Great lakes guide 04

www.greatlakesUSA.co.uk

ILLINOIS MINNESOTA OHIO MICHIGAN WISCONSIN

The essential guide to having a great adventure in the region that has it all

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MINNESOTA’S CLASSIC RESORT

The Classic at Madden’s

#40 of America’s Best 100 Golf Courses (Golf Digest)

63 Holes of Golf / Tennis / Croquet Spa Hiking & Biking Trails Children’s Activity Program 287 Guest Rooms / 5 Restaurants Easily accessible from Minneapolis/Saint Paul Rates starting at £112/night

Madden’s Resort on Gull Lake  Brainerd, Minnesota USA www.maddens.com  email vacation@maddens.com  001.218.829.2811

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The GREAT

American Escape S

IGHTSEEING, city life, Native American culture, wildlife, outdoor activities, water sports and adventurous pursuits – this is a region that absolutely has it all. From the western fringes of Minnesota to northern Michigan, from wild Wisconsin to sophisticated Illinois and exciting Ohio, this is a realm of pure delight ranged around the greatest bodies of fresh water on the planet – the Great Lakes.

And it is the starting point for a great adventure, no matter where you begin, when you visit, or whether you are young or old (or anywhere in between).

Take your pick from wonderfully-hot, sunny summers that highlight the area’s lake heritage; impossibly-picturesque autumn days full of jewel-like autumn foliage; or crisp, cold winters (and lots of snow) with a myriad of sporting pursuits.

Walk across the Mississippi River on these rocks – at the official beginning of the Mississippi in Minnesota

Contents

From the western fringes of Minnesota to northern Michigan, from wild Wisconsin to sophisticated Illinois and exciting Ohio, this is a realm of pure delight ranged around the greatest bodies of fresh water on the planet – the Great Lakes

Map Out Your Trip............................................... 4 Land of 10,000 Lakes...................................... 5 Heart of the Midwest......................................... 9 The Great Lakes State................................... 17 Fun in the Great Outdoors. ..................... 21 An All-American Adventure. ................. 24 A First-Class Place to Shop. .................... 26

Then discover people who are friendly and welcoming, who take great delight in showing off their states to visitors and who provide a genuinely sincere insight into this amazing country.

Much of the Great Lakes is a product of generations of tough, indomitable frontier folk who braved incredible odds to carve out a foothold – and you don’t need to go far off the beaten track to discover the territory’s roots in evocative places such as Dayton (home of the Wright Brothers), Battle Creek (home of Kellogg’s), Green Bay (Wisconsin’s oldest city), Springfield (the Abe Lincoln version, not Homer Simpson’s!) and Lake Itasca (source of the mighty Mississippi).

The Colonial era, Native American heritage, Civil War hot-spots, the industrial revolution and major 20th-century landmarks can all be found in abundance, along with great celebrations of their historical significance in major museums and small towns alike.

Golfers, anglers, hikers, bikers and boaters are all superbly catered for in each state. And, for those who like a walk on the wild side, this is also somewhere you can try out the latest adventure activities, from kayaking and rafting to W greatlakesUSA.co.uk

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Find a Tour Operator for your Great Lakes adventure

Look up W greatlakesUSA. co.uk and click on the Book Your Trip link.

For more information in the UK and Ireland The Great Lakes USA Tourist Office, c/o Cellet Travel Services Ltd, Brook House, 47 High Street, Henley-in-Arden, Warwickshire B95 5AA. T 08456 020 574; E info@cellet.co.uk.

From Ireland: T +44 8546 020 574.

sky-diving, kite-surfing, caving, geo-caching, ice-climbing and even snow-mobiling.

Contemporary life can be sampled in über-modern cities such as Chicago, Milwaukee, Cleveland, Detroit and Minneapolis-Saint Paul, where chic restaurants jostle with state-of-the-art spas, top-quality theatre companies offer the latest productions, shopping is world class and it is easy to get around by car, plane and train.

You can also choose from luxury resort hotels or some of the more offbeat – and unique – accommodation on offer in the USA, from charming B&Bs to rustic backwaters that feature the true taste of yesteryear (albeit with all mod cons).

Or you can just chill out on the beach (and the region has some truly great beaches, too) and soak up a region that has oodles of indoor charm – and does the great outdoors even better.

Truly, this is where you can meet the real America, the historic America, the scenic America – the Great America.

Great Lakes USA – Official UK Tourist Board

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Roseau

Thief River Falls

hit the road and see the States

Ely Bemidji

Find out why the Great Lakes is such a great place to visit on this suggested 13-day tour:

Apostle Lake Islands Superior Duluth

Bayfield

Brainerd

Ashland

Minneapolis

MICHIGAN

Hurley

MINNESOTA Bloomington

Day 1: Chicago, Illinois

Whitefish Point

Woodruff

Saint Paul

DOOR COUNTY

Wausau

WISCONSIN

Green Bay

Ephraim

Traverse City

Petoskey Gaylord Grayling

Wisconsin Dells

West Branch

Milwaukee Lake

Michigan

Galena

Moline

Rockford Chicago Joliet Atlanta

ILLINOIS

Pontiac

Champaign/ Urbana

Springfield Alton

Day 5: Spring Green, Wisconsin ➜ Winona, Minnesota (147 miles)

Frankenmuth

Mount Pleasant

Madison

Spring Green

Days 3/4: Ephraim, Wisconsin ➜ Spring Green, Wisconsin (249 miles)

Lake Huron

Winona

mAp OUT YOUr Trip

Day 2: Chicago ➜ Ephraim, Wisconsin (258 miles)

Mackinac Island

Cable

Wabasha

Sault Sainte Marie

Marquette

Birch Run

Grand Haven

Day 6: Winona, Minnesota ➜ Saint Paul, Minnesota (123 miles)

MICHIGAN

Holland

Lansing

Detroit

Toledo Sandusky Loudonville Wapakoneta

Columbus

Dayton Cincinnati

Days 7/8: Saint Paul, Minnesota ➜ Bayfield, Wisconsin (209 miles)

Lake Erie

OHIO

Cleveland Holmes County Sugarcreek

Day 9: Bayfield, Wisconsin ➜ Marquette, Michigan (206 miles) Days 10/11: Marquette, Michigan ➜ Mackinac Island, Michigan (173 miles) Day 12: Mackinac Island, Michigan ➜ Grand Haven, Michigan (267 miles) Day 13: Grand Haven, Michigan ➜ Chicago, Illinois (170 miles)

Carbondale

Footnote: Indiana and Pennsylvania are no longer part of the Great Lakes consortium

MINNEAPOLIS One river unites two cities to create one amazing destination Although Minneapolis and Saint Paul, Minnesota are two cities with distinct personalities, they are joined by geography and culture.

Minneapolis and Saint Paul are a short distance apart and are connected by the natural beauty of the Mississippi River. Plus, a vibrant nightlife scene, amazing tax-free shopping and world-class dining create the unique culture of this metropolitan area.

Request your free Minneapolis-Saint Paul official visitors guide at

www.minneapolis.org/uk or call 001 612 767 8112

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Dakota Indians called their pristine birthplace

in The North Star State. Musician Prince calls

Mnisota Makoce –‘water that reflects the sky’ – in

the state home, as did rock and folk icon

recognition of more than 10,000 inland lakes dotted

Bob Dylan, singer-actress Judy Garland and

across the state’s vast expanse. It is the northernmost

storyteller Garrison Keillor, whose A Prairie

in the continental US, the majority of its citizens live in

Home Companion radio show brings yesteryear

the twin cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul, and its

to life.

annual state fair takes great delight in serving up all manner of food on a stick.

At 411 miles long and 357 miles wide, Minnesota actually has more shoreline than California, Florida

World-famous Mayo Clinic is here, the first

and Hawaii combined. It is believed by some that

heart and bone marrow transplants in America

Vikings explored the land long before European

were performed at the University of Minnesota,

settlement, and you can even cross the mighty

and the automatic pop-up toaster, roller-blades, and,

Mississippi River at its source in Itasca State

of course, the snowmobile, were all invented

Park – in just a few short strides!

M i n n e s o ta

w exploreminnesota.com

Land of 10,000 Lakes

Minnesota has exceptional canoeing and kayaking on its thousands of lakes

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Great Lakes USA – Official UK Tourist Board

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Left: The giant spoon-andcherry sculpture at the Walker Art Center illustrates Minnesotans’ sense of humour Below: Winter sports are a key part of Minnesota life

M

INNEAPOLIS and Saint Paul, known as the Twin Cities at the meeting of the Minnesota and Mississippi rivers, are a natural starting point, allowing time to savour both of them for their unique personalities, which prove how individual these ‘twins’ are.

Cosmopolitan Minneapolis majors on progressive modernism, expressed in its skyscrapers, multiple-sports arena and an affinity for the arts. Minnesotans’ sense of humour is evident in the giant spoon-and-cherry sculpture outside the Walker Art Center, which features contemporary artists such as Andy Warhol, Pablo Picasso and Georgia O’Keeffe. Art comes to life at the Jean Nouvel-designed Guthrie Theater complex

Minnesotans’ sense of humour is evident in the giant spoon-and-cherry sculpture outside the Walker Art Center overlooking Saint Anthony Falls on the Mississippi River, one of the nation’s most-respected live-performance centres ( W minneapolis.org).

Historical and refined, Saint Paul exudes quiet contentment in its Victorian architecture, favouring a relaxed pace that allows for more contemplative pursuits. And there is no better place to reminisce than the Fitzgerald Theater when master storyteller Garrison Keillor and the cast of A Prairie Home Companion are performing. Families will appreciate the Minnesota Children’s Museum, with its hands-on, interactive appeal. In the New Year, don’t miss the annual Winter Carnival which has been celebrated for 126 years ( W visitsaintpaul.com).

Travel a few miles south of either city to Bloomington to visit the Mall of America, the nation’s largest shopping and entertainment complex, with more than 520 stores and restaurants, plus the Nickelodeon Universe indoor theme park, again the biggest in the nation, with 30 rides and attractions, including a major roller-coaster ( W bloomingtonmn.org)!

Mention sport and it is practically assumed you mean ice hockey. However, the Twin Cities are home not only to the Minnesota Wild but also the Twins (baseball), Timberwolves (basketball) and Vikings (American football). Sporting events 6

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are family-friendly, often with entertainment extras such as marching bands, contests and ‘theme days’.

Soak up a bit of history at Historic Fort Snelling, located within the Twin Cities metro area, where costumed interpreters re-create frontier life in the 1820s, from everyday household tasks to guard duty and military exercises. Continue north to Little Falls, where Charles Lindbergh’s boyhood home is now a museum that chronicles his achievements as a pioneer in the field of aviation. Have your photo taken in the cockpit of a replica of the Spirit of Saint Louis.

Equally impressive are the enormous statues standing sentinel in Bemidji, honouring the legend of larger-than-life lumberjack Paul Bunyan and his enormous blue ox, Babe, who carved out the Grand Canyon, created a rockpile now known as Mount Hood and formed the Great Lakes so that Babe would have a

Adventure, Excitement!

Winter sports are a key part of Minnesota life, with an average snowfall of 70 inches in the northern parts of the state, while summer brings the chance to combine sun and water in a myriad of exhilarating ways:

Canoeing: Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in Superior National Forest provides nearly 1,500 miles of exceptional canoeing and kayaking through the 1,000 lakes and numerous streams in this pristine wilderness ( W bwca.cc).

River Tubing: By contrast, you can take a lazy float along the Platte River at Two Rivers campground in Royalton, just 90 minutes north of the Twin Cities ( W tworiverscampground.net).

Snowmobiling: With about 20,000 miles of groomed trails and easy access to snowmobile hire, this makes for an invigorating day (or several!) during any winter visit.

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Covington Inn in Saint Paul, which allows the gentle waves of the Mississippi River to lull guests asleep on this former towboat, its four beautifully-appointed staterooms each featuring a fireplace and deck access ( T 001 (651) 292 1411 W covingtoninn.com; Alexander Mansion, which combines period antiques with sophisticated luxury in four guest rooms decorated in sympathy with this lovely turnof-the-century Victorian manor ( T 001 (507) 474 4224 W alexandermansionbb.com); and Madden’s on Gull Lake, which offers a wide variety of accommodation, from luxury rooms to intimate deluxe cabins, nestled comfortably in the grounds of this award-winning four-course golf resort ( T 001 (218) 829 2811 W maddens.com).

Right: The Jean Nouveldesigned Guthrie Theater overlooks Saint Anthony Falls on the Mississippi River Below right: The Mall of America is the nation’s largest shopping and entertainment complex

Ten days in Minnesota

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Enjoy a typical tour of the North Star State as follows (see also W explore minnesota.com and W greatlakes USA.co.uk).

Day 1-3: Minneapolis and Saint Paul Day 4: Bloomington (Mall of America and Historic Fort Snelling) Day 5: Little Falls and Itasca State Park Day 6: Bemidji and Ely Day 7: The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Day 8-9: The North Shore of Lake Superior Day 10: Duluth

w exploreminnesota.com

M i n n e s o ta

A Charming Stay Take your pick from these excellent big-hotel alternatives:

watering hole to drink from. Head south for Itasca State Park, where the official beginning of the Mississippi River is so narrow you can jump from rock to rock to cross it, as Native American legend dictates crossing the Mississippi ensures long life.

Just ‘getting there’ is half the fun along Minnesota’s 21 designated Scenic Byways, which are rich with culture, history and dramatic landscapes. Be sure to stop along the way to pick up a packet of the State’s famous treat, wild rice – a deliciously-earthy, water-grass seed and staple of the native Dakota and Ojibwe Indians. And, with so much water around, leave the car behind in favour of time spent boating, fishing, kayaking or canoeing. Fun fact – waterskiing was invented in Minnesota!

Summer’s waning days bring on a riot of splendid colour as the autumn foliage sweeps across the state, transforming forests into a photographer’s dream. Savour the North Shore Scenic Drive, an ‘All American Road’, out of Duluth, a tourist destination in its own right as well as the world’s largest inland port. Journey along Lake Superior’s shoreline or trek the Superior Hiking Trail for the best of nature’s glories.

Minnesota’s secluded wilderness also makes it the ideal location for three of the world’s most-renowned wildlife centres – the International Wolf Center and North American Bear Center in Ely and the National Eagle Center in Wabasha.

When the snow lands, head to Thief River Falls and Roseau, northwest of Bemidji, for the thrill of snowmobiling and a tour of the Arctic Cat snowmobile manufacturing plant. Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness trails in Superior National Forest offer a wealth of winter excitement, including 19 miles of cross-country skiing, four miles of snow-shoeing and ‘Yurt to Yurt’ skiing (bunking down overnight in the round, peaked-roofed, canvas-covered yurts, small cabins or guest houses) on the Banadad Ski Trail.

Let rugged outdoor adventure, sophisticated arts and dining, or the plaintive cry of the loon – hauntingly beautiful as it dances across the water – draw you in; Minnesota is all about the spirit of adventure, for memories as vast as her 10,000 lakes.

Great Lakes USA – Official UK Tourist Board

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special feature

Mall of America

®

Great Shopping & Family Destination!

Do you plan your holiday around shopping and family fun? Millions of people do and they love Minnesota’s impressive Mall of America! The largest U.S. retail and entertainment centre in Bloomington, Minnesota features over 520 stores, 50 restaurants and many family attractions (mallofamerica.com). Over 40 million guests visit the Mall each year from around the world. Here’s why: World-Class Shopping Enjoy leading designer brands at prices lower than many areas in the U.S. with no sales tax on clothing or shoes. Experience an unequalled selection of clothing and jewellery, accessories, electronic goods and more at leading retailers including Burberry, Michael Kors, Apple, Coach, AlX Armani Exchange, Superdry, Victoria’s Secret, Hugo Boss, Lacoste, Microsoft and Abercrombie & Fitch. Typically, 10-15 new stores open each year so there are always new fashions and gift ideas to choose from.

Many Family Activities Have hours of family fun at Nickelodeon Universe® – the largest U.S. indoor theme park in the centre of the Mall featuring 27 exciting rides and attractions plus live

Did you know? l

ore than 800 million guests from M around the world have visited the Mall during the past two decades.

entertainment with Sponge-Bob, Dora the Explorer and other popular Nickelodeon characters. Experience many other family activities including American Girl®, SEA LIFE™ l 9 Eiffel Towers could fit inside Mall Aquarium, Sky Deck Sports Grille & of America.

Lanes, jet simulators, a ropes climbing l If you spent 10 minutes in each store it would take 86 hours to course, The LEGO® Store, movie complete your tour of the Mall. theatres, a mirror maze, miniature golf and much more. Enjoy over 400 events annually – all free to guests – including Hollywood celebrity appearances, music performances and autograph signings. l

T he Mall attracts more visitors annually than the combined populations of Canada, South Dakota, North Dakota and Iowa.

Visitor Friendly Location Mall of America is located in Bloomington – just 15 minutes from downtown Minneapolis and Saint Paul and only five minutes from Minneapolis/Saint Paul International Airport (MSP). Travellers enjoy daily, nonstop air service from London to MSP and convenient connections from other UK cities.

Over 40 Bloomington hotels are located within 10 minutes of the Mall and offer free shuttle service to/from the Mall and MSP Airport. Visit MOAspecialoffers.com for attractive hotel rates, amenities and value.

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w gochicago.com

Illinois Chicago’s Crown Fountain in Millennium Park is one of the Second City’s top attractions

Heart of the Midwest Chicago, the USA’s official Second City, provides a fitting heartbeat to much of the Great Lakes region, set as it is in the perfect central location to be the starting point for any number of adventures.

Illinois has often been at the forefront of American history, playing home to Abraham Lincoln, Route 66, Louis Armstrong, deep-dish pizza, the breathtaking architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright, the Chicago Bears and, more recently, Senator and now President Barack Obama.

Chicago, The Prairie State’s largest city, is a huge airline gateway, a major rail hub and a significant port and harbour. The state stretches about 430 miles from north to south and is bordered by the Mississippi River to the west and Lake Michigan to the north.

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A

NY visit to The Prairie State should definitely begin with a stay in ‘that toddlin’ town’, Chicago. America’s second city is packed with activities and excitement, and is a sightseer’s dream.

Easy to get around by public transport, and one of the most walkable cities in the US, it boasts great museums, art galleries, theatres, architecture and boat tours, restaurants and, of course, that amazing skyline, full of eye-catching skyscrapers such as the Willis Tower and John Hancock Center.

The ‘must sees’ include the magnificent Art Institute, the Museum of Science & Industry, the Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium and the Field Museum, arguably one of the best natural science centres in the world. Do also make time for shopping along the Magnificent Mile, a one-street wonderland of high fashion and glamour, and many of the neighbourhoods, such as artsy Bucktown and Wicker Park, German-influenced Lincoln Square and State Street in The Loop.

Touring Chicago also couldn’t be easier, and you’ll benefit from trying more than one. Lake and river cruises are real highlights – including the eye-opening Architecture Boat Tour – and you can even rent a bike or take a Segway tour Great Lakes USA – Official UK Tourist Board

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Rockford, Illinois Real, Original Rockford A great destination in the heart of America just 60 minutes from Chicago’s O’Hare Airport and convenient to major Midwestern cities. Surrounded by rolling farmland, forest preserves and small towns. Recognised twice by America in Bloom as “most beautiful community” with a population of 100,000+.

Aldeen Golf Course

Transportation

Access to the Rockford Region is easy: • Interstates 90 and 39 or U.S. Highway 20 • 60 minutes from Chicago’s O’Hare International (ORD) • 90 minutes from downtown Chicago, Milwaukee and Madison • Chicago/Rockford International Airport Las Vegas, Orlando, St. Petersburg, Tampa Bay, Phoenix, Fort Myers, West Palm Beach, Cancun

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Top Attractions

Anderson Japanese Gardens Burpee Museum of Natural History Coronado Performing Arts Center Discovery Center Museum Klehm Arboretum Midway Village Museum Sinnissippi Park and Gardens Tinker Swiss Cottage

Coronado T

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Anderson Japen

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Customised Tours Shopping Tours City Tours Garden Tours Fall Foliage Tours Golf Tours Farm Tours

Contact Informati

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Symb

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River

Copperstone Inn

Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau www.gorockford.com

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To receive guides, map travel itineraries pl s and ea Cellet Travel Servi se contact: ces Ltd. 47 High Street Henley in Arden B95 Phone: + 4 4 (0 )8 5AA UK 4 E m ai l: ja cq ue ly 5 6 0 2 0 5 74 n @ ce ll et .c o. uk For media enquir ies: Laura Mason-B yers, Press Officer Email: laura@celle t.co.uk Fiona Pettit, Pre ss Email: fiona@celle Officer t.co.uk

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The Inn At Irish Hollow, an intimate, little hideaway set in 500 acres of magnificent rolling hillsides and valleys in Galena ( t 001 (815) 777 6000 w irishhollow.com); Market Street Inn ( t 001 (217) 824 7220 w marketstreetinn.com), in Taylorville, just south-east of Springfield, an 1892 Queen Anne mansion featuring some superb Victorian suites and the original 1899 Carriage House; and Pere Marquette Lodge ( t 001 (618) 786 2331 w pmlodge.net), a superb State Park Lodge built by the Civilian Conservation Corps from 1933-1939, in the extreme south-west near Alton.

Right: The Ledge glass observation box, 1,353 feet above ground level, at Chicago’s Willis Tower Below: Shea’s Gas Station in Springfield is a must for memorabilia collectors

w gochicago.com

CHICAGO One of the most walkable cities in the US, Chicago boasts great museums, art galleries, theatres, architecture and boat tours, restaurants and, of course, that amazing skyline Head out from the big city and there are many new treats in store, including seven National Scenic Byways driving tours ( W byways.org/explore/states/IL/), which take in part of the famous Route 66 and the Meeting of The Great Rivers Route (especially for autumn glory).

Take Route 66 south and make stops in Joliet, Pontiac and Atlanta for fun Route 66 attractions on the way to state capital Springfield, where Shea’s Gas Station Museum is a must for its collection of memorabilia, and owner Bill Shea has become an international celebrity. Springfield is also the site of a new Scheels store, which combines the largest selection of sports goods and sportswear under one roof in Illinois with the fun of a 16,000-gallon aquarium, a

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Illinois

A Charming Stay The Great Lakes region as a whole boasts a wonderful range of hotels, inns and lodges, many of which provide that more personal touch and ‘something different’ factor, and Illinois has three of the best. Look for an alternative to the big-hotel experience at the following:

that covers the full extent of the lakefront, museum campus and gorgeous Millennium Park ( W bikeandroll.com/chicago).

And, while deep-dish pizza is the most-famous menu item (check out Lou Malnati’s or the Original Gino’s East for an authentic taste), there is no shortage of fine dining, with some of America’s top chefs plying their trade here. Look out for Grant Achatz’s Alinea, Stephanie Izard’s Girl & the Goat restaurant (she won the US’s Top Chef programme, the only female winner so far) and Jean Joho’s Everest, but there are dozens that fit the high-quality bill.

Nightlife is another stand-out feature – this is the home of the blues, after all. Live music is top of the bill at the likes of Buddy Guy’s Legends and Kingston Mines, and there are several tours that will ensure you can enjoy all the sounds with no driving and no cover charge.

50% 5

• • • •

Shedd Aquarium The Field Museum Skydeck Chicago Fast Pass Your choice of Adler Planetarium OR Art Institute of Chicago • Your choice of John Hancock Observatory Fast Pass OR Museum of Science and Industry

Buy at these attractions - Good for 9 days - Skip most ticket lines ONLY

Ages 3-11

81 $64

$

Connect with CityPASS (888) 330-5008 or citypass.com

Pricing and programs are subject to change.

Great Lakes USA – Official UK Tourist Board

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Ten days in Illinois

Here is a sample itinerary of a typical 10-day touring plan for Illinois, touching on many of the key areas (for the full picture, be sure to visit W gochicago.com and W enjoyillinois. com).

Day 1-3: Chicago Day 4: Drive to Springfield (via Joliet, Wilmington, Pontiac and Atlanta) Day 5: Springfield Day 6: Alton (via Chatham and Litchfield) Day 7: Pere Marquette State Park to Moline Day 8: Galena Day 9: Rockford and Starved Rock State Park Day 10: Return to Chicago

Illinois is also home to 95 wineries, so take time to sample as you meander through the state – most provide wine tours 65ft-high Ferris wheel, a shooting gallery and golf, baseball, hockey and driving simulators.

The town is also the home of Abraham Lincoln and visitors shouldn’t miss the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum, the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, the Old State Capitol and the reconstructed village of New Salem.

Continue south-west to Alton, which boasts the National Great Rivers Museum, the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center and Cahokia Mounds, a World Heritage Site. Enjoy the magnificent scenery of Pere Marquette State Park before you pick up the Great River Road north along the mighty Mississippi, through a series of charming river-towns with 300 years of history and heritage.

In the Quad Cities, be sure to visit the John Deere Pavilion in Moline as well as take a riverboat ride; and finish up in historic Galena, once home to President Ulysses S Grant, where 85 per cent of the structures are within the Historic District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Need more of the great outdoors? Chestnut Mountain (near Galena) is great for winter skiing and Eagle Ridge offers championship-level golfing. Make your way to Rockford and stroll through Anderson Japanese Gardens, then enjoy the dramatic butte-and-canyon panoramas of Starved Rock State Park (between Chicago and Peoria), where the hiking trails offer great views over the Illinois River and its sparkling waterfalls.

Illinois is also home to 95 wineries, so take some time to sample as you meander through the state – most provide wine tours.

Sport fans are well served here, too, whether you just want to indulge in a spot of golf (Illinois offers hundreds of fine courses), check out the gee-gees (at world famous 12

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Arlington Park, north-west of Chicago) or sample the big pro events – and a true appreciation of Americana, with Chicago offering the Cubs and White Sox for baseball, the Bears for American football, the Blackhawks for hard-hitting ice-hockey, the Bulls for Basketball, and motorsports at Chicagoland Speedway.

But, most of all, just let Illinois’ extensive charms and expansive style get under your skin; linger along the trails and Adventure, Excitement! Adrenalin byways, talk to the locals and junkies are x-tremely well catered for in busy get a true feel for what makes Illinois, with the following selection of superb the Prairie State a key adventure sports: experience at the heart of Rock Climbing: Head for Shawnee National America.

Forest in the extreme south, where both climbing and rappelling can be tried at Jackson Falls ( w fs.usda.gov/Shawnee).

Scuba Diving: Learn to dive at the unique, 8.5-acre, spring-fed quarry of Mermet Springs, also in the south ( w mermetsprings.com).

Kayak Chicago: For a unique tour of the city, take to the water, with a variety of guided canoe and kayak trips ( w kayakchicago.com).

Above: The dramatic Tonti Canyon in Starved Rock State Park Right: Baseball with the White Sox is one of many sporting options in Chicago

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Great Lakes Region

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Chicago

Travel by Amtrak and you’ll do more ®

than just get from Point A to Point B – you’ll discover a whole new way of experiencing America! Enjoy the relaxed pace and stress-free ambience of contemporary train travel. Stretch out in a spacious seat or lounge in your private Sleeping car room. Make new friends over a game of cards or dinner in the Dining car. Or simply marvel at the spectacular scenery right outside your window.

Because on Amtrak, the journey is just as inviting as the destination.

Chicago is America’s rail transportation hub and an excellent base from which to explore the Great Lakes region. As one of two direct rail routes between the American heartland and the great metropolises of the Northeast, the scenic Amtrak Lake Shore Limited™ offers stunning views of Lake Michigan and Lake Erie as well as the Erie Canal and New York’s Hudson River.

The train leaves Chicago’s striking skyline behind, traveling east across Northern Indiana – where the University of Notre Dame’s gilded dome is visible over the treetops near South Bend – then along Lake Michigan, the Mohawk River and the southern shore of Lake Erie. After passing through Toledo and Sandusky, Ohio – home to Cedar Point, one of the world’s premier amusement parks – the Lake Shore Limited® continues to Cleveland, known to music lovers as the home of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and to sports fans as the home of the Browns, Indians and Cavaliers. As the train heads into New York State, enjoy a scenic ride through the Finger Lakes region before continuing to Albany – with connecting service to Boston – and New York City.

Amtrak Hiawatha® Service offers convenient, regularly scheduled service from Chicago to nearby Milwaukee, Wisconsin, home of the Milwaukee Brewers baseball team and the architecturally striking Milwaukee Art Museum. A quick 90-minute trip will have you in the city known worldwide for its

Amtrak.com

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Milwaukee Art Museum

The Art Institute of Chicago:

Lake Michigan

beer, with seven round trips offered each day (six on Sundays).

Complete your journey by taking the Hiawatha Service directly to the new Amtrak station at Milwaukee’s General Mitchell International Airport, where you’ll receive free shuttle service to the airport terminal.

Chicago’s central location also makes it the perfect point from which to embark on an exploration of the American Northwest. On board the Amtrak Empire Builder®, you’ll follow in the footsteps of the early pioneers, tracing parts of the original trail forged by legendary explorers Lewis and Clark.

The train travels from Chicago to Milwaukee before heading west across Wisconsin and alongside the Mississippi River to the Twin Cities of Minneapolis/St. Paul, where picturesque paddlewheel boats transport visitors from scenic Harriet Island to the limestone bluffs of Fort Snelling.

The Empire Builder stops at Midway Station in St. Paul, the state capital and birthplace of author F. Scott Fitzgerald (The Great Gatsby). Minneapolis is known for its extensive Skyway System of enclosed walkways linking most of downtown.

From the Twin Cities, the Empire Builder continues across Minnesota and into North Dakota and Montana, stopping at Glacier National Park before splitting into two routes that conclude on the Pacific Coast at either Seattle, Washington or Portland, Oregon.

Admire works by Picasso, Matisse, Kandinsky and other contemporary masters in the newly opened Modern Wing of the Art Institute of Chicago.

Located in Chicago’s Grant Park, The Art Institute is America’s second-largest museum, with one million square feet of exhibition space showcasing worldclass paintings, sculpture, photography and more.

Willis Tower: Gain a new perspective on Chicago and America’s

heartland on the Skydeck of the Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower). Dare to stand out on The Ledge – four new, retractable glass ledges that suspend visitors out over Chicago more than 1,350 feet in the air.

Mall of America: More than 40 million visitors make the pilgrimage each year to Bloomington, Minnesota in the Twin Cities metropolitan area and the giant Mall of America, home to 520 stores and more than 50 restaurants and attractions, including Camp Snoopy named for the beloved Peanuts comic strip character created by Twin Cities native Charles Schulz.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum: Celebrate Rock and Roll with a visit to Cleveland, Ohio’s interactive museum of rock and pop culture.

Amtrak.com

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Rail travel is an energy-efficient travel choice, emitting fewer greenhouse gases per passenger mile than either car or air travel. Want to do even more to help the environment?

Consider offsetting your Amtrak travel through Carbonfund.org, which will use your donation to support projects that reduce carbon emissions.

Cloud Gate, Chicago

Willis Tower, Chicago

Notre Dame University

2,709 3,264 3,445 ENERGY USED IN BTUs* *BTU stands for British Thermal Unit, a standard unit of energy.

Figures listed refer to BTUs used per passenger mile.

Minneapolis

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See your travel agent to book Amtrak as part of your USA trip; to purchase Amtrak tours, see your travel agent or visit www.essentiallyamerica.com/amtrak OK PHOTO CREDITS: AMTRAK, CHICAGO CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU, CITY OF CHICAGO GRC, DISCOVER OHIO, MILWAUKEE CVB AND AZ SHUTTERSTOCK.COM NM Horsham, West Sussex RH13 5WF, UK; email: angelaspencer@phoenixip.com Published on behalf of Amtrak by Phoenix International Publishing, PO Box 615, Editor: Jennifer Logue. Advertising Sales Office: Larry Cohen, email: larrycohen@northeast-media.com Amtrak is a registered service mark of the National Railroad Passenger Corporation.

Although every effort has been made to achieve accuracy, the publishers cannot accept responsibility for any mistakes or omissions. This Amtrak publication may not be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior permission of the publishers. © 2009 Phoenix International Publishing.

MEXICO

Amtrak.com

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w michigan.org

MICHIGAN

THE

GREAT LAKES STATE

The mighty Mackinac Bridge, which connects Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas

Michigan, the state so great it has a lake named after

both, to a greater degree the farther north you travel.

it! Four of the five Great Lakes lap its shores, it enjoyed

It is easy to see the rich, lumbering heritage in her

decades of prosperity as the Automotive Capital of the

abundant forests throughout Upper Michigan, while

World, and its residents – known as Michiganders –

Detroit, in the lower eastern corner, turned its eye

use their right hand as a carry-along map, perfectly

toward progress and innovation.

describing the State’s distinct mitten shape.

Mighty Mackinac Bridge connects Michigan’s

through forward thinkers such as automotive giant

Upper and Lower Peninsulas, acting as a dividing

Henry Ford, aviator Charles Lindbergh and recording

line between development and semi-wilderness. But

artists Stevie Wonder and Diana Ross, all native

the pleasures of outdoor adventure can be found in

Michiganders.

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GL2012 pp17-20 Michigan.indd 17

Great strides in music and industry were made

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S:7.5”

So let’s take a left instead of a right.

Instead of the direct route, let’s take the scenic route.

To a place where something new and exciting is waiting for us just around the corner.

Right this way to Pure Michigan.

GL2012 pp17-20 Michigan.indd 18

17/10/11 17:19:52

T:11.7”

S:10.8”

We go this way to school.

That way to work. One way home.

And before we know it, we get stuck in a routine.

Above: Comerica Park, the home of the Detroit Tigers baseball team Right: Zehnder’s chicken dinners “with all the fixin’s” are a major attraction Below right: The graceful Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island

B:12”

T:11.7”

S:10.8”

Another important stop on the path that put Detroit on the map is the Motown Historical Museum, birthplace of ‘the Motown Sound’

w michigan.org

Michigan

S

till the industrial heart of Michigan, Detroit’s pace has softened but its fascination with advancement remains vibrant. Living-history museum Greenfield Village and next-door neighbour Henry Ford Museum in nearby Dearborn provide a compelling chronicle of the advancements in science, technology and transportation, many of which led to greater comfort and convenience worldwide.

Here, you’ll see the origins of the assembly line, where Thomas Edison perfected the light bulb, and the bicycle shop where the Wright Brothers created the first viable flying machine.

Sport is a big part of Detroit’s psyche, played out in Tigers baseball at smart Comerica Park, Red Wings ice-hockey at Joe Louis Arena, and Lions American football at Ford Field, all within a short People Mover elevated-train ride around the city centre. Just a stone’s throw away is the opulent 1920s Fox Theatre, a National Historical Landmark that hosts headliner musical and theatrical events. Dinner and nightlife in Greektown are the locals’ choice after the game or a show.

Another important stop on the path that put Detroit on the map is the Motown Historical Museum, birthplace of ‘the Motown Sound’.

Tour the home where recording megastars such as Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder, The Jackson 5, Diana Ross and the Temptations began their journey to greatness.

Head north along major artery Interstate 75 and you find charming Frankenmuth, sister city to Gunzenhausen in Germany. Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland, billed as the world’s largest Christmas store, is a big draw but the real attraction is chicken dinners with all the fixin’s at the world-famous Bavarian Inn or Zehnder’s.

Riverboat tours, horse-drawn carriage rides, outlet shopping at nearby Birch Run and year-round festivals complete the enticements in ‘Michigan’s Little Bavaria.’

Farther north, West Branch, Grayling and Gaylord offer the ultimate in lazy summertime activities – river tubing and kayaking. Gentle currents along dozens of rivers make for an easy paddle or ‘rump bumping’ in a giant inner tube,

A Charming Stay You can find some unique places to stay in Michigan, such as: Cocoa Cottage, a 1912 arts-and-crafts-style bungalow in Whitehall on the shores of Lake Michigan, where each of its four guestrooms is named after a luxury chocolate maker ( t 001 (231) 893 0674 w cocoacottage.com); Grand Hotel Mackinac Island, the crown jewel of them all, with a graceful, Victorian ambience plus the comforts of modern conveniences and a view from her wrap-around porch that is timeless and enchanting ( t 001 (906) 847 3331 w grandhotel.com); and the Inn On Ferry Street in midtown Detroit, not just one B&B but four stylish Victorian homes and two carriage houses, totalling 40 individualised rooms, with your stay including transport to the theatres, stadiums and local fine dining ( t 001 (313) 871.6000 w innonferrystreet.com).

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Adventure, Excitement! Thrill seekers will find year-round adventure here, and water is usually at the heart of it: Ice Climbing: Head to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Munising, along Upper Michigan’s extreme northern border, where icy waterfalls form columns and curtains perfect for climbing in winter ( w nps.gov/piro/planyourvisit/iceclimbing.htm).

Scuba-Diving: Explore some of the thousands of shipwrecks on the bottom of the Great Lakes. Glass-bottom boat and diving tours are available through several companies, including Shipwreck Tours ( w exploringthenorth.com/scuba/diving.html).

Kite Boarding: It looks like an extreme sport, but all ages can enjoy skimming across the water on a small kite-board, powered by the wind and a controllable kite ( w mackiteboarding.com/kiteboardlessons.htm).

floating past some of Michigan’s most-evocative scenery. Fly fish for rainbow trout in summer or hire a snowmobile and take to the trails in winter.

The literal and figurative pinnacle, however, lies just off the coast between the Upper and Lower Peninsulas, at Mackinac Island. Accessible only by ferry (or, arguably, the shortest flight in the world), the island fulfils all you could hope for in a relaxing getaway. Cars have been forsaken in favour of horses and bicycles, fudge is the main export,

Above: All ages can enjoy skimming across the water on a kite-board Right: In spring, six million tulips bloom in the Dutch-inspired town of Holland

Accessible only by ferry (or, arguably, the shortest flight in the world), Mackinac Island fulfils all you could hope for in a relaxing getaway where cars have been forsaken in favour of horses and bicycles and the biggest evening event is a stroll to the beach to watch the bats keeping things insect-free.

Take a carriage ride, hike or bike tour along the interior trails, which double as perfect cross-country ski trails when snowfalls turn the world a shimmering white. The main area consists of two streets near the ferry dock; the rest of the island is nearly pristine and even more enjoyable once the dayvisitors have gone and tranquillity descends.

B&Bs are of the highest quality here, while the Grand Hotel stands in her Victorian finery atop a hillside overlooking the Straits, as she has done since 1887. Her companion is Fort Mackinac, built by the British during the American Revolutionary War, now a living history museum populated by costumed interpreters.

Sault Sainte Marie sits in Upper Michigan’s north-east, the transition point between Lake Superior and lakes Michigan and Huron. Huge freighters pass through the Soo Locks to navigate the 21ft height difference, which visitors can experience through guided boat tours and dinner tours.

Farther west is Whitefish Point, home of the excellent Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum.

Be sure to take the short hike to Tahquamenon Falls before crossing the Straits again and heading south-west to Petoskey. Small-town America takes a decidedly upmarket 20

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Great Lakes USA – Official UK Tourist Board

Ten days in Michigan

Day 1-2: Detroit Day 3: Frankenmuth Day 4: West Branch (Gaylord and Grayling) Day 5-6: Mackinac Island Day 7-8: Upper Michigan (Sault Sainte Marie, Whitefish Point, Tahquamenon Falls) Day 8: Petoskey and Sleeping Bear Dunes Day 9: Holland Day 10: Lansing, return to Detroit

turn here, with boutiques, art galleries and a first-class gourmet shop posing as a general store.

Traverse Lake Michigan’s eastern shoreline via the immensity of Sleeping Bear Dunes, near Traverse City, then travel south and discover the Dutch-inspired town of Holland. Summer draws visitors to the white-sand beaches, while autumn’s abundance brings a rich harvest to the farmers’ market. But the most glorious season is spring, when six million tulips bloom. Visit DeKlomp Wooden Shoe & Delft Factory, explore 1800s Netherlands – recreated at Nelis’ Dutch Village – and don’t miss Windmill Island Garden, with America’s only authentic working Dutch windmill.

Return to Detroit via Lansing, where a tour of the State Capital and Michigan Historical Museum puts an educational punctuation mark at the end of your stay. Those wishing to capture the spirit of Native American culture in the north should also make a side-trip to Mount Pleasant, where the Ziibiwing Cultural Center is one of the best in the region.

There is an overwhelming impression of being in the heartland when visiting Michigan, though, a genuine sense of welcome, friendliness and curiosity. Start your day at an authentic American diner, strike up a conversation with the locals – and you’ll understand why the Midwest has earned a reputation as the most amiable part of the country.

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The Badger State revels in its abundance of seasonal

w discoverohio.com

More refined entertainment has not been forgotten,

delights, taking full advantage of nature’s bounty

though. After all, this is where magician Harry

year-round. Fringed by lake coastline on two sides,

Houdini, architect Frank Lloyd Wright, film director

the Mississippi River on another, and with more than

Orson Wells, artist Georgia O’Keeffe and circus

50 State Parks and forests, outdoor enjoyment is at

entrepreneurs Charles and John Ringling were born.

the heart of any Wisconsin stay.

Laura Ingalls Wilder brought her home state to life

Wisconsin

FUN IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS The Mississippi River lies along the western boundary, with Lake Michigan to the east and Lake

though the Little House book series and many places

Superior to the north. Ice Age, Early Native American,

remain true to her pioneering heritage. It is not only a

lumberjacking and mining eras are still evident,

prairie land but also an agricultural powerhouse and

though Wisconsin’s international reputation in the

a cultural gem, capturing the rugged American spirit

artisan cheese industry has given more meaning to its

in grand style.

long-time nickname: ‘The Dairy State’.

Sailing on Lake Michigan is one of the delights of visiting Milwaukee

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isconsin’s largest city, Milwaukee, prides itself on its cosmopolitan flair, its rich brewing history, and its title as the City of Festivals.

Cultural events abound, but summertime’s headliner is the 11-day Summerfest, billed as the largest music festival in the world, with live bands spanning several genres, from rock to bluegrass. Take in a lumberjack show, try cheese curds (watch out, they squeak!), or satisfy your inner shopper at Mayfair Mall, where you can pick up a ‘Cheesehead Hat’ in honour of the Green Bay Packers American football team.

The city’s fondness for the alchemy of barley, hops, and yeast is best experienced through a free, one-hour tour and tasting at Miller Brewing Company, while Captain Fredrick Pabst Mansion stands as a testament to the popularity of the family’s namesake beer, now enjoying something of a popculture comeback.

Get in touch with your inner-biker with a trip to the Harley-Davidson Museum, which highlights the company’s rich, 100-year history in Milwaukee. Tastes that lean in a more gentle direction are well catered for at the Milwaukee Art Museum, with its birdlike design, and the hands-on science centre Discovery World at Pier Wisconsin.

Stretching 75 miles into Lake Michigan, the peninsula of Door County to the north of Milwaukee is home to six wineries (stop in for a tour and a taste of the vineyards’ bounty), five State Parks, 32 beaches and 10 landmark lighthouses amid a landscape of breathtaking beauty. With 300 miles of scenic shoreline, the area is a nature lover’s and photographer’s dream.

Watch a first-run film at The Skyway drive-in movie

Stretching 75 miles into Lake Michigan, the peninsula of Door County to the north of Milwaukee is home to six wineries, five State Parks, 32 beaches and 10 landmark lighthouses amid a landscape of breathtaking beauty

theatre, go shelling along the beaches, hire a sailboat or kayak and take to the water, or make the 184-step climb up Peninsula State Park’s Lookout Tower for a view that is second to none. Enjoy boutiques, galleries featuring local artists, exceptional dining and the Door County Maritime Museum, which all inspire a slow, relaxed pace in the ‘Cape Cod of the Midwest’.

Nestled along the southernmost end of the peninsula is Green Bay, home of the massively-popular Green Bay Packers. Sports fans will find a wealth of outlets for their passion, from the armchair-enthusiast-friendly tour of Lambeau Field and a visit to the Packer Hall of Fame, to the more active participation of a hike through time along the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, where the Niagara Escarpment bedrock dates back 1.8 million years. Thrill seekers should

A Charming Stay Add a special touch to your

Wisconsin visit at any of:

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GL2012 pp21-23 Wisconsin.indd 22

The exceptional hospitality of Queen Anne-style Rittenhouse Inn in Bayfield, an elegant base for a visit to Apostle Island National Lakeshore ( T 001 (715) 779 5111, W rittenhouseinn.com); Door County’s Eagle Harbor Inn in historic Ephraim, with nine rooms, each named after women innkeepers, individually accented with antiques ( T 001 (920) 854 2121 W eagleharbor.com); and Stout’s Island Lodge, listed on the National Register of Historic Places and accessible only by ferry ( T 001 (715) 354 3646 W stoutsislandlodge.net).

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w discoverohio.com

Wisconsin

Adventure, Excitement!

A huge variety of sports activities can be found here. Take your pick from: Snow-Shoeing: Winter brings a glorious transformation to Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, where a day spent snow-shoeing rewards visitors with spectacular views of sparkling sea caves. In summer, the caves are accessible by kayak (W nps.gov/apis).

Ice Fishing: Fishing shanty villages spring up across more than 15,000 of Wisconsin’s inland lakes when the weather is at its coldest, a testament to the popularity of freshwater ice fishing. Grab a pole, some bait, a fishing licence – and a thermos of something hot to keep you going!

Golf: Enjoy some great views from the manicured acres of Wisconsin’s 500 public golf courses. Two to note: Whistling Straits and Erin Hills have both been lined up for golf’s leading tournaments. Whistling Straits will host the PGA Championship in 2015 and Erin Hills the US Open in 2017.

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GL2012 pp21-23 Wisconsin.indd 23

Above: The crowdpleasing Milwaukee Art Museum Below: Peaceful Bayfield, a great base for visiting Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Below left: Bike Night at the Harley-Davidson Museum Top left: Snowmobiling in northern Wisconsin

head to nearby Peshtigo and Menomonee Rivers for an exhilarating white-water rapids adventure.

Farther inland, Wausau continues the outdoor appeal at Whitewater Park, one of the nation’s top-rated kayak courses.

Join a summertime open session or watch one of the worldclass competitions as you stroll the pretty Riverwalk path along the Wisconsin River. Grand Valley Adventures also feature picturesque canoe and kayak tours along the Eau Clair River ( W grandvalleyadventures.com).

Visiting in winter? Granite Peak Ski Area is known as ‘Mid-America’s Ski Town’, featuring 72 ski runs. More than 20 miles of cross-country ski trails can be found at nearby Nine Mile Forest.

Few places await the first flakes of winter the way northern Wisconsin does, heating up the coldest months with ice fishing, skiing, snow-shoeing, snowmobiling and, a local favourite, Skijoring (a combination of cross-country skiing and dog mushing!). Hundreds of miles of groomed trails zig-zag through Hurley, Cable and the Lakeland areas of Woodruff, Minocqua and Arbor Vitae.

Returning south, no holiday should pass without a visit to the famous Wisconsin Dells. First identified by French explorers in the 1700s, the Dells are now a treasure trove of indoor and outdoor water parks, placing the area among the most-popular summertime destinations in the country.

Spectacular Kalahari Resort is Wisconsin’s largest indoor water park, with 125,000sq ft of watery entertainment, plus an additional 100,000sq ft of amusement-park attractions.

The ‘big boy’ in the Dells is outdoor Noah’s Ark, with 70 acres of sliding, splashing, floating fun. Try a relaxing land/river cruise with Original Wisconsin Duck Tours, the excitement of a jetboat ride with Jet Boat Adventures, take in a show at Broadway Dinner Theater or delve into the area’s rich Native American history.

The pioneering spirit burns bright in Wisconsin, captivating those who take the time to appreciate her natural splendours. The Travel Green Wisconsin programme celebrates this spirit and honours our natural world. Hearty, self-assured, Wisconsin is a land of honest pleasures where ‘real America’ can be found at every turn.

Ten days in Wisconsin

A typical tour of the Badger State would run as follows (see also W travelwisconsin. com and W greatlakesUSA. co.uk): Day 1-2: Milwaukee.

Day 3-4: Door County (Sturgeon Bay) Day 5: Green Bay Day 6: Wausau Day 7: Northern Wisconsin (Hurley, Mercer, Woodruff) Day 8: Begin return trip south Day 9-10: Wisconsin Dells

Great Lakes USA – Official UK Tourist Board

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AN ALL-AMERICAN ADVENTURE Ohio is a true All-American state and a wonderful

Armstrong, the first moon-walker, and even the

adventure into what makes this huge country tick,

famous musical term – rock ’n’ roll.

with suitably-impressive cities and equally-engaging rural and small-town locations.

It is the birthplace of an amazing seven US

This is also a state that invites visitors to explore by car and get out and about to encounter some unique Ohioan experiences, such as five-way chilli, peaceful

presidents, as well as the fabled Wright brothers

Amish farmers, eminent car museums and some of

(whose family still live in Dayton today), Neil

the world’s scariest roller-coasters!

C

LEVELAND should certainly be where you start your journey into The Buckeye State, which is a vast, 41,000 square-mile block of the Midwest that played a key role in the great 19th-century expansion of the country.

Set on the southern shore of Lake Erie and rated one of America’s most liveable cities, it offers a rich cultural scene and vibrant nightlife.

It was here that disc jockey Alan Freed first described 1950s music as ‘rock and roll’, and this is fully explained in the must-see Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. For car enthusiasts, the Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum is also an essential port of call, while the revitalised Warehouse District, with its pubs, clubs, galleries and restaurants, the Great Lakes Science Center, one of America’s biggest and best interactive science museums, and University Circle, which offers more than a dozen museums, including the venerable Cleveland Museum of Art, all provide a well-rounded view of Cleveland’s history, both past and present.

Also on the water is Cincinnati. The ‘Queen City’ stands on the banks of the broad Ohio River and boasts the likes of the world-famous Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, the Zaha Hadid-designed Contemporary Arts Center and, by contrast, the art deco Union Terminal train station, which

24

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Ten days in Ohio

Here is a typical 10-day tour of the great Buckeye State (see also W discoverohio.com and W greatlakes USA.co.uk).

Day 1-2: Cleveland Day 3: Sandusky Day 4: Toledo Day 5: Dayton (via Wapakoneta) Day 6-7: Cincinnati Day 8: Columbus Day 9: Amish Country (Sugar Creek, Charm) Day 10: Return to Cleveland

now houses three lively museums where you can step aboard a 94ft steamboat or 1940s streetcar and talk to a costumed interpreter about life in 1792.

Soak up sporting history at the fascinating Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame & Museum, then sip ‘The World’s Best Bloody Mary’ at the City View Tavern, which has a fabulous outlook over the city. For another local speciality, head for a chilli parlour, such as Gold Star or Skyline. Choose from three-, four-, or five-way chilli, with everything from spaghetti to beans and chopped onions!

Another key city experience is state capital Columbus.

Settled more than 150 years ago by a major German immigration (a notable feature of many Ohio communities), its German Village historic area retains its small, brick-built homes and variety of one-of-a-kind shops and restaurants.

Columbus Zoo (ranked No 1 in the US) and its Zoombezi Bay water park are the other big draws.

Increasingly, visitors also head for Sandusky and its varied collection of attractions, including the legendary amusement park Cedar Point, which boasts a truly world-class line-up of coasters and other rides (W cedarpoint.com). New rides are being added all the time. Children can also enjoy a fun, character-filled breakfast with Snoopy and friends! This W greatlakesUSA.co.uk

20/10/11 16:48:20

w discoverohio.com

ohio

Adventure, Excitement! Ohio also offers its share

of extreme sports activities:

Zipline Adventures: For thrill seekers and nature lovers alike, this is the perfect activity, especially for families and couples seeking to escape the fast-paced city. Ohio boasts numerous canopy tours, including Tree Frog (W treefrogcanopytours. com), Ozone Zipline (W ozonezips.org) and Hocking Hills (W hockinghillscanopytours.com).

Wake-Boarding: America’s fastest-growing water-sport.

Wake Nation in Cincinnati boasts one of only eight places in the US where it can be learned without a boat, ie by cable-boarding (W wakenation.com).

Adventure Racing: This new sport, which features teams navigating courses by non-motorised means, is usually held in wilderness settings and includes mountain biking, canoeing and trekking. Ohio features a number of events year-round (W race-coar.com).

Set on the southern shore of Lake Erie and rated one of America’s most liveable cities, Cleveland offers a rich cultural scene and vibrant nightlife is also a good place to stay, with a wide range of lakeside accommodation, from the elegant Hotel Breakers to the fun cottages and cabins of Lighthouse Point and the amazing year-round indoor water-park of Castaway Bay. Toledo offers another contrasting experience with its worldwide automotive and glass industries, notably at Toledo Museum of Art and its glorious Glass Pavilion. Farther south, Wapakoneta is Neil Armstrong’s hometown. In the Air & Space Museum dedicated to him, you can relive his ‘one small step’ on the moon in 1969, see a lunar rock, Apollo 11 artefacts, the Gemini VIII spacecraft and much more.

Stepping back a little further in time, Dayton remains a repository for renowned inventors, most famously the Wright brothers. Start in the Aviation Heritage National Historical Park, with the Wrights’ original bicycle shop, then move on to Carillon Historic Park and Huffman Prairie Flying Field. Also here is the National Museum of the United States Air Force, the world’s largest and oldest military aviation museum and a fascinating store of aircraft sights and sounds.

Arrive for the first gentle days of autumn (and the seasons do change with a seeming slow reluctance in the latter half

Opposite page: Pathway leading to a lighthouse on Lake Erie Above: Ohio has several ziplining companies Below right: The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland Below left: Ohio is the Gateway to the Heart of Amish Country

of the year) and you can indulge in several major Ohioan traditions and eye-catching events, such as Harvest Season in Holmes County, to the south of Cleveland and Akron.

The official Gateway to the Heart of Amish Country is the cue for some major festivals each September and October, culminating in the annual Loudonville Street Fair ( W loudonvillefair.com). But you simply can’t go wrong here as towns such as Berlin, Millersburg, Winesburg and Sugarcreek all host a variety of shows, parades and cook-offs, many of which date back to the 19th century and a bygone age that still exists comfortably in modern times.

A Charming Stay You can find some enticing accommodation

options here, such as:

Glidden House: An impressive mansion built in 1910 and now a full-service boutique hotel on the campus of Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland (t 001 (216) 231 2130 w gliddenhouse.com); the heritage-rich Inn At Dresden, former home of renowned basket-maker Dave Longaberger and now a fabulous country inn in the heart of Amish country in Dresden, east of Columbus (t 001 (740) 754 1122 w theinnatdresden.com); and the eye-catching Mariemont Inn, on the National Register of Historic Places in the ‘English Garden village’ community of Mariemont in eastern Cincinnati, dating back to 1926 and just extensively refurbished (t 001 (513) 271 2100 w mariemontinn.com).

W greatlakesUSA.co.uk

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20/10/11 14:12:21

A FIRST-CLASS PLACE

TO SHOP When it comes to the eye-popping lure of discount outlets – a massive number of big-name designer and brand names sold at huge markdowns, often up to 65% off regular prices – no one does it better than Premium Outlets®.

I

n Illinois, Chicago Premium Outlets is in the chic, western suburb of Aurora, with 120 upmarket designer and brand-name stores offering everything from Ann Taylor and Calvin Klein to Giorgio Armani and Salvatore Ferragamo. Huntley Outlet Center (with 50 stores) are farther west, near Rockford in the town of Huntley, offering discounted quality products at a variety of stores including Reebok, Guess and Tommy Hilfiger.

In Minnesota, Albertville Premium Outlets is only 30 minutes west of downtown Minneapolis. With 100 stores, the Albertville line-up includes adidas, Banana Republic, Polo Ralph Lauren and Converse, split between the main plaza and a promenade area, plus plenty to keep the children happy with a Toys R Us Express and Kids Supercenter.

The discount outlet experience in Ohio is best experienced at Aurora Farms Premium Outlets, near Cleveland, and Cincinnati Premium Outlets, directly off motorway I-75, north of Cincinnati. With 75 stores, the scenic Aurora Farms numbers Bose, DKNY Jeans, Brooks Brothers and Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th among its attractions, while the 100-store Cincinnati outlet centre features the likes of Coach, Converse, J Crew and Nike.

Editor: Neil Murray E neil@murrayfeatures.com

Contributing writers: Simon Veness and Susan Veness

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For Michigan’s highlight in discount outlet shopping, head for Birch Run Premium Outlets, well located and right on the main north-south artery I-75. With a superb spread of 145 shops, Birch Run offers the full range of designer names, from Brooks Brothers and Calvin Klein to Nike and J Crew, with several good dining choices in between!

Wisconsin boasts two major outlet shopping centres, Johnson Creek Premium Outlets (between Madison and Milwaukee) and Pleasant Prairie Premium Outlets, just across the state line from Chicago. Johnson Creek Outlets offers 60 outlet stores, including Calvin Klein, Coach and Tommy Hilfiger, while Pleasant Prairie Outlets has 90, ranging from adidas and Ann Taylor to Polo Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger.

All centres feature “shop and stay” packages with nearby accommodation. Additional information, including directions, a centre map and sales events, can be found at W premiumoutlets.com. Savvy shoppers can also join the free VIP Shopper Club for added discounts.

Above: Chicago Premium, in the chic, western suburb of Aurora, has 120 upmarket designer and brand-name stores

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Published on behalf of Great Lakes USA by Phoenix International Publishing. w phoenixip.com Publisher: Simon Todd T +1 682 831 0133 E simontodd@phoenixip.com

UK Office: T +44 (0) 1403 276091 E angelaspencer@phoenixip.com

Advertising sales: Larry Cohen, Northeast Media, Inc. T +1 203 255 8800 E larrycohen@northeast-media.com

Design: CPL (Cambridge Publishers Ltd) T +44 (0)1223 477411 E info@cpl.co.uk W cpl.co.uk

Photographs courtesy of Great Lakes USA, Illinois Bureau of Tourism, City of Chicago, Travel Michigan, Explore Minnesota Tourism, Ohio Tourism Division, Travel Wisconsin and Shutterstock.com.

Although every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the publishers cannot accept responsibility for mistakes or omissions.

The publication may not be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior permission of the publishers. © Phoenix International Publishing 2011

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Bordering Chicago

along Lake Michigan

The most picturesque region in metropolitan Chicago can be found twenty minutes from the heart of the city on Chicago’s North Shore. Our vibrant towns have their own great dining, hotels, culture, shopping, and history, and you are just minutes away from Chicago’s world-famous stores, music and museums via the famous “EL” — Chicago’s public transit train, or by commuter rail or car, making us a great base for a Chicago visit.

www.visitchicagonorthshore.com

Millennium Park

“The Magnificent Mile” Shopping District

TransportationAdCCTB_Eng.pdf

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Home of the Best Blues and Jazz

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With 2,900 daily nonstop flights from all over the globe, it’s hard not to feel like the center of the universe.

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Over 80 million flew in and out of O’Hare and Midway airports last year alone. One of the nation’s premier transportation networks awaited them on the ground in the form of buses, trains and cabs. Getting here is easy. Leaving, that’s the hard part. CHICAGO. Second to none.

ChooseChicago.com

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4577_GLNA ad:Layout 1 9/23/11 12:08 PM Page 1

Shop BRILLIANTLY. ADIDAS, ANN TAYLoR fAcToRY SToRe, AlX ARmANI eXchANge, BANANA RepUBLIc fAcToRY SToRe. 13 AReA LocATIoNS. coLe hAAN, coNveRSe, DKNY, gAp oUTLeT, J.cReW, LAST cALL BY NIemAN mARcUS, mIchAeL KoRS, NIKe, SAKS fIfTh * AveNUe off 5Th, TommY hILfIgeR AND moRe. SAvINgS of 25% To 65% eveRY DAY. *STORES VARY PER CENTER.

LegeNDARY BRANDS. ABUNDANT SeLecTIoN. ReAL SAvINgS. Visit premiumoutlets.com for a complete list of locations worldwide, including Chicago Premium Outlets, Cincinnati Premium Outlets, Philadelphia Premium Outlets and locations in or near Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Pittsburgh, The Poconos and more.

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