Midwest Weekend Getaways

Location:

Wisconsin Dells, WI

Highlights:

Ready for a splash-filled getaway with something for everyone in the family? Wisconsin Dells is a Midwest favorite packed with world-class water parks, thrill rides, and indoor-outdoor fun all year round.

We Recommend This For:

Families, water park enthusiasts, theme park lovers, and travelers looking for a one-stop vacation loaded with entertainment.

What We Love:

Giant water parks, family-friendly resorts, quirky museums, casino nights, and a Strip full of fun make this city endlessly entertaining.

• Visit the “Water Park Capital of the World,” home to Noah's Ark Water Park, the largest in the U.S., and Mt. Olympus Water and Theme Park, with both wet and dry rides.
• Stay at fun-packed resorts like Great Wolf Lodge or the Wilderness Hotel and Golf Resort, which offer family-friendly activities and seasonal stay deals.
• Explore the lively Strip, lined with gift shops, arcades, and attractions like the quirky Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum.
• Ride a vintage excursion train at the Mid-Continent Railway Museum, a nostalgic treat for history buffs and train lovers.
• Play Vegas-style games at Ho-Chunk Gaming, perfect for adults looking for a little nightlife excitement.

Address:

Wisconsin Dells, WI

Location:

Lincoln, NE

Highlights:

Looking for a fun and easygoing Midwestern escape? Lincoln combines big-city culture with small-town charm—think stunning architecture, hands-on museums, and scenic outdoor spots all in one place.

We Recommend This For:

Families, museum lovers, nature fans, history buffs, and foodies looking for a relaxed, enriching getaway.

What We Love:

Free Capitol tours, quirky museums, beautiful gardens, and a buzzing college-town vibe complete with breweries and great dining.

• Tour the striking Nebraska State Capitol, a 1932 architectural gem offering free guided tours daily.
• Explore top-notch museums like the Nebraska History Museum, the Lincoln Museum of American Speed, and the Lincoln Children’s Museum—all unique and engaging.
• Get Outside at Pioneers Park Nature Center, stroll the peaceful Sunken Gardens, or say hello to animals at the Lincoln Children’s Zoo.
• Enjoy the city’s lively college-town energy, with local craft breweries and a surprising mix of tasty eateries to explore.

Address:

Lincoln, NE

Location:

Brown County, IN

Highlights:

Need a peaceful escape with charm, creativity, and nature rolled into one? Brown County is a hidden gem just south of Indianapolis, where art, food, and the outdoors come together in the loveliest way.

We Recommend This For:

Art lovers, outdoor adventurers, foodies, couples, and anyone craving a scenic and soulful Midwestern retreat.

What We Love:

From the galleries and studios in Nashville to the hiking trails of Brown County State Park, this place blends creative spirit with natural beauty perfectly.

• Explore the “Art Colony of the Midwest,” full of fine arts studios, galleries, antique shops, and flea markets showcasing local talent and charm.
• Visit the T.C. Steele State Historic Site, home of the famed Hoosier Group impressionist painter, to experience art in its most tranquil setting.
• Wander through downtown Nashville, where quaint restaurants, galleries, and wine tours make every corner feel like a discovery.
• Hike and Camp in Brown County State Park, a stunning 16,000-acre landscape perfect for wildlife watching and reconnecting with nature.
• Adventure into Hoosier and Yellowwood State Forests, offering even more outdoor opportunities from peaceful trails to overnight camping under the stars.

Address:

Brown County, IN

Romantic Midwest Weekend Getaways:

Location:

Cedar Falls, IA

Highlights:

Looking for a laid-back college town with charm, culture, and outdoor fun? Cedar Falls blends fascinating history, a strong arts scene, and scenic natural spaces into one well-rounded Iowa getaway.

We Recommend This For:

Families, history buffs, art lovers, nature seekers, and anyone interested in unique small-town experiences with big personality.

What We Love:

From quirky museums and lakeside camping to university-town energy and local art shows, Cedar Falls offers something fresh and surprising at every turn.

• Discover the city’s roots—founded in 1845 as Sturgis Falls, now celebrated each year during the lively Sturgis Falls Celebration festival.
• Visit the Ice House Museum, a preserved remnant of the city’s old ice harvesting industry, and the Cedar Falls Historical Society Museum for a look into local life over the years.
• Enjoy exhibits and events at the Hearst Center for the Arts, where local creativity shines through visual art, studio classes, and public programming.
• Camp and Explore at the 320-acre Big Woods Lake Recreation Area, a peaceful setting for hiking, paddling, and overnights under the stars.
• Hike the scenic trails of the Hartman Reserve Nature Center, a wooded retreat with miles of walking paths and abundant wildlife.

Address:

Cedar Falls, IA

Location:

Pella, IA

Highlights:

Looking for a taste of Europe in the Midwest? Pella is a charming Dutch-inspired gem where windmills, tulips, and historic canals transport you straight to the Netherlands—no passport needed.

We Recommend This For:

History buffs, festival goers, families, couples, and anyone who loves old-world charm with small-town hospitality.

What We Love:

The rich Dutch heritage on display everywhere—from a working windmill to canal-side shopping and one of the most beautiful spring tulip festivals in the country.

• Learn about Pella’s Dutch roots—founded in 1847 by immigrants from the Netherlands—and explore its heritage through architecture, food, and community spirit.
• Visit the Vermeer Mill, a fully functional 19th-century windmill that stands as the tallest of its kind in the U.S.
• Enjoy live performances at the elegant Pella Opera House, a beautifully restored local treasure offering concerts and theatrical shows.
• Shop and Dine in Molengracht Plaza, complete with a working canal, drawbridge, and a collection of cozy shops, eateries, and hotels.
• Celebrate at the Tulip Time Festival every May, a beloved event featuring tulip gardens, traditional costumes, artisan markets, and daily parades.

Address:

Pella, IA

Location:

Overland Park, KS

Highlights:

Looking for a family-friendly destination with a little bit of everything? Overland Park combines outdoor adventures, hands-on learning, and great dining and shopping into one easy-to-love Kansas getaway.

We Recommend This For:

Families, nature lovers, museum-goers, animal fans, and anyone who wants big-city fun with a relaxed suburban vibe.

What We Love:

Petting zoos, hiking trails, natural history exhibits, and botanical gardens make this a versatile spot with something for every age and interest.

• Step Back in Time at the Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead, where you can visit 250+ animals and explore a historic one-room schoolhouse.
• Discover prehistoric wonders and interactive exhibits at the Natural History Museum at Prairiefire, a must for curious kids and adults alike.
• Stroll through the beautiful Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, a peaceful escape with lush landscapes and trails.
• Bike or Walk the scenic Indian Creek Hike and Bike Trail, ideal for getting outside and spotting wildlife along the way.
• Shop and Dine at the city’s many retail centers, boutiques, and restaurants, offering everything from family-friendly eats to upscale experiences.

Address:

Overland Park, KS

Family-friendly Midwest Weekend Getaways:

Location:

Omaha, NE

Highlights:

Looking for a weekend getaway that mixes history, nature, and nonstop family fun? Omaha packs it all in with unique museums, outdoor escapes, and amusement adventures for every age.

We Recommend This For:

Families, history enthusiasts, nature lovers, and anyone craving a lively and diverse Midwestern city break.

What We Love:

The perfect blend of hands-on history, beautiful parks, and exciting new attractions like the RiverFront and Heartland of America Park.

• Explore Omaha’s rich heritage at the Mormon Trail Center, Durham Museum, and the Boys Town National Historic Landmark.
• Get Outside at Lauritzen Gardens or spot wildlife at the Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park and Wildlife Safari.
• Visit the newly redeveloped Heartland of America Park and RiverFront complex—a downtown centerpiece with fountains, trails, and wide-open green spaces.
• Play mini golf, hit the batting cages, or zoom around go-karts at Boulder Creek Amusement Park.
• Climb and zip your way through TreeRush Adventures, a ropes course and aerial playground in the trees, perfect for active families.

Address:

Omaha, NE

Location:

Galena, IL

Highlights:

Love history, charm, and small-town beauty? Galena is one of Illinois’ most beloved destinations, offering preserved architecture, fascinating museums, and a Main Street that looks like it’s straight out of a storybook.

We Recommend This For:

History buffs, couples, antique lovers, architecture fans, and anyone looking for a picturesque and peaceful getaway.

What We Love:

The perfectly preserved 19th-century vibe, walkable streets lined with shops and cafes, and the panoramic views from nearby Horseshoe Mound.

• Visit the Ulysses S. Grant Home, the Italianate-style residence of the Civil War general and U.S. president, now a living history museum.
• Explore the Galena Historic District, home to a treasure trove of Victorian-era homes and businesses listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
• Wander Main Street, named one of the prettiest in America by Travel + Leisure, filled with charming boutiques, eateries, and nightlife.
• Take in panoramic views and discover indigenous history at Horseshoe Mound, which overlooks three neighboring states.

Address:

Galena, IL

Location:

Cincinnati, OH

Highlights:

Craving a mix of history, culture, and sports in a city with serious personality? Cincinnati delivers with vibrant neighborhoods, iconic chili, and some of the country’s best museums, markets, and major league teams.

We Recommend This For:

Sports fans, history lovers, families, foodies, and anyone who enjoys exploring artsy districts and cultural gems.

What We Love:

The historic charm of Over-the-Rhine, the grandeur of Union Terminal, and that unforgettable chili-over-spaghetti combo you’ll only find here.

• Explore the first “all-American city,” founded after the American Revolution and considered the first inland U.S. metropolis.
• Cheer for the Cincinnati Reds or the Cincinnati Bengals, two major league teams that are central to the city’s identity.
• Shop and eat your way through the historic Findlay Market, a foodie hotspot bursting with local flavor.
• Visit the Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal, a stunning Art Deco landmark packed with fascinating exhibits.
• Meet wildlife at the acclaimed Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, one of the oldest zoos in the U.S.
• Stroll through Over-the-Rhine, a historic neighborhood known for 19th-century architecture, craft breweries, and lively festivals.
• Try the city’s iconic dish—Cincinnati-style chili—served over spaghetti at legendary local chains like Skyline Chili and Gold Star Chili.

Address:

Cincinnati, OH

Location:

Logan, OH

Highlights:

If you're craving fresh air, jaw-dropping views, and nature at its most magical, Hocking Hills State Park is calling. This rugged Ohio gem is packed with caves, cliffs, and endless ways to play in the great outdoors.

We Recommend This For:

Hikers, outdoor adventurers, families, campers, and anyone looking to unplug and get back to nature in a stunning setting.

What We Love:

The epic rock formations, peaceful forest trails, and the sheer variety of outdoor activities—from hiking and swimming to rock climbing and ziplining.

• Explore dramatic natural wonders like Old Man’s Cave, Whispering Cave, Conkle’s Hollow, Cantwell Cliffs, and the unique Rock House rock shelter.
• Hike scenic trails like the Buckeye Trail and Conkle’s Hollow Rim Trail, perfect for soaking in the park’s rugged beauty.
• Enjoy lake activities like boating, fishing, canoeing, and swimming at Lake Logan and Rose Lake.
• Adventure through a free archery range, thrilling zipline tours, and 99 acres set aside for rock climbing and rappelling.
• Stay Overnight at one of the park’s many cabins, private inns, or 200+ electric campsites, nestled in the forest for a true nature escape.

Address:

19852 OH-664, Logan, OH 43138
Phone: 740-385-6842