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 cliffs and distinctive rock formations.

Illinois’ nickname is the Prairie State, but a journey downstate to Shawnee National Forest, replete with sandstone cliffs 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.

ILLINOIS

Bloomington-Normal is proud of its Midwestern hospitality and is home to plentiful Route 66 history, vibrant downtowns and exciting outdoor activities. Visitors can learn about Abraham Lincoln’s friend at the Judge David Davis Estate, experience an animal encounter at the Miller Park Zoo and browse the storefronts of Uptown Normal. >> visitbn.org

Adventures abound in the Chicago Southland. Representing 63 municipalities, this bustling area is never short on group-friendly 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, Effingham CVB has your group tour experience covered. Just 3.5 hours south of Chicago, the city at the “Crossroads of America” offers 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 Effingham Performance Center. >> visiteffinghamil.com

Looking for a truly authentic piece of Americana? What better way to experience the majesty of the country’s mighty Mississippi River and its iconic sights than to hop on board the Riverboat Twilight. Groups can book discounted tours ranging up to two full days, all of which travel within Iowa and offer incredible sights at every turn. For those looking for a multi-day excursion, the two-day cruise is chock full of onboard entertainment and delicious meals and is sure to provide a relaxing experience for guests of all ages. >> riverboattwilight.com

Climb aboard Celebration River Cruises’ Celebration Belle, a 770-seat cruise ship that travels through Moline, Illinois (Quad Cities), Dubuque, Iowa and north to Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. Whether or not it’s your final destination, the Celebration Belle will bring on the fun with themed, dinner and holiday cruises. The Captain’s Cruise invites you to dine with fellow passengers. Dance the night away to Motown hits and live bands on live entertainment-themed cruises. Capture the Midwest’s natural beauty from the ship’s decks. >> celebrationbelle.com

The shores of Lake Michigan sit right at the doorstep of Lake County, Illinois, where the outdoors await. Visitors can soak up the sun along the lake and go for a dip in its cool waters or experience adventure on land by grabbing bikes or hiking boots and hitting the trails for a chance to catch a glimpse of local wildlife and the gorgeous foliage that changes with the seasons. And if that wasn’t enough, Lake County offers a flourishing arts and entertainment scene that welcomes Broadway-caliber shows year-round. >> celebrationbelle.com

Photo courtesy of Visit Bloomington-Normal

Bloomington-Normal

Photo courtesy of Chicago Southland

Chicago Southland Cross at the Crossroads, Effingham

Riverboat Twilight

Celebration Belle

Six Flags Great America

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Chicago Northwest, just on the edge of O’Hare Airport, is home to some of Chicagoland’s most renowned attractions. The diversity is astounding. Cheer on a knight while feasting medieval style, feel like a kid again building artful creations with LEGOS, or enjoy a relaxing day at a charming winery. >> chicagonorthwest.com

The Great Rivers & Routes Region, located at the convergence of the Mississippi River, Missouri River and Route 66 east of St. Louis, is brimming with attractions for groups of all ages. Honor the Corps of Discovery Expedition at the Lewis & Clark Confluence Tower, tour the Old Bakery Beer Company in Alton and walk the preserved streets of Elsah—“the village where time stood still.” An unforgettable view of the Mississippi River Valley awaits at Aerie’s Resort, which offers a scenic SkyTour and easy access to Pere Marquette State Park. >> riversandroutes.com

Encompassing dozens of unique communities bonded by their proximity to Route 66 and waterways like the Des Plaines and Illinois rivers, the Heritage Corridor offers plentiful outdoor experiences. The region’s signature attraction is Starved Rock State Park, where groups can walk among 13 miles of hiking trails and learn about local history at the Illinois Waterway Visitor Center. Other attractions include Midewin Tallgrass Prairie, the Heeler Carus Mansion and the opportunity to ride a replica of an 1840s canal boat on the I&M Canal. >> heritagecorridorcvb.com

Photo courtesy of Meet Chicago Northwest

Meet Chicago Northwest Great Rivers & Roads

A two-state region united by the Mississippi River, the Quad Cities boast outdoor activities and indoor attractions that reflect the region’s manufacturing and engineering history. Follow technological innovation across two centuries at the John Deere Pavilion in Moline, stop by for a sweet treat at Lagomarcino’s Confectionary and enjoy peaceful birdwatching at Black Hawk State Historic Site. Groups can also tour the Rock Island

Red Oak II Keltoi Winery

Northpark Mall

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Joplin History & Mineral Museum

Historic Murphysburg

Heritage Corridor

Photo courtesy of Heritage Corridor Photo courtesy of Visit Quad Cities

John Deere Pavilion

Arsenal, which contains museums dedicated to military history and the largest roller dam in the world. >> visitquadcities.com

If your group is interested in world-class historical sites, lively shopping and fresh farm-to-table cuisine, Springfield is an ideal destination. Discover beautiful Prairie School architecture at the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Dana-Thomas Home, learn about centuries of history at the Illinois State Museum and walk in the footsteps of Abraham at the Lincoln Home, Old State Capitol and Oakridge Cemetery. >> visitspringfieldillinois.com

INDIANA

Amish Country of Northern Indiana is offering 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

IOWA

A hidden gem in the Midwest for groups is Cedar Falls. This city has locally owned shops, plenty of eateries, 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 Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center. Other adventures await at Barn Happy and the Cedar Valley Trails. >> cedarfallstourism.org

Home to one of the most heavenly places in sports, Dyersville is where the Field of

Photo courtesy of Amish Country of Northern Indiana

Quilt Gardens

Photo courtesy of Cedar Falls Tourism & Visitors Bureau

Cedar Falls Old State Capitol, Springfield, IL

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, coffee shops, boutiques, specialty shops and family-owned restaurants. >> dyersville.org

The Bell Tower Theater, Dubuque’s Hometown Theater, performs comedies and musicals year-round, and with an emphasis on new works, you are sure to find shows your group has not already seen. The theater is located in a beautiful 100+ year-old building and has ample free parking for buses. Its intimate 160-seat space has large comfortable chairs and lots of legroom making it the perfect place to experience quality live theater. >> belltowertheater.net

Quilts are both an iconic part of American culture and history and a vibrant artform. The Iowa Quilt Museum is located in iconic Madison County, home of the famous covered bridges. The museum,

Field of Dreams Home, Dyersville

MIDWEST

located in downtown Winterset in a former JCPenney storefront, is just steps away from two quilt shops in an award-winning shopping district. Featuring rotating exhibits of both historic and contemporary quilts, each visit is a new experience, so schedule your groups to visit again and again. >> 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 offers 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

Create memories in Fort Dodge and Webster County. Unique visitor opportunities include wandering through history at the Fort Museum, enjoying the arts at the Blanden Art Museum, tantalizing your taste buds at Tea Thyme, Community Orchards, River Hops Brewing, Shiny Top Brewing, and Soldier Creek Winery, shopping at the small specialty stores downtown or attending community festivals and concerts. Have fun with family and friends at Fort Frenzy Entertainment Center and Rosedale Rapids Aquatic Center. >> fortdodgecvb.com

Bell Tower Theater, Dubuque

Iowa Quilt Museum, Winterset

Photo courtesy of Vacation Okoboji

Arnolds Park, West Okoboji Lake

Photo courtesy of Travel Iowa

Blanden Memorial Art Museum, Fort Dodge Kalona Historical Village

Kalona Historical Village, a collection of museums and restored buildings spotlighting Amish and Mennonite culture, occupies a block in the heart of Kalona, 80 miles east of Pella. It consists of an 1879 rail depot, Mennonite museum, quilt galleries, one-room schoolhouse and other reminders of days gone by. The 90-minute “Amish By-Ways Tour” into the countryside sheds light on the largest Amish population west of the Mississippi. >> kalonaiowa.org

The John Wayne Birthplace & Museum is a shrine to the movie actor who was born Marion Robert Morrison in a modest white house in 1907. The modern museum, located on the same block, is a treasure trove of Wayne artifacts—original movie posters, film wardrobe items, letters, photos, artwork, a customized car—and shows a documentary film about The Duke’s career. >> johnwaynebirthplace.museum

Beyond the natural beauty of Clear Lake and Mason City, the North Iowa area is legendary as it was the site of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson’s final concert. Mason City is also home to Prairie School Architecture with several buildings in the community designed by Frank Lloyd Wright including the only remaining hotel in the world designed by Wright. >> travelnorthiowa.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

With a skyline that includes the majestic Missouri River and Missouri State Capitol, Jefferson City is “America’s Most Beautiful Small Town,” boasting beautiful nature and history. Groups can stop by Lewis & Clark Trailhead Plaza to learn about the duo’s expedition to the Pacific, browse the charming storefronts on High Street and discover Missouri’s natural history at the Runge Nature Center. Be sure to arrange a State Capitol tour to admire the murals of Thomas Hart Benton and explore the Missouri State Museum. >> visitjeffersoncity.com

Southwestern Missouri is home to a number of great places to visit, including Joplin, which offers both a tranquil, small-town lifestyle and an

Photo courtesy of Travel Iowa

John Wayne Birthplace Museum, Winterset

Photo courtesy of Travel Iowa

Stockman House, Mason City Branson

Photo courtesy of Jefferson City CVB

Jefferson City

Photo courtesy of Visit Joplin

William Picher House, Joplin American Tractor Museum, Perryville

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

Eighty miles south of St. Louis on I-55 is charming Perryville and the surrounding county. Visit the American Tractor Museum for an appreciation of the equipment that feeds America and pay respect to the veterans that defended our nation at Missouri’s National Veterans Museum. Groups can also enjoy a wine pairing dinner, stroll through the grottos of the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal & Rosary Walk and discover religious history at the Lutheran Heritage Center & Museum. >> visitperrycounty.com

Looking for an unforgettable group visit or day trip? Gather with friends, family or colleagues, and a knowledgeable friendly guide will walk with you through the thrilling years of the Pony Express at the Pony Express Museum in St. Joseph. Spend an hour and hear the personal stories of the businessmen who gave all they had to finance and support the Pony Express national historic site, and learn about the daring riders and their historic rides. Self-guided tours are available, as is a new video tour. >> ponyexpress.org

The 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. >> stjomo.com

Springfield is known as the crossroads of many historic trails including the Trail of Tears, the Butterfield Overland Stagecoach route, the Old Wire Road and, of course, Route 66. From pristine parks and trails and boutique shopping to diverse wineries, breweries and distilleries and family-friendly (and even pet-friendly) activities, Springfield offers something for every traveler. >> springfieldmo.org

OHIO

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

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Pony Express National Museum, St. Joseph

Photo courtesy of St. Joseph CVB

August Nunning House, St. Joseph Springfield, MO

MIDWEST

Photo courtesy of Experience Columbus

Columbus Commons

Photo courtesy of Travel Butler County

Downtown Hamilton, OH Sugarcreek, OH

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

Butler County, Ohio features nine unique communities with distinctive attractions, comfortable hotels and bed & breakfasts and hidden historical gems. Groups can experience the world’s largest train-themed entertainment center at the EnterTRAINment Junction, see beautiful creations at the BeauVerre Riordan Stained Glass Studio and shop for a diverse selection of exotic spices and hot sauces at Jungle Jim’s International Market. You can also enjoy the quaint coffee shops and boutiques in Downtown Hamilton and Uptown Oxford. >> gettothebc.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

Photo courtesy of Manitowoc Area CVB

Wisconsin Maritime Museum

WISCONSIN

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

Photo courtesy of Visit Walworth County

East Troy Electric Railroad, Walworth County

incredible Lake Michigan coastline containing stunning parks, beaches, marinas and historic downtowns. >> manitowoc.info

The Lake Geneva area is your destination for a fun vacation. Whether your definition of fun is relaxing at the spa, cooling off at the lake, zip lining through the forest, or just spending time with family and friends, Walworth County has it all. From the beaches of Williams Bay to the shops of Lake Geneva, the shores of Fontana to the unique history of Delavan, fun is everywhere in Walworth County. >> visitwalworthcounty.com

Located in northwestern Wisconsin, Washburn County is home to over 950 lakes, incredible museums and attractions, outdoor activities, great lodging, dining and more. Groups can embark on an elegant dinner aboard the Great Northern Railroad, create their own art at the Potter’s Shed and sip delectable samples at Clover Meadow Winery. >> washburncounty.org

Washburn County