Weekend Trips/Camping Ideas
BACKBONE STATE PARK
Camping
There are two campgrounds. Each of them have youth campsites. In the South Lake campground, Y71 is preferrable. The South Lake campground has closer access to the lake for regular fishing, swimming, biking, or boating activities. The Six Pine campground is closer to the hiking trails and trout fishing.Trails
Backbone has 21 miles of hiking and multi-use trails. Visitors can hike along trails winding through old twisted and windblown cedars and up rough, rocky staircases to one of the highest points in northeast Iowa, the "Devil's Backbone." During winter, visitors can cross-country ski. Bicyclists can pedal through scenic splendor and explore the park on these designated trails; Barred Owl, Bluebird, East Lake and West Lake. Mountain bikes must stay on the trails.Lake Activities (swimming, boating, fishing)
Backbone Lake is an impoundment of the Maquoketa River created by the CCC. Recreation on the lake includes swimming, boating, fishing and a concession stand for refreshments. A boat ramp is located near the southwest end of the lake. Motors are limited to electric only. A boathouse for renting boats, a swimming beach and concession stand are located near the southeast end of the lake. Anglers casting their lines in the lake may catch a variety of fish such as bass and catfish.Trout Fishing
Backbone is well known for trout fishing in its cold, clear, quick-flowing stream. Richmond Springs, the source that feeds the stream, pumps out over 2,000 gallons per minute and is located near the north end of the park. Anglers can explore the stream through a variety of shady and easy accessible trails, portions of which are paved.Climbing
Climbers and rappellers will find many challenging cliffs of rugged dolomite limestone throughout the park. The most popular rock escarpments to climb are located near the Backbone Trail. Climbers and rappellers must register at the park office.Iowa Civilian Conservation Corps Museum
The Iowa Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Museum opened in 1990 and is located just within the park's west gate. It provides visitors with an interesting and informative look at the work of the CCC in Iowa state parks. Backbone was the site of 2 CCC camps and contains many buildings and structures built by the CCC. The museum is open on weekends Memorial Day through Labor Day and by special arrangement through the park office.Website: Backbone State Park
Last Done: Several trips have been done to this great State Park
CANOEING IOWA RIVERS
There are excellent rivers to canoe in Iowa. The best are located in Northeast Iowa. The Upper Iowa, Turkey, and Yellow rivers. Other options include the MaquOketa, Wapsipinicon, Racoon, or Des Moines Rivers.
CHICAGO AREA
Field Museum
Badge Day at The Field will have Boy Scouts trekking across the Museum with fun scavenger hunts, exploring natural sciences through hands-on activities, and experience a behind-the-scenes tour with a Field Museum scientist. Badges offered include: Environmental Science, Indian Lore, Mammal Study and Geology. All Merit Badge requirements completed through the program!
http://fieldmuseum.org/
Last done: 2015?
Oak Brook Trout Unlimited - Dundee, IL
Oak Brook TU offers fly fishing classes. They conduct one program per month from May through September. Based on the outline of the Boy Scout Fly Fishing Merit Badge requirements, this program is a one-day class covering the basics of fly tackle, fly casting, knots, fly tying, and the conservation ethics of Trout Unlimited.http://www.obtu.org
Last done: Never
FOSTER ACRES aka 60 Acres Ottumwa
Foster Acres is located in Ottumwa, Iowa on the edge of the Indian Hills Community College campus. There is a lodge at the entrance called the Strother Lodge. The lodge is a heated building with kitchen facilities, bathrooms, and water. The lodge includes six tables and chairs for 50 when used as a meeting room, or enough room to sleep 20 on the floor as an overnight facility. Strother Lodge is available year round. There is a campsite immediately next to it. Foster Acres is 60 acres of dense forest with multiple hike in primitive campsites. There is one kybo in the middle of the forest. There is an extensive trail system which is good for hiking and mountain biking. There is about 7 miles of winding trails. This is a great place for hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, and winter camping. It is a good property for split patrol activities. This property is managed by Mid-Iowa Council. Reservations can be made through Mid-Iowa Council. https://www.midiowacouncilbsa.org/FosterAcresLast done: 2018
Combined Activities:
Memorial Park is close to Foster Acres and has great mountain bike trails. You can easily ride from Foster Acres to Memorial Park.
Chief Wapello Trail is a eleven mile trail maintained by BSA betweeen Ottumwa and Agency, Iowa. The trailhead begins in Ottumwa Park and ends at Chief Wapello's grave in Agency, just East of Ottumwa. There is also camping available at the trailhead. The trail winds along the Des Moines River bluffs with historic sites such as Garrison Rock, Horsethiefs Cave, and a pioneer cemetery. There is a cable bridge and multiple fence crossings. Usually, once a year in the Spring there is a big hike by multiple troops.
The Beach Ottumwa is a small waterpark in the center of town. This city owned and operated waterpark offers over one-million gallons of family fun for an unbelievable price. Attractions include a 300,000-gallon wave pool, waterslide, tube slide and a "free-fall" speed slide.
Lake Wapello is 25 miles South West which includes a youth campsite, 8 mile circumferential trail which includes a hike through the old BSA Camp Wapello which is held in a preservation trust. Camping is also allowed there with permission. See below for more information.
MICHIGAN
USS Silversides Submarine Museum - Muskegon, Michingan
The USS SILVERSIDES Submarine Museum opened in 1987 when the USS Silversides arrived at its new home in Muskegon, Michigan. In 2008, the museum expanded with the construction of the 16,000 square-foot Robert G. Morin Facility. This new museum includes a wide range of exhibits and displays focusing on the USS Silversides, World War II, the Pearl Harbor attack, submarines, the Cold War, marine technology, and Great Lakes shipping. The museum also features a 72-seat theater currently featuring a documentary about U.S. involvement in World War II and the role of U.S. Navy Submarine Service.Become an Honorary "Crew Member" for the Night. Spend the night aboard one of GLNMM's historic vessels and watch history come alive. Walk the decks, take command of the bridge and sleep in the berths where brave men once served our country. Truly an unforgettable experience for any group, the overnight encampment program is well suited for scouting and youth groups as well as family or adults-only events.
http://www.silversidesmuseum.org
Last done: Never
Climb Kalamazoo - Kalamzoo, Michigan
Climb Kalamazoo is Southwest Michigan's premier indoor climbing gym with over 10,500 square feet of climbing surface, including a 2500 square foot lead cave. Our walls are up to 30ft tall with lead routes up to 65 feet long. With our 32 top rope stations, lead cave and 2 top-out bouldering areas, there is always something to play on!Overnights and Merit Badge classes available.
http://www.climbkalamazoo.com/index.html
Last done: Never
Coralville Lake - camping, hiking, biking, fishing, boating, Frisbee golf
A great and convenient place for a local campout. There are multiple campground locations depending upon activities desired. There are more rustic and isolated camp sites at Cottonwood. There are multiple service project opportunities that will allow free overnight camping throughout the year. There is great hiking, mtn biking, fishing, boating, and frisbee golf.Eagle Cave Wisconsin
Wisconsin's largest Onyx cave.
OVER 3,000 FEET OF PASSAGE
There are four main levels to the cave. These levels have underground subterranean tunnels. You may explore each and every level and secondary passages. YOU MUST UTILIZE A BUDDY SYSTEM AT ALL TIMES. If you need to go down before entering a hole, always go feet first. You cannot explore the entire cave in one weekend, it takes years so enjoy!!!!
The in-cave camping and exploratory program runs from mid-September to mid-May and is by reservation only.
Website: http://www.eaglecave.net/
Helpful planning tidbits: The scouts would like to do this every other year. It's best to book well in advance. Try to sleep at the entrance and try to eat at the first meal sitting. Adults should bring cots to sleep on. Must bring plastic sheeting and lots of it.
Last Trip: Dec 2012, 2016
Elroy-Sparta State Bike Trail, Camping, Biking - Wisconsin
The Elroy-Sparta State Trail is the property of the State of Wisconsin and is part of its State Trails System. It is located in Hidden Valleys Country and passes through a portion of the unglaciated areas of Wisconsin exemplifying the natural beauty of the State.The trail is 32 miles in length on the abandoned Chicago & North Western Railroad bed and passes through three rock tunnels. The Kendall and Wilton tunnels are ¼ mile long and the Norwalk tunnel is ¾ mile long. The trail is covered with limestone screenings and provides a smooth riding surface. The bridges are covered with planks and are guarded with railings.
The trail may be entered at the Elroy Commons in Elroy or ½ mile northwest of Elroy on Hwy. 71, or continue on Hwy. 71 to the Village of Kendall - the Trail Headquarters is at the old Kendall Depot, or enter at Wilton or Norwalk on Hwy. 71, or southeast of Sparta near Hwys. 16 and 71.
Scout troops from our area have done this many times. They like to stay at the Norwalk City Park 608-823-7760. Tent camping is free. There is a bathroom with pay showers. There is a barbeque pit to put dutch ovens in with lights. Trail passes are available at the convenience store in town.
Website: http://www.elroy-sparta-trail.com
Last done: 2013, 2016
High Tressle Trail biking, camping - near Des Moines
The High Tressle Trail is a Rails to Trail from Woodward to Ankeny, Iowa. It's 25 miles long. Riding out and back would cover 50 mile ride of Cycling Merit Badge. Ledges State Park offers a youth camp ground for up to 40 people and is within twenty miles of the Western end of the trail. Chichaqua Bottom Greenbelt is a nice County Park with a very nice youth campsite. Also close to the Chichaqua Valley Trail. http://www.iowadnr.gov/Destinations/StateParksRecAreas/IowasStateParks/ParkDetails.aspx?ParkID=610148http://www.inhf.org/high-trestle-trail-intro.cfm
https://www.polkcountyiowa.gov/conservation/parks-trails/4-chichaqua-bottoms-greenbelt/
Last done: August 2015 Rode 25 miles on Chichaqua Valley Trail and 50 miles on High Trestle Trail including riding out a mile at night to see the bridge lite up at night. Stayed at Chichaqua Bottom Greenbelt.
Hoover Trail/Cedar Valley Park - camping, hiking, fishing -near Tipton
The Cedar Valley Park has a nice dedicated Boy Scout campground on top of the Cedar River Bluff. It provides trail access to the Cedar River for fishing. There is also a quarry that is close to fish out of as well. The campground also serves as a trailhead for the Hoover Trail which is 20 mile roundtrip trail that goes up and down the Cedar River. The trail includes a couple of cable bridges to cross. There is an old cabin built along the trail in 1967 which has a rope locking mechanism to figure out. There is also an old kiln along the trail. The campsite must be reserved through the Cedar Valley Conservation Board. If you plan to hike the trail, you'll need to call the trail commitee to register. There are patches available to purchases for completion of the trail.
Last done: May 2012, 2017
Howard H Cherry Scout Reservation - camping, hiking, cross country skiing, snowshoeing
Howard H Cherry Scout Reservation provides 500 acres for Scouts to explore and develop their camping skills. Overnight facilities available include 19 campsites, 3 sets of sleeping shelters, and 5 buildings. There are also 8 shelters available for day use. The facilities at Camp Waubeek are available year round. The facilities at Camp Wakonda are available from mid August to the end of May.Ideas include staying in a set of the Adirondacks during the winter. The camp has cross country skis and snow shoes available. Must secure reservations in advance for campsites.
http://www.hawkeyebsa.org/camping
Kansas City Trip
Union Station, City Museum, Science City
We offer Scout leaders countless opportunities to reinforce key Scouting principles -- from encouraging exploration and nurturing scientific curiosity, to developing an awareness and appreciation of one's heritage. The Station, Science City and the Museum need to be on every troop's destination list. Overnight Program Available.http://www.unionstation.org/index.php
Last done: Never
National WWI Museum
http://www.theworldwar.orgLast done: Never
The Money Museum
https://www.kansascityfed.org/Last done: Never
National Airline History Museum
http://www.airlinehistory.org/Last done: Never
Kansas Cosmophere and Salt Mine Overnights - Hutchinson, Kansas
Kansas Cosmophere and Space Center - Hutchinson, KS
Offers Boy Scout Programs and merit badge opportunities. Can include an overnight.
Underground Salt Museum
Tour and sleep in a salt mine 650' below ground.http://www.undergroundmuseum.org
These two programs can be combined into a weekend trip. Driving time is 8 hours.
Last done: Never as a weekend. A few boys have done Space Camp every Summer.
Kent Park - hiking, biking, sledding, swimming, fishing - Tiffin
Kent Park youth campground provides a nice local option for camping. Youth camp sites are reserved through the Johnson County Conservation Department. There is a heated shelter that can be rented as well. The heated shelter is perfect for a Winter campout. In addition to the lake, there a several ponds near the youth group campgrounds that provide good fishing.
The Conservation Education Center is utilized year-round for educational programs and workshops. Current programs include prairie hikes, fishing clinics, programs on specific outdoor skills, day camps, weekend workshops, and much more. Youth and adult groups can work with the J.C.C.B naturalist to schedule conservation-related programs in this building. Many educational materials are available for checkout by group leaders. Insect nets, aquatic study equipment, binoculars and other materials are available. For further details contact the naturalist at (319) 645-1011.
http://www.johnson-county.com/dept_conservation.aspx?id=4055
Pearls: There are multiple outlets in the shelter which means crockpots and electric griddles can be used inside. The Ranger can sell wood located at the campground. If doing a winter campout, reserve the shelter and campsite #5 which is behind it. There is a least one geocache within the park to find.
Last done: Feb 2013, Feb 2011, 2016, 2017
Lacey Keosauqua State Park - hiking, fishing, canoeing, biking, camping - Keosauqua
A large state park in Southern Iowa which offers hiking, biking, canoeing, camping. There is a nice isolated youth campground with it's own shelter. This would be a good location for canoeing on the Des Moines River or participating in the annual Bike Van Buren Ride. The ride is a good way to complete a 50 mile day with support.http://www.iowadnr.gov/Destinations/StateParksRecAreas/IowasStateParks/ParkDetails.aspx?ParkID=610103&idAdminBoundary=187http://villagesofvanburen.com/index.html
Last done: August 2012
Lake Geode State Park - hiking, biking, fishing, camping - near Burlington
Geode State Park has been a traditional favorite for locals as well as out-of-state visitors. The park is named after the state rock which is frequently found in the area. Geodes bring "rock hounds" to the local area in search of this elusive prize. A display of geodes, with mysterious crystal formations in their hollow cavities, can be seen at the park office. http://www.iowadnr.gov/Destinations/StateParksRecAreas/IowasStateParks/ParkDetails.aspx?ParkID=610124&idAdminBoundary=181Last done: Pre 2011
Lake MacBride State Park - hiking, fishing, boating, swimming, camping
TrailsMulti-use trails wind for miles around the lake. All park trails offer opportunities for the sights and sounds of Iowa at its best. Bird watchers will thrill to the sight of nearly every songbird native to the region. During the spring and fall, shorebirds, waterfowl and ospreys are frequent visitors. During winter months, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling are popular.
Lake Macbride offers a five-mile scenic multi-use trail located along the lake from Solon to near the entrance to the park. This trail is very popular with bicyclists. It is very flat. The best trails for Philmont training are at the Macbride Nature Recreational Area.
Volkssport Trails & Events. Six permanent Volkssport trails have been established for seasonal use within state parks and recreation areas.
Lake Activities (Swimming, boating, fishing)
Lake Macbride offers swimming as well as refreshments at the beautiful beach area. The Macbride beach is a great place for young and old to cool off on a hot summer day. Swimming is restricted to the designated beach area only.
Lake Macbride is an angler's delight! Good catches of walleyes, channel catfish, crappies and muskie await the angler in the 812-acre artificial lake. Walleyes, channel catfish and muskies are stocked annually. Lake Macbride may be the only lake in Iowa in which the prized Kentucky spotted bass can be caught. Good lake access is available for both shoreline and boat fishing.
Camping: There is a youth campground located in the south campground at the state park. There is also group camping at the Macbride Nature Recrational Area. If you combine these two area, you can do a backpacking Philmont Shakedown weekend.
http://www.iowadnr.gov/Destinations/StateParksRecAreas/IowasStateParks/ParkDetails.aspx?ParkID=610119
http://recserv.uiowa.edu/mnra
Last done: 2013, 2014, 2016, 2018
Lake Wapello State Park - fishing, hiking, biking - Near Ottumwa
Lake Wapello's 1,150 acres could easily be called the "country club" of Iowa's state parks. The beautiful wooded hillsides, shaded picnic areas and lake provide a quiet elegance which makes Lake Wapello one of southern Iowa's best-kept secrets.Lodge/Restaurant
The newly remodeled stone and timber 1930's beach building offers many visitor services including a seasonal restaurant serving a variety of foods, a lake observation deck, and restrooms. The beautiful lodge has been converted back into a restaurant. Enjoy the view of the lake and the excellent food when you come visit Lake Wapello State Park. Beach users can purchase snacks and refreshments as well as bait and tackle at the concession area of the building.Camping
Lake Wapello State Park 80 camping sites, 42 with electrical outlets. Modern shower and rest room facilities are available, as well as a trailer-dump station. The campground is located adjacent to the lake and offers a fine opportunity to "rough it" in the great outdoors. Advance campsite reservations can be made online through the park reservation system. Half of the campsites are still available on a first-come, first-serve basis.Trails (hiking, biking)
Several miles of trails take you around the lake and through the park. Cross country skiing is a popular activity in the winter and there are several areas designated for cross country skiers. The park also offers multiple use trails for hiking and snowmobiling. A nature trail is located on the north side of the park. Philmont Crew hiked this in 2018.Lake Activities ( boating, fishing, swimming)
Lake Wapello's beach offers opportunities for swimming and sunbathing. Refreshments are available at the beautiful stone and timber bathhouse. Boats may be rented at the concession area. Any size of boat motors may be operated at "no wake" speeds on the lake. Bass (catch and release only), crappies, catfish and bluegills abound in the beautiful 289-acre artificial lake. Anglers have an excellent chance to go home with a fine catch.Camp Wapello
The facilities of Camp Wapello, the former Boy Scout Area, are now owned by the Camp Wapello Preservation Group. There is a dining hall with cooking facilities, shower building, and 10 separate tent-oriented camping areas. For further details, contact the Camp Wapello Preservation Group at 1-800/684-4184. Camp Wapello is located on the opposite side of the lake from the State Park.Nearby: Bloomfield, the county seat of Davis County, is located 13 miles southeast of the park. Unionville is 6 miles west, and Drakesville is 6 miles east. The city of Ottumwa is located 30 miles north and east of Lake Wapello State Park.
Website: Lake Wapello State Park
Last done: Never
Lincoln Pilgrimage - hiking, fishing, historical, parade, camping - Springfield, IL
The Lincoln Pilgrimage is an annual event located in Springfield, Illinois which celebrates the life and presidency of Abraham Lincoln. It is attended by hundreds of scouts every year. It is usually the last weekend of April. A weekend trip will include museum tours, a visit to Lincoln's home and tomb and other activities. Recommend camping at Camp Illinek on Lake Springfield. There is reasonable fishing there. Campsites are first come first serve. Frequently, there is no school the Friday of that weekend, therefore, could go for a three night campout and spend all of Friday at Camp Illiinek fishing.http://www.alincolnbsa.org/lincoln_pilgrimage/lincoln_pilgrimage.htmLast done: April 2012 April 2015
Maquoketa Caves State Park - hiking, camping
"Maquoketa Caves is probably Iowa's most unique state park. Its caves, limestone formations and rugged bluffs provide visitors a chance to "step back" into geological time thousands of years. Caves vary from the 1,100' Dancehall Cave with walkways and lighting system to Dugout Cave. The remaining caves are all different sizes and shapes. Some can be explored by walking while others can best be seen by crawling. In any case, a flashlight and old clothes and shoes are most helpful.The park contains more caves than any other state park in Iowa. A beautiful trail system links the caves, formations, and overlooks while providing an exciting hiking experience. Many areas on these trails have seen new construction, making the journey to the caves safer and easier. Trail highlights include the dramatic "Natural Bridge" which stands nearly 50 feet above Raccoon Creek, and the 17-ton "Balanced Rock"."http://www.iowadnr.gov/Destinations/StateParksRecAreas/IowasStateParks/ParkDetails.aspx?ParkID=610127
Last done: May 2014
Tips: Get reservations early. There are places to washout clothes around the park and showers at main campground. Scouts must take old pants, shirts, shoes, socks, and headlamps. Their clothes will get filthy and wet. They will need plastic bags to put them in afterwards and have other clean shoes/clothes to wear home and for other parts of the campout. Consider helmets. Each scout should have two sources of light. There is great hiking as well if need backpack exeperience and training. Lots of good climbs.
Nearby: There is a drive-in theatre about 8 miles away. Shows start around 8:30pm
Omaha Trip
A weekend trip to Omaha in the Spring has been a every few years in Troop 2000. There are a variety of activities that can be combined into a weekend trip.Omaha Zoo Overnight/Merit Badge Program
The Omaha Zoo provides Merit Badge Programs for scouts on some Saturdays. Environmental Science is a commonly earned badge. There are some other options as well. Boys spend the day inside the zoo and visit a variety of the exhibits while learning about their Merit Badge subject. After zoo hours, the scouts will bring their gear inside the gates and spend the night inside the zoo. There will be an early morning tour of the zoo when the animals are active on Sunday morning.http://www.omahazoo.com/family/scout-programs/
Last done: april 2014, April 2012, April 2010
Durham Museum
Durham Museum is Omaha's city museum located in the old train station. They offer Boyscout Workshops for different merit badges. Overnight opportunities are possible as well. Troop 2000 spent the night there on a Friday night prior to going to the zoo. The textile MB was completed.http://www.durhammuseum.org/
Last done: April 2012
Strategic Air and Space Museum
The Strategic Air and Space Museum is a museum focusing on United State Airforce military aircraft and nuclear missiles located just West of Omaha along I-80. The objective of the museum is to preserve and display historic aircraft, missile, and space vehicles and provide educational resources. The museum is regarded as having one of the top collections of strategic aircraft. There are Boy Scout merit badge programs and overnight programs available.http://www.sacmuseum.org/
Last done: April 2010
Conservation Park and Wildlife Safari
Wildlife Safari Park is a four mile, drive-through North American wildlife adventure. Visitors feel like they're on an actual safari, coming face-to-face with North American plants and animals such as elk, white-tailed deer, bison, pronghorn antelope and waterfowl. Visitor center and concessions. This is a part of the Omaha Zoo, but located close to the SAC Musuem. Overnight camp programs are available.http://www.wildlifesafaripark.com/
Last done: April 2014
Racoon River Valley Trail - biking, canoeing, camping - Jefferson, IA
56 mile paved Rails to Trail from Jefferson to Waukee, IA. New campground at trailhead in Jefferson. Canoe rental also available for Raccoon River in Jefferson with shuttle service. Could be combo canoe/cycle weekend.http://raccoonrivervalleytrail.org/Las done: Never
Railroad Museum/Maritime Museum -Submarine Overnight - Wisconsin
The Wisconsin Maritime Museum - Manitowoc, WI
The Wisconsin Maritime Museum's USS Cobia Overnight Education Program offers people a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience first-hand a taste of submarine life. The program offers not only an educational alternative to the traditional camp-out, it also facilitates an appreciation of history and insight into a unique time in America's past. Boy Scouts have the opportunity to earn towards the American Heritage Merit Badge during their visit. Overnight participants will receive a guided tour and overnight accommodation on board a World War II submarine. In addition to undertaking various educational activities, participants will be offered special supervised access to some non-public areas of the submarine and admission to the museum.http://www.wisconsinmaritime.org
Last done: 2018
National Railroad Museum - Green Bay, WI
The origin of the National Railroad Museum dates to 1956, when local individuals advanced the concept of a national museum dedicated to the American rail road history. Two years later, a joint resolution of Congress recognized the Museum as the National Railroad Museum. Since then, the Museum has operated as a privately funded 501 (c) (3) educational organization with a mission to foster an understanding of railroading and its significance to American Life. What began as an effort to acquire a single steam locomotive for a city park has grown into one of the largest rail museums in the nation. It now serves over 75,000 visitors annually. Today, a professional staff of 12 and over 100 unpaid staff members welcome visitors from all over the world. They offer railroading merit badge frequently throughout the year.http://www.nationalrrmuseum.org
Last done: 2018
Root River Trail - biking, canoeing - Southeast Minnesota
A Southeast Minnesota Rail to Trail. This 60-mile paved trail network meanders along the Root River amid 300-foot bluffs, attracting thousands of outdoor enthusiasts each season.http://www.rootrivertrail.org/Last done: 2010?
St. Louis Trip
St. Louis has a lot to offer with a variety of options for Boy Scouts.City Museum
The City Museum offers overnight opportunities for Boy Scouts.http://www.citymuseum.org
Last done: April 2011, 2016
St. Louis Science Center
The science center offers dedicated Boy Scout programs including Merit Badge opportunities.http://www.slsc.org
Last done: April 2011
Challenger Learning Center
Also offers dedicated Boy Scout Merit Badge opportunities.https://www.challengerstl.org/
Last done: April 2011
St. Louis Zoo
Offers dedicated Boy Scout programs including overnights.http://www.stlzoo.org/
Last done: ?
St. Louis Arch
http://www.stlouisarch.com/Last done: April 2011, 2016
Jefferson National Expansion Memorial
http://www.nps.gov/jeff/index.htmLast done: April 2011, 2016
Grant's Farm
http://www.grantsfarm.comLast done: Never
Starved Rock State Park - hiking, camping - Illinois
Surround yourself with nature at Starved Rock State Park. The waterfalls and canyons are unexpected wonders, nestled within 2,630 acres of lush forests. Whether you choose the river trail or the bluff trail, you will enjoy spectacular views along the Illinois River. From picnicking to fishing to boating, from horseback riding to camping to enjoying winter sports, there’s so much to do that you’ll come back again and again.The backdrop for your activities are 18 canyons formed by glacial meltwater and stream erosion. They slice dramatically through tree-covered, sandstone bluffs for four miles at Starved Rock State Park, which is located along the south side of the Illinois River.Youth campground available
http://www.starvedrockstatepark.org/
Nearby attractions: 45 miles from Raging Waves, Illinois' largest waterpark in Yorkville.
Last done: Never
U.S. Grant Pilgrimage - camping, hiking, historical - Galena, IL
The U.S. Grant Pilgrimage is an annual BSA weekend event usually at the end of April. It highlights General Grant, Civil War History, and Galena’s contributions to our Nations history. While attending the Grant Pilgrimage your Unit will have admission to the Galena Historical Museum, and Blacksmith shop. There are multiple activities spread throughout the day. Take part in the fun, activity, and friendship of Scouting with Scouts from around the region.Website: http://www.blackhawkscouting.org/usgrantpilgrimage
Last done: Never
Upper Limits Indoor Rock Gym - Bloomington, Illinois
Upper Limits offers something for everyone. From our 65' silos, main climbing area of overhanging terrain, outdoor boulder, 110' outdoor wall, and six autobelays. We offer a large selection of classes and can accommodate any skill level. Whether you're a complete beginner, experienced, or looking for a group activity, Upper Limits has got you covered.Climbing merit badge offered.http://www.upperlimits.com/bloomington/
Camping: Starved Rock State Park is 70 miles North and Camp Wakanda is 50 Miles West.
Last done: April 2011
Wildcat Den State Park - Camping, Hiking, Canoeing - Near Muscatine
CampingWildcat Den State Park's campground has 28 campsites and non-modern rest room facilities. There is also a designated youth campsite available.Trails
One of the major features of Wildcat Den State Park is its trail system. Trails wind through a variety of terrain and lead to such fascinating sites as "Steamboat Rock," "Devil's Punch Bowl," and " Fat Man's Squeeze." The beautiful bluffs and rock outcroppings provide spectacular views to hikers.Pine Creek Grist Mill at Wildcat Den State Park.
Wildcat Den State Park is one of the most unique in Iowa, combining natural beauty and solitude, preservation of historical structures, trails, camping and picnic areas for recreational use.One of the focal points of the park is the Pine Creek Grist Mill located in the eastern part of the park on Pine Creek. The mill was built in 1848 by Benjamin Nye, one of Muscatine County's first settlers who also built the county's first store and post office in 1838. The Pine Creek Grist Mill is one of the finest examples of mid nineteenth century mills left in the country and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The Friends of Pine Creek Grist Mill and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources is working to restore the mill to its original condition. The "turn of the century" Melpine Schoolhouse is located near the mill and offers park visitors another glimpse of Iowa's past. To learn more about the mill, the Melpine Schoolhouse, and the work of the Friends of Pine Creek Grist Mill, visit their website at www.pinecreekgristmill.com.
A portion of the park was donated to the state by the Brandt sisters who actually lived there at one time. A bronze tablet dedicated to their memory has been placed in sandstone in a lovely setting where centuries-old pine trees line 75-foot cliffs.
Nearby Towns: Muscatine, Iowa , is located 10 miles west of Wildcat Den. Davenport, third largest city in Iowa, is located 15 miles east of the park.
Website: Wildcat Den State Park
Last Done: Oct 2012
Yellow River State Forest - camping, backpacking, hiking, fishing
"Yellow River's backpacking trails were featured in an article which appeared in the April 1996 edition of “Outside” magazine entitled “America’s Top 50 Hikes--The Finest in Every State”. The best hike in Iowa was chosen to be the Backpack Trail at Yellow River State Forest. We are honored to have been given this distinctive endorsement, and anticipate lots of usage on the backpack trails as a result.Incidentally, if you haven’t had the opportunity to hike our trails, they are open year ‘round. Degree of difficulty ranges from relatively easy to moderate. If you have a scout or other youth group looking for a backpacking experience, or if you are planning a “real” backpacking trip out west and need some place to train, this is for you.There are over 25 miles of marked & maintained trails in the Paint Creek Unit alone. There is no charge or registration required for the use of our backpack trail facilities. We have two camp areas along the trail which are not accessible by vehicles so you can really “get away from it all”. If you are looking for something in particular in a day hike or an overnighter, give us a call and we’ll be happy to give you some ideas and places to go.
Our backpack areas are large enough to support a large group or several small groups. They are not organized areas so you can spread out if you arrive to find a group or individuals already at the site. On nice weekends, slight but not overwhelming traffic can be expected. Our backpack trail is also part of our equestrian trail for some of its length, so horses may be encountered. On weekdays, you will seldom encounter other users.
It also contains 6 miles of trout stream stocked from April through October and a marsh from which bass and panfish may be taken."
Camping/Hiking/Backpacking:
There are youth group campgrounds that are right next to the trout streams that are nice and flat. No shower facilities but there are pit toilets. No cell phone reception. Great spot for a weekend of trout fishing and side hiking. The Yellow River State Forest is an ideal location for a selfcontained backpacking trip. Probably the best in Iowa. You can park at the backpacking parking lot and self register for free. There is water at the parking lot. There are abundant trails, some hard and some easy. The designated hiking trails will take you up and down the bluffs and will give you a great work out/shakedown for a Philmont Trip. The horseback trails are easier. The challenging trails are Heffern's Hill Loop and Bluff Trail. There are 4 remote camping sites. They accomodate multiple groups. There are several fire rings. There are no pit toilets. Bring a trowel and TP.
Heffern's Hill Camp: It has one flat and multiple sloped campsites. No cell phone reception. It's about a 1/4 mile from a large stream for a water source. It has one flat area and several sloped campsites. It's the furthest out from the main parking area.
Brown's Hollow Camp: This is a large flat campsite located in a long Hollow. No cell phone reception. There is a creek next to it as a water source unless it's been pretty dry. If dry, then about 1 mile from one of the larger streams, relatively flat hike.
Camp John Shultz: This is located on the top of one of the Hills. Not the best location if storms are approaching. You will have cell phone reception here. There are multiple sloped campsites. The best one for a group is the furthest one back close to the hayfield. Although the map shows a pond close by. It was not seen. It is a dry camp. Closest water is the spicket at the parking area which is one mile down hill. Pack in water if going to this site. Makes for a good second night spot as it's only one mile back to the cars on Sunday morning.
Camp Glen Wendel: This is popular amongst the backpackers as it's relatively easy to get to from the parking lot. Most likely the busiest of the remote campgrounds.
Nearby Activities:
Effigy Mounds National Monument is only ten miles a way. There are great hiking trails with beautiful views of the Mississippi and Wisconsin. A hike to hanging rock and back with all stops along the way is approximately 7.5miles. Pike's Peak State Park is close by as well. Osborne Park is located between Strawberry Point and Elkader. It offers a live animal exhibit (including a black bear), nature center, gift shop, travel information, campground, trails, arboretum, flower gardens, fishing pond and pioneer village. Might be worth a quick stop.
Last done: June 2014, April 2016
