Tuesday, April 26, 2016

Kimmswick, MO State Mastadon Historic Site

Looking to take a trip to where something big happened? Try a visit to Mastodon State Historic Site. The historic site is home to the Kimmswick Bone Bed, one of the most extensive ice age fossil deposits in the country. Excavations at the site have yielded a number of bones, including remains of mastodons and giant ground sloths. Stone spear points from the Clovis culture (14,000-10,000 years ago) provided the first solid evidence of the coexistence of people and prehistoric beasts. The museum interprets the cultural and natural landscape of Missouri during the Pleistocene epoch. In addition to the museum, the historic site provides recreational opportunities such as three hiking trails and a picnic area.
4 h 48 min (293.1 mi) via US-36 E down past St Louis....

Saturday, April 23, 2016

Here Are 7 Islands In Missouri That Are An Absolute Must Visit Although Missouri is not the first place to come to mind when thinking about islands, the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers actually contain quite a few. They are used for a wide variety of things such as wildlife and nature reserves, hunting and fishing spots, and mountain biking trails. Although many tiny islands can be seen in times of lower water, these 7 are noted for their size, beauty and function. Time to plan your next island escape, right here in Missouri.

1. Pelican Island Natural Area, Florissant. Pelican Island is considered to be one of the best remaining islands of the Missouri River in Missouri, a perfect example of a mature floodplain forest. It is the perfect spot for bird-watching in the spring, with large numbers of several varieties of migrant marblers coming to the island to sing their songs. You can only access the island by boat. It is located on the eastern edge of Sioux Passage Park in St. Louis County, and signs in the park can direct you to the access point. Fishing is permitted as well as Deer hunting only through managed hunts. But don’t get lost! A map and compass are definitely a good idea when exploring the 2,260-acre island. Check with the St. Louis Regional Conservation Department for maps and information.
2. Howell Island Conservation Area, Boone Township, St. Charles County. Howell Island Conservation Area is located in St. Charles County, across the Missouri River from the Weldon Spring Conservation Area. Covering 2,547 acres, the island is mostly forested in bottomland trees such as sycamore and cottonwood. Camping is permitted, but limited, and there is an 8.0-mile multi-use trail available for explorers. It is also a great fishing or hunting spot but you should consult the website for restrictions and regulations. Access to the island is obtained by a causeway over Centaur Chute. However, during high water, the causeway is usually flooded and access is by boat only.
3. McLean Island. McLean Island is a considered one of the best spots in Missouri for duck hunting. It is located 11 miles north of Caruthersville, just north of where Interstate 155 crosses the Mississippi River. The island consists of 1200 acres of wooded land, complete with roads and running water from a cased well. Visit mcleanisland.com for more information.
4. Tebo Islands State Wildlife Management Area is a 211-acre park located in Benton County, and is part of the Harry S. Truman Reservoir Management Lands. It is only accessed by boat. To get to the access ramp you take Route PP north from Highway 7 to t
he Windsor Crossing boat ramp. You can reach the island by traveling southeast two miles down the lake from the ramp.
5. A premier spot for mountain bikers, Bangert Island is a 160-acre park located between the Katy Trail and the Missouri River, just south of downtown St. Charles. It features a total of 4.2 miles of single track biking trails with varying levels of difficulty. Access by bridge can be limited due to seasonal flooding. To get to the island you take the 5th Street exit in St. Charles, and head south. Bear left onto the South River Road, then left again onto Old South River Road, where parking is available on both sides of the road.
6. Tower Rock is a geologic and historic landmark on the mighty Mississippi River near Wittenburg. The eons old limestone remnants were revealed after the river eroded away softer rocks over time. The rock stands about 60 feet above average river levels. Historical accounts of the island go back as far as the late 1600s, including being mapped by Louis and Clark around 1803. It is located just west of Wittenburg off of Highway A. To see the island, travel south on County Road 460 south for about 1.5 miles. You will reach a parking lot with views of Tower Rock, or you can continue down 460 over the railroad tracks. Here there is a pull off on the north side of the road that features a trailhead for a short hiking trail up the hill to an official overlook.
7. Grand Tower Island is located in a remote area on the left bank of the Mississippi River between St. Louis, and Cairo, Illinois. Even though it’s located on the eastern side of the river and is connected by road to Illinois, the island is actually part of Brazeau Township in Perry County, Missouri. Island Road, a single north-south road, covers the island, which measures approximately 2 miles east to west and 2.75 miles north to south. It is this road that connects with Illinois 3.

Missouri Places to see before you die (that I haven't been to yet....)

You shouldn’t miss Big Spring, one of the biggest (and best) springs in the entire world. Pack a picnic lunch and spend the day, or sleep overnight at the campground.
Castlewood State Park is one of Missouri’s best spots for hiking. Even novice hikers can get out on these trails and enjoy the natural beauty. The 3.2-mile-long River Scene Trail is the most popular, with its stunning Meramec River views.
Missouri’s largest waterfall, Grand Falls, should definitely be on your bucket list. The falls are majestic and dramatic - crashing down with enough force to spray visitors with a fine mist.
Grand Gulf State Park: Missouri’s “Little Grand Canyon” is not to be missed. Check out the mile-long Grand Gulf from overlook points above, or wander through along the valley floor.
The Hughes Mountain Natural Area is named for John Hughes, who settled there in 1810. Climb the top for the most amazing view ever.
Admission to the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art is free every day, so there’s just no excuse to miss this Missouri treasure. From ancient art to the Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park, you’re sure to find something you enjoy.
Do you know the difference between stalagmites and stalactites? You will, once you visit Onondaga Cave. The cave tour takes you along a paved walking path for about a mile.
Roaring River State Park is THE destination for trout fishing. The river is stocked daily, and the scenery is stunning. While you’re there, explore one of seven hiking trails.
Bonne Terre Mine stopped mining production in 1962, but you can stop by as a visitor. Take a walking tour on the first two levels, or tour the billion-gallon lake by boat. Make a reservation to scuba dive in the largest freshwater scuba spot in the world.

Wednesday, April 6, 2016

Bonaventure Cemetery

SAVANNAH’S MOST BELOVED LITTLE GIRL Little Gracie Watson was loved by Savannah’s elite for her role as entertainer and hostess during her mother’s extravagant Pulaski Hotel parties. She drew many a smile, not only with guests, but with the many street vendors outside the hotel on Johnson Square. It was said that she ‘adopts every passerby and every passerby adopts her.’ When she died suddenly at age six in 1889 due to nephritis, not only her parents, but the city was devasted. Thousands in Savannah attended her funeral over an entire week. Her lifesized statue, carved by the famous sculptor John Walz from a photograph of the dead child, and unveiled in 1894, is the most visited gravesite in the cemetery. Walz said this was his greatest work ever. Stare deep into her eyes. She almost comes alive. (Section E, Lot 99 / F-17 on map)