WHERE TO GO TO GET AWAY AND WHAT TO DO WHILE YOU'RE THERE
Summer is about making memories. Totally unique and fun things to do with the family are just a short drive from home! Enjoy this list of trending Weekend Getaways with fun attractions and more.
#1 | Take in the Beauty of Warren Dunes
SAWYER, MICHIGAN–Enjoy a weekend on the lake filled with beauty and nature all in one. Warren Dunes State Park provides 1,952 acres of recreational opportunities along the beautiful shore of Lake Michigan. Its richly forested and large open dunes, as well as interdunal wetlands, rise 260 feet above the lake, offering spectacular views. Fill your weekend with exploration throughout the three miles of shoreline, six miles of hiking trails, and two popular campgrounds.
#2 | Experience Door County Like Never Before
EGG HARBOR, WISCONSIN–Experience Door County and its unique beauty. One way to see the area is with Door County Trolley Tours. VIP treatment aboard one of the many uniquely themed trolley tours open year round and see Door County like never before. Choose from one of the many tours perfect for Summer: Wine, Spirits & Brew Tour; Premier Wine Tour; Cocktail Tour; Wine, Chocolate, & Artisan Cheese Tour; Lighthouse Tour; Family Ride; Murder & Mayhem Tour; or the Bloody Mary & Brunch Tour. www.doorcountytrolley.com
#3 | Enjoy Sporting Fun in Indianapolis
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA–Someplace fun to do while visiting Indiana’s capitol is The Riley Children’s Health Sports Legends Experience®. It’s more than a fun park– it’s an interactive athletics wonderland, offering “mysize” sports samples encouraging a lifelong love of sport in children of all ages and abilities. These samplings enhance meaningful lessons, healthy habits, and lasting memories with their Home Team. Discover your child’s strengths in a new sport, or learn about a beloved sport in a whole new way. www.childrensmuseum.org/exhibits/sports-experience
#4 | Get Ready for a Big Adventure In Galena
GALENA, ILLINOIS–Not too far from home and super exciting! Enjoy an alpine slide, scenic chair lift, soaring zipline, or segway tour at Chestnut Mountain’s full-service, 120-unit resort situated eight miles southeast of Galena. Revel in the wooded palisade overlooking the Mississippi River and choose from additional offerings such as mini golf, disc golf, a leisurely bike rental, or a scenic river cruise. www.visitgalena.org
#5 | Waterfront Fun in Lake Geneva
LAKE GENEVA, WISCONSIN–Millions of people travel to Lake Geneva year round and come summer, the lakefront is a popular favorite for many! Since 1873, Gage Marine has been celebrating life on the lake where tranquil waterfront dining can be enjoyed at Pier 290 or a spectacular cruise can be enjoyed. From the Geneva Bay Tour and the Ice Cream Social Tour, to the Cocktail Tour, Luncheon Cruise, Jazz Dinner Cruise and more!
#6 | See the Gateway Arch in St. Louis
ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI–Enjoy some of the best views of the Gateway Arch and St. Louis’ working riverfront on a riverboat cruise. Whether you’re in the mood for a romantic dinner at the Paddlewheel Cafe, a relaxing riverfront tour, or a floating party with live music and dancing, pick a cruise to suit your interests. So many options including the Skyline Dinner Cruise, Sunday Brunch Cruise, or specialty themed cruises that are sure to entertain!
#7 | Stay on the Water In Saugatuck
SAUGATUCK, MICHICAGN–If you love waterfront living, you’ll love this unique midwestern find! The entire waterfront of this completed renovated A-frame home is a wall of windows with unrivaled views of the water and downtown Saugatuck. Exclusive amenities include a rare rooftop deck veranda, natural gas outdoor fire pit, and luxury jacuzzi overlooking the water and skyline. Only 15 feet from the water’s edge, this is an encompassing experience of a stunning nautical dream home that doubles as a historic landmark of downtown Saugatuck and Lake Kalamazoo.
#8 | Take a Wildwater Adventure in Michigan
MUSKEGON, MICHIGAN–For the families that love adventure, we found two great adventure parks for one price! 60 rides, slides and attractions, including seven roller coasters at Michigan’s Adventure; as well as Camp Snoopy, featuring kids attractions for thrill-seeking guests. The fun continues at WildWater Adventure, home to Funnel of Fear, three wave pools, slides of all kinds, and Half Pint Paradise. Entertainment for all ages all day long!
#9 | Visit Wisconsin Dells’ Lost Canyon
WISCONSIN DELLS, WISCONSIN–There’s so much to do in the Dells! A favorite is Lost Canyon is the longest and deepest land canyon in Wisconsin. Some of the sheer rock and sandstone walls have not felt the touch of the sun in more than 50,000 years. Explore this natural treasure through a magnificent mile of cliff-walled gorges in comfortable, yet quaint horse-drawn carriages which carry 15 passengers. Begin your journey on the south shore of Lake Delton, and discover a piece of history. www.lostcanyontour.com
#10 | Enjoy State Park Fun in Beautiful Iowa
MAQUOKETA, IOWA–Add Maquoketa State Park to your list! Hike, explore, learn, enjoy more caves than any state park. This is one of Iowa’s most unique outdoor attractions. Enormous bluffs tower throughout the park, and a six-mile trail system winds through geologic formations and forests brimming with natural beauty. As one of the state’s earliest state parks, Maquoketa Caves has been a popular destination for picnickers and hikers since the 1860s.
