Unquestionably the discovery of the Mississippi is a datable fact which considerably mellows and modifies the shiny newness of our country, and gives her a most respectable outside-aspect of rustiness and antiquity. ~Mark Twain

Bee Tree is a park of my childhood. I remember spending a lot of lazy summer days exploring the trails and playing on the playground. Lets be honest — it was all about the playground. Whenever I think about this park now, I think about all the cool historical buildings and the overlooks on the bluffs of the Mississippi river.

I decided to venture out with my parents and the pup to relive a day in my youth one Sunday, and I was not disappointed. As we drove up the tree-lined street into the park, I instantly started remembering all the little spaces that were landmarks in my memory.

An old giant stone house was there on the drive up, and it was something that instantly drew me. I had remembered it being there, but didn’t really remember how cool it was. I started taking pictures, and you’ll have to forgive me, because most of my pictures are of this house!

Just look at how pretty it is! It’s a historical landmark that the county has preserved, and they even rent it out for events. In addition to the main house, there’s also a garden with a fountain, and a patio out back that overlooks the river (why do I suddenly feel like I’m making a sale here?).

We also visited the overlooks of the river in other places in the park. It was a great time of year with everything that was in bloom. The overlooks are also accessible and a short walk from the parking lot.

This was a great place to relive some memories, and a great park if you’re looking for an afternoon of exploring trails and old, historic buildings! Speaking of trails, there is also a lake down a small hill. I didn’t take any pictures, but there’s a path all the way around the lake with some cool bridges and other neat things to explore. Check it out!