S.D.
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Yellowstone for sure was one of the best trips we have taken.
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I'm looking for vacation ideas. We had a huge family trip in March so I'm not looking for anything extravegant. Our family doesn't necessarily like to go to a location and stay there; we typically prefer that there are things to do/explore. We have been to Wisc Dells and Mount Rushmore in the recent past and we've visited every MN State Park so we've ruled those out. We'll have 7 of us; my husband and myself, our 4 children (ages 15-22), and our oldest daughter's husband. (Our kids, fortunately, aren't the "rolling-eye/too cool for that" type so post all ideas even if you'd think most teenagers wouldn't go for it.)
What have you done in the 5 state area that you're family has really enjoyed? I'm excited to hear your ideas!!! :)
Yellowstone for sure was one of the best trips we have taken.
Amacola Falls state park in NW WI is a great day trip, as is the nearby Pattison state park in you are the hiking/waterfalls type of family. The Apostle Islands in Lake Superior are a fantastic getaway. On the metropolitan front, the Milwaukee Public Museum (natural history), Field Museum of Natural History (Chicago), Museum of Science and Industry (Chicago), and the Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum (Chicago)are all great ways to pass a hot summer day.
Finally, if you want something really relaxing and like shopping in the quaint little artsy shops, I'd suggest the Lake Pepin area. Neat little towns like Red Wing, Alma, Pepin, and Stockholm to explore, and lots of hiking trails and lake activities to keep you busy. Very relaxing weekend.
I have a bunch of Wisconsin ideas. Hayward? Door county? What about a "city" vacation? Madison is supposed to be a lovely city. You could find a Wisconsin state park and camp, and do a day trip to Madison. Or just do a Wisconsin state park in general. House on the Rock. Lake Geneva.
I have to agree with several of the other suggestions. Loved the Apostle Islands and Bayfield, WI. Love Chicago. Would love to go back to Michigan's UP. Have been to Yellowstone too many times to count. I would also add the Lanesboro, MN area. Lots of little shops, bike paths, restaurants, theater, Amish country, great B&Bs. We also really enjoyed tha Amana Colonies in Iowa. Very similar to Lanesboro. I also love the Sioux Falls to Camberlain, SD drive. Lots of things to do in SF, Mitchell, chamberlain, and little side trips off of I-90. Omaha is also a fun place to visit. Message me if you want more details about any of them.
If you're willing to go a bit beyond the 5 state area, I'd recommend Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The drive is not too far, and it has an awesome variety of things to do: Mackinac Island, Fayette State Park, Tahquemenon Falls, great museums, and gorgeous beaches and scenery.
Upper Peninsula Travel site: http://www.uptravel.com/
We are planning to go to northern WI to an interpretive wild foods trail built by Sam Thayer (just google his web page). There are other things to explore in the area too.
Just outside the 5 state area, but Hutchinson, KS is very fun. They have an underground salt mine to tour and a great Cosmosphere and Space Center.
Chicago is great of course and if you go a bit further, I recommend the Indiana Dunes.
