Summer isn't THAT far off . . . already trying to come up with camping/hiking spots in the Midwest for once it gets warm. Help! Looking for specific recommendations for spots in the IL/IA/WI area, plus whatever other random camping and backpacking tips you want to throw my way. Bonus points for places I can bring my dog, although I don't mind leaving her with my parents for a week either. [more inside]
posted by lblair on Feb 12, 2009 - 18 answers

On a visit to a park lake in mid-southern Illinois today, I encountered many little muddy burrows in the ground, ranging from one to two inches across. I spotted little digging crab claws in one of the more freshly-muddied holes; others looked less recently dug. My search skills fail me as to what these critters could be. The lake was fed by a small stream, and the town (Sparta, IL) is a bit less than 20 miles from the Mississippi.
posted by luftmensch on Apr 1, 2007 - 9 answers

Are there any places within a few hours of flat-as-a-pancake Chicago that offer a scenic, preferably hilly hiking experience?
posted by walla on Jan 5, 2007 - 16 answers

Help me with the impossible vacation. I am in southern Iowa and have four days to share a meaningful vacation with my husband and two of our children, ages 11 and 13. [more inside]
posted by justlisa on Aug 12, 2006 - 13 answers