Nebraska Archives - The Homebody Tourist

Oh... there's nothing to see in all those midwestern fly-over states. Right? Nothing but farms and flat land...WRONG! I may be slightly biased as I grew up in Wisconsin, but I believe the Midwest is home to some of the greatest adventures and hidden gems. From sea caves to Mount Rushmore here is the ULTIMATE list of weekend getaways in the Midwest! This site contains affiliate links to products. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links at no extra cost to you. There are only products included that I truly love. I APPRECIATE your support Minnesota Weekend Getaways Duluth, MN Duluth is a quintessential weekend getaway in the Midwest. With beautiful views of Lake Superior, amazing hiking trails, beaches, and scenic drives, you will surely want to extend your trip. Start off your weekend by heading to Canal Park for a walk along the Lake Walk. I recommend parking at the Rose Gardens (easier and more parking) and walking 1.6 miles to Canal Park (if you want to skip the walk, you can park right in Canal Park for a fee. After getting to Canal Park, grab a bite to eat on Little Angie's outdoor patio and Coldstone for dessert. You can then continue your walk to the boardwalk and lighthouse and watch the ships coming to port. End you weekend with a day full of adventures! Head up the MN North Shore for waterfalls, beaches, and epic views. If you only have one day, I recommend stopping at Split Rock Lighthouse, Black Sand Beach, and Tettegouche State Park. If you have more time, be sure to check out this 2-day MN North Shore Itinerary! For beautiful views of Lake Superior and to be close to all the action of Canal park, grab a room at Pier B Resort. Or opt for a fun waterpark stay at The Edge Resort. Minneapolis, MN Start your Minneapolis weekend getaway by shopping 'til you drop at the Mall of America (MOA)! The MOA has over 520 stores, 50 restaurants, an ENTIRE amusement park, and so many more fun activities. After shopping, head to the Como Zoo for an amazing zoo and botanical garden experience. The zoo is run off of donations only (but please donate), and covers 384 acres of land. Art lovers can check out the outdoor Scupture garden or the Weisman Art Museum. If you are looking for an escape to nature, be sure to check out Minnehaha Falls for a quick hike or bike ride on the surrounding trails. There are of course many hotel and airbnb options in Minneapolis and you will surely find one to fit any budget. If looking to stay close to the mall, I recommend Country Inn and Suites as it is affordable, offers free breakfast, a free airport shuttle AND is connected to the mall via skyway. Gunflint Trail- Grand Marais, MN As experienced by Ada from Beyond The Yellow Brick Road Experience a real Northwoods escape along the Gunflint Trail in northeastern Minnesota. Located a four-hour drive from Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport, reaching the Gunflint Trail is half of this getaway’s appeal. You’ll drive for two hours along Lake Superior’s scenic North Shore before turning onto the 57-mile long road known as the Gunflint Trail in Grand Marais. A visit to the Gunflint Trail wouldn’t be complete without day tripping into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. A Gunflint Trail canoe outfitter can set you up with a rental canoe and route. You’ll also find a plethora of hiking trails and fishing opportunities. During the winter months, enjoy snowshoeing, ice fishing, and Minnesota’s best cross-country ski trail system. The Gunflint Trail touts an opportunity to disconnect and immerse yourself in nature. Its remote location means you need to fuel up both literally and proverbially before heading up this wilderness highway. You won’t find any gas or groceries “up the Trail.” Plan ahead if you’re hoping to dine out. You don’t want to miss out on dining at Poplar Haus, but without a reservation, you might. Full-service Gunflint Trail resorts like Gunflint Lodge and Bearskin Lodge make it easy to enjoy this forest destination, while many smaller Ma and Pa resorts cater to the more independent traveler. Wisconsin Weekend Getaways Bayfield, WI Did you know you can go kayaking through sparkling blue waters and amazing sea caves in Wisconsin?! A visit to Bayfield, WI will surely be such a memorable weekend getaway in the Midwest! After arriving in Bayfield, check in to one of the many charming B&B's. You may not want to leave your room (which will likely have amazing views of Lake Superior), but if you do you can, be sure to head into the quaint town of Bayfield for dinner and dessert. I recommend grabbing a bite to eat at Pier Plaza Restaurant & Pickled Herring Lounge and then walking down the street for some icecream. You can then enjoy sunset with a walk on the trail along the water at the marina. The next morning head to Meyers Beach for your kayaking tour and a hike. We scheduled the “Meyer’s Beach Full Sea Caves Kayak Tour” through Bayfield Kayak. The tour didnt leave until early afternoon so we spent the morning hiking the Meyer’s Beach Sea Cave Trail. This is a 4.6-mile trail that takes you above the Lake Superior Sea Caves. We had our picnic at the top of the trail, then headed back to get ready to kayak. The kayaking tour will take you 4-miles out to the caves and then gives you time to explore inside some of them. I do recommend doing this with a tour guide as Lake Superior can be extremely dangerous and unforgiving. It will be an experience you will not soon forget and one of the best Wisconsin Weekend Getaways in the state. Door County, WI As experienced by Deanne from Scenic and Savvy Door County is a picturesque peninsula in eastern Wisconsin on the shores of Lake Michigan and Green Bay. A convenient drive from Milwaukee, Minneapolis, and Chicago, Door County is a beautiful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life and a perfect Midwest weekend getaway. A weekend in Door County can include any number of things to suit your style. Do you like touring lighthouses? Door County has eleven of them. Are you a nature lover? Door County has numerous county and state parks with impressive views. Bike, hike, swim, and camp in Peninsula State Park. See the limestone cliffs and caves in Cave Point County Park. Then visit the adjacent Whitefish Dunes State Park for more stunning scenery. If you enjoy kayaking, boating, golfing, shopping, or wine tours, Door County has them all. You’ll find a variety of restaurants to choose from, too. Top off your meal with a scoop of ice cream from Wilson’s - an old-fashioned ice cream parlor dating back to 1906. Door County can get busy during the peak summer months or during fall festivals, so you’ll want to book your lodging early. The charming towns of Bailey’s Harbor, Sister Bay, Egg Harbor and Fish Creek provide a variety of resorts, B&Bs, cabins, hotels, and motels. Baraboo, Wisconsin As experienced by Megan from Packing up the Pieces One of the best weekend getaways in the Midwest is found in the charming city of Baraboo, Wisconsin. Nestled less than an hour away from Madison, Baraboo is the perfect nature escape for those visiting the State’s capital. Outdoor enthusiasts will love the loop trail around Devil’s Lake State Park. There is an assortment of beautiful and diverse hiking paths, including part of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. Onsite, find beaches with picnic facilities and camping facilities. Nearby, the Pewits Nest Nature Preserve offers more walking paths and a small waterfall that follows along a scenic gorge. Bring your suit and take a dip. Baraboo has a historic downtown and the Circus World Museum, which is popular with children. In fact, it’s possible to stay at the Ringling House Bed & Breakfast. Less than a 20 minutes drive is the summer destination of Wisconsin Dells that is home to some of America’s largest adventure waterparks. There is plenty for adults to enjoy in Baraboo. The city boasts its own winery, Balanced Rock Winery, and a distillery, the Driftless Glen Distillery. A trip to Wisconsin is not complete without a meal at a Supper Club, so visit one of Wisconsin’s famous, Ishnala Supper Club. Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin Located right next to Baraboo (above) is the waterpark capital of the world, Wisconsin Dells! This small southern Wisconsin is home to over 20 indoor and outdoor waterparks. Even though you could stay busy for much longer than one weekend solely at the waterparks, there is so much more to do in Wisconsin Dells. Start your weekend exploring the museums and unique attractions. First, head to Tommy Bartlett Exploratory for fun optical illusions and other hands-on exhibits. After you can race on the nearby go-karts and have a food truck lunch at Grateful Shed. End your first night with a little competition at Wizard Quest. Day 2 is all about the waterparks. You have a few to choose from (over 20), but I recommend the Kalahari as it's the largest indoor waterpark in Wisconsin. There is also a large outdoor waterpark to split your time between. If you have additional time, squeeze in a Duck boat ride or a boat ride to Witches Gulch! Keep reading here to find out all the details about this weekend away! Milwaukee, Wisconsin Don’t sleep on an exciting weekend getaway in Milwaukee. Located on the western banks of Lake Michigan, the city is extremely scenic and filled with activities. The Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport is the primary airport for the city, but for weekend getaways from within the Midwest, it’s also easy to hop on a bus to Milwaukee. Known for its breweries, Milwaukee is the perfect destination for beer-lovers. Many spots offer tours to learn all about the brewing process, like the Historic Pabst Brewery and Lakefront Brewery. The Harley Davidson Museum is also an excellent stop to get up close and personal with some hardcore bikes. Other museum options abound for all kinds of interests: the Milwaukee Art Museum, Milwaukee Public Museum, and Discovery World cover art, natural history, and science respectively. One of the coolest places to stay is The Brewhouse Inn & Suites, set in the former Milwaukee Pabst brewery with thematic elements woven in. Another stylish option is The Hotel Metro, which embraces an art deco style perfect for instagram pics. Both of these are located in downtown Milwaukee, with easy access to top sights and parks like Veterans Park along the lake. Madison, WI As experienced by Jenny from Global Game Plan Madison, Wisconsin is a fun weekend destination that also consistently ranks highly among the “best college towns in the U.S.” The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an integral part of the city and you can stay on campus at The Edgewater or Wisconsin Union Hotel, visit the Memorial Union Terrace for a beautiful view of Lake Mendota or attend an energy-filled Badger football game. The hustle and bustle of State Street includes many shops, restaurants and bars – don’t forget to grab some cheese curds and a New Glarus beer (which is only available in Wisconsin). If you prefer to stay downtown, the Hyatt Place Madison/Downtown is conveniently located within walking distance of many tasty restaurants, the Wisconsin State Capitol Building and the Ivory Room Piano Bar which is a must-do evening of singing with local entertainers on their dueling pianos. Tours are available at various attractions around town or if you’re in the mood for a day trip, check out the famous waterparks of the Wisconsin Dells (one hour away) or architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterpiece, Taliesin (35 miles away). You can easily drive to Madison from a variety of cities in the Midwest or fly into the Dane County International Airport which offers nonstop flights from popular locations across the country. South Dakota Weekend Getaways Keystone, SD After my first time in Rapid City, I became instantly obsessed. The town itself is SO cute, but you also have so many choices of things to do! The most popular stop nearby, is of course Mount Rushmore. After admiring the monument and taking the trail around, you can head back toward Keystone or check out the Rushmore Tramway Adventures. If looking for more day 1 adventures, you can head to Cosmos Mystery area for an unusual and SUPER unique experience. Or make a stop at Bear Country USA for a drive-through animal expeirence. On Day 2 continue about 35 minutes west to explore all that Custer State Park has to offer. Here you can drive along Needles Highway, hike, swim, and look for bison and other wildlife! You can of course drive yourself or check out some of the different guided tours! End your weekend in Keystone with a tour of a gold mine or go mining for real gold with Big Thunder Gold mine or extend your trip to the Badlands for an epic South Dakota Road Trip. If looking for a budget-friendly (but impressive) stay, I reccommend staying at Baymont by Wyndham. It is walking distance from downtown and you can even catch a glimpse of Mount Rushmore from the parking lot! Weekend Getaways in Michigan Grand Rapids, MI As experienced by Constance from The Adventures of Panda Bear Grand Rapids is the perfect Michigan weekend getaway. From museums to parks, delicious brews, and coffee, you’ll be in for a great weekend full of sightseeing. Home to a variety of museums including Grand Rapids Public Museum, Grand Rapids Museum of Art, and Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, you can opt to learn more about the city and its history, art, or President Ford. The Grand River Riverwalk is a great place to take a stroll along the Grand River for which the city was named. Here you can see the city’s well known Blue Bridge. For amazing brews, both of the beer and coffee variety, Founders Brewing Company has got you covered for hometown beer. Madcap is the best coffee spot in town with Instagrammable latte art and delicious pastries. To get to Grand Rapids, you can fly into the Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) or drive into town via Interstates 96 and 196. The best place to stay is the renowned Amway Grand Hotel located in the middle of downtown and perfect for a weekend away. Harbor Springs & Cross Village, MI As experienced by Rachel from Rachel's Findings A Midwest weekend trip to the Harbor Springs/Cross Village area in Northern Michigan is for the adventurous spirit willing to rent a car and drive 2 hours north from the nearest airport located in Traverse City. Harbor Springs is the "bigger" of the two neighboring cities, a quaint and charming little town of just over 1,000 residents located right on Lake Michigan. Stay at the Colonial Inn, a cozy historical hotel with modern renovations and continental breakfast, just across the street from a sandy Lake Michigan beach. For dinner, grab all northerner's favorite, BC Pizza. From this base, you'll have access to M-119 which is the starting point for the tunnel of trees, a road canopied with trees stretching for 30 miles north, spectacular in the fall. At the end lies Cross Village, home to one of the most iconic restaurants in Michigan, Leg's Inn, started by Polish immigrants. Order the perogies or fresh smoked whitefish, while you wait, and take your drink outside to the gardens overlooking the bluffs. End the evening with sunset at Cross Village Beach. To finish off your weekend, you can also visit Charlevoix, Petoskey, or Mackinaw City all under an hour's drive! Be sure to add this Southern Michigan city to your itinerary for next time! Weekend Getaways in Iowa Bellevue, Iowa As experienced by Rebecca at Whatever Packs Your Bag Bellevue Iowa is a beautiful and quaint small town located on the Mississippi River, just 30 minutes south of Dubuque Iowa. The closest airport is in Dubuque, but Chicago is the largest nearby and at 3 hours the drive isn’t terrible if you can get a direct flight. Staying in Bellevue you cannot do better than a room at the Mont Rest Inn and enjoy the amazing breakfast, beautiful rooms, and amazing service at the best Inn around. The River Ridge Brewing Company has a beautiful Mississippi Riverfront location, with a patio that is perfect for enjoying the lovely summer evenings. The Bellevue State Park is a lovely drive and has some nice walking trails for exploring. Eating in Bellevue Iowa there are limited options but Flatted Fifth Blues & BBQ is a great option, with a full bar, and live music it has an amazing chill vibe to it that you really can’t go wrong exploring. If you are wanting to explore even more a little drive up the road is Crystal Lake Cave or wandering the Mines of Spain to get your steps in is a short drive and has some fun walking trails. Dubuque, Iowa As experienced by Kylie from Between England and Iowa A great place for a weekend getaway in the Midwest is Dubuque, Iowa. This Mississippi River town lies just across both the Illinois and Wisconsin borders. Dubuque has its own regional airport that serves Chicago O’Hare (a 3-hour drive away otherwise) or alternatively, Cedar Rapids airport is 90 minutes away. There are lots of things to do in Dubuque. The Downtown district has lots of colorful murals, the Fenelon Place Elevator (the world’s shortest and steepest funicular railway), and the wonderful National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium. The renovated historic Millwork District has great microbreweries, including a ‘beer-cade’ with retro arcade games. Just outside of Dubuque is the Mines of Spain Recreational Area. The Julien Dubuque Monument and Horseshoe Bluff are two must-do hiking trails. For a little extra adventure, head underground and marvel at the Crystal Lake Caves which are close by. A great place to stay is the Hotel Julien which is said to have been an Al Capone hideaway back in the day! Weekend Getaways in Missouri Kansas City, MO As experienced by Vicky of Buddy The Traveling Monkey One of the best weekend getaways in the Midwest is to Kansas City, Missouri. It’s a big city, with lots to do, but it still has a small-town feel. There are also a lot of unique places to eat in Kansas City. History buffs should visit the National WWI Museum and Memorial. It is the only museum in the US dedicated solely to the Great War. If you’re traveling with kids, visit the Kansas City Zoo. It’s won multiple awards for its exhibits and has been ranked one of the top zoos in the US. Union Station is also a fun place to visit. Architecturally, it’s gorgeous. But inside there are also attractions like a science center, planetarium, extreme screen theater, and traveling exhibits. Make sure to visit at night too; it's always beautifully lit. Kansas City is known for its barbecue, so during your weekend getaway, you need to visit Q39. It’s not only considered one of the top restaurants in Kansas City, but it’s also considered one of the best places for barbecue. Kansas City is easy to get to by car or plane. Multiple highways run through the city and it also has an international airport, Kansas City International Airport (MCI). To stay, the SpringHill Suites by Marriott Kansas City Plaza is a great option because it’s near many restaurants and attractions, it has an indoor pool, and all rooms have a city view. St. Louis, MO Surprisingly enough, St. Louis is quite the hidden gem. It's the second-largest city in Missouri and it's situated along the banks of the Mississippi River. Even though St. Louis is the most well-known for The Gateway Arch National Park, there are plenty of more stops to make for an eventful Midwest Weekend Getaway! Start your weekend with a stroll around St. Louis Zoo, and then head over to Forest Park where you can grab lunch, kayak, and walk through the outdoor Art Museum. After a good night's rest, spend day 2 at Gateway Arch. Although there are many differing opinions about this park (some do not believe it should be classified as a National Park), it's definitely a unique stop. You can even take an elevator to the top of the arch for the best views of the city! If you have an additional day, check out the science center or the botanical gardens! St. Louis is also a pretty dog-friendly city, so do not be afraid to take your pup with you! Weekend Getaways in Illinois Chicago, IL As experienced by Francesca from Homeroom Travel Chicago is one of the best weekend getaways in the Midwest. Not only are there a ton of cool things to do, but there are also tons of fun places to eat and unique bars. One of the best things to do in Chicago is all of the museums it has to offer. The Field Museum and the Art Institute of Chicago are two of the more popular ones, but the Chicago History Museum is worth a visit as well. Millennium Park, the location of the infamous “bean,” is another popular stop. For those with a sense of adventure visit the Skydeck where you can step into a glass box over Chicago. You cannot visit Chicago without stopping for some Chicago-style pizza. Gino’s East, Giordano's, and Lou Malnati's are the most popular options. Portillo’s is another classic Chicago food stop as well. Chicago has a plethora of fun bars as well. Head to The Drifter, a speakeasy with a fabulous burlesque show, the I/O Godfrey Rooftop for views of Chicago, or the Signature Lounge if the Skydeck is not your thing. Chicago has two airports: O’Hare and Midway. You can frequently find flight deals for both airports and it is pretty easy to get to downtown Chicago from the airports. You can opt to take the “El” Train from both or catch a Lyft/Uber. Opt to stay in the Downtown Chicago area near the Magnificent Mile or in the River North area. There are a ton of hotel options and you can frequently find a deal if you go in the off-season. A weekend in Chicago is always a fun getaway in the United States. Tip! Check out the Chicago City Pass to save up to 50 percent on 5 Top Attractions! Weekend Getaways in Ohio Cincinnati, Ohio As experienced by Sydney at A World in Reach Cincinnati, Ohio’s third largest city, is the perfect city for a quick weekend getaway in the midwest. If you’re spending a weekend in Cincinnati during baseball season, make sure to check out a Cincinnati Reds game. You can generally find pretty cheap tickets, and Friday evening games end in fireworks. Downtown Cincinnati is home to other fun things to do, like walking the Roebling Suspension Bridge or visiting the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden is another must – make sure to see the zoo’s most famous resident, Fiona the Hippo! There are lots of great restaurants in Cincinnati. Popular local dishes include Cincinnati chili (served at lots of restaurants throughout town) and goetta, a delicious (and unique) mixture of ground meat and oats that’s fried like a sausage patty. Staying downtown is your best bet when visiting Cincinnati as you’ll be close to the main attractions (and a short Uber ride away from others). The AC by Marriott at the Banks is perfectly located and reasonably priced. Cincinnati is crossed by interstates 75, 71, and 74, making it easy to drive into the city. You can also fly into the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, which is served by all major US airlines. Cuyahoga Valley National Park, OH As experienced by Megan from Red Around the World Cuyahoga Valley National Park is not at the top of most people's bucket lists, but it definitely deserves a visit and it happens to be perfect for a midwest weekend getaway. It's great for hikers and non-hikers alike with a variety of things to do. Basing yourself in Independence, Ohio, on the outskirts of Cleveland, will keep you close to the park but has budget-friendly options. The Comfort Inn is perfect for this. Cleveland will be the closest major airport as well (it's also a fun city to spend a day or two!) Two to three days will give you enough time to see the major highlights of the park and a few other things as well. Hike to Blue Hen Falls and maybe take a train ride on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railway while you're there. One of the best hikes in the park is The Ledges, a mossy fairytale wonderland. Some things to do that involve a little less hiking (but still some) are seeing the Beaver Marsh Boardwalk, the Everett Road Covered Bridge, and Brandywine Falls. If you want to do something else active besides hiking, bike the Towpath Trail. If you visit in the fall, you may even be able to pick fruit at an orchard in the park and catch it with the leaves changing. The major sights are somewhat spread out so 2-3 days will let you take your time at each spot and hopefully you won't be too rushed. Weekend Getaways in Nebraska Scottsbluff, NE As experienced by Jen and Ryan from Passions and Places The little town of Scottsbluff, Nebraska, in the state’s panhandle, isn’t a terribly popular one - but that’s what makes discovering everything it has to offer all the more exciting. Scotts Bluff National Monument is definitely the main attraction, with its rocky cliffs (which visitors can hike, bike, or drive to the top of) and the chance to walk on the actual Oregon Trail. Right by the monument is the Legacy of the Plains Museum, packed with artwork and history exhibits illustrating life in the High Plains. Another top attraction in the area is Lake Minatare - a massive lake that’s great for boating and swimming. It’s unexpectedly got a big, sandy beach, plus a lighthouse that’s open to visitors. Other than the state’s famous Runza sandwich (which is worth trying if you’re not from Nebraska!), the must-eat cuisine in Scottsbluff is Mexican. The town is full of authentic Mexican restaurants, like Las VII Americas and Rosalinda’s Fry Bread & Mexican Food. Hotel 21 & Co. is next door in Gering and probably the area’s most popular place to stay. Scottsbluff is most often a road trip stop, but its tiny airport has daily flights to Denver (and that’s it!), which is about three hours away by car. Omaha, NE As expeirenced by Nikki of She Saves She Travels If you’re looking for the best weekend getaways in the Midwest, then Omaha, Nebraska might just be the escape you’re looking for. It’s a relatively affordable destination with a lot to offer. Nebraska’s largest tourist attraction is located near downtown and draws in over a million of visitors a year – Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. It regularly ranks in the top 5 zoos in the world, competing with the San Diego Zoo for the top spot! If you’re looking for history, then a visit to the Joslyn Castle or the Durham Museum are perfect for your weekend getaway. If nature is what you’re after, the Lauritzen Gardens and Fontenelle Forest offer visitors an escape from the city. An absolute must when visiting Omaha is the Old Market in downtown. You’ll find boutique shops, restaurants and bars, and the Heartland of America Park. And with picturesque brick streets, it’s one of the most Instagrammable spots in Omaha. Flying into Eppley Airfield and renting a car is the best way to get around Omaha. Hotel Deco and the Magnolia Hotel Omaha are both great places to stay if you’re looking for fun décor and historic vibes. Plenty of affordable hotels and vacation rental options are available in downtown Omaha, too. Weekend Getaways in Indiana West Lafayette, IN As experienced by Theresa from The Local Tourist Located northwest of Indianapolis, West Lafayette, Indiana, is known as the home of Purdue University, but it’s so much more than just a college town. With its neighbor Lafayette, there are tons of things to do. One place history buffs and art lovers won’t want to miss is the Haan Mansion Museum of Indiana Art. The house itself was built for the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair, and inside is an impressive collection of Hoosier art. Another must-see is the Tippecanoe Battlefield and Museum, which commemorates a battle between early settlers and Native Americans. For greater context, visit nearby Prophetstown State Park, which was the site of a village later decimated by the Battle of Tippecanoe. When you’re hungry, don’t miss Triple XXX. Their “chop steaks” burgers are good enough for Guy Fieri, and their root beer is good enough for anyone. Another tasty stop is Bruno’s Pizza, the first pizza place in West Lafayette. Because West Lafayette is a college town, there are plenty of chain hotels. If you want to stay someplace a bit more personal, check out Black Blanket Farms Bed & Breakfast. It’s quaint and comfortable and located in the middle of farmland, so you’ll get the true Indiana experience Want an easier way to plan your Weekend Trips?! Click the picture below to download your FREE Weekend Getaway Planner! Have you explored the Midwest? What other weekend getaways in the Midwest would you add to this list?