Vol.VII, Issue I, Spring/Summer 2014 • 1
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Cahokia Mounds
ahokia Mounds puts visitors in a prehistoric frame of mind. Splash City Waterpark puts them in hysterics. The Mounds, inhabited for 700 years and mysteriously abandoned by 1400, is a significant archeological site, where every month people can participate by washing ancient artifacts. Every summer day at Splash City, people can participate by cavorting exuberantly on the slides, surfing the wave pool… or diving into the world’s largest swimming lesson (June 10). Well, what on earth do these attractions have in common? Both are
um Muse a r Flo
oad Railr t o o T Little
in Collinsville, within view of the Gateway Arch in St. Louis. In this horseradish-producing region—and thousands other places throughout the 19 counties stretching across fertile ILLINOISouth, just below the state’s big belly—unique recreational options abound. Now, to see the trains, hop in your auto and cross the plains with us. In Flora, about 90 miles east of Collinsville, is the only coal-fired steam locomotive that still chugs in Illinois. Small fry feel big aboard Little Toot, a miniature train that clacks across a trestle as it steams through Charley Brown Park. In town is the renovated B&O Railroad terminal, where there’s more iron horse lore to explore. For entertainment on the spectrum’s other end, camp at the 100-
idge nnonball Br Wabash Ca
acre park to fiddle with the fiddlers or pick with the pickers during one of several jam sessions, the first of which really heats up May 16-18, only cooling off by the wee hours. A master from nearby Clay City who hand-makes his instruments may join in. Wabash Cannonball Bridge, 60 miles
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h Cit y Wa terpa rk