Mary Bohlen

Christa Downing bakes cookies in preparation for the Bishop Hill Julmarknad (Christmas market), held annually in the Swedish settlement in Henry County. This year’s market will be Nov. 27-29 and Dec. 5-6. Photo courtesy of Bishop Hill State Historic Site When Swedish seekers of religious freedom spent their first winter huddled in shelters dug into […]

The Missouri River runs along the town of Hermann, a German settlement west of St. Louis known for winemaking and German food. The bicycling and walking Katy Trail, part of a 240-mile state park across Missouri, is on the north side of the river. PHOTO BY HERMANN TOURISM OFFICE The bachelorette party was in full […]

Soldiers representing the army of George Rogers Clark and other militia reenact battle scenarios using 18th century military tactics during the annual rendezvous held Memorial Day weekend in Vincennes, Indiana. The rendezvous takes place at the national h PHOTO COURTESY SPIRIT OF VINCENNES, INC. Red Skelton and George Rogers Clark are far apart on the […]

Visitors to the John Deere Pavilion in Moline can climb aboard several pieces of machinery, including a massive combine, to experience the feel of handling the company’s showcase pieces. The pavilion also houses a collection of antique tractors and PHOTO BY BRENT BOHLEN Trivia question: Where can you find links to General Custer, the U.S. […]

Not everyone can hop on a plane to see the world, but you can travel the globe and beyond at a fraction of the cost and time with a visit to the big three indoor museums in St. Louis’ Forest Park. You can pretend you are at the 1904 World’s Fair at the Missouri History […]

The 125-foot sandstone bluff, named Starved Rock after a Native American legend, rises above the Illinois River. The state park is open all year, and a trail from the Visitor Center takes visitors to the top of the bluff.  PHOTO BY JOLYN WISE If you are eager to eye an eagle this winter, head to […]

Mammoth Dome at the Mammoth Cave National Park rises 192 feet from floor to ceiling. Water dripping through a sinkhole hollowed out the dome, one of the highlights of cave tours. Photo Courtesy the National Park Service Jerry Brandsford knows a thing or two about Mammoth Cave National Park. You could even say his affinity […]

The free Menno-Hof Visitors Center in Shipshewana, Indiana, is a good place to learn about the history of the Anabaptist movement and modern-day Mennonite and Amish communities. The area in northeast Indiana is the third largest Amish community in the United States. PHOTO BY BRENT BOHLEN The horse’s hooves clip-clop along the pavement, pulling the […]

One of two labyrinths in New Harmony, Ind., offers visitors the opportunity to meander through the shrubbery maze to a small temple in the center. The former utopian community also has a stone labyrinth modeled on the one at the Chartres Cathedral in France. PHOTO BY BRENT BOHLEN New Harmony, Ind., is a special place […]