Just 23 miles north of the city of Chicago, in Glencoe, IL, the Chicago Botanic Garden is home to over 385 acres of beautiful blooms of all shapes, sizes and colors. The expansive and beautiful grounds are home to over two dozen uniquely themed gardens, including a Japanese Garden, English Walled Garden, Rose Garden, Aquatic…
Tucked into the northwestern corner of Ogle and Lee Counties in Illinois is an ecological treasure. The expansive Nachusa Grasslands is home to 4,000 acres of restored and remnant prairie, 700+ native plant species, conservative grassland birds, and a herd of nearly 100 American bison. Beautiful in all seasons, a visit to Nachusa will transport…
Characterized by its steep, high-peaked topography, Boulder County is located in the easternmost section of Colorado’s Rocky Mountain foothills. The Boulder area is known for its mountainous, rugged terrain and its many scenic trails. One such trail is just west of downtown Boulder. The scenic, 3.2 mile out-and-back Anne U. White Trail provides an easy…
Wisconsin’s capitol city of Madison is home to a chain of five beautiful lakes, numerous scenic bike trails, Bucky the Badger, squeaky cheese, the Lake Monona loop, the famous Dane County farmer’s market, top restaurants, and much, much more. Madison is a top Midwestern city to visit – in any season. From numerous cultural events…
Jefferson County, Colorado is home to many scenic mountain hikes. With over 275 miles of trails, 75 parks, and 58,000 acres of open space to enjoy, there is something for everyone. For a commanding view of Denver, the Continental Divide, and downtown Golden, Colorado, consider a hike on the Galbraith Loop Trail just outside of…
Along the southern shore of Lake Superior in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula lies an amazing outcrop of ancient volcanic basalt composed of the remnant cooled lava flows of ancient volcanic activity. This amazing outcrop, estimated to be 1.7 billion years old, is located on Presque Isle, a 323-acre peninsula extending into Lake Superior on the north…
In the Great Lakes region, spring is a treat for the senses. As winter transitions to spring, 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 has…
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.…