Destinations
National Water Trails of the Heartland
The National Water Trails system celebrated its fifth anniversary at the end of February. And a lot has happened to both increase use of America’s amazing water systems, and their stewardship by local communities, since water trails were added to the original National Trails System Act of 1968. Let’s take a look at some around […] Read More
The Complete Listing of Marinas and Locks on the Inland and Gulf Intracoastal Waterways
Exploring the Iowa Great Lakes
For more than a century, families have fled the stifling summer heat and crowds in Midwestern cities to seek respite on a cool, distant lakeshore. Twin Cities residents flocked to Lake Minnetonka, in Longfellow’s celebrated “land of the Dacotahs,” while Chicagoans rumbled northward to tony Lake Geneva, Wis. They still do so today. And, in […] Read More
Destination: Knoxville, Tennessee
Knoxville, Tenn., a vibrant Midwest lake destination? You better believe it. Completion of the Ft. Loudoun Dam by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) in 1943 created Fort Loudon Lake, which extends from the dam site at Lenoir City upstream about 50 miles to Knoxville, where it slices through downtown. OK, technically it’s the Tennessee River […] Read More
Welcome to Cincinnati, Ohio’s Front Porch
Rising from rolling hills midway along the length of the 981-mile Ohio River, Cincinnati acts as a gateway not just to its home state of Ohio but to neighboring parts of scenic Indiana and Kentucky as well. The region is rich with natural beauty and authentic landmarks from a storied past, juxtaposed with an exciting […] Read More
Profile: Bay Point Marina
People from all over the country come to Bay Point Marina to fish its natural shorelines, shallows and grass beds. The waters of the northern Gulf are also known for offshore fishing, diving, water sports, sailing and its abundant artificial reefs. The marina and its surrounding waters offer seasonal migrations of king, trout, Spanish mackerel, […] Read More
Tennessee River State Parks Cruise
The Tennessee River is perhaps the most beautiful inland river in America. It was made navigable by a series of locks and dams constructed in the mid-1900s. Amazingly, the builders planned for marina sites both public and private along the banks and in coves formed when the water rose. It’s a wonderful and safe river […] Read More
Exploring Caddo Lake in East Texas
It seems everyone who visits Caddo Lake in east Texas comes away with a profoundly personal impression. “I’ve never had an experience like this on a Texas lake,” said one first-time visitor. “It’s so mysterious, but beautiful. I understand why people want to come to this area and return many times.” What struck me about […] Read More
The Complete Listing of Marinas and Locks on the Inland and Gulf Intracoastal Waterways
Discovering Baton Rouge’s Downtown Waterfront
Baton Rouge’s Old Capitol building reminded me of a European castle with crowns atop each column and tower. Inside, though, instead of drafty corridors, you’ll find a stained-glass dome and windows, a cast-iron circular staircase rotating 270 degrees and marble floors. There’s even a ghost that haunts this Gothic architectural treasure, a Civil War-era woman […] Read More