Matador Network's Blog, page 431
August 15, 2022
This Bali Glamping Experience Puts You Above the Ocean With Perfect Views
Glamping spots worldwide transform places and concessions like tipis, tents, villas, pods, domes, and treehouses into luxury stays. It seems that the “glamping movement” is in no way slowing down but has become more popular as more stays are popping up all around. Want to hop on this movement and experience a cool Airbnb glamping experience? Then check out this Cliff Side glamping experience in Bali.
We hope you love this glamping Airbnb in Bali! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
@ditchinthe9to5 This has to be the best Airbnb in the world?? #bali #airbnb #fyp #foryou #travel ♬ Fall in Love with You. – Montell Fish
If you want a unique glamping experience, check out this lush Airbnb glamping bungalow in Bali. This tropical glamping cliffside stay sits on the edge of a cliff high above the crystal blue waters. The beautiful bungalow features a 180-degree view of the ocean, an eco-friendly bamboo design, indoor and outdoor showers, a shooting “star net,” and more amazing features. There are other features like room service and inclusive breakfast.
This Airbnb glamping experience is perfect for those wanting to get away and surround themselves with nature with beautiful sunrise-facing views and friendly visits from the turtles and manta rays. Cliffs Edge brings you that mixture of luxury while connecting with mother nature, all while soaking up the island of Nusa Penida.
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Who wouldn’t want to come to this relaxing, dreamy space, hang out on bean bags or the star net, or take in the beautiful water views on the raised balcony? Immerse yourself and feel like you’re the only one left in the world here at this stunning glamping stay. If you’re looking to stay at this one-of-a-kind Airbnb glamping space in Bali, it costs about $320 a night, and it’s waiting for you, so you don’t miss out. 
The Gibraltar Airport’s Runway Intersects With City Traffic for the Wildest Takeoff Experience
Fly into or out of Gibraltar and you may find your plane’s takeoff or landing has an unexpected hazard: highway traffic. As seen in the below TikTok video, the runway at Gibraltar Airport actually intersects with a normal road to create what just may be the world’s most unique 4-way intersection.
@top_fives_ 15 Most Dangerous Airports in the World#top_fives_ #mustard ♬ original sound – Top 15 Video About Obscure Sub
The Gibraltar Airport was built in 1939, and as both the airport and the city that surrounds it have grown in the decades since, the runway was expanded and, with nowhere else for it to go, it intersected with Winston Churchill Avenue. Of particular note here is the fact that this highway is the primary access point for drivers coming into and out of Gibraltar. That means that not only is the road in use, but that it’s in heavy use. In order to prevent plane-auto collisions, the road is shut down for 10 minutes each time a plane arrives at or departs from the airport.
As one can imagine, this tends to cause quite a scene during busy traffic periods. While those on board the plane don’t experience anything unusual beyond witnessing the scene through their windows, It’s not uncommon for those held up in traffic while a plane comes in to exit their vehicle in order to document the occasion on their phone. This could make for a great way to play a quick game of “guess where” with a friend or loved one, as they certainly won’t be expecting a video of you standing mere meters from an airport runway as a plane rumbles past.
Colombia’s New Digital Nomad Visa Makes the Country One of the Best for Working Abroad
Stroll down Calle 10 in the El Poblado neighborhood of Medellin, Colombia, and you’ll notice many fellow pedestrians who don’t quite look like tourists on holiday, but certainly aren’t locals. The city, and El Poblado in particular, has become a major hub for digital nomads – those who work remotely and have the ability to travel the world as they please. The Colombian government is making it easier for the laptop-inclined set to spend more time in the country. On October 22, the country will debut a digital nomad visa that grants extended stays to those people can prove they work remotely and meet a specific set of requirements.
Currently, those arriving in Colombia from the United States, UK, and many other countries receive the general Visa on Arrival at the airport and are permitted to stay in the country for 90 days, with the possibility of renewing that visa for an additional 90 days. The new Colombia digital nomad visa ups that to two years (the same as Costa Rica’s new digital nomad visa), with a slew of additional perks designed to further the country’s authority in the remote work arena.
In order to qualify for the visa, one must meet the following requirements:
Earn at least $684 per month (this is significantly lower than the income requirement for many similar visas worldwide, including Costa Rica’s digital nomad visa, which requires an income of at least $3,000 per month)Provide a letter from an employer, written in English or Spanish, proving remote employment or prove that you earn the required income through entrepreneurial or freelance work (your best bet, in this case, might be to ask a client to provide a letter for you if you don’t have an incorporated business outside of Colombia)Have a valid passportObtain international health insuranceUnlike most digital nomad visas, Colombia’s comes with an incentive to start a business there, and though it’s yet to be formalized, this would seem to indicate that visa holders will be able to open a bank account in Colombia. More information is likely to come prior to the October release date. Applications for the visa are not yet open.
Portland Has the Best Urban Wilderness in America. Here’s How To Explore It Yourself.
Portland is weird, sure. Seemingly every brewery in town seems to be competing to see who can make a more death-defying IPA, and nobody would bat an eyelash if someone opened a store selling nothing but organic, non-GMO sponges. But beyond its quirkiness, Portland also has the best urban wilderness of any American city, where you can escape from downtown into a maze of Douglas Fir trees in a matter of minutes. Then, an hour later, find yourself kayaking to a secluded island beach.
Other cities have nature, sure, but nowhere is it as abundant and easy to access as it is in Portland. And with 12,591 acres of public parkland just within the city limits, finding where to hike, and for how long, can be a little overwhelming. But from beginners to people who want to hike from sunrise to sunset, the Rose City has something for everyone.
Forest Park
Photo: Ethan O Cusick/Shutterstock
The crown jewel of Portland’s urban wilderness is Forest Park and its 5,200 acres of pure northwestern forest set completely inside the city. Seventy miles of trails run through the park, crossing over lava-formed streams, up lush hillsides, and deep into miles of Douglas Fir trees. You could spend an entire vacation just exploring what’s inside, but the signature experience is the Wildwood Trail. The 30.2 mile path covers the entire park from the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and Zoo to Newberry Road, and if you come in the summer an ambitious hiker can do it all in one day. If that sounds a little extreme, you can pick the trail up in plenty of places around the park to get a small taste.
You can also take a trail to the Pittock Mansion, a 1914 French renaissance chateau built for newspaper tycoon Henry Pittock. Even if you don’t care to tour the home, the views from the immaculate front gardens are a welcomed place to take a load off after a long hike. While you can walk the park yourself any time from 5 AM to 10 PM, taking a tour with Around Portland Tours will educate you about the history of the park. And you’ll learn jaw-dropping stories about the people who’ve lived on the possibly-cursed land over the centuries.
Willamette River
Photo: Josemaria Toscano/Shutterstock
The shining blue waters of the Willamette seemingly beg to be explored as you see them from almost everywhere around the city. The most relaxing way is to paddle a kayak around Ross Island, a one time dredging port in the middle of the river. You’ll glide through green wilderness, past slow-moving boats, and out to the bridges leading to downtown. The whole loop can be done in a couple of hours, but packing a few beers and a picnic to enjoy on one of the island’s beaches is well worth the extra time.
You can rent kayaks from Portland Kayak Company, who has space at a private sailing club along the river from which to launch. The kayaks are heavy duty sea kayaks too, so even if the water is a little choppy you won’t get wet (unless you want to).
Southwest Trails
Photo: Jess Kraft/Shutterstock
Some cities have color-coded subway maps to help people around the city. In southwest Portland, they have colorful hiking trail maps that guide you in and around neighborhoods through a series of nature trails. The trails crisscross the hills of expensive houses and expansive views, through city parks and into deep woods. For a serious workout, hit Trail 1, which starts at the OHSU waterfront and shoots straight uphill to Marquam Nature Park ending at Raleigh Park in Raleigh Hills.
You can also traverse the entire length of southwest Portland along the 10.6-mile Trail 6, which meets Trail 1 inside Marquam Park. It has the best views of the eastern side of the city, and though it can be hilly, it is definitely worth the effort. The North-South Trail 7 is a little shorter at only 8.7 miles, but lets you take breaks at attractions like the Oregon Zoo and Portland Children’s Museum.
OHSU Tram and Trails
Photo: Liz DLT/Shutterstock
Along the west side waterfront of the Willamette River you’ll find the base of the Portland Aerial Tram, a commuter tram that takes you from the river to the top of Marquam Hill. It’s part of Portland’s 4T trail, where you can explore the city via train, tram, trolley, and trail. Once you’ve enjoyed the ride up the mountain, you can then take a four mile trail along the hilltop to the Oregon Zoo. The tram also gives you instant access to the Southwest Trails, so if you want to explore them but aren’t up for the initial climb, this is the way to go.
Willamette River Greenway
Photo: Rosemarie Mosteller/Shutterstock
One of America’s most scenic urban greenways runs along the water in Portland, stretching from the southern suburbs up through the city alongside the Willamette River. Like most greenways, it’s a popular spot for runners and cyclists, but it also leads to other trails that travel farther into Portland’s wilderness.
One of the best side trips is in the city’s southwestern section, where you can take the greenway over the Sellwood bridge and into the Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge. Here, you’ll hike through giant fir and maple trees to a low lying wetland that turns purple with wildflowers during the summer. Head north from there and you’ll hit the Tilikum Crossing, Portland’s iconic cable-stayed bridge. You can then head downtown, or hike through the hills on the west side of the Willamette river for an eight-ish mile loop back to the greenway.
Tryon Creek State Natural Area
Photo: C.M. Zizzo/Shutterstock
Tryon Creek is the only state park in Oregon located in a major metropolitan area, about 15 minutes south of downtown just north of Lake Oswego. The 658-acre swath of second growth forest offers an instant immersion into northwest wildlife, where birds, squirrels, and other small animals scamper among tall fir and deciduous trees. You can do the whole park in half a day, as the eight miles of trails make the entire landscape accessible to most. You’ll also cross eight bridges over the creek, meaning you’re never at a loss for photo ops. And if all the hiking has you tired out you can take a rest on the woodland boardwalk and enjoy the sounds of the forest.
Washington Park
Photo: Nagel Photography/Shutterstock
Portland’s famous International Test Rose Garden sits inside sprawling Washington Park, which is defined by 410 acres of trees, flowers, and historic monuments. While you should absolutely take the time to, literally, stop and smell the over 10,000 roses in the oft-photographed garden, Washington Park also is where you’ll find the Portland Japanese Garden, which feels a little like Okinawa in the middle of a temperate PNW rainforest.
For woodsy hiking, venture into the Hoyt Arboretum, where 12 miles of trails wind between 2,300 species of trees from across the world. The “living museum” was designed to showcase and preserve trees that people would otherwise have to cross the globe to see, and if you know what to look for it’s one of the most unique hiking experiences on the planet.
Mount Tabor Park
Photo: MattxDavey/Shutterstock
No place is better to end the day outdoors than Mount Tabor Park in southeast Portland. Though it’s not technically the highest point in the city, the 636-foot summit of this once-active volcano offers the best vistas for both sunrise and sunset, with perfect views of the city skyline and Mt. Hood in the distance. Though it can skew hilly, hiking here is still pretty easy, and trails as short as a mile wind you through 191 acres of wilderness. You’ll often find sunset yoga classes sharing the top of the mountain, and once a year the park also hosts Portland’s Adult Soap Box Derby, where grown men and women race down a mountain in home-made go karts.
Beautiful waterfalls in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is one of the most visited international destinations, and for good reason. With lush tropical rainforests, dramatic volcanic hot springs, and endless waterfalls thanks to the verdant jungle and surrounding mountains, it’s no wonder that travelers go to Costa Rica to experience some of the richest biodiversity on the planet. In fact, it’s home to the tallest waterfall in Central America, El Salto del Calvo. As 25 percent of the country is protected for conservation, most cascades are located within some of the 32 national parks and have entrance fees, but that shouldn’t stop you from checking them out — they’re well worth a few bucks. Here are the 14 most amazing waterfalls you should go chasing while in Costa Rica.
Nicoya Penisula1. Montezuma Waterfalls
Photo: Jiri Stoklaska/Shutterstock
Everyone loves a celebrity sighting and Tom Brady made this three-tiered waterfall famous by jumping from 60-feet. Brady’s not the only reason you should visit this spectacular area, though. Montezuma Waterfalls feature three gorgeous, cascading falls with refreshing pools that hikers can swim in.
The top waterfall has a drop of about 15 feet and you can jump from the top into the pool or take the rope swing hanging from the tree. The second has a drop of about 60 feet and the lower fall is even taller, at 80 feet, but jumping here is not suggested due to the sharp rocks below.
There are two trails to access the different falls. If you plan to visit the lower, take the Riverbed Trail which is fairly mild (and free), unless you decide to hike the very steep stairs up to see the other two. The Canopy Trail accesses the upper falls and requires a car to get to the Sun Trails zip line company entrance point. This is a really fun hike because it includes crossing a few suspended bridges. If you’d prefer a guide, Sun Trails offers tours starting at around $50 per person.
Arenal2. La Fortuna Waterfall
Photo: Pavel Tvrdy/Shutterstock
La Fortuna Waterfall, located near Arenal Volcano, is the most famous one in Costa Rica. It’s a 10-minute drive from the center of the town of La Fortuna. If you’ve rented a car, just head down Diagonal 301 or take a taxi for $10 one way. La Fortuna Waterfall opens at 7:00 AM, so arrive early to beat the crowds and have this incredible feat of Mother Nature all to yourself.
To reach the basin of the 230-foot-tall waterfall you’ll have to go down 530 concrete stairs with railings. Don’t fret, the path is super sturdy and well traversed. Once you reach the bottom of La Fortuna Waterfall, go for a leisurely dip in the natural swimming hole to cool off. Make sure to bring lots of water as you’ll have to climb right back up the massive stairway. You can stop at many viewpoints on the way back up if you need to take a breather.
Entrance prices are currently $15 for foreigners, paid in cash at the entry to the fall. The fee is collected by a sustainability nonprofit that manages the park. Note that, even though La Fortuna Waterfall is located in Arenal Volcano National Park, you don’t need to enter the park and pay the park entrance fee to go and see the falls.
3. Gravity Falls
Photo: Lola Mendez
If you’re keen on an adventure, check out the privately-operated Gravity Falls in La Fortuna for a day of exploring a beautiful canyon with several waterfalls. Licensed canyoneering guides will teach you how to rappel down a cliff next to a 132-foot-tall waterfall followed by swinging on a rope into a massive natural pool, playing on natural rock slides, and climbing sheer rock walls. The tour’s grand finale is jumping down a 36-foot waterfall. If it’s too high for you, note that there are several spots for secure waterfall jumping that range in height from 10 to 30 feet.
The half-day excursion can be booked online or at the Desafio office. It costs $125 per person, including pick-up from your accommodation in La Fortuna, gear, and lunch.
Central4. La Paz Waterfall
Photo: Kobby Dagan/Shutterstock
The best way to unwind after arriving in San Jose via a long, international flight is to head out to the La Paz Waterfall Gardens, just an hour and a half north of San Jose. The roads are well paved, so the best way to get there is by rental car — you may be able to get an Uber ride, but it’ll cost you. The trails to explore the park are well marked and pretty low impact, but there are quite a few stairs.
The highlight of the park is La Paz Waterfall and its massive drop of 110 feet. You can also see La Paz Waterfall from the road and snap a photo, but nothing beats getting up close and personal. You’ll also be able to visit Magia Blanca Waterfall, which is the largest at 120 feet, Templo Waterfall, Escondida Waterfall, and Encantada Waterfall. There’s no swimming allowed at any of the waterfalls at La Paz Waterfall Gardens.
Entrance to the park costs $44 per adult for foreigners and can be bought online with a credit card. The price is steep but includes over two miles of walking trails and an animal sanctuary. Stay the night in the onsite lodge to maximize your time and be the first to enter the park when it opens at 8:00 AM.
5. Catarata del Toro
Photo: lvalin/Shutterstock
The Catarata del Toro drops a tremendous 270 feet and looks like something out of Jurassic Park. The waterfall barrels into the crater of an extinct volcano and is truly a sight to see. The owners of this waterfall have created a number of beautiful viewpoints along the path, but note that it is a steep descent to the base of the waterfall.
This waterfall is fairly remote and there’s only one bus a day to the area, so plan to stay overnight at nearby El Silencio Lodge if you do not have your own vehicle. Also, note that swimming is not allowed in these pools, however, hikers can walk through the incredible surroundings to see different colors of rock and an unbelievable amount of bird life and plant life.
6. Bijagual Waterfall
Photo: Colin D. Young/Shutterstock
This beautiful waterfall located outside of Jaco features a 590-foot fall that is accessible by a guided horseback ride through the forest or a hike. Along the way, you’ll see the small seaside village of Bijagual and the beautiful coastline beyond.
Access to the fall itself is about $20 per person with the horseback ride available on request for an additional fee. Many tours include the access fee, lunch, and the horseback ride for approximately $50-65 per person.
7. Los Chorros WaterfallsPhoto: Colin D. Young/Shutterstock
Los Chorros, or The Jets, are fairly easy-to-access waterfalls. There are two falls, one that is very simple to get to, Zamora, which features a 40-foot drop, and Prendas which requires a short hike with a similar 40-foot drop.
Access to the falls costs $4 in parking fees and $6 per person in park fees. To access the falls, you need to walk from the parking to a trailhead and a short 15-20 minute hike on maintained trails.
The base of the Zamora fall has amenities like a bathroom and picnic tables. This is a very popular spot with locals on the weekends who spend all day hanging out by the riverbed, picnicking with their friends and family. While you can certainly visit this waterfall in an hour or two, it’s a great place to live like a local so pack lunch and spend the day by Los Chorros.
Guanacaste8. Rio Celeste Waterfall
Photo: David Gonzalez Rebollo/Shutterstock
The Rio Celeste Waterfall is located within the Tenorio Volcano National Park. In Spanish, celeste is the name of the picture-perfect blue color of the sky — and this waterfall seriously lives up to its moniker.
The cost to enter Tenorio Volcano National Park is $12 for foreign visitors, which needs to be paid in cash. Aim to arrive by 8:00 AM, when the park opens, in order to fully enjoy all that the nature reserve has to offer. It’s best to rent a car for the day to reach the park, which is about six miles from Bijagua town.
A concrete path cuts through the jungle en route to Rio Celeste Waterfall and is an easy trek, but it does have some stairs. You can’t swim in the turquoise basin, so after you’ve enjoyed the vistas at the waterfall, make your way to the nearby natural hot spring in the park.
9. Llanos de Cortez
Photo: worldroadtrip/Shutterstock
Llanos de Cortez is, hands down, the most beautiful cascade in Costa Rica. It’s a great first stop if you’re flying into Liberia Airport, as the Llanos de Cortez waterfall is in Bagaces just 16 miles south of Liberia. The drive should take about 30 minutes in a rental car or taxi. For now, it’s free to enter the park, but that’s likely to change as the Llanos de Cortez waterfall continues to grow in popularity.
The trail to reach the waterfall is short and takes most people just 10 minutes, but it is pretty steep, so don’t try it in sandals. After the short jaunt, you’ll be rewarded with the sight of a mighty, 50-foot-wide curtain of water that pours down from 40 feet up.
There’s also a natural freshwater beach with white sand on the banks of the pool. And don’t forget to climb with caution on the rocks behind the waterfall for a behind-the-scenes view.
10. Catarata Aquiares
Photo: Isaac Barrantes/Shutterstock
The Aquiares Waterfall, located in Turrialba, is off the beaten path and a favorite among Ticos, as Costa Ricans call themselves. You’ll need to walk about a third of a mile through the coffee plantations of the Aquiares village to find the Aquiares Waterfall, but it’s marked well on Google Maps. If you get a little lost, ask a local to point you in the direction of the catarata, the Tico word for waterfall.
It’s free to enter to check out the 132-foot cascade that gushes into a natural swimming pool. The best way to experience this waterfall is to float on your back and gaze up at the flowing water.
11. Oropendola Waterfall
Photo: Michael G Smith/Shutterstock
This easy .8-mile hike is great for almost any skill level looking to explore the incredible waterfalls of Costa Rica. There is a fun suspension bridge that adds to the adventure as you walk the easy trail. From the other side of the bridge, you will see the beautiful 80-foot waterfall as well as the turquoise pools below. The water gets its incredible color due to minerals from the volcano nearby.
Do note, that access to the trail may come with a reportedly hefty fee of $30 per person, but it does include lunch.
12. Catarata La CangrejaPhoto: Nicholas Courtney/Shutterstock
A three-mile hike will bring you to one of the best-kept secrets in Costa Rica: Catarata La Cangreja. Located in a very dry, forested area, La Cangreja is an incredible sight to behold. Along the way, be sure to look out for white-faced monkeys, howler monkeys, and spider monkeys.
The 40-foot waterfall pours into a stunning light-blue pool, thanks to the copper minerals from the volcano. Swimming is not allowed in the pool, but you can walk around the area to explore the flora and fauna.
South Pacific13. Nauyaca Waterfall
Photo: Silverman1/Shutterstock
Nauyaca Waterfall is a quick drive inland from the beach town of Dominical and is the perfect waterfall in Costa Rica for those who want to spend time in the jungle. A taxi from Dominical to Nauyaca Waterfall costs $20 each way. The hike is on a gravel road and moderate with many curves up and down the side of a cliff. The round-trip distance is about five miles long. There’s also the option to pay to be taken to the fall by truck for $25 round-trip or $10 one-way.
Nauyaca Waterfall is located on private land and managed by the family who owns the property. It costs $8 to get in and can be paid in cash with US dollars or the local currency, Costa Rican colones.
The fall is truly spectacular with 200 feet of powerful water spillage over multiple tiers of rocks. Take a swim in the lower-level, 20-foot-deep pool. There’s nothing as divine as a cool dip after hiking. Note that it’s impossible to get into the pool during the rainy season due to the water surge that makes the flow fast and dangerous.
14. Uvita Waterfall
Andy Korteling/Shutterstock
Uvita Waterfall is a super easily accessible waterfall that will only cost you $2. While the fall isn’t the grandest or tallest waterfall in Costa Rica, it has a unique feature: a natural waterslide. The best part is you do not need a guided tour to get here.
After a mild five-minute walk through the jungle, you’ll reach this waterfall and can swim in the pool. There is even a cafeteria located next to the parking lot to grab snacks or a beverage if you want to spend some extra time lounging out on the rocks.
August 14, 2022
8 best state parks in Iowa
Iowa may be relatively flat with less than 1,000 feet between the state’s lowest and highest points, but it’s proof that uphill hiking isn’t the only thing to do at a state park.
The best state parks in Iowa offer a range of activities, from camping to horseback riding to spelunking and birdwatching. Because the state has four distinct seasons, visitors can have a totally different experience depending on when they visit. Come winter, visitors can snowshoe across the same beaches where they work on their tans in August.
The state has roughly 53,000 acres protected as park and recreation land across 83 sites. The parks system averages roughly 12 million visitors per year, so these aren’t just your average neighborhood parks. More than 40 of these Iowa state parks have developed and maintained nature trails, and 41 of the recreation sites are next to lakes — 24 natural, 17 human-made. And in case you’re wondering: yes, the Iowa parks system does an excellent job of sharing fun statistics online.
Iowa state parks mapBecause Iowa is relatively flat, it’s not hard to drive just about anywhere in the state. Visitors can take the highway and make great time, or opt for a slower country road past farmland for more of the classic midwest experience. Most of the best state parks in Illinois below are near fairly major roads, so it shouldn’t be too hard to get anywhere in the state.
Backbone State Park
Photo: Wildnerdpix/Shutterstock
Iowa’s first and widely considered best state park has far more going on than the average out-of-state visitor may think. There’s excellent trout fishing, limestone rock climbing and rappelling, boating, swimming, hiking, cave exploring, and camping. Yes: this is all in one Iowa state park.
The park was originally named “Devil’s Backbone” for the steep and narrow ridgeline carved by the Maquoketa River. It might not match the drama of the Half Dome cable in Yosemite National Park, but traversing the ridgeline is still one of the more popular hikes in the Midwest. There’s also mountain bike on a few dedicated trails.
There are two campgrounds and 16 cabins ranging from deluxe rentals to two-bedroom sprawlers. It’s one of the best Iowa state parks to spend a weekend, so consider booking an overnight rather than doing just a day trip.
Ledges State Park
Photo: Drewthehobbit/Shutterstock
Four miles of undulating trails wind through this park, leading to overlooks of the Des Moines River and the surprisingly impressive Pea’s Creek Canyon. It’s in Iowa, but this place feels like it has some notable elevation gain.
When driving into the park, visitors will pass a shaded campground before descending a winding road to Pea’s Creek. After passing the park’s iconic stone bridges, they’ll reach the canyon walls. Called ledges, they rise 100 feet above the creek bed and are more than 300 million years old. Erosion from melting glaciers cut through the sandstone to create the cliffs and valleys roughly 13,000 years ago.
Hiking in this area is challenging compared to the rest of the state. However, the Lost Lake trail is a good choice for a very gentle walk through the prettiest areas of the park as it’s mostly smooth and level. Take time to find the rock platform overlooking the Des Moines River before finishing the walk to reach Lost Lake.
Pike’s Peak State Park
Photo: Iowa Office of Tourism
Ask anyone from the state where the best scenic views are, and they’ll probably say Pike’s Peak State Park. In 1805, Zebulon Pike explored the Mississippi Valley looking for sites that would make good military outposts, and this was his top pick. Clearly, Pike made it to a few places before most other explorers since Colorado’s Pike’s Peak is also named in his honor.
The overlooks in the park have spectacular views of the Mississippi River, the town of McGregor, and the suspension bridge between Iowa and Wisconsin. Hiking trails in Pike’s Peak State Park pass sheer limestone walls and offer the best access to Bridal Veil Falls. Visitors can camp at the park’s campground after a day of hiking before stopping at nearby Effigy Mounds National Monument or Yellow River State Forest on the way home.
Waubonsie State Park
Photo: Iowa Office of Tourism
The southwest Iowa counterpart to Pike’s Peak, Waubonsie State Park is in the scenic Loess (pronounced “less”) Hills. It’s one of the best state parks in Iowa for amazing views as trails overlooking the countryside and Missouri River — it’s one of the prettiest parts of western Iowa. Waubonsie State Park is also on the multi-state Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail.
Unique to this park is an equestrian campground with 32 campsites and a separate trail for the horses. The trails for both hiking and horseback riding are equally scenic, winding down ridges into valleys and gorges. Don’t miss this one.
Maquoketa Caves State ParkPhoto: John Brueske/Shutterstock
With 16 explorable caves, hiking trails running beneath a “Natural Bridge,” a 17-ton “Balanced Rock,” and paths winding through limestone bluffs, Maquoketa Caves State Park can offer as much adventure as you’d like.
Not surprisingly, the caves are the star attraction at this park. It’s fairly easy to walk into the 1,100-foot-long Dancehall Cave and larger caves like Rainy Day Cave and Ice Cave, but visitors will have to crawl into some of the smaller ones. Kids will especially love this area.
Most of the hiking trails have wooden walkways, making them beautiful and accessible year-round, even after heavy rain. The park also has a campground with 29 sites, a stone picnic area with views of the valley, and an Interpretive Center. Visitors planning on serious cave exploration should bring a flashlight.
Lacey Keosaqua State Park
Photo: Iowa Office of Tourism
Lacey Keosaqua State Park is part of the Mormon Pioneer Trail and the largest state park in Iowa at 1,653 acres. But what most people talk about is the fact that it’s probably the most beautiful state park in Iowa. w
With 200-year-old oak trees providing shade and colorful plants and shrubs everywhere, it’s an ideal spot more a morning jog or afternoon picnic. Scenic, tree-lined hiking trails follow the valleys and cliffs of the Des Moines River, and it’s not unusual to spot deer, raccoons, red foxes, gray squirrels, and many different birds.
There are six cabins and 76 campsites, a 30-acre lake with a beach, two lodges, and two picnic shelters. It’s one of the most popular spots for fishing in Iowa, especially since it’s pleasant to sit on the comfortable pier and enjoy the views even if the fish aren’t biting.
Palisades-Kepler State Park
Photo: Carlos Lima Jr./Shutterstock
One of the best state parks in Iowa near a major city, Palisades-Kepler is a few miles from Cedar Rapids and gets a lot of visitors. The rolling hills and valleys are beautiful any time of year but especially in autumn when visitors come to photograph the foliage. It’s also very popular with visitors as a site for high school senior portraits and family photos. The odds are that on any hike, you’ll run into a professional camera or two.
Once in the park, a long, scenic drive leads to the Cedar River. Most hiking trails are on the river bluffs, which offer pretty places to stop at WWII-era stone gazebos and scenic overlooks.
Fossil-buffs also enjoy this park thanks to the many fossils in the sandbar near the Cool Hollow Trail parking lot. Just a few years ago, a visitor found a Mammoth tooth, so there’s no telling what someone could find.
Lewis and Clark State Park
Photo: Iowa Office of Tourism
Ever wondered what it would have been like to be part of the Lewis and Clark expedition as it traversed America’s frontier? Well, then head to Lewis and Clark State Park, which marks the spot where the expedition stopped on August 10, 1804. Visitors can stand on an exact replica of the group’s keelboat and walk through the museum at the visitor’s center, open spring through fall.
The park is 40 miles south of Sioux City and is on 250-acre Blue Lake, highly regarded for excellent fishing and swimming.
Camping in Iowa State Parks
Photo: Iowa Office of Tourism
Of the 83 sites managed by the Iowa parks service, 62 of those sites have campgrounds. And with more than 5,000 campsites total, guests never have to worry about being able to find a spot to pitch a tent. But non-campers will be happy to know that 18 Iowa state parks have on-site lodges, including the Honey Creek Lodge (at Honey Creek State Park), which has a small indoor waterpark families with kids will appreciate having as a backup option on a rainy day.
Reservations for campsites at Iowa state parks open three months in advance and 75 percent are bookable online. The other quarter of the sites are first-come, first-served. Between November and March, all the sites in Iowa state parks are first-come, first-served, except for two campgrounds at Maquoketa Caves State Park and Walnut Woods State Park. Sites throughout the Iowa state parks system range from RV sites with electrical hookups to hike-in backcountry sites.
Visitors can also rent individual cabins in 20 Iowa state parks. Backbone State Park and Black Hawk State Park have deluxe family cabins, Springbrook State Park has a 12-person cabin, yurts are available at McIntosh Woods State Park, and more rustic cabins with fire pits are available at Iowa state parks like Green Valley, Lake Darling, and Waubonsie. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has a fantastic webpage laying out the details and process for renting each.
Follow These Food Rules To Eat Like a Local in Italy
It’s no secret that one of the best parts of visiting Italy is the food. There are the many regional pastas and different types of pizza. And whether it’s sipping coffee in Venice, or wine tasting your way through endless vineyards, Italy is a food-lover’s paradise. And like any country, there are certain customs around food to follow. are going to be different than what you’re used to, especially since Italians are so reverent about meal time. Even when it comes to what foods go together, you’ll definitely want to be cautious about breaking any tabboos. Brooke Eliason, the influencer behind Female Foodie, recently posted an explainer of 20 things you should know to eat like a local in Italy.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Female Foodie | Brooke Eliason (@femalefoodie)
Over the four videos, here are some of her most helpful tips:
Most restaurants have a cover charge or “coperto” that covers bread and tableware, but even if you don’t eat the bread you’ll still be charged. It can range anywhere from around 2 to 8 euros, but you’ll usually see an average of a 3 Euro coperto per person. Some places charge for children, while others do not.When you’re eating out, the sever typically brings you bread and takes beverage/food orders at the beginning, but they rarely “check in” throughout the meal. If you need to speak with your server it’s totally acceptable to give a friendly wave (servers are constantly scanning their tables so it’s usually not hard to get their attention). We really love this style of service because it lends to more privacy and uninterrupted conversation!You’re always going to pay for water. Frizzante (sparkling) or natural (still) are offered at every restaurant and typically come in a 750 ml glass bottle that’s usually good for two. Don’t order tap water at an Italian restaurant- you will get weird looks and it’s just not something that happens in Italian restaurants.Restaurants aren’t always open during their official hours that are advertised on Google or their website. It’s totally normal for restaurants to shift their hours here and there. Another reason why it’s best practice to call ahead and make reservations.Smoking is fair game and completely culturally acceptable on patios (even if you have a small child with you). You won’t see smoking inside a restaurant ever, but if you’re dining outside it’s something you may encounter.Breakfast is super minimalist in Italy. Most Italians have a quick pastry and coffee at most. Lunch is traditionally the biggest meal of the day, and almost all restaurants close between lunch and dinner (if they’re open for lunch to begin with).Italian cuisine is hyper-focused on local specialties from region to region, so get to know what the area you’re visiting specializes in, and don’t go looking for life-changing pesto in Rome, pizza in Venice, or carbonara in Milan (there are exceptions of course, but this is general rule of thumb).It is very uncommon for Italians to eat dinner earlier than 7 pm. If you see a restaurant serving dinner before this time, it’s likely that they’re catering to tourists (and even more likely that it won’t be the most amazing meal of your trip).TAKE YOUR TIME. Italian food is meant to be savored and enjoyed slowly and thoughtfully. Unless you’re at a pizzeria or bakery, plan on 1-2 hours for lunch and 2-3 hours for dinner. The BEST part about Italy is the food, so why rush?!More like thisFood + DrinkThese Are the ‘Unacceptable’ Things To Do To Italian Food, According To New Poll of Italians
August 12, 2022
Southwest Passenger Creates a Fake Person To Keep Anyone From Sitting Next To Him
Some people love the perks of flying Southwest Airlines, like the two free checked bags and the frequent sales. But if you’ve ever flown Southwest, you know the struggle that comes with grabbing the perfect seat. Arguably, the best seat on the plane is not about whether it’s in the back or the front, it’s the one where no one is sitting next to you. But because of Southwest’s cattle call seating arrangements, whether that middle seat is taken is a game of roulette. Which has led some people to go to creative lengths to keep someone from sitting by them — including by seeming like the creepiest seatmate ever. Zach Prengler has another method that he posted on TikTok that he says was a success.
@zachprengler And it worked#fyp #foryoupage #trending #southwestairlines #flying #airplane #travel #lifehack #lifehacks #lollapalooza ♬ Making the Plane (Instrumental) – John Williams
Prengler’s ghost passenger video has racked up over two million views. One commenter, who claimed to be a Southwest flight attendant, gave him points for creativity.
“I’m a flight attendant for Southwest and I’ve never seen this one!” JD Bynum commented.
If you’re considering trying this out, there’s a few things to remember. First, you’ll need to make sure you’re in an early boarding group so you can have time to get your second passenger all set up, so be sure to check in early. Second, try to keep your “friend’s” face away from the aisle, to keep people from catching on. But to be honest, flights are overbooked all the time, so don’t be surprised if your flight is full and you’re required to sit next to someone. And if you’re easily embarrassed, it probably won’t be fun when the flight attendant figures out why they’re one seat short.
St. Tropez for Every Budget: Luxury Indulgences and Affordable Activities
St. Tropez, France, conjures up images of celebrities, mega-yachts, and Dom Perignon-fueled excess. Missing from this mental picture are the many ways the rest of us can enjoy St. Tropez and the area’s undeniable beauty. For each boisterous beach club serving rosé-soaked lunches and DJ-spun soundtracks, you can find a rugged St. Tropez beach beckoning you to enjoy a languid Mediterranean swim. If you’d prefer not to strut in Hermes sandals alongside opulent boutiques, you could throw on your hiking boots and hike a coastal trail instead.
The city itself is lovely, with narrow lanes lined by pale yellow buildings that wend up from the impossibly blue sea to a verdant hilltop park. In summer, St. Tropez is pleasantly full of non-extravagant French travelers — although there are a few flashy foreigners as well. For the best of St. Tropez, we recommend mixing up the glam and glitter with a little bit of summertime chill.
What to do in St. TropezVisit the St. Tropez beaches
Pampelonne Beach. Photo: lukaszimilena/Shutterstock
St. Tropez didn’t become a hub for well-healed people for no reason. The town and its surroundings are packed with stunning beaches. A few steps from the town center is Les Graniers, a sandy cove that feels a world away from the self-conscious bustle. If you want to walk for an hour, or drive for ten minutes, La Plage des Salins is a long, thin beach backed by wooded hills. Just outside city limits, the closest stretch of sand is Tahiti Beach, and it’s the perfect place to spend a few hours. Beyond that is Pampelonne Beach, the site of some well-known beach clubs.
Take a hike along the St. Tropez coast
Photo: photolike/Shutterstock
The hiking here is all about being close to the sea. The main path is called the Sentier du Littoral, which just means the Coastal Trail. You can follow the trail southward from Les Garniers, passing by stately manors that overlook the water. While the trail ostensibly ends each time it reaches a new beach along the coast, you can just continue to walk along the sand until it starts up again. There are no trail markers here, but it’s pretty straightforward: just follow the coast. For a more classic hiking experience, drive 30 minutes south to Cap Lardier, a wooded area managed by France’s Port-Cros National Park. You’ll find several trails in there, either amidst the pines or along the cliff, with staggering Mediterranean vistas.
Indulge in some St. Tropez shopping
Photo: George Wirt/Shutterstock
Many who arrive in St. Tropez feel the sudden yen to upscale their wardrobe. Don’t worry. The sensation will pass once you hit the beach. The most chi-chi street is the Rue François Sibilli, home to several luxury labels like Yves Saint Laurent and Louis Vuitton, which has its own garden and champagne bar. Not to be outdone, Chanel opens a “pop-up boutique” in a nearby mansion each summer and Dior is housed in an 18th-century building. You’ll find overflow couture like Balenciaga on the nearby Rue Gambetta — but that street has more affordable clothing options as well.
If window-shopping alone is burning a hole in your wallet, explore the galleries on Boulevard Louis Blanc and lose yourself in the artwork. Better yet, if it’s a Tuesday or Saturday, hit up the market on the Place des Lices, which carries everything from crafts and t-shirts to interesting foods. It’s open on Saturday mornings, with a smaller version on Tuesdays.
The best beach clubs in St. Tropez
Photo: username/Shutterstock
Les Palmiers — Plage de PampelonneThe most quintessential St. Tropez experience just may be a boozy seaside lunch — preferably at a trendy beach club. The clubs have private beach areas, behind which are a restaurant and maybe a bar. These aren’t clubs in the sense that you need to be a member; more in that they have a party feel to them. Club Les Palmiers is a favorite, as the tables are closer to the ocean breeze and the DJs spin the best tunes. There really is no table that’s not near a speaker, so make a 1:00 PM reservation and you’ll still be able to have a conversation over the music. (They switch DJs and the music gets even louder at around 3:00 PM.) Or you could make a late reservation, order another bottle of rosé, or two, and let the night start several hours early.
Address: 962 Chemin des Tamaris, 83350 Ramatuelle, France
Club 55In the height of a hot summer, Club 55 can be really warm — as a thicket of trees, while lovely, blocks sea breezes from reaching the dining room. Rather than eating here, make a lunch reservation elsewhere but park in the 55 lot. Then arrive early to take advantage of the beach and maybe enjoy a long swim. That’s what I did while my partner, who’d already gone for a morning run along the Coast Trail, chilled under a tree in a cocktail zone between the beach and the restaurant enjoying the people watching. When you are in fact feeling peckish, go have lunch.
Address: 43 Boulevard Patch, 83350 Ramatuelle, France
Les Graniers — Les Graniers Beach
Les Graniers beach and beach club in St. Tropez. Photo: Noelle Salmi
Les Graniers is in fact not a beach club, since the beach is public. It is also easily reached on foot from St. Tropez, as we noted above. The beach feels surprisingly secluded here and the on-sand restaurant is on point. They may not have chilled gazpacho with mustard ice cream the day you come, but whatever chilled soup they serve, it will be delicious. You can’t go wrong with the freshly grilled fish either.
You won’t find a party vibe at Les Graniers, although there are always a few tables with larger groups and empty bottles of rosé. And if daytime drinking in the heat wipes you out, post-beach naps are definitely part of the rhythm of summer here. In any event, you’ll notice it’s perfectly okay to plunk an ice cube or two in your rosé and water it down a bit. Also, you’ll find non-alcoholic cocktails, beers, and even wines on drink menus throughout St. Tropez.
Address: 1 Plage des Graniers, 83990 Saint-Tropez, France
Where to eat in St. TropezChez Camille
View from the restaurant Chez Camille in St. Tropez. Photo: Noelle Salmi
You’ll have to drive 15 minutes to Ramatuelle from town, but the view of the serene beach cove on which Chez Camille sits is worth it. As with most St. Tropez restaurants, reservations fill up quickly in summer. The trick is to pick an “early” dining time, like 8:00 PM. It’s not quite as fun, since your fellow diners will be other non-French travelers, but you’ll get the bonus, at Chez Camille at least, of pastel sunset colors. (The sun sets after 8:00 PM from early April to early September.)
Since no one rushes you to eat in France, you’ll glimpse chic French diners and even extended families who summer on the Riviera arriving for dinner around 10:00 PM, just when you may be having dessert. Prices are eye-watering — with the lobster bouillabaisse coming in at $130 per person, but the linguine with clams is a more affordable $33. (These prices reflect current Euro to US Dollar parity).
Address: Rés Cap Nioulargue, 83350 Ramatuelle, France
The Patio at Le Yaca
Photo: Noelle Salmi
Le Yaca has one of the loveliest patios in town and its food is as appealing as the elegant surroundings. The zucchini blossoms stuffed with tangy ricotta followed by ravioli served with browned butter and briny anchovies are delicious and beautifully plated. The white chocolate shaped peach, filled with cream is an excellent dessert to round up a great meal. With the cheapest main course costing $40, there’s no way to avoid paying high prices at The Patio. However, if you’ve come to St. Tropez with your partner and want to splurge on just one romantic dinner, this is the place. (Note that Le Yaca is also a lovely hotel. Peak prices are very steep, coming down to about $400 per night in late September).
Address: Boulevard d’Aumale, 83990 Saint-Tropez, France
Pizzeria BrunoSt. Tropez regulars have been enjoying Pizzeria Bruno’s ultra-thin-crust, wood-fired pizzas for years. The priciest is the indulgent $27 Tartufo, with truffle cream and shavings, as well as buffalo mozzarella, but there are plenty of $16 and $17 pies as well. If you’re cutting the carbs, you can choose from a slew of salads and a few appetizing meat or fish entrees. The dining room is invitingly small, but the best tables are splashed outside on Rue Sibille — so reserve ahead. Don’t get confused, tt’s not on the Rue François Sibilli that’s packed with couture shops, which is two blocks away, but the people watching is still as good as the pizza. If you want to save money, order the pizzas to go as the takeaway options average about $12. Sadly, the truffle pizza is not available for take-out.
Address: 6 Rue de l’Eglise, 83990 Saint-Tropez, France
Falafel & CoIf St. Tropez food prices threaten to blow your budget out of the water, Falafel & Co is your answer. In fact, the freshly made falafels served on really fresh pitas or as a salad are worth a stop even if you aren’t counting pennies. To get to this friendly Lebanese eatery, keep walking south on Rue François Sibilli, past Louis Vuitton and Dolce & Gabbana, until the street ends at Place des Lices, a small plaza. The kiosk is on your right, but it looks out onto the plaza.
Address: Rue François, 83990 Saint-Tropez, France
St. Tropez hotels for every budgetWe hope you love the hotels we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
Hotel La Ponche
Photo: Hotel La Ponche
Photo: Hotel La Ponche
Photo: Hotel La Ponche
If you want to be in the thick of things, Hotel La Ponche has the best location in town, close to all the action but also offering ocean views and, once you open the shutters, welcoming sea breezes as well. Decor in each of the hotel’s 18 rooms is elegant but understated. The real draw are the common spaces, like its rooftop terrace and superb restaurant. In fact, since room rates crest four digits in peak weeks, you may prefer to stay elsewhere and just enjoy a meal at said restaurant. (The melon soup is unforgettable).
Address: 5 Rue des Remparts, 83990 Saint-Tropez, France
Pastis Hotel St. Tropez[image error]Photo: Pastis Hotel St. Tropez
Photo: Pastis Hotel St. Tropez
Photo: Pastis Hotel St. Tropez
Pastis Hotel St. Tropez hits the sweet spot between pampering and affordability. It is by no means cheap, at least not in the height of the season from mid-July through August, but you will have friendly service, a beautiful room with a spacious bathroom and a clawfoot tub, and an inviting pool. It is also right on the water, a ten-minute walk from the center of town. Eight of the rooms look out onto the sea or, if you want a quieter room choose one of the two at the back, which each have their own terrace overlooking the pool. The light breakfast at this inn is also a perfect start to the day. Rooms are over $600 per night in mid-summer, go for under $500s in September, and drop to the 200s in October.
Address: 75 Avenue Général Leclerc, 83990 Saint-Tropez, France
Bastide du PortThe least expensive option here is , which is almost next door to Pastis. It offers guests the same walking access to the center of town, sea views from most rooms, and even little verandas complete with wrought-iron tables and chairs. Breakfast outdoors is also a perfect combination of café au lait, croissants or a baguette with jam, and fresh-squeezed orange juice. Like every hotel on this list, all rooms have AC. The rooms are a little less decked-out than those at Les Pastis and the hotel doesn’t have a pool — but that means you get a good price for the location. You can snag a room in September for under $300 a night.
Address: Port du pilon, 73 Avenue Général Leclerc, 83990 Saint-Tropez
The Best Illinois State Parks
Illinois is so much more than the Windy City. The state offers forests, beaches, stunning cliff faces, and a surprising amount of waterfalls that may make you think you’re in Oregon, not the midwest. But fortunately, you don’t have to travel too far from the Windy City (which itself has some lovely hikes) to experience them.
The best Illinois state parks highlight the diversity of the state, ranging from remote wooded areas to sections of urban bliss with great restaurants just steps away. If you’re a photographer — and that includes photographers who exclusively shoot on smartphones — you’ll find no shortage of inspirational vistas. And it’s not just the scenery that’s hard to resist. Cute cabin rentals are available at some of the best Illinois state parks below, as are scenic places to pitch a tent and seriously high vertical climbs for hikers who want to challenge their leg muscles.
Below, you’ll find 14 of the best state parks in Illinois, though don’t let this list limit you: the Illinois Department of Natural Resources manages more than 300 sites across the state — plenty to fill a few long weekends.
Illinois Beach State Park
Photo: Sandeep Pinjerla/Shutterstock
If you want to hit the beach in Illinois, you don’t have too many options of where to go. In fact, Illinois Beach State Park (officially called Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park) is the only beachfront remaining in Illinois. Fortunately, the park is huge, covering more than 4,000 acres, and the reservable campsites ensure you can wake up at the beach without the long flight to California.
Cave-in-Rock State ParkPhoto: Illinois Office of Tourism
Cave-in-Rock State Park, within the Shawnee National Forest, has high bluffs overlooking the Ohio River. There’s beginner fishing and boating in the small pond and the 55-foot-wide cave, which was naturally carved out of the limestone rock by the water, is a must-see. This is a great park as it’s mostly wooded and feels remote, but actually is home to a nice resort: the Cave-In-Rock Restaurant and Lodge. You can book a room at the lodge or just swing by for dinner after hiking the park’s two trails (one easier, one harder).
Starved Rock State Park
Photo: Jason Patrick Ross/Shutterstock
Starved Rock is not only one of the best Illinois state parks, but likely one of the best in the entire Midwest. There are 13 miles of trails that pass spectacular waterfalls and canyons throughout the park, and come winter, it’s an excellent spot for ice fishing or snowy photography. You can stay at the historic Starved Rock Lodge or reserve a campsite in advance. Though there’s enough hiking to keep you busy for a day or two, you may also want to make plans for a guided kayak tour, too.
Matthiessen State Park
Photo: Hendrickson Photography/Shutterstock
Swimming holes, waterfalls, canyons, lush vegetation, dense foliage, wildlife, mountain biking, hiking — you name it, you’ll find it at Matthiessen State Park. Perhaps not surprisingly, this Illinois state park is just a few miles away from Starved Rock State Park, which has a very similar setting. The two parks combined make a great weekend trip, especially in the fall when horseback riding through this park is especially beautiful.
Giant City State Park
Photo: WildNerdPix/Shutterstock
One of the best Illinois state parks for climbers, Giant City is on a scale you’ve likely never seen. It was named for the massive rock features, cliffs, and canyons, which have enormous indentations and caverns that make it look like a giant came walking through. There’s a short movie in the visitors center that speaks to the history of the land, which is part of Shawnee National Forest.
Visitors will likely also want to climb to the observation deck for an aerial view of the park and explore some of the trails; the 12-mile Red Cedar Hiking Trail is the most challenging. Climbers should bring all their own gear and head to Devil’s Standtable for climbing and bouldering routes.
Castle Rock State Park
Photo: Danita Delimont/Shutterstock
You may know the name Castle Rock from the Stephen King stories set in a town of the same name, but Illinois’ Castle Rock is far more appealing. It’s only 2,000 acres, but the fact that it’s one of the least-crowded Illinois state parks and has a boardwalk trail running along the river makes it a wonderful place to stretch your legs on a sunny day. Guests can also kayak on the Rock River, a relatively easy paddle for beginners.
Silver Springs State Park
Photo: ESB Essentials/Shutterstock
In the northwestern part of the state, Silver Spring State Park is named for exactly what you’d think: a natural spring. The area around the spring became a state park in the 1960s and is now a popular spot for birdwatching, fishing, and plant photography, since there are several ecosystems within in the park. It’s the best Illinois state park in the area for a winter visit if snowshoeing is your thing, though the archery range is pretty fun, too.
Chain O’Lakes State Park
Photo: Mr Sahoo/Shutterstock
Chain O’Lakes State Park is quite close to the border with Wisconsin and doesn’t leave much of a mystery as to what to expect. It’s one of the top Illinois state parks for paddling and fishing. It’s smack in the middle of the part of the state with the most lakes per square mile. It has 6,500 acres of water and nearly 500 miles of shoreline, plus several trail systems for hiking, cycling, and horseback riding. It’s about an hour and 15 minutes from Chicago, so it’s a great day trip if you want to swap the skyline for a ridgeline for a few hours.
Kickapoo State Recreation Area
Photo: DavidJV/Shutterstock
At the site of a former surface mining operation, Kickapoo State Park offers a lot more than scenic exploration. The park’s 2,842 acres include crystal clear water in some of its 22 ponds and lakes, which allow for the usual activities like fishing and boating as well as snorkeling and scuba diving. If you’re doing the latter, head to Inland Sea or Sportsman’s Lake, both of which are deep enough for a serious dive.
White Pines Forest State Park
Photo: Eddie J. Rodriquez/Shutterstock
For a stay in a quintessential Illinois log cabin that would make Honest Abe himself feel right at home, head to White Pines Forest State Park. It’s one of the best Illinois state parks for a group of mixed travelers as some people can stay in the cabins while others pitch a tent nearby. It’s just under 400 acres so it’s not huge, but it’s less than two hours from Chicago and has extremely tall trees that look like they belong in the Sierra Nevada, not Illinois.
Pere Marquette State Park
Photo: Michael12345/Shutterstock
Pere Marquette State Park cover thousands of acres of bluffs and wildlife along the Illinois River. Biking and hiking trails lead through the park, and several interpretive trails tell the human and geological history of the park. The Lodge at overlooks the river and has an indoor pool, restaurant, and even a winery, making it surprisingly luxurious. Remember that the park has 12 miles of dedicated hiking trails, which means you’ll need to make sure you don’t accidentally venture onto them if you’re biking or horseback riding.
Fern Clyffe State Park
Photo: Nicholas Boddy/Shutterstock
Fern displays, rocky bluffs, picturesque woods, and geological features make Fern Clyffe State Park a popular hiking area. Don’t miss the 150-foot Hawks Cave and the Big Rocky Hollow Trail, highlighted with a 100-foot-tall waterfall. The scenery is most spectacular in the fall as many of the valleys below the hiking routes have lovely foliage, but it’s a great stop any time of year if you want to get in some uphill action.
Buffalo Rock State Park
Photo: Illinois Office of Tourism
Buffalo Rock State Park was once an island in the Illinois River. The 98-acre park has three American bison: Pebbles, Cocoa, and Hope. If you can tear yourself away from the surprisingly cute bison, also check out the “Effigy Tumuli:” a section of the park with massive ground art installations inspired by the Indigenous Americans who live in the area.
Mississippi Palisades State Park
Photo: Eddie J. Rodriquez/Shutterstock
Mississippi Palisades has 2,500 acres of caves, bluffs, sink holes, and rock formations along the Mississippi and Apple rivers. It’s a good park for bird watchers, with woodpeckers in the spring and fall, and eagles in the winter. If you’re headed there to find feathered friends, you may want to read up on the best birdwatching spots within the Illinois state parks system. Audubon has a good guide.
How many Illinois state parks are there?
President Lincoln’s historic homestead. Photo: Zach Frank/Shutterstock
Illinois has a fairly impressive 69 state parks. But if you take into account all the other land managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, like recreation sites, wildlife refuges and historic sites, it totals 309 independent sites. That’s a total of around 475,000 square acres preserved and protected by the state, so there are plenty of places to go to spend a weekend away from the crowds of the state’s more well-known attractions.
What is the most popular state park in Illinois?
Photo: Nejdet Duzen/Shutterstock
Starved Rock State Park is probably the most famous, most visited by official numbers, and most well-known of the Illinois state parks — though probably the most visited are the state parks with beaches within a quick drive of Chicago, since it’s a bit harder to track how many people walk, bike, or pass by the shoreline.
Are state parks free in Illinois?Great news for budget travelers: all the Illinois state parks are free for visitors. The only exceptions are state parks that have beaches, which usually charge $1 per person for day as an access fee. Just make sure the one you’re visiting is a state park as some private parks, like Wildlife Prairie Park, do charge an admission fee.
What is the biggest state park in Illinois?
Photo: Michael12345/Shutterstock
The largest state park in Illinois is Pere Marquette State Park at about 8,000 acres, which is pretty big considering how close it is to extremely metropolitan St. Louis. The largest area managed by the state, however, is Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park at 60,314 square acres, followed by the Rend Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area at 38,900 square acres.
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