mccully heritage project

My wife and I rented the "Old Watkins Place" at the McCully Heritage Project for the weekend. The weather was not great (it rained) but we still had a nice weekend. We both enjoy the outdoors, and this is THE OUTDOORS. If remote bothers you don't stay. If you want peace, this is the place. The house (sleeps six) is best described as an old, small farmhouse that has been remodeled. It is not fancy, but it is clean and a good home base to explore the area. It is remote - in the woods down a half-mile gravel and dirt driveway. We had a deer in the front yard on Sunday morning. You can sit on the porch (they also have a fire pit - we're hoping to get a chance to use that next time) and hear nothing but mother nature. The McCully Heritage Project is a local not-for-profit nature preserve that has hiking trails, two ponds, a historic log cabin, a pavilion for public use, and does numerous programs to teach about nature. There is no charge for using the Project facilities but you do rent the cabin by the night. The Director, Michelle, was great to work with.The area is the essence of small town and rural. Very remote, hills and wooded, Calhoun County has 5000 residents. The count seat, Hardin, is about 1000. Quaint, good local restaurants, orchards and roadside stands, and great fall colors. A nice weekend getaway. As a plus, it is a short drive to Elsah, Grafton, Alton, St. Louis. Pere Marquette State Park and other activities. We are planning on this being a regular getaway!