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Stayed here many times with my family and was always impressed with the cleanliness, amenities, and the pancake breakfasts. The staff was always friendly and helpful. Easily one of the best campgrounds I've ever visited.
Best viewpoint for the entire South Rim and the architecture is beautiful. Be sure to read up on the planning and construction of the Watchtower while you're there, it will increase your appreciation immensely. If you are visiting the South Rim, make this your "must see" destination.
If you're traveling Route 66 for the history, make this a stop. It's converted to a pedestrian bridge, but the architecture is unchanged and most of the original lighting is in place so you can feel what it would have looked like in it's prime. There are beautiful views of the Mississippi and St. Louis in the distance. And you can do it all without dodging traffic!
One note of caution: we parked on the Illinois side and it was hard to find. We were convinced our GPS was leading the wrong way a couple times until we suddenly turned a corner into a parking lot with historical markers. From the bridge it looked like the Missouri side was better marked and visited.
On the plus side, this campground is inexpensive ($8 per night) and very close to St. Louis, making it a perfect home base for exploring the area. Considering it's smack dab in a metro area, it's very quiet and most sites were unused when we were there. We also saw a lot of wildlife.
On the down side, it's semi-primitive with outhouses and no showers or electric for RVs. Swimming in the lake is prohibited, but fishing is very popular. If that doesn't bother you, you won't find a better, cheaper stay in the St. Louis area.
Classic Pittsburgh food joint that lives up to the hype. Definitely worth seeking out if you're in town.
I had never heard of the effigy mounds throughout the country until I moved to the Midwest, but they are amazing and interesting to anyone interested in history or Native American culture. Effigy Mounds National Monument has a wonderful collection of these mounds on the bluffs over the Mississippi. The hikes to get to them involve some elevation gain, but my 8- and 5-year olds did the shortest 2-mile loop without difficulty. The views along the hike were incredible, as are the views on the drive to the park. (The town of Marquette, IA, just south of the park is a beautiful river town that deserves a stop, too.)
The visitor center has a nice small museum that gives you an overview of the park and a primer on the mounds if you are unaware of their history. As always, get a ranger led tour if you can. They add a lot to the experience.
A large park that offers a lot for outdoors lovers. There are miles and miles of trails for hiking and biking that lead to caves, effigy mounds, and beautiful viewpoints of the Mississippi and Wisconsin Rivers. The Wisconsin Ridge campground has sites on the edge of the bluff overlooking the Wisconsin and Prairie du Chien, making them some of the most breathtaking campsites I've ever seen. (You probably need to reserve them months in advance because they are popular.) Be sure to check out Treasure Cave and the nearby viewpoints. They are easy to access and a highlight of the park.
Quirky vibe, fun atmosphere and staff, and good food. Had a great breakfast here on vacation and had a hard time choosing between some of their unique offerings. Loved reading all the signs on the wall.
Inexpensive museum that's been well preserved and has lots of fun artifacts and displays. The staff were incredibly friendly and knowledgable and they were very patient with my four year-old. Lovely views from the top of the tower and my kids received certificates for making it to the top. It's also right on the Oak Leaf Trail, which is great for walking or biking.
Great place to get some photos of the city and the stadium.