Summer adventures: Part 7

Summer is the time to relax, hang out with friends and family, and have fun adventures to tell about when school starts again in August. You don't have to leave Southeast Missouri to find adventure this summer. If you're yearning for adventure or looking for fun places to relax with friends while staying in the area, we've got you covered. Check this spot and check something off your summer bucket list every other week without having to stray too far from home, with tips from Mia Pohlman.

Visit a state park

You can watch a meteor shower in a state park this weekend. The Perseid meteor shower happens Saturday, and Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park provides activities, information and a place to watch it. Or you can spend a day at the Shut-Ins swimming, hiking and camping. Luke Edwards says the park is the coolest place he's been to in Southeast Missouri. "It's the most awesome place to look at, with the rocks and water," he said. The park is free, and park hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Find out more at mostateparks.com.

Mia Pohlman is a graduate of Perryville High School who has completed her freshman year of college at Truman State University.