Make a full weekend out of it and camp out at one of the nearby campgrounds.  There are several available but be sure to arrive early as they are on a first come first serve basis and can fill up quickly, especially during the summer months.  Check out www.recreation.gov to find nearby campgrounds and details.  One popular site is Indian Cove, located right next to Joshua Tree National Park,  provides sweeping views and some of the most spectacular and surreal night skies you could imagine.  Also nearby is the Joshua Tree Lake that has a campground of its own and boasts some solid fishing  for Catsfish, Bluegill and Bass.

Grotto of the Redemption

Nestled in the rural Iowa community of West Bend, the Grotto of Redemption is Father Paul Dobberstein’s geological tribute to God, which portrays the story of redemption through Christ.  The nine grottoes that tell the story represent one of the largest collections of precious stones and gems in the world, and is valued between $4 and $5 Million.  During the winter months if the pond freezes there is ice skating to be had.  There is also a suggested donation of $5 to help fund maintenance.

westbendgrotto.com

Illinois:

World’s Largest Catsup Bottle

Standing proudly next to Route 159, just south of downtown Collinsville, Illinois, is The World’s Largest Catsup Bottle.  This massive landmark of true classic Americana is the remnants of what was once the most popular, and best selling Catsup brand in America – Brook’s Old and Tangy Catsup.  12 miles east of St. Louis, the 170 ft. bottle is actually a water tower -  but catsup or ketchup, is 68% water, so do with that what you will.

catsupbottle.com

Missouri:

Forest Park, St. Louis

Host to a variety of free attractions including the St. Louis Zoo, Missouri History Museum, St. Louis Art Museum and St. Louis Science Center – Forest Park is a premier destination for locals and visitors alike.  Larger than New York’s Central Park, this sprawling green space also has a shuttle bus that connects many of the parks museums and attractions.

Missouri:

State Parks

Want to know something awesome?  All Missouri State Parks are FREE!  Be sure to check out the massive granite formations at Elephant Rocks State Park.  Over a billion years old, these boulders stand end-to-end like a train of granite stone circus elephants.  You can take the self-guided trail and wind throughout the geological wonders, or even stop for a pleasant picnic while you marvel at the sheer mass of mother nature.  A great pit-stop for you road trippers.

Indiana:

Free Art in Indianapolis

Northwest of downtown Indianapolis is the home of the Indianapolis Museum of Art.  With a collection of over 50,000 pieces of art on display, museum goers are offered works from a variety of cultures and periods in history.  The newly opened Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park - “100 Acres” adjacent to the Museum includes woodlands, wetlands, meadows and a 35 acre lake.  One of the largest museum art parks in the country, “100 Acres,” presents art projects, exhibitions, and discussions designed to strengthen the publics understanding of the unique, reciprocal relationships between art and the natural world.

imamuseum.org

Ohio:

Hocking Hills State Park

With gorgeous sandstone caves and hollows, Hocking Hills State Park rests approximately 55 miles southeast of Columbus, Ohio.  9 different hiking trails of varying difficulties, along with 2 biking trails wind throughout the park passing over streams and providing sweeping views of the forest and its caves.  There are also several different picnic areas complete with grills, restrooms and drinking water at the recess of the caves surrounded by natural shelters, making this particular stop an excellent free day use park.  Swimming and fishing are also available along with a visitor center, with more things to do like archery, rock climbing and special events.

Hocking Hill State Park

St. Thomas

Our last talk initiated us into the island culture by way of the U.S. Virgin Island of St. Croix.  Before we head down and discover the rest of the West Indies, I wanted to glance over the remaining U.S. Virgin Islands for those who want to see a more organic side of these territories.  About 40 miles north of St. Croix are the remaining U.S. Virgin Island territories of St. Thomas and St. John.  These two islands offer a more laid back attitude than the hectic nightlife of St. Croix.  Being someone who’s traveling experiences began visiting U.S. National Parks, I wanted to give a shotgun tour of the more natural side of the U.S. Caribbean territories.

Before I put a machete in your hand, we’ll venture onto St. Thomas in order to get used to the tropical jungle, but with hotel or hostile still nearby.  St. Thomas is the larger of the two islands and has more natural beauty than its commercial counterparts.  The island is surrounded by outlying tiny islands that give you a break from some of the harsh waves and deep waters of the sea.  You will most likely arrive by charter flight near the port town of Charlotte Amalie.  This former Danish territory was purchased in 1917 by the United States, giving a far different feel and décor from the French culture seen on St. Croix.  Being surrounded by Puerto Rico, St. Croix and St John also blocks the wind that your continental traveler may not be used to in the Caribbean.  After having a bite and looking around, find one of the many capes on the northern or southern parts of the island.  Here you can have a cocktail and enjoy one of my favorite phenomenon; watching the sun rise on your right, and set on your left. (Or vice-versa)  After witnessing this, I promise you will have the curiosity and primal energy to tackle our next stop:

Concordia Eco Tents St. John

If you’ve already left St. Croix for more esoteric waters, you’ll be able to enjoy the last stop on our tour of the Virgin Islands.  Because you are a savy and curious traveler you’ll be able to navigate these shallow waters with little stress and even greater rewards.  Head down to St. Thomas Harbor and ask around Charlotte Amalie for a ride to St. John.  There are many ways to attack this.  If you prefer to leave the logistics during a vacation to someone else, go into a local hotel resort and ask the concierge. They will find you a cheap safe charter boat with a bar and all the amenities of the typical local tour boat.  They will also be able to book you a room on St. John for when you arrive.  If you find this too pampering just go down to the docks and pick a private boat that looks safe and tenured.  Make sure you bargain with your captain, and then finalize whether he is taking you to St. John for the day, leaving you there, picking you up in a week, etc.  The boat ride is short and beautiful, pick your captains brain for local knowledge and prepare for bliss.

Now that you’ve made it, here is your reward.  The U.S. Virgin Islands National Park and the famous Coral Bay.  The park takes up almost the entire island of St. John.  This island overlooking the water is stripped of all but a few hotel resorts and gives you peace and quiet almost anywhere you choose to explore.  Local guides are kind and will show you through the jungle if you want to hike to the top.  Here you can see the outlying islands from altitude including the neighboring British Virgin Islands.  If that’s too much effort on a vacation head to Coral Bay.  The beauty of this preserved natural harbor gives you the spoils of the islands without hundreds of boats blocking your view.  If you’ve made it this far, I trust you will enjoy the local music and outdoor shanty bars while you discover how we do national parks West Indies style.  Safe Travels!