Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park

The Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park is a massive state park located along the shore of Lake Michigan.  This six and a half mile long stretch of shoreline offers multiple opportunities for the outdoor enthusiast including boating, biking, camping, cross country skiing, fishing, geocaching, hiking, nature observation, picnicking, scuba diving and swimming.  This 4,160 acre park has room for everyone to roam.

• Boating - The North Point Marina located just five miles to the north of the Illinois Beach State Park is a full service marina with 1500 boat slips as well as a multiple boat launch ramp.  For more information on the North Point Marina check out http://npmonline.com/.
• Biking - There are a few miles of multi-use trails in this state park as well as The Zion Bike Trail which connects the north and south portions of the Illinois Beach State Park.
• Camping - There are 241 campsites in the Illinois Beach State Park of which approximately 200 are available on a first come first served basis. 
• Cross Country Skiing - Cross country skiing is permitted on the multi-use trails when the weather permits.
• Fishing - Fishing is permitted with the proper permits along the beach area on both the north and south sections of the park.  There are also some ponds one of which is stocked with rainbow trout.  Fishing is prohibited within the swimming beach area as well as the nature preserve.
• Geocaching - Although no information is listed for this activity, it is listed on the Illinois Beach State Park website as an available activity.
• Hiking - Miles of multi-use trails offer abundant opportunities for hikers.
• Nature Observation - With over 4,000 acres you are sure to spot all types of marine wildlife on your adventures at this Illinois State Park.
• Picnicking - There are multiple picnic areas in both the north and south portions of this state park.
• Scuba Diving - Another of the many available activities at the Illinois Beach State Park is Scuba Diving.
• Swimming - The swimming area can be accessed from both sections of the state park and offers plenty of parking for everyone.

If you are looking for a place that will allow you to enjoy all that Lake Michigan has to offer, the Illinois Beach State Park just might be the place for you!

If you like this post, you may also enjoy Beaver Dam State Park In Illinois.

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Wisconsin's Amnicon Falls State Park

The Amnicon Falls State Park is an 828 acre gem in that is located seven miles to the east of Superior City.  This park offers many outdoor activities for its visitors including camping, fishing, hiking, hunting, swimming and trapping.

• Camping - There are 36 campsites including one that is handicap accessible and two walk-in sites.  
• Fishing - Although it is possible to fish in the fast flowing river in the park, there is a slower moving part of the river below the park offering a variety of species to catch.  All anglers must have the appropriate fishing permit(s).
• Hiking - The Amnicon Falls State Park offers 1.8 miles of trails with  several small trails on either side of the river.
• Hunting/Trapping - Hunting and trapping are permitted with the proper permits within designated open areas during the appropriate seasons.
• Swimming - Swimming is allowed in the park; however, caution must be used as water levels and speeds can change from day to day.  No jumping or diving from rocks is allowed.

This State park offers the outdoor enthusiast the opportunity to enjoy nature and learn about the Douglas Fault.  Anyone interested in the results of past volcanic activity would enjoy the views around the park.

For more information on this State Park check out the Wisconsin DNR Website.

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South Dakota's Bear Butte State Park

Six miles north-east of Sturgis is South Dakota's Bear Butte State Park.  Activities available in this park include boating, camping, fishing, hiking and horseback riding. This State Park is considered a sacred ground for many American Indians.   While visiting Bear Butte State Park you are likely to see prayer cloths and tobacco ties that have been offered as prayers by the American Indians during their time of worship.  

• Boating/Canoeing - The Bear Butte Lake offers opportunities for boating and canoeing
• Camping - There are 15 non-electric campsites available on a first come first serve basis in the main campground.  There are non-electric campsites in the middle camp ground and there are  four additional horse camping sites in the Bear Butte State Park.
• Fishing - Bear Butte Lake offers a fishing dock giving anglers the opportunity to catch bullheads, crappie and northern pike.
• Hiking - The Bear Butte State Park offers hikers two trails to enjoy the majestic views.  The Summit Trail is 1.85 miles long while the Lake Trail is 2.5 miles long.  This park also allows access to the northernmost point of the 111 mile long Centennial Trail.
• Horseback Riding - The campsites for equestrian use are located on the west side of highway 79.

This South Dakota State park has a lot to offer for those outdoor enthusiasts who love to learn about the ways of the Native American Indian.

For more information on this State Park check out the South Dakota GFP Website.

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Ohio's A.W. Marion State Park

Located in Pickaway county the 309 acre A.W. Marion State Park offers a variety of activities for its visitors.  Included in these activities are boating, fishing, hiking, hunting, swimming and with the right conditions even sledding, ice skating and ice fishing.  

• Boating - The 145 acre Hargus Creek Lake has one boat ramp that allows access for canoes, kayaks and boats with electric motors.  There are also boat rentals available at the park.
• Fishing - Fishing in the Hargus Creek Lake is open to individuals who possess an Ohio state fishing permit and offers anglers the chance to catch largemouth bass, channel catfish, crappie and bluegill.  During the winter months anglers can enjoy ice fishing when conditions allow.
• Hiking - The Hargus Lake Trail is a total of five miles long and runs along the lakes shoreline.  The Squawroot Trail offers a one mile hike through the scenic terrain of the area.  The parks two trails are available for use all year long.
• Hunting - During squirrel season designated areas of the A.W. Marion State Park are open for squirrel hunting.
• Swimming - Although there is no swim beach, swimming from you boat is allowed in designated areas on the lake.
• Ice Skating - When conditions permit during the winter months ice skating is allowed on the Hargus Creek Lake.

Whether you want to go boating, fishing, swimming and hiking or you just want to sit back and relax while enjoying the peaceful surroundings the A.W. Marion State Park offers something for everyone.

For more information on this park check out the ODNR Division of State Parks Website.

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North Dakota's Beaver Lake State Park

The Beaver Lake State Park in North Dakota is comprised of 283 acres on the west shore of the Beaver Lake.  During the summer months of mid-May through the end of September this lake attracts visitors who enjoy boating, canoeing, fishing and water skiing.  The park remains staffed year round for camping and picnicking.  Hiking is another activity that can be enjoyed in this park.

• Camping - There are 31 campsites as well as three rentable cabins.
• Boating/Water Skiing - Beaver Lake allows access for boating and water skiing
• Fishing - This lake is approximately 964 acres.  While fishing this lake you may catch Black Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike and Yellow Perch.
• Hiking - There are numerous hiking trails in the Beaver Lake State Park covering 5.3 miles.

1. The Nature Trail is a .32 mile interpretive loop winding through woodlands, through prairie land as well as bringing its hikers near the lake.
2. The Old Settlers Trail is a .49 mile trail that passes by the campground, cabins and lake shore.
3. The Woodland Trail is a .67 mile that makes its way in and out of woodlands and prairie lands offering the opportunity to see an abundance of wildlife.
4. The Moraine Loop Trail is a 2.28 mile trail that passes through the rocky moraine offering excellent views of the Beaver Lake.
5.  The Lake View Loop is a .36 mile loop that is accessed via the Moraine Loop Trail.  Hikers on this trail may encounter birds, beavers, raccoons, squirrels and even deer.
6. The Rolling Prairie Loop is a 1.02 mile trail through the most secluded sections of the Beaver Lake State Park.  This trail features many native grasses as well as prairie wildflowers. 

For more information on the Beaver Lake State Park or to make reservations, check out the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Website.

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Missouri's Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park

The Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park in Missouri is the perfect destination for those outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy bicycling, camping, hiking and horseback riding.

• Bicycling - Enjoy the challenges of the 1.75 mile paved bicycle trail with some steep grades and inclines of more than 10 percent.  This trail also features a Civilian Conservation Corps tunnel that was built in the 1930's.
• Camping - This park has 75 campsites with access to water, restrooms, shower houses, vaulted toilets and dump stations.
• Hiking - The two mile long hiking trail leads you over and through some water crossings  as well as down some inclines that are at times steeper than a 10 percent grade.  One spur on the hiking trail will even lead you to a small cave!
• Horseback Riding - The equestrian trail is a total of six miles long and leads over steep grades of more than 10 percent as well as over bridges and natural surfaces.

The Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park in Missouri is a great place for bicycling, hiking, horseback riding or just to kick back, relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature.  For more information on this State Park check  it out on the Missouri State Parks Website. 

If you like this post you may enjoy Truman State Park - Missouri. 

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Minnesota's Afton State Park

The Afton State Park in Minnesota consists of 1620 Acres of woodlands and bluffs that drop as much as 300 feet offering some amazing views of the St. Croix River Valley and attracts over 190,000 visitors each year.  There are many activities to participate in including bicycling, camping, cross country skiing, fishing, hiking, horseback riding and swimming.

• Bicycling - There are four miles of paved bicycle trails.
• Camping - There are a total of 28 campsites for backpackers, one canoe camping site, four camper cabins and two yurts.  

1. Camper Cabins - The Big Bluestem and the Burr Oak Camper Cabins each sleep six people and the wheelchair accessible Bluebird and White Pine Camper Cabins are each big enough for 5 people.
2. Yurts - The two yurts each sleep 7.  One (the Coyote Yurt) is wheelchair accessible and offers a covered outdoor cooking area.

• Cross-country Skiing - Eighteen miles of trails throughout the Afton State Park offer the opportunity for cross-country skiing during the winter months.
• Fishing - The St. Croix River offers excellent fishing and boating opportunities.  Boat access to the river is available within ten miles of the park.
• Hiking - The 20 miles of hiking trails throughout the Afton State Park offer outdoor enthusiasts the opportunity to take in spectacular views all along the way. 
• Horseback Riding - There are five miles of trails for those who enjoy bringing their horses along.
• Swimming - The Afton State Park features a swim beach for those who enjoy getting their exercise in the water.

There are two virtual tours available so you an get a peek inside the park before visiting.  These tours are the Panoramic Tour and the Snapshot tour.

Anyone looking for a place to visit in Minnesota should certainly look into the Afton State Park.

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Michigan's Algonac State Park

The Algonac State Park in Michigan features about 1500 acres of land along with a half-mile frontage along the St. Clair River.  Some of this parks attractions include lake plain parries as well as oak savannas.  

The Algonac State Park offers many activities for its visitors including:

• Camping

1. Algonac River Front - Modern - 220 campsites - off season camping is available
2. Algonac Wagon Wheel - Modern - 76 campsites
3. Algonac Group Use Area - 1 group use area

• Fishing - The shoreline along the Algonac River provides excellent opportunities for walleye fishing.  The Marine City and the Algonac North Channel Boating Access areas are located nearby.
• Hiking - Trails include:

1. The Algonac Blazing Star is one half mile in length
2. The Algonac Oak Savanna Trail is two and a half miles in length
3. The Bridge To Bay Trail is one mile in length

• Hunting - During the fall and winter months the Algonac State Park is open to both big and small game hunting.
• Metal Detecting - The State of Michigan allows metal detecting in designated areas in some State Parks.  There are maps available showing where these areas are.  Any items found must be checked by park staff before you will be allowed to leave with them.
• Nature Observation - There are ample opportunities for nature watching in the Algonac State Park.
• Skiing - There are trails available for cross-country skiing use.

Whether you are interested in watching nature, fishing, hiking, hunting or skiing, the Algonac State Park in Michigan is worth checking out.

- Any day in the outdoors is a good day

Cedar Bluff State Park Kansas

The Cedar Bluff State Park in Kansas offers two areas for camping.  One is on the north side of the Cedar Bluff Reservoir, with the second area situated on the south shore. Both areas offer campsites and water access for boating, fishing and other recreational activities.

The area located to the north is the Bluffton Area which offers almost 350 acres of recreational space for its visitors.  The Bluffton Overland Boat Ramp allows water access for boating in this area.  The Bluffton Area contains 96 campsites with utilities, two shower houses, two community shelters, dump stations and five rental cabins as well as several primitive campsites and picnic areas. The Bluffton Area also offers access to fishing for those without access to a boat as most of its shoreline is  able to be utilized.  There is also a handicapped accessible covered fishing dock.

The southern area is known as the Page Creek Area and has close to 500 acres.  With one designated primitive camping area and many undesignated primitive camping sites, this area offers more opportunities for those who want to be a little closer to nature; however, there are a total of 36 campsites with utilities, a community shelter, two dump stations, two shower houses and two vault toilets.  The boat ramp offering access to the water on the south side of the Cedar Bluff Reservoir is the Page Creek Mulley Boat Ramp.  

If you are among those of us who love boating, jet skiing and fishing this is a Kansas State Park you will want to check out.  You just might find a new favorite place to get away from it all!

Check out the KDWPT website for more information on the Cedar Bluff State Park.  

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Iowa's Yellow River State Forest

The state of Iowa offers many state parks with numerous outdoor activities.  Among these is the Yellow River State Forest.  Located in Harper's Ferry Iowa this state forest offers the outdoor enthusiast many opportunities for adventure.  Among these are camping, fishing, hiking horseback riding, hunting and mountain biking.  There are also numerous boating, canoeing and fishing access areas located on the Yellow River and the Upper Iowa River nearby.

• Camping - There are a total of 140 campsites spread throughout four different camping areas including 34 which are designated for equestrian use.
• Fishing - The Yellow River State Forest is home to seven miles of trout fishing fun for both beginning and experienced trout anglers.
• Hiking - There are a total of 45 miles of trails ranging from easy to moderate.  
• Horseback Riding - Among the 45 miles of trails are numerous multipurpose trails available for equestrian use.
• Hunting - There is a total of 8,900 acres of public hunting land available for use in the Yellow River State Forest.  Game that may be pursued includes deer, turkey, rabbits, squirrel, waterfowl and upland game birds.  With this much room to roam you should easily be able to find a spot where you won't be bothered by nor bother other hunters.
• Mountain Biking - Mixed throughout the 45 miles of trails are many trails for those who enjoy mountain biking with beautiful scenery.

For those not wanting to fish for trout, there are many places within ten miles of the Yellow River State Forest which allow public fishing on the Mississippi River.

For more information on the Yellow River State Forest check out the Iowadnr.gov website.

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Tippecanoe River State Park Indiana

On of Indiana's State Park Gems is the Tippecanoe River State Park.  This 2,785 acre playground provides many outdoor enthusiasts the opportunity to enjoy all types of activities.  Based on the name Tippecanoe, you can probably guess that one of the many activities available to experience is float trips.

The activities that are available in the Tippecanoe River State Park include:

• Boating - Private boats are able to be launched in the Tippecanoe River.
• Camping - There are 112 sites available with electricity, ten primitive camping sites and one group camping site with a maximum occupancy of 120 to 160 depending on the time of year.  Reservations can be made through Indiana's camping reservation website.
• Canoeing - This is one of the main attractions of the Tippecanoe River State Park.   
• Fishing - Fishing is permitted with a state fishing license.  Bass and bluegill are among the fish you are likely to catch.
• Hiking - There are ten designated hiking trails ranging in distance from .8 miles to 3.5 miles in length with 22.6 miles of trails in all.  These are a mixture of trails with ratings varying from easy to moderate.
• Horseback Riding is permitted on more than 14 miles of  designated trails. There are a total of 56 primitive sites available for those who wish to bring their horses along for the camping trip.

The Tippecanoe River State Park boasts access to seven miles of the Tippecanoe River offering ample room for boating, canoeing, kayaking and fishing.  Swimming in the Tippecanoe River is not allowed.

For a complete summary of the rules for this park check out the online brochure.

If you like this post you may also enjoy the Illinois Beaver Dam State Park.

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Beaver Dam State Park Illinois

The Beaver Dam State Park is located seven miles to the south and west of Carlinville in Macoupin County in west-central Illinois and offers an abundance of recreational activities.  Named for the beaver dam that actually created the parks lake, The Beaver Dam State Park encompasses 750 acres and offers camping, fishing, hiking and numerous other exciting activities.

Archery:

There is an archery range located inside the campground allowing individuals to brush up on their hunting skills while enjoying the peaceful surroundings.  This archery range does not allow the use of broad heads so be sure to bring your field tips.

Camping:

The Beaver Dam State Park offers both camper and tent camping sites.  Most of the campsites offered here are first come first served, however there are 40 pads which may be reserved by visiting the Reserve America website.

Fishing:

The Beaver Dam State park offers fishing in its 59 acre lake.  With 1.7 miles of shoreline, a free public boat launch and dock there is plenty of space for visitors to sprawl out and catch some fish.    This lake has been stocked with largemouth bass, channel catfish, sunfish and blue gill.  Boats powered by gasoline motors are not permitted; however, you may use a trolling motor.  This would be an excellent place to do some kayaking for fish!

Hiking:
There are nearly eight miles of hiking trails circling the lake and sprawling throughout the vast wooded areas within the park.  Be sure to avoid dehydration while hiking with your Sawyer water treatment bottle.

Hunting:
The Beaver Dam State Park offers spring turkey, squirrel and archery deer hunting as well as furbearer trapping during the allotted seasons.  For more information on the west-central hunting and trapping seasons check out the Illinois DNR website. 

Winter Activities:
Weather permitting, the Beaver Dam State Park offers the opportunity for ice fishing, ice skating cross country skiing and sledding.

Whatever you preferred outdoor activity, you are sure to find the Beaver Dam State Park suitable for your next adventure.

If you enjoyed this post, you may also like Truman State Park Missouri.

- Any day in the outdoors is a good day

Truman State Park Missouri

With Memorial day fast approaching I thought I would write a post about one of my favorite state parks in Missouri.  Nestled on the banks of Truman Lake, the Harry S. Truman State Park offers an abundance of opportunities for outdoor activities.  Whether you enjoy fishing, boating, hiking, camping, swimming, metal detecting (with permit), canoeing or are just looking for a place to enjoy the outdoors the Truman State Park has it all!

Fishing:

Truman Lake offers 55,600 acres of fishing excitement.  The Truman State Park is also close to the Truman Dam which feeds into the Lake of the Ozarks.  Located below the Truman Dam are several public fishing docks that offer excellent fishing.

Boating:

There are two paved boat launching ramps.  One is inside the park and reserved for the use of those camping there.  The other is located near the state park marina.  There are plenty of parking spaces to ensure that many people can enjoy the lake access.

The Truman State Park also offers boat rentals at their marina.

Hiking:

The Bluff Ridge Trail offers a two mile long hiking opportunity.  Along the way you may see all types of wildlife.  While hiking this trail, take a few moments to stop along the way and enjoy a breathtaking view of Truman Lake.

Camping:

With six interconnected campgrounds to choose from, you are sure to find one that suits your camping style.  Whether you want electrical hookups for an R.V. or you prefer a more primitive camping style the Harry S. Truman State Park has it all.

Swimming:

There are two opportunities for swimming.  One of the swimming beaches is reserved for those camping in the park.  The other is open to the public and is located near the marina outside of the campground.  Both areas offer restrooms and changing facilities.

Metal Detecting:

Certain areas of the Harry S. Truman State Park offer access to metal detecting.  In order to take advantage of this opportunity, you must have a permit which is offered free of charge by simply emailing your request to  moparks@dnr.mo.gov.

Canoeing:

Besides boating, the entire Truman lake is open to those who wish to enjoy canoeing and kayaking.  Set off into the water from one of the two marinas and let the fun begin!

No matter what outdoor activity you enjoy, you are sure to find it at the Harry S. Truman State Park.  Show up for some fun - Leave with a lifetime of memories!

Note:  Be sure to book you campsite early as this place fills up fast.

If you enjoyed this post and would like to see more posts on the state parks throughout the midwest, please leave a comment below and let me know.

- Any day in the outdoors is a good day