Ideas for places to visit in the Midwest
Mallard ducks are highly abundant throughout the waterways and lakes of Forest Park in St. Louis. As part of the park’s thriving urban wildlife ecosystem, they are heavily tracked by local researchers via the Forest Park Living Lab. Whether you are looking to photograph them, bird-watch, or simply relax by the water, several primary areas offer consistent mallard sightings.
Egrets are a common and highly visible sight across Forest Park, serving as a prime destination for local birdwatchers and photographers. While these elegant, white wading birds spend their days foraging throughout the park’s expansive waterways, their presence is closely tied to a fascinating, unique urban phenomenon just outside the park boundaries.
While egrets feed in Forest Park, many actually nest about one to two miles away in the neighboring Central West End (CWE). Since 2017, hundreds of egrets and herons have established a massive, rare inland nesting colony (rookery) in the mature sycamore and catalpa trees of the CWE, notably around the SLU Manresa Center and behind the Reliable Funeral Home. The birds commute daily between their urban treetop nests and the park’s waterways to gather food for their fledglings.
Click on the photo for mire infomration. Click here to see more about St. Louis’ Frorest Park.
The Supermarine Spitfire Mk IXc is an iconic World War II British fighter. Powered by a Rolls-Royce Merlin 60 series engine, it was famously designed as an emergency response to counter the Luftwaffe’s Fw 190. The “c” designation indicates its wing armament configuration.
This Spitfire is performing at the 2026 Spirit of St. Louis Air Show at Spirit airport. A spectacular demonstration.
Click on either photo for mor information. Click here for all photos from the show.
The A-10C Thunderbolt II is the first Air Force aircraft specially designed for close air support of ground forces. They are simple, effective and survivable twin-engine jet aircraft that can be used against light maritime attack aircraft and all ground targets, including tanks and other armored vehicles.
Click here for the all photos from the air show.
The U.S. Navy Blue Angels currently fly the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet (specifically the single-seat F/A-18E and the two-seat F/A-18F). They transitioned from the older “Legacy” Hornet to the larger, more powerful Super Hornet to showcase the maximum capabilities of modern naval aviation.
These are spectaculr to watch. Phots were taken at the 2026 Spirit of St. Louis Air Show & STEM Expo. The show included a lot of World War II Warbirds and nice demonstations our latest jets.
Click on the photo for more information. To see more photos from the air show, Click Here.
Fishtrap Lake is in Northern Wisconsin near the town of Boulder Junction. This is a great place to see Eagles, Loons, ducks and a great place to fish.
Click here to see more of Wisconsin.
Even a March walk on Chicgo’s Navy Pier can be interesting. Yes, Navy Pier is widely considered worth visiting for its diverse attractions, stunning lakefront views, entertainment, dining, and cultural spots, offering a quintessential Chicago experience for families, couples, and tourists, though in March there are fewer crowds. However, it is a year-round destination with seasonal highlights like summer fireworks and boat tours, plus attractions like the Centennial Wheel and Chicago Children’s Museum.
For photography the low winter sun created long shadows and and a nice view of the Chicago skyline.
Click on the photo for more information. Click here for more photos.
A winter trip to a place like Door County can be very cold but rewarding. The contrast of the snow with Lake Michigan creates a serene setting (if there is not a blizzard at the time). This is taken from a road along North Bay near Baileys Harbor. The Birch Trees, Snow and lake make it a winter Wonderland!
Click on the photo for more information. Click here for more on Door County.