Then check out local craft beer, pub grub, and live music at Half Brothers Brewing Company, a family-friendly taproom with a low-key vibe. No visit to Chicago is complete without a taste of Chicago deep dish pizza from Giordanos, before or after you visit the Adler Planetarium and Field Museum of Natural History. Ice-skating energizes both your mind and body. Write a review. With many of the same amenities as Chicago, Milwaukee is a more subdued version of the Second City. Head to the woods for a peaceful hike, curl up by the fire in a cozy cabin, or hit the town for some frosty window-shopping. Check into the Renaissance Chicago Downtown overlooking the Chicago River. 1. If you prefer a more formal experience, take afternoon tea at one of the local hotels, such as The Drake or The Peninsula. Another not to miss midwest winter getaway for families is Door County, Wisconsin. If youve never played Whirlyball, then a visit to Whirlyball Twin Cities is a must too! The caves in Hocking Hills State Park are a popular destination in the summer, but theyre even more dramatic, and beautiful, in the winter, when the parks waterfalls are frozen over and icicles hang off of the rock walls and cliffs. You can get your tickets through the Boone Homes Facebook page. The meaty T-Rex is a best seller and toppings include everything from pulled pork to tater tots. In winter, visitors duck in from the cold to sample wines at Old Mission Peninsula's wineries, sipping warm reds and dry whites while watching the sun set over frozen Lake Michigan. Lucky for all of us, they all happen to be affordable weekend getaways too! The Zoo is Nebraskas largest tourist attraction. Hot chocolate and warm treats are available for purchase near the lake, as well as in the local restaurants and shops. Underground caves, likes those outside of Corydon, Indiana which include the state's longest cave, the Indiana Caverns remain the same comfortable mid-50s temperature year-round. Who needs to visit a museum when you can stay in a fully restored Frank Lloyd Wright house that is actually on the national register of historic places for about $220 a night. Discover 11 more things to do in the northwest Minneapolis suburbs. But if youve already hit Christkindlmarket, the citys best ice rinks and all of the nearby sledding hills, it might be time to branch out a little bit. Related: A Romantic Winter Weekend Escape to Stillwater. These walks take place on Fridays and Saturdays in December and sell out quickly. Just steps away from The Original Mackinac Island Butterfly House and the must-see Fort Mackinac, where the kids will love firing the real life cannon (just make sure to make a reservation). What was your hotel experience like? Cinnamon pancakes, hearty portions, and homemade pie make this small, homey diner a local institution. Try another? More info:Parke County Visitors Bureau,Montgomery County Visitors and Convention Bureau. Instead, you'll find the plushest-of-plush cabins and rooms, a gourmet restaurant and picture-perfect horse-drawn sleigh rides. Of course activities on the mountain are endless did we mention Fat Tire Biking? Swim, splash, and slide in the gigantic water park complete with an indoor body board simulator. 2023 BDG Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Close to the two-family vacation no brainers (a zoo and a childrens museum), The Omaha Marriott Downtown is the perfect vacation hub for the family (and prices start at just around $127 per night). Find exclusive travel discounts, and book hotels, rental cars, and guided tours. Just minutes from downtown Minneapolis is the city of Maple Grove, home to Elm Creek Park Reserve. If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. Theatre is always a good option in Chicago with a multitude of Broadway and local productions to choose from. Paddlers on the 7-mile-long American Heritage Water Trail learn the stories of African Americans who fought for freedom and equality. Head to the woods for a peaceful hike, curl up by the fire in a cozy cabin, or hit the town for some frosty window-shopping. Destinations, Family time, Midwest. After spending the day indoors, cap off your evening with a magical skating experience at MOAs free Skate the Star. I have been to over 40 countries and want to help you make the most of your time in a destination by showcasing unique and fun things to do without breaking the bank! Top off the Michigan Bavarian experience filling hungry bellies at the famous Zehnders, which has been serving families its special fried chicken dinner for over 160 years. Right on the shores of Lake Michigan, the. But when there isnt snow on the ground the Crystal Mountain is open to hikers and trail bikers, with outdoor yoga and even a 38-hole championship golf course. Named Outstanding Retail Experience at the 2019 Iowa Tourism Conference, the square features many fun, independently owned shops with something for everyone! Whether youre looking to enjoy the outdoors, or keep warm with fun indoor attractions, I think weve got you covered! The worlds largest indoor desert, which just happens to be shaped like a dome. Winding through Minnesota and Wisconsin, the shores of the St. Croix River Valley have been welcoming Midwest weekend family visitors to its picturesque towns for ages. If you enjoyed our article on Midwest winter weekend getaways, click here to check out our Related posts: *Before leaving, be sure to check ourTravel Resources Pageto help with your travel planning. Reviews. 1. No kids allowed at Canoe Bay in northwest Wisconsin (outside Chetek, about two hours east of Minneapolis, Minnesota). If youre a John Wayne fan, you wont want to miss the John Wayne Museum, the only museum in the world dedicated to this celebrity. During the winter months, come out and enjoy tubing, Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, dog sledding, and snowboarding. If you are looking for a Midwest weekend getaway, then look no further than Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. The Wilderness is the perfect Wisconsin Dells resort for a Midwest winter getaway. Accommodates: 10 guests. So whether you are looking for indoor or outdoor winter fun, youll find plenty just outside Minneapolis. If youre new to skiing, a day pass for the bunny hill ski lift and the magic carpet is cheaper than an all-access day pass. Although Minnesota is known for its frigidly cold winters, there are some amazing indoor attractions to delight in during the winter months if cold just isnt your thing! Shares. Or spend a day getting pampered at the resorts spa where you can relax with a rejuvenating facial ($145-315, depending on service) or a massage ($135-300, depending on service). Winters in Nebraska can be BRUTAL. Many people call Door County the Cape Cod of the Midwest, and that's no less true in winter, when snow covers the picturesque northeast Wisconsin peninsula. Take a family weekend trip to the Cape Cod of the Midwest. Catch a show with the family (both the local 4th Street Theater and the 49er Drive-in will keep the family entertained till bedtime) before heading to a tasting at the Running Vines Winery. In addition to outdoor fun, the area has a thriving shopping and entertainment area. If you would like to show your support, you can Buy Me a Coffee here. Guests of the hotel are then free to use the waterpark during their stay. 46 Top Things To Do in Dubuque Iowa, Recommended By A Local! This upscale contemporary hotel will delight the design lover and is fully equipped with an indoor heated pool for the kids. Inspired to take a Midwest Winter Getaway? What Age Can I Take My Kids To Halloween Horror Nights At Universal? You dont have to wait until your kids are more grown up or you have a ton of money saved to start traveling. Pro tip buy your tickets online in advance and skip the lines. Kids will love the giant interactive water fort with squirt guns, cargo nets, suspension bridges and tipping water. Where To Stay: The Hotel Julien Dubuque and the Grand Harbor Resort are some good options for Downtown hotels. After dinner, play a round of indoor glow-in-the-dark mini-golf. If you're looking for more water fun, head a little farther to the Chula Vista Resort in the Dells to splash around in the indoor water park, which has plenty of waterslides. A Guide to Lapad Croatia | Lapad to Dubrovnik Old Town. (Hint: Theres a fried egg and bacon involved. Sleep in an old rail car, watch trains roll past, and peruse the Riley private collection of railway antiques and memorabilia. Shutterstock Table Rock Lake, Branson, Missouri Read update More Of The Most Breathtaking Winter Destinations In The Midwest This attraction has no entry fee and features more than 20,000 animals on site. Discover the breathtaking beauty of expansive pine trees, limestone cliffs, and flowing waterfalls in the Black Hills National Forest. this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. The National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium hold an annual Ice Fest during January or for the adults, Dubuque On Ice Brewfest is held in February, featuring a whole host of local breweries which takes place at the Ice Arena (dont worry, they cover up the ice for the festival)! If a wintry, scenic drive to northern Michigan sounds fun, then Boyne Mountain is worth the trek. Majority of people love to explore various attractions in their ski jeans and coats during winter. Write your review. Weve already had 3 snow falls in Iowa The ski slope opened 2 weeks early too! No matter how you like to travel, Brainerd, Minnesota (about 2 hours north of Minneapolis), fills the bill. Shop and dine at downtown's charming Old Market area. One of the most exciting attractions is the Riptide double surf simulator, where the daring can ride the waves indoors. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. Meals are an occasion: Six- and seven-course dinners are served in the Manor House (where a bagpiper in full kilt dress pipes on the weekends). Ice fishing is a favorite and, during the holiday season, you can even ride along in horse-drawn carriages. Spend the entire day at none other than the Mall of America (MOA)! Omaha, Nebraska Medora, North Dakota Hocking Hills, Ohio Black Hills, South Dakota Door County, Wisconsin Lake Geneva, Wisconsin Chicago, Illinois Chicago is definitely one of the top vacation spots in the Midwest and should be added to your winter bucket list. Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings. Photograph: Courtesy of Indiana Dunes National Park, It doesnt seem like winter would be an ideal time to stop by the beach, but its a unique opportunity to see the lakefront and surrounding sand dunes at, ($25 per car or $15 per person for walk-in/bike-in/boat in). With a spring, summer, or fall festival almost every weekend why not plan your visit to Wichita around the annual Blocktoberfest (beer, food, and games for the kids), the alfresco Autumn & Art Fair, or Wichitas most famous event the June Riverfest. Chef Jorge Guzmn's Step-by-Step Guide to Making Tamales. the coasts or even a tropical climate this winter for a much-needed getaway. Lake Geneva has been on my travel list for some time now! Omaha is an affordable city and will surprise you with one of the top 5 zoos in the world! Of all the family-friendly attractions on our list, there are none that are as crowd-pleasing as a zoo. No cars allowed on the historic Mackinac Island, where visitors are met at the ferry by bike rentals galore and horse-drawn carriages. With 94 guest rooms starting around $400 in season, the Island House Hotel features 2 restaurants and an indoor pool. One of the most exciting attractions is the Riptide double surf simulator, where the daring can ride the waves indoors. Once youve had your fix of water slides, the Wilderness also has games arcades, climbing walls, an indoor go kart track, 3D backlit mini golf and a paint your own pottery studio. Bayfield is a charming Hallmark-esque town in northern Wisconsin, but most visitors make the trek up to check out the, , a group of islands located just off the coast of Wisconsin in Lake Superior. Despite oftentimes brutally cold weather, there are plenty of fun activities to do in Chicago all winter long. Sign up for Scary Mommy's daily newsletter for more stories from the trenches. If you get too cold, head inside and let the kids enjoy the heated, indoor pool which comes with a family play area, and take a dip in the hot tub to warm back up. Once the weather gets too frigid, warm up in the always-84-degree indoor water park. The most passionate Division I fan base in the nation absolutely rocks the Ralph Engelstad Arena. If you have a season pass for another one of the Midwest ski resorts, you may be entitled to free entry or a discount at Sundown, so its worth looking in to! And when your family is tired of mall life, travel the 1.2 miles from the Mall of America to the Great Wolf Lodge. The Inn itself is enough to entertain the kids with an arcade, indoor mini golf course, a kids play area and 4 indoor pools (one of which is only for kids). If you are looking for a little more indoor excitement, then stay at Timber Ridge Lodge and Waterpark. So leave the formal clothing at home, and dress in stylish layers and casual comfortable clothing. Pinned this for when we plan our next trip. I help families plan fun & fulfilling family vacations by sharing our exact itineraries and best things to do lists to popular US vacation spots. Maximize the hours before check-in at Canad Inns Destination Centre Grand Forks, home to the largest indoor waterpark in the state. Even in southern Missouri, snow and ice sometimes blanket the woods around Table Rock Lake, making the luxe cabins at Big Cedar Lodge perfect for those who prefer to sip hot chocolate and enjoy the winter landscape from the other side of a picture window. The half-day, full-day or overnight treks start in McMillan, Michigan, about 90 miles east of Marquette. An Indiana pro shares her growing tips and recommendations. If youd rather watch the sport than hop on a sled yourself, be sure to stop by the World Championship Derby Complex on the third Sunday in January to catch the annual World Championship Snowmobile Derby and see a new world champion be crowned. Not to mention the outdoor play havens of the Smale Riverfront Park and Botanical Gardens. The all-suite resort offers lodge themed rooms and water park weekend getaways across the midwest in locations like Traverse City, Kansas City, and Sandusky. Just across from the Grand Harbor, is the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium. Where To Stay: Central Loop Hotel (Downtown). Winter getaways for families Photograph: Blue Harbor Resort Blue Harbor Resort in Sheboygan, Wisconsin Travel time: 2.5 hours by car Right on the shores of Lake Michigan, the Blue Harbor. Ive been there twice during the winter, and I highly recommend it as a place for a winter-weekend family getaway. The six famous Covered Bridges of Madison County are beautiful in any weather, but winter adds a magical element that only snow can provide. Rent bikes for the family (they even have tandem bikes and baby seats at some rentals) and work off all that fudge you inhaled at Rybas touring the limestone bluffs and scenic vistas of the Mackinac Island State Park, which encompasses much of the Island. These races take place in various cities around the US during the winter season. Osthoff Resort Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin 3. The Garden At 120: A Sky Garden Alternative | London, UK, 12 Awesome Things To Do In Cala D'Or, Mallorca | Cala D'Or Guide Spain. We get it, you need a weekend getaway. Let your littles learn and explore through the award- winning Omaha Childrens Museum or check out the Durham Museum in the renovated Omaha train station, dont miss the 1940s soda fountain for authentic malts. Theres no escaping the fact that the Midwest experiences pretty cold winter temperatures and most peoples reactions is to escape and fly south for some much needed winter sun! Few sounds break the hushed winter spell of this 280-acre retreat surrounded by North Woods. The Midwest is home to some of the nations most exciting cities (hello Chicago!) It doesnt seem like winter would be an ideal time to stop by the beach, but its a unique opportunity to see the lakefront and surrounding sand dunes at Indiana Dunes National Park ($25 per car or $15 per person for walk-in/bike-in/boat in). There are plenty of packages available for skiers and non-skiers alike that include meals, lift tickets and activities, and non-package rates are also available. Travel With A Planis a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. *Click the following image to get your FREE family vacation packing list that is both customizable and printable! Explore caverns, tunnels, slides, and more made entirely of ice. While visiting the Dells of the Wisconsin River, discover 14,000-year- old sandstone rock formations and private islands during a Dells Army Duck Ride. Take a break from all the vintage kitsch and head underground with a tram ride through the Fantastic Caverns one of the natural wonders of the US.

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