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Parks

Mount Rushmore KOA
Adventures

Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch: Campground Review

Adam and I began discussing a visit to Mount Rushmore several years ago. As this national monument symbolizes so much of our country’s history, we wanted to view the site and explore the region with Emilie. We finally made it out this summer and for our lodging I was excited Read more…

By Christina Wells, 3 years3 years ago
Badlands Formations
Adventures

Badlands National Park in 24 Hours

When planning our trip to Mount Rushmore, we knew we also had to set aside time for Badlands National Park.  We couldn’t be so close to this mesmerizing landscape without stopping.  With so much to experience in South Dakota, though; it meant we had to limit our exploration of Badlands to less Read more…

By Christina Wells, 3 years3 years ago
Tower Fall Yellowstone National Park
Adventures

Yellowstone: 6 Spots Off the Beaten Path

While exploring the country, Yellowstone consistently topped the list of National Parks we wanted to visit.  The idea of seeing Old Faithful or the mesmerizing colors of Grand Prismatic Spring had us itching to make a trip out west.   But we’re not the only ones drawn to the first National Park.  With Read more…

By Christina Wells, 3 years3 years ago
Herd of Elk
Adventures

Elk Tour: Wildlife Adventure at Jenny Wiley State Park

One thing I love about camping and exploring parks are the opportunities for viewing wildlife.  Growing up in the suburbs, wild animals weren’t really around.   I visited plenty of farms and zoos as a kid, but never saw animals in their natural habitat, aside from an occasional duck or squirrel.  Now that we’ve Read more…

By Christina Wells, 3 years3 years ago
View of Illinois State Capital building in downtown Springfield Illinois
Adventures

Springfield, Illinois: 5 Free Adventures

Years ago my mom visited Springfield, Illinois and has repeatedly tried to convince me that we need to do the same.  Having so much Lincoln history centralized in one area, she knew I would love it. As always, my mother was right. If you have a chance definitely plan to make Read more…

By Christina Wells, 5 years3 years ago
Elk Island view of Grand Teton mountain range with Jackson Lake and guide boats
Adventures

A Scenic Breakfast Cruise to Elk Island

Planning our trip to the Grand Teton National Park we wanted to find a unique adventure to try.  We had created a list of popular places in the park to explore, but also wanted to find an adventure we couldn’t just do on our own.  We looked for something special Read more…

By Christina Wells, 5 years3 years ago
Mack Dick Pavilion Parking Lot Texas
Adventures

Palo Duro Canyon State Park: 5 Things to Love

It wasn’t until this past year that I heard about Palo Duro Canyon State Park.  It sounded interesting, but being a state park I didn’t have it as high on my priority list as some of the National Parks.  Boy, was I wrong.  We were lucky we had time to Read more…

By Christina Wells, 5 years3 years ago
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I have dreamed of staying at the historic West Bad I have dreamed of staying at the historic West Baden Springs Hotel for so long.  After such a long wait, this incredible room does not disappoint!  Swipe to see the beautiful view from the indoor balcony!  Keep an eye out, we’ll be sharing all of the beauty and fun at this amazing resort.

#westbaden #westbadenspringshotel #westbadenindiana #indianatravel #travelindiana #frenchlick #frenchlickindiana #frenchlickresort #hotel #hotels #resort #travel #visitindiana #exploreindiana #luxuryhotel #luxuryresort #familyfriendlyhotel #petfriendlyhotel #getaway #localtravel #hotelsandresorts #indianatourism #travelblogger #hotelstyle #vacation #staycation #hotelroom #hotelbalcony #balconyview
The White River Canal in Indianapolis is just as b The White River Canal in Indianapolis is just as beautiful at night as during the day. 

Some of the amazing things to do in this area:
•Gondola rides in the canal
•Paddle boat rentals
•NCAA Hall of Champions
•Eiteljorg Museum
•Indianapolis Zoo
•Indianapolis State Museum
•Wheel Fun bike and surrey rentals

#indy #indianapolis #indiana #indycanal #indycanalwalk #whiteriver #whiterivercanal #indianatourism #visitindiana #visitindy #travel #explore #familytravel #familyadventures #whiteriverstatepark #ncaa #ncaahallofchampions #thewanderwells
For me the word “summer” brings to mind sunshi For me the word “summer” brings to mind sunshine, beaches, and camping.  Being from the Midwest, camping is easy to come by, but surprisingly so are beaches. 
#puremichigan #silverbeach #stjosephmichigan #lakemichigan #stjoe #stjoseph #michigan #travelmichigan #michigantravel #greatlakes #lighthouse #lake #beach #coast #travel #familytravel #summerfun #adventure #explore #exploremichigan #thewanderwells
Being the 5th largest state park in the country, C Being the 5th largest state park in the country, Custer State Park has so many unique areas to explore.  Sylvan Lake is an especially popular area offering amazing trails, fishing, rock climbing, swimming, and watercraft rentals.  It’s easy to spend a whole day in this beautiful spot!

#custerstatepark #custer #custersd #sylvanlake #lake #lakes #hiking #trails #water #park #statepark #southdakota #travelsouthdakota #nature #hifromsouthdakota #landscapephotography  #landscape #nature #travel #adventure #explore #keystone #rapidcity #hillcity #thewanderwells
One of the amazing things about the West Baden Spr One of the amazing things about the West Baden Springs and French Lick hotels are all the spots they’ve created for guests to relax and soak up the scenery.  We really enjoyed breakfast on this patio overlooking the gardens!  With the rocking chairs and beautiful views it was so peaceful!

#luxuryhotel #hotel #hotels #luxuryresorts #luxuryresort #familyfriendlyhotel 
#westbadenspringshotel #westbadensprings #westbadenhotel #gardens #rockingchair #frenchlickresort #frenchlickindiana #indiana #travelindiana #visitindiana #hotelpatio #relax #relaxing #visitfrenchlickwestbaden
Our first hike to Clingmans Dome. With 360 degree Our first hike to Clingmans Dome.  With 360 degree views of the Smokies and sunsets like this I definitely understand why it’s such a popular spot.  It might be a half mile uphill to get there but it’s worth it!

#gmsnp #nationalparkgeek #findyourpark #visitsmokies #visitgatlinburg #gatlinburg #greatsmokymountains #brysoncity #brysoncitync #lovencsmokies #visitncsmokies #visitnc #greatsmokeymountainsnationalpark #nps #nationalparks #clingmansdome #naturaltennessee #friendsofthesmokies #instagramtennessee #thenationalparkspass #visitmysmokies #national_park_photography #nationalparkphotography #hiketn #thewanderwells
Did you know the largest children's museum in the Did you know the largest children's museum in the world is located in Indianapolis? We visited the Indianapolis Children's Museum today and had so much fun in the Sports Legends Experience! There are so many different sports and activities to try. We all had fun at the treehouse and racing pedal cars too!

#attcm #childrensmuseum #childrensmuseumofindianapolis #familytravel #indiana #indy #indianapolis #visitindy #midwesttravel #midwest #travelindianapolis #summerfun #museum #thewanderwells
Out celebrating our 15th wedding anniversary and j Out celebrating our 15th wedding anniversary and just discovered my new favorite bakery in Indianapolis!  #anniversary #cake  #cakebakeshop #indianapolis #indiana #dessert #eatdessertfirst #celebrate #indy #broadripple #cakebakeshopindy
We had so much fun watching for wildlife around th We had so much fun watching for wildlife around the Black Hills.  I know prairie dogs are supposed to be rodents, but they’re so adorable!  And with over 60 words in their language they’re more advanced in language development than dolphins.  Not only can they warn each other of a snake threat, but even  have specific sounds for different types of snakes. 

#custerstatepark #custer #custersd #blackhills #blackhillsnationalforest #southdakota #sd #hifromsd #wildlife #hifromsouthdakota #mountainbluebird #prairiedog #pronghorn #pronghornantelope #wildlifephotography #animals #parks #park #animalphotography #stateparks #statepark #keystone #rapidcity #hillcity #travel #travelblogger #adventure #familyadventure #thewanderwells
We had such a great time at the Palmer Gulch chuck We had such a great time at the Palmer Gulch chuckwagon!  The covered wagon ride, beautiful scenery, live western music, and a fantastic dinner made this such a memorable experience. 

#chuckwagon #palmergulch #palmergulchkoa #koa #kampgroundsofamerica #coveredwagon #hillcity #keystone #custer #rapidcity #southdakota #sd #hifromsd #horses #oldwest #cowboy #cowboys #blackhills #blackhillsnationalforest #adventure #travel #familytravel #familytraveladventures #getoutside #seemore #thewanderwells
“Life is like an ocean. It can be calm or still “Life is like an ocean. It can be calm or still and rough or rigid but, in the end, it’s always beautiful.” – Justice Cabral

#waves #wave #thedel #justicecabral #coronadobeach #coronado #hoteldelcoronado #beach #ocean #coast #socal #california #cali #pacificbeach #pacificcoast #pacificocean #sandiego #ilovecalifornia #hellocalifornia #sandiegotourism #happinessiscalling #visitcalifornia #visitcoronado #visitsandiego #travel #explore #thewanderwells
Visiting the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum is like Visiting the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum is like stepping back in time to the glamorous Art Deco era.  These cars are works of art! 
#auburnindiana #auburncordduesenberg #vintage #antique #artdeco #cars #automobiles #antiquecars #museum #carmuseum #history #indiana #midwest #travelindiana #onlyinindiana #igersindiana #adventure #explore #thewanderwells
Join as we explore Promenade Park in Fort Wayne, I Join as we explore Promenade Park in Fort Wayne, IN

#visitfortwayne #visitindiana #indiana #indianaparks #midwest #fortwayneindiana #fortwayne #promenadepark #travel #ftwayne #adventure #explore #familytravel #familyadventures #thewanderwells
Seeing the Crazy Horse Memorial, it’s hard to im Seeing the Crazy Horse Memorial, it’s hard to imagine the carving of this massive sculpture started with a single man.  For the first seven years of the project, Korczak Ziolkowski would climb hundreds of steps each day carving into the mountain with a single jackhammer powered by a faulty gas compressor.  Many times after making the climb, the old compressor would give out and he’d have to start the descent back down the mountain.  His dream to memorialize the Native American history and culture kept him moving forward though through these difficulties. 
While the project still has a ways to go before completion, it’s said to still be on schedule from Ziolkowski’s original 100 year estimate.  I would love to see it again once done. 
#crazyhorse #korczak #crazyhorsememorial #blackhills #southdakota #sd #mountain #memorial #monument #sculpture #neverforgetyourdreams #custer #custersd #keystone #hillcity #rapidcity #travel #explore #adventure #familytraveladventures #southdakotaadventures #thewanderwells
The Island in Pigeon Forge is such a fun place to The Island in Pigeon Forge is such a fun place to visit!  We especially loved relaxing in the available rocking chairs while enjoying this spectacular water show!

#theislandpf #pigeonforge #visitpigeonforge #visitsmokies #tennessee #tennesseetravel #visittennessee #watershow #fountains #summerfun #theislandinpigeonforge #ferriswheel #thegreatsmokymountainwheel #smokymountains #thewanderwells
Back in Indiana exploring some of our favorite tra Back in Indiana exploring some of our favorite trails.  I love the creek area of this scenic hike.  It’s always a popular spot among locals for kids to splash and search for crawfish! 

#indiana #carmel #carmelindiana #coolcreek #coolcreekpark #westfield #westfieldindiana #parks #park #hiking #trails #creek #nature #naturephotography #scenic #scenicview #thewanderwells
Notch Trail at Badlands National Park is one of th Notch Trail at Badlands National Park is one of the most exciting trails we’ve hiked.  Between the ladder and the cliff edges we were both enamored and terrified with this challenging trail.  It was such an interactive trail and we felt so accomplished at the end.  Have you ever hiked Notch Trail and what did you think about it?

#badlandsnationalpark #badlands #nationalpark #badlandsnps #nps #findyourpark #park #trail #trails #hike #hiking #notchtrail #adventure #explore #travel #familytraveladventures #thewanderwells
Saw this adorable calf (along with hundreds of oth Saw this adorable calf (along with hundreds of other bison) on the Custer State Park Buffalo Jeep tour.  We opted for a sunrise tour and would highly recommend it! 
Having seen bison before at Yellowstone and Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve I didn’t expect to be wowed from this experience, but we all thought it was amazing.  Our tour guide shared so many fascinating facts about the wildlife and was able to take the Jeep off roads to parts of the park not normally accessible by vehicle. 
#custerstatepark #custer #custersd #southdakota #sd 
#wildlife #buffalo #bison #jeeptour #buffalojeeptour #adventure #familytravel #familytraveladventures #keystone #hifromsd #discoverblackhills #sharecsp #stateparks #statepark
We had such a great time at Happy Place! There we We had such a great time at Happy Place!  There were twelve rooms of fun to explore and the theming was incredible.  We couldn’t help but smile! 
#happyplace #happy #wearehappyplace #happyplacelasvegas #lasvegas #vegas #vegasstrip #mandalaybay #mandalaybayshoppes #nevada #travelnevada #lasvegasforkids #photofun #familyfun #adventure #smile #explore #thewanderwells
We’re back in the saddle and excited to be explo We’re back in the saddle and excited to be exploring again!  Mount Rushmore and the surrounding areas of South Dakota have been on our list for awhile now.  It’s great to finally experience them.  When looking for a unique family friendly adventure check out the stables at the Palmer Gulch KOA resort.

Palmer Gulch offers three different trail rides through the Norbeck Wildlife Preserve.  It’s a fun way to see this beautiful part of the Black Hills National Forest/Custer State Park.  And the staff is great at teaching the basics of horse riding to beginners and kids. 📸: @howeyeseeitphotography 
#koa #kampgroundsofamerica #koapalmergulch #palmergulchkoa #palmergulchresort #palmergulch #palmergulchstables #horseback #horsebackadventures #custerstatepark #blackhillsnationalforest #norbeckwildlifepreserve #sd 
#southdakota #keystone #custer #hillcity #rapidcity #horsebackriding #adventure #trails #trailriding #southdakotaadventure #familyadventure #travel #southdakotacamping #midwest #thewanderwells
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