Outdoor Adventures
Visit these Breathtaking Waterfalls in Michigan
Best Waterfalls in Michigan for a Midwest Adventure
Michigan is home to more than 300 waterfalls, making it one of the most compelling destinations in the Midwest for outdoor exploration. From powerful river cascades to quiet forest streams, discovering waterfalls in Michigan offers a direct connection to the state’s diverse landscapes. While many of the most dramatic sites are located in the Upper Peninsula, the Lower Peninsula also features accessible, rewarding stops worth adding to any itinerary.
Waterfalls in Upper Michigan often define the experience for first-time visitors. Tahquamenon Falls, located within Tahquamenon Falls State Park, is one of the most recognized examples. The Upper Falls span nearly 200 feet and drop approximately 50 feet, creating one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River. Nearby, the Lower Falls offer a contrasting experience, with smaller cascades set amid wooded islands. In Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Munising Falls and Miners Falls offer short, scenic walks leading to impressive viewpoints. Further west, the Black River Scenic Byway connects multiple waterfalls, including Gorge Falls and Rainbow Falls, creating a route that combines driving with short hikes.
Beyond the Upper Peninsula, waterfalls in Lower Michigan provide a quieter but equally engaging experience. Ocqueoc Falls, the largest waterfall in the Lower Peninsula, features accessible pathways and a wide limestone cascade. Iargo Springs, located near the Au Sable River, offers both a small waterfall and a scenic overlook, accessible via a staircase trail. Additional stops, such as Irontone Springs and the Seven Bridges Recreation Area, introduce smaller waterways and forest settings. Chasing waterfalls is just one of the best things to do in Michigan!
Stay at a Bed and Breakfast in Michigan
After a full day exploring waterfalls in Michigan, choosing a Bed and Breakfast in Michigan adds comfort and a local perspective to your trip. These properties often provide convenient access to nearby parks, scenic routes, and trail systems, making them a practical base for continued exploration.
Guests can expect thoughtfully prepared breakfasts, well-maintained guest rooms, and insight from Innkeepers who understand the surrounding region. Whether you are exploring waterfalls in Upper Michigan or planning stops across the Lower Peninsula, when choosing from places to stay in Michigan, a B&B supports a more connected and efficient travel experience. Booking in advance ensures availability, particularly during peak travel periods when outdoor adventures are at their most popular.
Walk in the Redwood Tree Canopy
The Redwood Skywalk in Eureka CA
The Redwood Skywalk at Sequoia Park Zoo offers one of the most engaging ways to experience the California Redwood Forest from above. This self-guided canopy walk features a network of suspended bridges and platforms rising up to 100 feet, giving visitors a direct view into the upper reaches of towering redwoods. Unlike traditional forest trails, this elevated perspective reveals the scale and structure of these ancient trees in a truly unique way.
Spanning 1,104 feet, the Redwood Skywalk is the longest canopy walk of its kind in the western United States. The gradual ascent leads visitors through the forest with minimal disruption, while an optional adventure section introduces a more dynamic crossing with open mesh decking. The main route remains accessible, allowing a wide range of visitors to enjoy the experience comfortably. Admission also includes entry to Sequoia Park Zoo, California’s oldest zoo, which houses a diverse collection of animals in a compact, thoughtfully designed setting.
Eureka has a well-preserved historic district with Victorian architecture, including the widely recognized Carson Mansion. Its proximity to the Redwood Skywalk and the California Redwood Forest makes it easy to combine outdoor exploration with cultural landmarks. There are so many things to do on the Redwood Coast.
The surrounding area offers a range of experiences for those seeking more ways to explore. Scenic drives along the Redwood Highway connect visitors to dense groves, coastal viewpoints, and trail systems that extend for miles. Stops such as Trees of Mystery offer another perspective on the redwood canopy, combining elevated walkways with interpretive elements.
Whether you are walking among the treetops or exploring the forest floor, the Redwood Skywalk stands out as a defining coastal adventure and a key highlight among things to do in Eureka CA.
Redwood National Park Hotels
For those planning an extended stay, Carter House Inns offers a refined lodging option in the heart of Eureka. Set within restored Victorian buildings, the property places guests within walking distance of downtown and key attractions. As one of the notable hotels near Redwood National Park, it provides a convenient base for exploring nearby destinations such as Redwood National Park, Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, and additional redwood canopy tours throughout the region.
What to See at Lake Logan State Park
Best Activities at Lake Logan State Park in Hocking Hills
Lake Logan State Park offers a refreshing perspective on the Hocking Hills landscape. While many visitors focus on waterfalls and dramatic rock formations, this 400-acre Hocking Hills Lake highlights open water, rolling shoreline, and expansive Midwest views. For those seeking an adventure that blends relaxation with recreation, Lake Logan State Park is a great addition to any getaway itinerary.
Lake Logan Beach is a favorite stop during warmer months. The designated swimming area features a sandy shoreline and calm water, making it easy to spend an afternoon cooling off after hiking in Ohio’s forested terrain. Boating is equally popular. The lake allows electric motors up to 10 horsepower, along with kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards. Paddling along the shoreline provides glimpses of waterfowl, herons, and kingfishers drawn to the lake’s healthy ecosystem.
Hocking Hills hiking continues here with the one-mile Pine Vista Trail. This easy loop winds through white and black oaks, tuliptree, shagbark, and pignut hickory, making it ideal for a relaxed walk. In spring, wildflowers dot the forest floor, while birders may spot warblers, thrushes, hawks, and even owls near dusk.
Lake Logan fishing is another major draw. Anglers regularly cast for northern pike, bass, bluegill, and saugeye from both the shoreline and small boats. With fewer crowds than nearby trailheads, Lake Logan, Ohio, offers space to focus on the experience. A visit to this Ohio State Park is just one of the best things to do in Hocking Hills!
Stay at Luxury Cabins in Hocking Hills
Just a scenic 10-minute drive from Lake Logan State Park, our Luxury Cabins in Hocking Hills provide an adults-only retreat set on 140 wooded acres. Guests enjoy private hiking trails, a Scottish-style golf course, and elegant accommodations that include fireplaces and, in many cases, private hot tubs overlooking the hills.
Evenings are reserved for multi-course dining in our on-site restaurant, where seasonal ingredients and classic technique guide each menu. Breakfast is included with your stay, making it easy to plan full days at Lake Logan Beach, on the water, or exploring nearby Hocking Hills hiking trails. Pair your Lake Logan State Park adventure with refined lodging and attentive service. Reserve your cabin directly with us and begin planning your next Hocking Hills escape.
When Should You Plan a Trip to the Eastern Shore?
When to Visit the Eastern Shore of Maryland This Year
A trip to Rock Hall MD on the Eastern Shore of Maryland is an effortless getaway in summer. With gorgeous water views, working marinas, plenty of fresh crab and other seafood, and sunsets you can actually plan your evening around, there’s no shortage of things to do on the Eastern Shore. On Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay side, this is the kind of coastal town where couples can wake up slowly, get out on the water before lunch, then linger over crab and cocktails as the sky turns gold.
Start your day by getting on the bay. Book a charter fishing trip, take a sailing lesson, or rent kayaks and paddle along the shoreline. If you prefer land over water, rent bikes and cruise to Ferry Park Beach for a low-key morning by the bay. From there, head into town for coffee on Main Street, browse local shops, then map out a seafood lunch that includes steamed blue crabs and a front-row seat to the harbor.
Summer is also when the Eastern Shore MD calendar adds something extra for your trip. Rock Hall’s Fourth of July celebration brings parades, contests, and fireworks, and Wenches and Pirates Weekend turns the town into a playful, costume-filled beach party with a treasure hunt. Between events, take a sunset cruise, check out nearby Maryland coastal towns, or make a beach day of it at Betterton Beach or Point Lookout State Park.
Where Couples Should Stay on the Eastern Shore
For couples who want a true getaway, our upscale Eastern Shore Bed and Breakfast keeps you close to Rock Hall MD, while feeling like your own private destination. Set on 70 acres, the property offers open green space, wooded paths, and waterfront views that make it easy to unplug. Choose an elegant guest suite, a private cottage, or a vacation rental in town, then settle into upscale amenities designed for comfort and privacy.
Mornings begin with a homemade breakfast, the perfect launchpad for another day exploring the Maryland coast. In the warmer months, unwind by the saltwater pool, or simply claim a quiet spot outside and let the bay breeze do the rest. If you are planning a couples trip, the best time to visit the Eastern Shore is when you can actually take it, and summer in Rock Hall makes that decision easy. Book your stay today.
When to See the Tufted Puffin Migration
Best Tufted Puffin Viewing on the Oregon Coast
Each spring, the return of the Tufted Puffin marks one of the most anticipated wildlife moments on the Oregon Coast. From late April through August, these distinctive seabirds arrive from life at sea to nest on offshore rock formations, and Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint in Bandon is one of the best places to see them without needing a boat tour. Bright orange bills, golden head plumes, and low, fast flights over the water make spotting puffins in Oregon a memorable experience for coastal visitors.
Face Rock is an ideal destination for both access and visibility. Clear vantage points allow visitors to watch Tufted Puffins fly between nesting sites and feeding grounds, or perch on rocky ledges. Compared to more crowded puffin viewing locations farther north, Face Rock offers a calmer, more enjoyable setting that fits perfectly into a spring adventure itinerary. For travelers wondering when to see puffins in Oregon, early mornings during the spring season, especially between 7 am and 10 am, tend to offer the most activity.
Puffin season also provides a deeper look into seabird behavior. During breeding months, Tufted Puffins return to the same burrows year after year, forming colonies where pairs mate for life and raise a single puffling. By late June through August, visitors may even spot young puffins near nesting areas before they head out to sea. It is this combination of timing, location, and accessibility that makes Face Rock a favorite for Oregon Coast birding.
Beyond puffins, Bandon offers plenty of ways to round out the day. Beach walks, tide pooling, and time spent in Old Town all pair naturally with wildlife viewing. Nearby birding spots like Bandon Marsh expand opportunities to see shorebirds and waterfowl, adding variety to any Oregon Coast adventure.
Where to Stay for Puffin Season
After mornings spent scanning the rocks for Tufted Puffins, having a comfortable place to return to makes all the difference. Inn at Face Rock offers private beach access, complimentary breakfast, and welcoming guest rooms designed for relaxation after time outdoors. Among Oregon Coast hotels, it provides a convenient and inviting home base for spring trips centered around puffins and coastal exploration. Book your stay and experience puffin season at its best.
Where to Find Birding Hotspots Near Wausau, Wisconsin
Where to find the Best Birding Spots in Wisconsin
Wausau makes a smart home base for anyone chasing the best birding spots in Wisconsin, especially in spring when migration lights up central Wisconsin. With the Wisconsin River cutting through town and forested hills rising nearby, you can pivot from lake edges to hardwood canopy to wide-open marsh in a single day. It’s what makes Wausau one of the best birding spots in Wisconsin. Expect Bald Eagles overhead, flashes of Scarlet Tanagers in the trees, and the unmistakable calls of Sandhill Cranes from wetland habitat.
Start your adventure at Bluegill Bay County Park on Lake DuBay, an easy spot for raptors, loons, and waterfowl during spring movement. Then trade shoreline for elevation at Rib Mountain State Park, where mature hardwood forest and big lookout points help you catch migrating songbirds and seasonal hawk activity. If you want quieter, longer walks, Nine Mile County Forest brings deep-woods birding with mixed stands that can reward patient listening and careful scanning, representing one of the best birding spots in Wisconsin.
For a higher species count, head to another of the best birding spots in Wisconsin, Big Eau Pleine County Park. Here, reservoir shoreline, brushy fields, and wooded pockets bring cranes, herons, bluebirds, and migrating ducks. Nearby, Big Eau Pleine Woods State Natural Area protects rare bottomland forest and wetland habitat, a prime choice if you’re hoping for specialized woodland and wetland birds. Serious birders should also carve out time for the George W. Mead State Wildlife Area, a cornerstone for birding in Wisconsin thanks to its sweeping marsh and grassland habitat. Dewey Marsh State Natural Area adds classic sedge meadow birding, and Rookery Park on Lake Wausau offers a memorable chance to observe colonial waterbirds during the breeding season.
Between outings, add a cultural stop that pairs perfectly with your birding adventure. The Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum brings a fresh angle to Wisconsin birdwatching, pairing field sightings with global, bird, and nature-inspired work. It’s fascinating, and also one of the top things to do in Wausau each year.
Where to Stay for an Adventure Cabin Getaway for Two
After dawn patrols and trail miles, come back to a modern luxury cabin in Wisconsin, situated on a secluded wooded lot just outside Wausau. High-end finishes, expansive windows, and a full kitchen make it easy to settle in. Refresh in a spa-inspired bathroom with a steam shower built for two, then cozy up by the fireplace with a glass of wine as the forest quiets down. For couples who want an adventure-filled spring escape with comfort built in, book your stay and make Wausau your birding headquarters.
Winter Fun in the White Mountains of New Hampshire
Winter Weekend at Great Glen Trails in New Hampshire
Winter in the White Mountains invites you to slow down, step outside, and enjoy the season at its best. A winter weekend at Great Glen Trails delivers exactly that, combining fresh mountain air, snowy landscapes, and some of the most rewarding outdoor activities in New Hampshire. Located at the base of Mount Washington, Great Glen Trails is a favorite for visitors looking to experience winter without the crowds or chaos of larger resorts.
With miles of groomed trails, Great Glen Trails is well known for cross-country skiing in New Hampshire. Both classic and skate skiers will find routes that match their pace, from easy loops to longer trails that stretch deeper into the woods. Snowshoeing is just as popular, offering a quiet way to explore the forest after a fresh snowfall. Tubing, fat-tire biking, and SnowCoach tours round out the experience, making it easy to build a full winter weekend without ever running out of options.
A Cozy White Mountains Weekend Getaway Destination
After a day at Great Glen Trails, returning to our welcoming New Hampshire Bed and Breakfast makes all the difference. A cozy guest room, crackling fire, and thoughtful comforts turn a simple weekend into a true winter getaway. Whether you choose to relax indoors or head back out for another snowy adventure, having a warm and inviting place to unwind sets the tone for the entire trip.
Evenings are best spent enjoying a memorable meal and reflecting on the day’s highlights. Mornings begin with a hearty breakfast that fuels your next adventure, whether that means another visit to Great Glen Trails or exploring other things to do in the White Mountains during winter.
A winter weekend in New Hampshire is about balance, time outdoors paired with comfort and great food. Great Glen Trails delivers the adventure, while a nearby mountain inn provides the perfect place to relax and recharge. Together, they create a winter escape worth planning around.
Winter in Galena Means Skiing at Chestnut Mountain
Best of Winter at Chestnut Mountain Ski Resort
Just a few hours from Chicago, Chestnut Mountain Ski Resort delivers one of the most exciting winter adventures in Illinois. Perched high above the Mississippi River Valley in Galena, this mountain-style resort offers a refreshing change of pace for Midwest travelers craving snow, elevation, and outdoor fun without long-distance travel.
Chestnut Mountain Ski Resort is known for its impressive terrain by Illinois standards, featuring 19 runs across more than 3,500 feet of skiable terrain. From beginner-friendly slopes to challenging black diamond trails, the resort welcomes skiers and snowboarders of all experience levels. A 475-foot vertical drop, consistent snowmaking, and well-groomed runs create reliable conditions throughout the winter season, making it one of the top destinations for skiing in Illinois and a favorite for those seeking skiing near Chicago.
Beyond the slopes, Chestnut Mountain adds to the adventure with night skiing, terrain parks, and scenic overlooks that showcase sweeping river views. Cozy dining spots and warming areas make it easy to recharge between runs, whether you’re planning a full weekend or a spontaneous winter escape.
Galena itself enhances the experience with its historic downtown, lively Main Street, and variety of things to do in winter. After a day on the mountain, visitors can explore local boutiques, enjoy wine tastings, or dine at inviting restaurants that highlight the town’s character. Outdoor enthusiasts can extend the adventure with winter hiking at nearby preserves or scenic drives through rolling countryside dusted with snow.
Where to Stay for Your Galena Winter Getaway
After a full day of skiing and exploring, Galena’s bed and breakfasts and boutique inns offer a welcome retreat. Properties affiliated with the Midwest Association of Independent Inns provide comfortable accommodations, thoughtful amenities, and personalized service you won’t find at larger hotels. Many are located close to downtown or just a short drive from Chestnut Mountain, making it easy to balance slope time with relaxation.
If you’re planning a winter adventure filled with skiing, small-town charm, and memorable Midwest scenery, Chestnut Mountain Ski Resort and Galena offer a combination that keeps visitors coming back season after season.
Winter in Missoula: Plan the Ultimate Winter Getaway!
Winter in Missoula Brings the Best Adventure Getaways
Winter in Missoula brings a lively blend of mountain scenery, outdoor adventure, and small-town comfort. The season transforms this Montana destination into an appealing mix of snowy fun and cozy moments, perfect for travelers seeking both excitement and relaxation. With crisp air, fresh snowfall, and access to unforgettable winter activities, it is easy to see why a winter adventure in Missoula continues to grow in popularity.
Exploring Missoula in winter is easy – there are endless things to do in Missoula no matter the season! Snowmobile across breathtaking terrain at Lolo Pass, Clearwater National Forest, or the Blue Mountain Recreation Area, where miles of groomed trails and unforgettable views await. Skiers and snowboarders can head to Montana Snowbowl for satisfying runs surrounded by rugged alpine scenery. If you prefer a slower pace, winter hiking or snowshoeing on nearby trails provides a quiet way to enjoy the snow-covered landscape.
Relax at Our Montana Bed and Breakfast
Between mountain outings, Missoula’s welcoming food and drink scene keeps you warm and well fed. Local breweries like Bayern Brewing serve flavorful craft beers, while restaurants around town offer hearty Montana dishes ideal after a day outside. You can warm up even more with a visit to natural hot springs such as Jerry Johnson or Weir Hot Springs, both known for their peaceful setting and soothing water. Ice skating at Glacier Ice Rink, browsing downtown shops, or catching a University of Montana hockey game all add to the season’s fun.
Choosing our Montana Bed and Breakfast as your home base enhances your winter getaway with comfort and thoughtful hospitality. Our guest rooms feature plush bedding, private baths, and appealing touches like jetted tubs or private decks. Each morning begins with a homemade breakfast, from huckleberry Dutch Babies to steak and eggs, served with beautiful views of the Missoula Valley.
With 20 acres of wildlife habitat and direct access to Blue Mountain Recreation Area, our Missoula Bed and Breakfast makes it easy to balance exploration with relaxation, as you enjoy the best of winter in Missoula. After your adventures, unwind with billiards, a glass of wine, or a quiet evening in the lodge-style setting. This inviting inn offers a warm home base for your winter and adventure travel in Missoula.