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Family Fun in the Midwest
America’s breadbasket feeds the need for adventure. Rugged badlands and regal presidential statues welcome families to the Dakotas, while the Land of 10,000 lakes will thrill anglers and boaters of all stripes. Can’t get enough of the water? Slip and slide with the kids in the Wisconsin Dells. No Midwestern trip is complete without a trip to Chicago, where Willis Tower’s Skydeck dishes out thrills galore.
Jump to a State
Illinois
You couldn’t pack any more family fun into Chicago if you tried. From Wrigley Field to the Shedd Aquarium to the Museum of Science and Industry, there’s something for everyone. Stroll along the soaring skyscrapers of Michigan Avenue or take a family selfie in the mirrored Cloud Gate sculpture (aka “The Bean”) in Millennium Park. There’s more to Illinois than its famed city. Walk in the footsteps of Abraham Lincoln with a stop in Springfield, and discover the state’s natural side with a visit to Starved Rock State Park.
Iowa
Iowa is a haven in the heartland. Baseball fans will want to run the bases at the Field of Dreams site in Dyersville. While in the capital city of Des Moines, visit the quirky John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park for fun family photo ops. Fill up on funnel cake and catch a spin on the Ferris wheel during the Iowa State Fair held each August. Visit Dubuque’s National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium to learn about this mighty waterway.
Minnesota
A visit to the Land of 10,000 Lakes isn’t complete without spending some time waterside. Take a scenic drive along the North Shore, hike to the roaring waterfalls in Gooseberry Falls State Park, or paddle through the Chain of Lakes for the perfect Minnesota adventures. For retail scenery, head to the massive Mall of America in Bloomington. Teens will want to hit the shops, while youngsters will love the indoor amusement park, Nickelodeon Universe.
Nebraska
Great family fun abounds on the Great Plains. Omaha is a top destination, with a zoo, children’s museum, botanical garden and more. Go back to pioneer days at the Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer in Grand Island, or visit one of the state’s historic Oregon Trail sites. Kids who love planes, trains and autos will want to visit Lincoln’s Museum of American Speed, North Platte’s Union Pacific Railway’s Bailey Yard, or Ashland’s Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum.
North Dakota
Enjoy the wide-open spaces of North Dakota. The painted hills of Theodore Roosevelt National Park make it a top choice for outdoor adventures. Watch for buffalo, prairie dogs and wildlife galore with a scenic drive or hike. To learn about the park’s namesake, catch the Medora Musical. This high-energy show is set against a lovely landscape. Head to Bismarck or Fargo for even more options for family fun.
South Dakota
Badlands, bison and the Black Hills are just part of the bounty you’ll find in South Dakota. A family hike as the sun sets is a great way to explore the Badlands National Park. Set your gaze on American presidents with a stop at Mount Rushmore National Memorial, and then watch for wildlife as you drive through the rolling green hills of Custer State Park. The Ingalls Homestead in De Smet transports you back to pioneer days, making it a popular stop for families.
Wisconsin
From scenic state parks to wild waterslides, the lovely state of Wisconsin is a fun family destination. Your kids will love exploring the waterways of the Great Lakes or the many waterparks of the Dells. Head to Milwaukee for big-city entertainment, including the Harley-Davidson Museum. Football fans won’t want to leave the state without a stop at Lambeau Field, home to the Green Bay Packers.
Manitoba
Bursting with beautiful waterways and sweeping landscapes, Manitoba is a natural draw for families. In the capital city of Winnipeg, you’ll find Assiniboine Park, with a zoo, gardens, play areas, a sculpture park and waterways. While in town, head to the Forks National Historic Site for shopping, dining, a riverside stroll and fun activities. Escape the city with a visit to Riding Mountain National Park.