stays in Pennsylvania and Maryland. So we decided to check two more states off our RVing map- New Jersey and Delaware. We kept it simple, staying one night in each at…
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…
If you’re looking for one of the most unique outdoor adventures in Missouri, you’ve got to check out Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park. This place isn’t your average hiking and camping destination—it’s a natural waterpark carved out by the Black River, full of swirling pools, rushing water, and smooth rock slides.…
Have you ever wanted to stand on the highest point in a state? Turns out, in Missouri, you don’t have to climb a mountain to do it—you can practically drive right up to the top! Taum Sauk Mountain, the highest point in Missouri at 1,772 feet, is tucked away in…
Nestled in the heart of the Missouri Ozarks, Echo Bluff State Park is one of those places that instantly makes you want to extend your stay—and that’s exactly what we did! We spent two weeks camping here as full-time RVers, and honestly, we could’ve stayed even longer. This park has…
If you love giant boulders, unique landscapes, and a little bit of history, then Elephant Rocks State Park needs to be on your Missouri bucket list! This place is seriously cool—massive, billion-year-old granite boulders stacked like a parade of elephants, just waiting to be climbed and explored. Whether you’re here…