Apple River Canyon State Park

Apple River Canyon State Park 

The other weekend we were lucky enough to make a short road trip out to Apple River Canyon State Park. It's located in Apple River, Illinois which is nearby Galena, Illinois (a cute and very historic town on the border of Illinois and Iowa). Considering how close we were to Iowa we swung through Dubuque, Iowa.

Apple River state park was very beautiful this time of year! Most trees still had their colorful leaves although the trails were covered in golden or red fallen leaves. There are a few short trails that vary in terrain whether its smooth dirt or rocky. We brought our hiking pack to carry Zooey (she wouldn't have been able to walk the trails we were on), and a yummy picnic for afterwards. Zooey loved running around at the end, kicking the leaves around, making leaf piles, and watching the river. They also have an excellent campground that we will take advantage of in the future! Many campgrounds today seem to be overrun by RV's which make it uncomfortable for camping in a tent. Each spot for
camping seemed private with plenty of room, and is in a great location considering you have the fantastic trails and Galena nearby.

Zooey's Hiking Pack

After hiking we headed out to Galena where we mainly just window shopped, got drinks and a snack at Rendezvous Coffee & Tea, and a bottle of wine to save for post-baby from Galena Cellars. Galena, by the way, has many vineyards, bed and breakfasts, and resorts which would make for a very romantic getaway (David and I are keeping it in mind for later)! After Galena we swung through Dubuque, Iowa considering how close it is to Galena. We didn't do anything while we were there but drive around and get a feel for the town. Personally, I think the highlights would be visiting their art museum and their aquarium.

Zooey kicking the leaves

Overall, it was a fun fall road trip, and I look forward to making Midwest Living always has plenty of great ideas!
many more in the future!