Hungry for Adventurez

Last year I had the privilege of spending a week near the beautiful Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Let's break down the best places to camp, and what to do while you are there! This region is densely packed with fantastic campgrounds, incredible Midwest vistas, great history, and so much more!  Apostle Islands Overview The Apostle's Islands is an island group in Lake Superior, around the Bayfield Penisula of northern Wisconsin. The National Lakeshore includes most of these islands and the shoreline at the northern point of the peninsula. The primary exception is Madeline Island, the largest island, which is the only commercially developed island. The peninsula's interior is largely National Forest land, and most of the area's towns are on the coast. Most human activity in the Apostle Islands area centers around Bayfield, Wisconsin's smallest official city. I have included a simplified map below to better explain the important locations I will be mentioning. Cam...

The Thirsty Voyager in Awa at Lost Island, home of cocktails and noodles bowls I love Lost Island, and I also love food. Every time I have visited Lost Island this season (2023) , I have made sure to try new unique food item. We have found the food to be better than at other small themeparks. I made sure to focus on menu items that were invented for the park, or are made scratch in the park. Thus, anything pre-packaged, like pickle bites, Thelma's ice cream sandwiches, and Uncrustables won’t be discussed here. (You can get these, and many other kid favorites, at most dining locations in Lost Island.) It is important to note that I haven’t eaten everything yet. If I try something new before the end of the season that is so good (or bad) that it warrants adding to this post, I will be sure to add a note.  Lost Island Dining Locations and Menus  Eating in Mura Kotaki Treats Let's do dessert first! Mura has only one dining location, in a very convenient location on the way towards...

 I recently visited Yellow River State Forest and stayed at Little Paint Campground. This park is expansive, more so than any Iowa State Park or forest I have visited so far. Let's talk about what activities are available here, and who should pay Yellow River State Forest a visit.  The view from the lookout point near the fire tower The Layout of Yellow River State Forest By Iowa standards, Yellow River State Forest is a massive park. It is north of Marquette and south of Harper’s Ferry. Combined with neighboring Effigy Mounds National Monument, Pikes Peak State Park, and Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, the area is an unofficial national park (in my opinion).  Yellow River State Forest is not one contiguous park. It is made of several smaller units. The largest one is called the Paint Creek Unit, which has multiple campgrounds.  The main road of Paint Creek is State Forest Road. It offers some fantastic views as you drive through the park....

  A few weeks ago I went campaigning at Elk Rock State Park in central Iowa. This beautiful park is located on Red Rock Lake near Pella and Knoxville, Iowa. Let's break down what camping here is like, and who would have the most fun camping here.  What are the campsites like at Elk Rock State Park? How do I get a campsite?  These campsites are very different depending on what loop you pick! All campsites have a firepit and picnic table. There are electric and non-electric sites. If your site does not come with water, each loop also has a drinking water pump. We took a spot in the furthest loop into the campground (non-electric), which happened to have a lake view, but was further away from the bathrooms. There is also an equestrian section, where riders can camp with their horses. Our camping area didn't have a lot of tree cover, so I could see it getting quite hot during late summer. We found the campground to be very peaceful and quiet. That being said, our loop w...

  Waterloo is my current home-base, and it has far more to do that guests outside the state would assume. We have museums, outdoor recreation, and even an amusement park. Since I am a budget minded traveler, I thought I would make a list of some of my favorites. I will be keeping this list family friendly, but there is also a casino in Waterloo and many bars in the area, if that is your style.  Free or Pay-What-You-Like Farmers markets - Free to look, buy what you need Cedar Falls and Waterloo both have very enjoyable farmers markets with great seasonal selections. I most often go to the river expo location, known as the Waterloo Urban Farmers market , in downtown Waterloo. Historically this location has some great crepes, veggies, baked goods and honey. In Cedar Falls, the most popular locations are Overman park and College hill.  Hiking Hartman Nature Preserve - Free This park is great for adult hikers, and for families with kids! In addition to beautifully maintained ...

  So you want to start camping! Great! Camping is a great way to get outside and explore your home state. One of the first things you need to get started is choose where you want to camp. The location you choose will affect what equipment you need as a first time camper. Furthermore different types of camping locations might be better for one party, and less appropriate for another group. Here are three types of camping locations I recommend for first time campers. Camping for the First Time in Your Backyard If you are camping with people who might be hesitant, if weather is going to be unpredictable, or if you will be camping with children who have never slept outside, this is a great option. If you don’t have a yard, or live in an apartment, you might have a friend or family member who would be willing to help. Camping in a yard means there will always be an opportunity to bail if things go sour, and bathrooms will be private and predictable. You will also be prepared for the loc...