In the Great Lakes region, spring is a treat for the senses. As the natural world wakes up, birds begin to nest, trees and shrubs begin to bud, and my personal favorite – native spring wildflowers begin to emerge. Also known as spring ephemerals, these beautiful native plants appear in early spring before the leaf canopy…
New Mexico’s Santa Fe National Forest is home to clear blue skies, stunning scenery, wildflowers, and an abundance of hiking trails. Each time I visit New Mexico, I am reminded why the state is known as the Land of Enchantment. New Mexico is home to a wide range of stunning landscapes, colorful sunsets, indigenous culture,…
The Holy Hill Basilica and National Shrine is located in southeastern Wisconsin in the beautiful town of Hubertus. Located at 1525 Carmel Road in Hubertus, the Basilica sits perched at 1,335 feet in elevation, one of the highest elevations in southeastern Wisconsin. This gorgeous basilica sits elevated within a gorgeous setting on 435 acres within…
Located just 30 miles north of Madison, Wisconsin, in the town of Baraboo, you’ll find a true geologic gem. Parfrey’s Glen was the first state natural area ever to be established in Wisconsin, in 1952, by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. This scenic glen is part of Wisconsin’s 1.6 million year old Baraboo Range.…
Wisconsin’s Kettle Moraine Forest is comprised of five main units, encompassing over 56,000 acres in southeastern Wisconsin. The Ice Age National Scenic Trail, one of only 11 National scenic trails in the United States, travels through varied terrain is the Kettle Moraine. This beautiful trail encompasses over 1000 miles and 28 counties in the state…
Wisconsin’s Ice Age National Scenic Trail is one of only 11 National scenic trails in the United States. This beautiful trail encompasses over 1000 miles and 28 counties throughout the state, from hills and bluffs to woodlands and prairies rich with native plants. Dane County, Wisconsin lies within the Driftless Region, (comprised of the northwest part…
Are you in search of a scenic hike in the Northwoods of Wisconsin? Vilas County, Wisconsin is in the heart of northern Wisconsin. This beautiful region of the state is filled with sparkling lakes, quiet stands of pines, calling loons, native wildflowers, and Northwoods peace. One of my favorite Vilas County hikes in any season…
The Santa Fe National Forest in New Mexico is home to stunning scenery, vivid blue skies, and an abundance of hiking trails. Each time I visit New Mexico, I am reminded why the state is known as the Land of Enchantment. New Mexico is home to a range of stunning landscapes from high plains and…
The Upper Midwest is home to thousands of picturesque trails that represent the scenic and varied landscapes of the region. Devil’s Lake State Park in Baraboo, Wisconsin is a top hiking destination to enjoy the cooling temperatures and changing fall colors. Home to 29 miles of hiking trails of rolling to rugged terrain, Devil’s Lake…
Illinois is home to picturesque Midwestern landscapes. Known as the Land of Lincoln and the Prairie State, Illinois is generally known for its agricultural land and gently rolling landscapes. However, Illinois is also home to a wide diversity of landscapes, from savannas and oak woodlands and wetlands and remnant prairies. The Des Plaines River Trail provides…