Midwest Mimi

  • The Bandwidth of Peace

    A rainy spring morning, a numb hand, an unfinished book-tree drawing, and a list of “analog hobbies” got me thinking about disability, creativity, and accommodations. There is no prize for making the process harder. The prize is the peace we feel while making something.

  • Accessibility Review of Black Hawk State Historic Site – Rock Island, IL

    Black Hawk State Historic Site has long been a favorite spot for me. It’s close enough for an easy drive, rarely crowded, and offers that lush, calming greenery along the riverbank that always helps me reset my mind. This park blends history, nature, and family-friendly spaces; and it does so with a fair amount of…

  • St. Louis Zoo Accessibility Review: Tips for a Smooth Visit

    The St. Louis Zoo is one of the top free attractions in the Midwest, and it’s an incredible destination for families. But if you or someone in your group has mobility challenges, there are a few things you’ll want to know before you go. Admission & Costs to Plan For One of the best things…

  • Owl Creek Park River Access Accessibility Review

    (Formerly Bonehole Swimming Basin) Owl Creek Park River Access (formerly known as Bonehole Swimming Basin) is one of those hidden gems that makes you want to linger just a little longer. We had such a great time here that we actually visited twice in the same week. What’s funny is that even some locals we…

  • 🌿 Why Kankakee River State Park Stole Our Camping Hearts (and Might Steal Yours Too) 🌿

    Earlier this spring, we packed up the circus (a.k.a. our family) and headed to Kankakee River State Park for a few days of camping. And honestly? We’d go back in a heartbeat. The Campground Vibes We camped midweek in May, which meant blessed peace and quiet. No generators humming, no kids shrieking at dawn (other…

  • 🌿 West Lake Park — A Midwest Mimi Park Review 🌿

    Some parks become part of your family’s rhythm, and for me, West Lake Park in Scott County, Iowa, has become one of those places. We’ve gone there enough times that I’ve lost count. Part of why we keep going back is that it’s clean, well-maintained, and keeps evolving. There’s a butterfly garden that’s interesting and…

  • 🌿 Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Recreation Area — A Midwest Mimi Park Review 🌿

    I’ve learned that sometimes the places that look ordinary on a map turn out to be the ones that give me the most peace. Lake Le-Aqua-Na was one of those places for us. We spent a slow, gentle afternoon there as a family. The park was green and lush, with trails winding past a little…