Midwest

Full of hearty American cities, the Midwest is also awash with stunning natural landscapes that rival any in the country. A visit to northern Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, for example, will bring you up-close to more than 300 waterfalls, while winter enthusiasts can venture to smaller locales like Munising and Miner Falls for top-notch ice climbing. Speaking of chilly weather, Minnesota and Wisconsin are winter havens, but they are also spectacular states to visit when the temperature rises. Minnesota is home to more than 4,000 miles of paved bike trails, 11,000 lakes and 500 golf courses while Wisconsin’s scenic wonders include waterfalls, caves, towering cli s and distinctive rock formations.

Illinois’ nickname is the Prairie State, but a journey downstate to Shawnee National Forest, replete with sandstone cli s and formations, shows the state’s landscape is far more complex. A brisk drive across the border to Missouri will land you in the Show-Me State, and it has plenty to show, including caves, waterfalls and, of course, the majestic Lake of the Ozarks, which features more than 1,100 miles of shoreline, more than the coast of California.

Harrison County in southern Indiana is an outdoor lover’s paradise.

ILLINOIS

A newer attraction for group travelers is the American Writers Museum in Chicago. Opened in 2017, the museum has been educating visitors about American authors with engaging exhibits and events. Its mission is to celebrate the enduing influence of American writers on our history, identity, culture and daily lives. The museum also features a way for curious minds to experience exhibits and conversations with authors virtually via Zoom, which is free. >> americanwritersmuseum.org

One of the best outdoor destinations in the Midwest, Carbondale is home to a variety of attractions and outdoor activities. This southern Illinois town is a great place for adventurous groups to go rock climbing, hiking, bike riding, hunting, fishing and boating. Shawnee National Forest is less than 30 miles from Carbondale, and features rolling hills, forests, open lands, lakes, creeks and rugged blu s. >> carbondaletourism.org

Want to do some camping under the stars and catch some of the best views in the state of Illinois? Middle Fork River Forest Preserve in Champaign County was certified as Illinois’ only International Dark Sky Park in 2019 and has become a huge outdoor attraction in the area. Here, visitors can sleep under the stars in the campgrounds and catch the best view of the night sky in the state. The park is home to hiking trails, a beach, and other amenities for guests to enjoy during the stay, but the starry sky will keep them awed. >> visitchampaigncounty.org

The Chicago Northwest is a massive area located conveniently at the crossroads of several major highway systems. Chicago Northwest is home to more than 60 hotels with several major brands and price points and offers nearly 300 stores under one roof at Woodfield Mall. Food lovers will appreciate the area’s excellent dining options, including the Dining Pavilion at Woodfield Mall. Meet Chicago Northwest’s free group assistance

Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park in University Park, Illinois

Photo courtesy of The Chicago Southland

will help your group enjoy a fabulous outing. >> chicagonorthwest.com

Adventures abound in the Chicago Southland. Representing 63 municipalities, this bustling area is never short on groupfriendly activities. While your group is at a taproom, they will enjoy a pint of one of the hundreds of signature brews that can be found in the area. Fans of the great outdoors can enjoy 40,000-plus acres of beautiful forestry and trails perfect for hiking and biking. The Chicago Southland is conveniently located 30 minutes from Chicago’s many attractions. >> visitchicagosouthland.com

With a slew of museums, arts, shops, hotels and more than 65 restaurants to explore, E ingham CVB has your group tour experience covered. Just 3.5 hours south of Chicago, the city at the “Crossroads of America” o ers the joy of smalltown life with big-time sights. Don’t miss the 200-foot Cross at the Crossroads, fresh farmto-table meals served at the popular Firefly Grill and memorable performances at the E ingham Performance Center. >> visite inghamil.com

Lake County is known for its fabulous group tour destinations. Visit Lake County will help your group plan a top-notch itinerary, where you can visit such attractions as the Tempel

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Photo courtesy of Tempel Lipizzans

Visitors have the rare chance to see Lipizzan horses learning their dance moves in a serene setting in Old Mill Creek, Illinois.

Lipizzans, Cuneo Mansion, Wandering Tree Estate and the Volo Auto Museum. With dining venues like The Shanty, Chessie’s Train Car and more there is enough to keep any group stuffed. >> visitlakecounty.org

One of the leading opera companies in America and located in the cultural heart of Chicago, Lyric Opera of Chicago entertains audiences with thought-provoking, dramatic and even humorous opera performances. Lyric Opera’s excellence takes place in a modernized opera house, providing audiences with a beautiful setting for a fabulous experience. >> lyricopera.org

The city of Ottawa is home to a variety of agritourism and historic attractions. Its historic downtown is full of nostalgic charm dating back to the 19th century, including the Italianate Reddick Mansion, which was built in the 1850s. Four state parks reside within 20 minutes of Ottawa and visitors can enjoy its natural beauty from the water as they boat through the Fox and Illinois rivers. Groups can also visit the Illinois and Michigan canal that runs through the heart of Ottawa. >> pickusottawail.com

Groups looking for history, art and music in motion have the perfection attraction in The Tempel Lipizzans in Old Mill Creek, Illinois, located between Milwaukee and Chicago. This attraction features the endangered domestic breed of horses, Lipizzans, which are stunningly beautiful. The Tempel Lipizzans are hosting “How a Lipizzan Stallion Learns to Dance” which will run year-round in 2021. With this training session, visitors will have the rare chance to see Lipizzan horses learning their dance moves in a serene setting. >> tempelfarms.com

INDIANA

Amish Country of Northern Indiana is o ering a new tour experience for groups of all sizes at any time of the year. Called Meet the Amish Makers and touring in Nappanee and Wakarusa, this tour is an authentic Amish experience that visits backroads with an Amish step-on guide. The tour takes you to a camel dairy farm and through beautiful backroads dotted with pristine Amish farms and one-room schoolhouses. >> visitelkhartcounty.com/groups

Located in College Park on the northwest side of Indianapolis, Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre is one of a handful of full-time dinner theatres in the country. Open year-round, this dinner theater has entertained groups of 20 to 450 for nearly 50 years. Professionally produced plays and Broadway musicals are offered all year. With tiered seating in an intimate setting, you’re never more than six rows from the stage. Enjoy a bu et, freshly prepared in-house, and full bar service is available at your table. >> beefandboards.com

One of the oldest professional dinner theaters in the country, Derby Dinner Playhouse in Clarksville is proud to have served the Southern Indiana and Kentucky region for the last 45 years. The playhouse serves up a traditional home-style bu et and plenty of smiles with its famous productions of popular plays and musicals. Show-stopping desserts and a full bar are staples of the culinary experience. >> derbydinner.com

Harrison County in southern Indiana is an outdoor lover’s paradise as it is home to an intricate caverns and caves system that can be dated all the way back to the Ice Age. Visitors can take guided tours year-round and explore amazing natural structures. Harrison County is also home to an array of local wineries and microbreweries. >> thisisindiana.org

Most notably the home of the University of Notre Dame, South Bend Mishawaka is one of the more popular destinations in Indiana and along the Michigan border. It has a convenient location at the core of the Great Lakes region and is home to a variety of topnotch hotels, eye-catching attractions and a walkable downtown convention district. >> visitsouthbend.com

DISCOVER THE DIFFERENCE

Pony Express National Museum

Mount Mora Cemetery

Glore Psychiatric Museum Patee House Museum

Located on the scenic river blu s of the vast “Mighty MO”, St. Joseph, Missouri is a notable American city with a fascinating heritage, born of the fur trade, nurtured by the “Westward Expansion”, and brimming with a spirit of adventure as thestarting place of the Pony Express, “Ole’ St. Joe is a city you and your group will never forget.

Walter Cronkite Memorial

St. Joseph is home to 13 distinctive museums, 12 annual festivals, amazing architecture listed on the National Register of Historic Places and personalized itineraries custom made with home-town hospitality. Also enjoy goodie bags for groups and personal welcome from a St. Joseph representative.

JUST AROUND THE CORNER

Located at the crossroads of Interstate 29 and MO Highway 36 and only 30 minutes from North Kansas City puts St. Joseph within easy driving distance of over 17 metropolitan areas.

Downtown St. Joseph Remington Nature Center

For tour ideas, contact: Gracia Pinzino, Group Sales Manager Gracia Pinzino, Group Sales Manager stjomo.com/grouptour | 800-785-0360 | gpinzino@stjomo.com

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Iowa Quilt Museum

Get out and enjoy the lovely natural settings of Des Moines, Iowa.

IOWA

A hidden gem in the Midwest for groups is Cedar Falls. This city has locally owned shops, plenty of eateries, a vibrant nightlife, tours, and museums that will appeal to the whole family. With a nationally recognized historic Downtown District, visitors are free to explore the beautiful city and enjoy performances at the GallagherBluedorn Performing Arts Center. Other adventures await at Barn Happy and the Cedar Valley Trails. >> cedarfallstourism.org

O ering culture without the cost, Des Moines features world-renowned art and history and one of the top amusement parks in the country. Adventureland Park features more than 100 rides, shows and attractions and is great for student groups. Known as one of the most significant collections of outdoor sculptures in the U.S., the John & Mary Pappajohn Sculpture is the perfect stop for a motorcoach group. One of the best ways to enjoy Des Moines is by traversing the more than 800 miles of connected trails and its many parks and waterways. >> catchdesmoines.com

Home to one of the most heavenly places in sports, Dyersville is where the Field of Dreams movie was filmed and where the famous field is located. Dyersville is also home to the Basilica of St. Francis Xavier, National Farm Toy Museum, Dyer-Botsford House and Doll Museum, Antique Mall, plus wineries, co ee shops, boutiques, specialty shops and family-owned restaurants. >> dyersville.org

The Herbert Hoover Presidential Library, located in West Branch, operates not only as a library, but also a museum, and is one of 14 presidential libraries operated by the National Archives and Records Administration. With self-guided galleries, a scavenger hunt for younger visitors, and events, there is more than enough for all age groups to enjoy. This presidential library also has its own gift shop, research room, and West Branch has plenty of restaurants to accommodate groups. The library welcomes an array of groups, including field trips, STEM trips, summer camp and more. >> hoover.archives.gov

Holiday Inn Express in Council Bluffs is a great place to stay as this Midwestern city offers small town hospitality. Each room is equipped with a 32-inch flat panel TV, fridge, work desk and beds with triple-sheeted bedding and four pillows. It also features an indoor pool, a heated indoor pool and a complimentary fitness center featuring treadmills, a stationary bike, weight machine and dumbbells from five to 50 pounds. >> ihg.com/holidayinn/hotels/us/en/ council-bluffs/cbfrb/hoteldetail

Traveling can be complicated, but the Iowa Group Travel Association makes it easy. This association is made up of highly qualified individuals who will use their expertise and experience to ensure you and your group have nothing short of a great experience in Iowa. Spend a day at museums honoring Herbert Hoover and Glenn Miller, or you can enjoy Prairie Meadows race track. From museums and parks to fine dining, this travel association knows exactly where to send you in Iowa. >> iowagrouptravel.com

The Iowa Quilt Museum’s 2021 lineup of exhibits will feature a variety of both historic and contemporary quilts. Exhibits change every three months at the IQM so every visit is an entirely new experience. The year will open with String Theory: String-pieced Quilts from Past to Present. On March 23, a new exhibit will open featuring floral quilts from the collection of New England Quilt Museum in Lowell, Massachusetts. Whether a quilt lover, a history buff, a connoisseur of art and culture, or just an explorer of the world, there’s always something unique to see at the Iowa Quilt Museum in Winterset. >> iowaquiltmuseum.org

Beautiful Okoboji is Iowa’s No. 1 vacation destination. Groups can take a tour of the lovely chain of glacier-carved lakes spanning 15,000 acres. Okoboji not only o ers a variety of natural adventures, it also features plenty of activities including golf, amusement parks, art, theater, museums, fishing, nightlife, watersports, parks, beaches and trails. Guests can also visit the Iowa Great Lakes Maritime Museum, the Okoboji Summer Theatre and the Dickinson County Nature Center. >> vacationokoboji.com

Located in historic downtown Council Blu s, the Union Pacific Railroad Museum is a fabulous place for family and friends to learn about the famous railroad. At the museum, you can explore more than 150 years of history through unique artifacts, precious photos and several interactive

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The National WWI Museum and Memorial is home to the most comprehensive collection of WWI objects in the world.

As the 14th largest city in the U.S., Columbus has plenty to see and do.

displays. The museum is donation-based, so admission is always free. It features a variety of permanent galleries, including America Travels by Rail, The Lincoln Collection and Building America. >> uprrmuseum.org/uprrm/

MICHIGAN

Looking for somewhere to watch a professional theater performance or concert? Tibbits Opera House in Coldwater has been a haven for the arts since it was built in 1882. This intimate 499-seat theater offers nearly-perfect acoustics and great entertainment year-round. Tibbits produces a professional summer theater program which USA Today calls one of “10 great places to see the lights way off Broadway.” The rest of the year, Tibbits presents professional touring artists, children’s programs, art exhibits and cultural events. >> tibbits.org

MINNESOTA

There are plenty of great cities along the Mississippi River and St. Cloud is certainly one of them. This easy to love city is a favorite destination for groups as they can stroll the Beaver Island Trail along the Mississippi River and through rows of perfectly-tended flowers at Munsinger Clemens Gardens. Guests can also enjoy its lovely golf courses, ride a bike along the Wobegon Trail and hike through the Quarry Park and Nature Preserve. >> visitstcloud.com

MISSOURI

There is an adventure waiting for everyone in Branson. From outdoor fun to amazing live entertainment, Branson has something for every member of the family. Enjoy fishing on Table Rock Lake and scream with delight on the thrill rides at Silver Dollar City. Families can enjoy a myriad of fun attractions including racing in go-karts, playing a round of golf at a local course or engaging in retail therapy with a great day of shopping. >> explorebranson.com

Residing 100 miles southeast of St. Louis and situated along the bank of the Mississippi River, Cape Girardeau is a spot where groups can enjoy outdoor activities, fabulous dining and great shopping options. Cape is home to multiple museums, historical sites, including some Civil War sites, and a slew of family attractions like Lazy L Safari Park and Trail of Tears State Park. >> visitcape.com

Known as America’s Maple Leaf City, Carthage is a unique crossroad of history, art and inspiration. Carthage features a variety of art galleries, museums, theaters, Victorian architecture, boutiques and the world’s only Precious Moments Chapel and Gardens.

Carthage is also home to the Route 66 DriveIn, the last of the original six drive-in theaters still in operation and named after the famous Mother Road. >> visitcarthage.com

Southwestern Missouri is home to a number of great places to visit, including Joplin, which o ers both a tranquil, small-town lifestyle and an active urban area featuring a slew of entertaining options. Visitors looking to drive iconic Route 66 can explore the Sunshine Lamp District, home to dozens of shops, restaurants and art galleries. Groups looking for an outdoor adventure can visit Grand Falls, the largest continuously running waterfall in Missouri. >> visitjoplinmo.com

America’s official World War I museum and memorial located in Kansas City, the National WWI Museum and Memorial is home to the most comprehensive collection of WWI objects in the world. The museum offers tours, and features a variety of exhibits, events, collections and more. The museum’s Main Gallery holds the permanent exhibition The World War, 1914-1919, which displays original objects, documents, video, recreated trenches and interactive tables. Its newest exhibition, called Silk and Steel: French Fashion, Women and WWI, features original dresses, coats, capes, hats, shoes and accessories from WWI. >> theworldwar.org

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City maintains collections of more than 35,000 works of art and welcomes 500,000 visitors per year. The museum provides free admission to all and delivers unparalleled opportunities to enjoy, appreciate and understand the finest visual arts and varied cultures they represent. NelsonAtkins@Home also offers a virtual museum experience of robust content. >> nelson-atkins.org

This historic starting point of the Pony Express, St. Joseph is a popular destination for group travelers as it offers a variety of educational and recreational activities. Visitors can explore 17 museums, visit a myriad of historic sites, and even enjoy the Kansas City Chiefs’ summer training camp. This city is also home to 48 parks and contains miles of gorgeous parkway. >> macvb.com/ st-joe

One of the crown jewels of the Midwest is St. Louis. It is a place where history and imagination collide and the result is a Midwestern destination like no other. Easy to get to and easy to get around in, the area is filled with an eclectic array of shops and restaurants. The Gateway to the West offers exceptional music, arts and cultural options as well as renowned attractions at the Saint Louis Art Museum, Zoo and Science Center, the Missouri History Museum, Grant’s Farm, Laumeier Sculpture Park and Anheuser-Busch brewery tours. >> explorestlouis.com

THISISINDIANA.ORG/GROUP-TRAVEL

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OHIO

Groups aiming to enjoy some outdoor entertainment will savor a visit to Akron/ Summit, where they can visit the Akron Zoo, take in performances at the Akron Civic Theatre, and view historic art at the Akron Art Museum. Other notable features in the area include delicious food options at Swensons Drive-in, famous for its old-fashioned car-side service, and Chill Ice Cream, which serves delicious gourmet ice cream. Be sure to stop by the Cuyahoga Valley National Park/Scenic Railroad for an amazing outdoor experience. >> visitakron-summit.org

As the 14th largest city in the U.S., Columbus has plenty to see and do. As seen on National Geographic’s Secrets of the Zoo, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is home to more than 9,000 animals representing 650 species from around the globe. The Columbus Museum of Art’s collection spans work from Columbus-born artists like George Bellows and Elijah Pierce to the luminaries of 19th and 20th century art while the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens offers world-class horticulture, art and nature-based exhibitions. >> experiencecolumbus.com

Whether you are looking to immerse yourself in a rich culture, hop on a tour, enjoy some comfort food or find your bliss away from the everyday, you’ll find what you are looking for in Ohio’s Amish Country. Interact with locals at area businesses and get a glimpse of farmsteads and daily chores. Visit one of the area’s museums or go shopping for antiques, arts and crafts, clothing or home goods. >> ohiosamishcountry.com

In Eastern Ohio, groups can experience Steubenville and all the activities it has to offer. Here, visitors can immerse themselves in history at Historic Fort Steuben, a fully reconstructed 19th-century frontier fort; the First Federal Land Office, and a number of gorgeous churches that are home to some of most beautiful stained-glass windows in Ohio. Known as “The City of Murals,” Steubenville has 24 larger-than-life portrayals of people and events painted on downtown buildings. >> www.visitsteubenville.com

Home to the first Christian settlement in Ohio (Schoenbrunn Village, founded in 1772) as well as Ohio’s only Revolutionary War fort (Fort Laurens), Tuscarawas County is a historic destination for groups experiencing the Midwest. Tuscarawas County also features the World’s Largest Cukoo Clock in Sugarcreek and the Dennison Railroad Depot Museum, a National Historic Landmark. With more than 20 museums and historic sites, the county has something for every budding historian. >> traveltusc.com

SOUTH DAKOTA

Home to gorgeous Falls Park, Sioux Falls is one of the most popular destinations in the state. Falls Park’s majestic waterfalls cover 123 acres and an average of 7,400 gallons of water drops 100 feet over the course of the falls each second. Sioux Falls also has multiple attractions including the Imagination Studio at the Kirby Science Discovery Center or meet the Great Plains Zoo’s 1,000 animals. >> experiencesiouxfalls.com

WISCONSIN

The Fireside Dinner Theatre in Fort Atkinson is one of the Midwest’s most popular entertainment destinations. It is also the only Actor’s Equity dinner theater in Wisconsin. The Klopcic family is proud to celebrate more than 56 years of hospitality in the charming and historic city of Fort Atkinson. Guests are invited to browse through fabulous gift shops, relax in the lounge with a refreshing drink, enjoy a superb dining experience and enjoy a live professional show in the intimate theater. >> www.firesidetheatre.com

The town of Manitowoc attracts thousands of visitors each year. Many want to visit the USS Cobia World War II submarine which is moored along the Manitowoc River. The area is also renowned for its historic Rogers Street Fishing Village, which features relics of famous shipwrecks and a lighthouse that was built in 1886. Groups can also explore 20 miles of incredible Lake Michigan coastline containing stunning parks, beaches, marinas and historic downtowns. >> manitowoc.info

Potawatomi Hotel and Casino in Milwaukee, features more than 2,500 of the most popular slot machines, is open 24/7, is home to nearly 100 table games, features bingo, poker, off-track betting, seven restaurants, a Topgolf suite, bars, an elegant 500-seat theater, luxury hotel room, and a full-service spa. This is one of the Midwest’s finest hotel and casinos, so be sure to plan a visit to enjoy some of the best gaming and entertainment. >> paysbig.com