Underrated Vacation Destinations in the Midwest
Vacations give you the change to relax and unwind, while also exploring and having fun. There are lots of popular cities to visit in the Midwest, but often the underrated destinations turn out to be the best. They tend to be less crowded and more affordable than more popular locations. Here are five underrated vacation destinations in the Midwest that the family will enjoy.
Not Just a College Town
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The town of Champaign-Urbana is a hot spot for college students at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; however, it isn’t just a college town. Families traveling to the area can choose from a variety of area attractions, including the Staerkel Planetarium, Orpheum Children’s Science Museum, and the Krannert Art Museum. Crystal Lake Park offers a variety of options for visitors as well; the family aquatic center costs just $9 per person ($6 on Tuesdays). Taste of Champaign and the Downtown Festival of the Arts are just two of the festivals that bring an eclectic selection of music and food to the area. Hotels in Champaign are very affordable and average about $70 per night.
Romantic Getaway in Northern Michigan
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Traverse City, Michigan sits on the shores of the West Arm Grand Traverse Bay, and is ideal for a romantic getaway, outdoor adventure, or creative retreat. Plan a getaway filled with adventure at Great Wolf Lodge Traverse City. Families can enjoy the complimentary water park with slides, a lazy river, splash playgrounds, and a pool. Adults can unwind with a massage or beauty treatment from the spa. Enjoy a free wine tasting at one of the 50 Traverse area wineries. Make sure to be thorough by checking out one of the other hotels in Traverse City.
Hotels for Any Traveler’s Budget in Bloomington
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The Mall of America is a major attraction in Bloomington, Minnesota. The mall has over 500 retail shops, as well as fun-filled attractions including Nickelodeon Universe, SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium, Crayola Experience, Amazing Mirror Maze, and a flight simulator center. Radisson Blu Mall of America is attached to the mall, making it a top choice for travelers. The mall isn’t the only top attraction in Bloomington; outdoor lovers have over 100 area lakes and hundreds of acres of park lands in and around the city to choose from. Room rates vary and start as low as $45 per night.
Home of Hallmark Cards
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If you find yourself in Kansas City, Missouri, a visit to the Hallmark Headquarters is definitely in order. It offers tons of family-friendly free activities that will help you save while vacationing. Activities include puppet shows, ethnic feasts, exhibits for kids, and antique shows. If you’re in the area during baseball season, catch a Kansas City Royals game. Downtown Kansas City offers lots of choices for music lovers, too. Finding the right hotel deals in Kansas City is a breeze with Hipmunk.
College Football Fans Rejoice in Madison
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College football fans descend on Madison, Wisconsin in droves when the local college is playing. Hotels within the city sell out fast from August to December, and the streets surrounding the stadium are usually packed with fans. If you’re planning to visit for a game, book early for the best rates. Voted the most walkable city, Madison lets you skip renting a car while visiting, because there’s always an attraction within walking distance no matter where you stay.
If the Midwest is on your bucket list, check out one of these awesome cities; there’s something for everyone.
Nickida
Nickida is a first-generation Trinidadian American wife and mother of four. She enjoys sharing recipes from her childhood growing up in Trinidad with her readers. Nickida has a son with Autism and shares posts around traveling with a child with special needs to help other families like her own. She loves television, movies and is a true 80's baby.
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