Family Vacations Directory - Heartland

USAHeartlandFamily vacation spots: Chicago, Springfield, Hannibal, Minneapolis, St. Paul, Otter Tail Country, Columbus, Ohio’s Warren County, Indianapolis, Madison, Milwaukee, Green Bay, Detroit, Kansas City, St. Louis, Mitchell, Fargo, Bismarck, and Mount Rushmore. Family vacation activities: camping, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, sailing, farm stays, berry picking, bird watching, dinosaur digs, pow-wows, bison watching, maple syrup tasting, skiing, skating, snow-boarding, snowmobiling, living history, art museums, theatre under the stars, music festivals, spas, shopping, baseball, and roller coasters. (Image of Paul Bunyan, Bemidgi, Minnesota.)
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ARTICLES
USA: Heartland, Best Family Vacation Beach Spots - Ohio, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Michigan.

Yes, it is possible to have a family beach vacation in the middle of the USA. The Great Lakes offer several rewarding spots and some of the very best water parks can be found on dry land. From waterslides and wave pools to shipwrecks and campfires the options are many. We have a few energizing suggestions for your consideration. [Read More]

Ohio: Dayton, Family Vacation Ideas – Airplanes, Stargazing, and SunWatch.

Only in Ohio’s bucolic Miami Valley is it possible to canoe on an ancient river, relive the days of early settlers, and be thrilled by Wilbur and Orville Wright’s dream of flight. Go stargazing; participate in science; see an ancient Indian village; hike, bike, swim, sleep or read a book in the shade. Miami Valley family vacation days can be easy paced yet packed with memories.   [Read More]

Ohio: Warren County, Family Vacation Ideas - Kings Island, Beach Waterpark and the Little Miami River.

Shop ‘til you drop for timeless and unique treasures in quaint towns and villages. Play award-winning golf courses, enjoy a waterway rafting trip, or even hike, bike, and rollerblade throughout the scenic countryside. With so much to offer, it’s no wonder Warren County is Ohio’s Largest Playground! Fun and affordable family fun is just hours away. [Read More]

USA: Heartland, Secret Family Vacation Places - Wisconsin, Ohio, Michigan, and Missouri.

Looking for a new spot or a new family vacation idea? Imagine riding a magic train in Ohio; singing with the peacocks in Wisconsin; celebrating with a fish boil in Door County; hunting for agates along Lake Superior or petting a bearded lizard in Missouri. This is the fun stuff. [Read More]

Minnesota: Otter Tail Country, Family Vacation Ideas - Lakes, Loons, and No Lines - Except for Fishing.

No crowds, no stress, the area may be enjoyed in all seasons but is most lively during the summer season. It is a secret family vacation spot with cabins, B & Bs, lodges and resorts tucked away in the woods by lakes and streams or at the edge of a flower covered meadow. Some roads have no names and every other car has a boat or a canoe. Lakes yield fish and nights make star gazing exceptional - no schedules required, having fun is easy. [Read More]

Illinois: Chicago, Family Vacation Ideas – Clown Fish, Dinosaurs, and Gnomes in A Garden.

From the beauty of Lake Michigan and Grant Park to the fireboats on the Chicago River, Chicago is an awesome place. The parks are better than ever and the Sears Tower is still a thrill when it is not in the clouds. Meet Degas at The Art Institute; learn about life before the great fire; count fish at the Shedd; watch butterflies; see dinosaurs; hunt gnomes in a garden. The city offers new family adventures every day. [Read More]

Illinois: Chicago, Family Vacation Ideas – Shopping, Theatre, and Navy Pier with Teens.

Chicago offers families a multitude of entertainment options – always edgy and fun. From awesome music and art venues in Grant Park to the non-stop fun on Navy Pier the city delivers on the fun stuff. See the Blue Man Group; enjoy Shakespeare with a twist; discover a coal mine. Best of all Chicago has traditional street fairs in the warmer months seem to run continuously - all of them free. Chicago with teens can be fun and we have selected our favorite spots. [Read More]

Ohio: Warren County Defines American History with Stories from the Heart.

In Lebanon, Ohio an American history lesson comes alive with a southwest Ohio re-enactor who provides a believable escape to freedom experience as “Sadie”, a slave girl. She narrates her story for visitors of all ages to absorb.   [Read More]

Indiana: Indianapolis, Conner Prairie – Follow the North Star.

Freedom…What are you willing to sacrifice for the sake of freedom? Conner Prairie's Follow the North Star offers an unprecedented simulation of the Underground Railroad experience. This prairie night adventure is ideal for parents wanting to share extreme living history with their children. The experience gives new meaning to the words “get real”. [Read More]

Missouri: Hannibal, Family Vacation Ideas – Tom Sawyer, Huckleberry Finn, and the Mighty Mississippi River.

Arrive in Mark Twain Territory and become part of a uniquely American vacation experience. "America's Hometown" sustains an innocent spirit of adventure by sharing in real time the remarkable stories created by Samuel Clemmons. Ride a Mississippi Riverboat and go caving, taste luscious kettle corn and talk with Mark Twain, see artists at work and enjoy live theatre, and listen to music under the stars. The fun stuff is waiting. [Read More]

Illinois: Gurnee, KeyLime Cove Water Resort - America’s Cutting Edge Indoor Water Resort.

Keylime Resort – the brainchild of Dave Anderson, founder of the Famous Dave’s Legendary Pit Bar-B-Que and Rainforest Cafe restaurant chains - is welcoming guests. The resort has created a big splash welcoming guests to a one-of-a-kind tropical “cruise-ship-on-land” experience. [Read More]

Ilinois: Chicago, Embark on an Urban Adventure This Summer.

Throw a bathing suit in your backpack, slip on your cargo pants, get out the safari hat and become a Chicago urban adventurer this summer! Whether you are a new or frequent visitor or a tourist in your own town, discover all the city has to offer as an internationally-known culinary destination, a waterfront oasis, a leader in greening, a tapestry of multicultural neighborhoods, the Blues Capital of the World, and a jazz lover’s paradise. [Read More]

Wisconsin: Family Vacation Ideas - Go for the Art, Stay for Fun.

Kids and art, it’s a natural and museums in Wisconsin have created effortless ways for parents, grandparents and children of all ages to enjoy fine art. From Sheboygan to Madison and Oshkosh to Milwaukee, art in Wisconsin is not boring and static anymore. It is all about seeing, touching, hearing and being part of the artistic energy which is very much alive within the state. [Read More]

Wisconsin: Montello, Family Vacation Ideas Fishing, Movies, and Sour Lollipops.

Imagine a spot with enough small town charm that it could be a movie set. That's Montello. It has the ideal small town atmosphere, the old stone buildings, faded billboard signs, two lakes, and as the center piece four waterfalls cascade over red granite into the old quarry. This quaint little town is in central Wisconsin, a blip on the tourist map but just minutes from, Scharenberg’s Resort on White Lake. [Read More]

USA: Celebrate Spring with the Birds.

From Montana to Florida and Delaware to South Dakota spring is a time to observe the amazing conversion of the seasons. America's First National Wildlife Refuge, tiny Pelican Island, hosts a celebration each March. The annual antics are really wild family fun to break up the monotony of daily life. [Read More]

Indiana: South Bend, Family Vacation Ideas - Sand Dunes, Living History and College Football.

The fun stuff is waiting within an hour of Chicago. Northern Indiana is a comfortable, friendly spot with farm markets, bakeries and natural beauty. Any list will include obvious favorites. Comb the dunes along Lake Michigan or cast a line from shore; count nesting herons or go to a star party; ride a pony or pet a llama; hike, bike or slide in the snow. Residents love to talk college football. Antique stores are rewarding and ice cream simply the best. We have a short list for action. [Read More]

Minnesota: Minneapolis, Family Vacation Ideas - Snowshoes, Puppets and a Monrail.

A remarkable city for a family holiday, winter in Minneapolis is primetime. From marvelous theatrical productions and inspiring museum programs to dreamy snow covered parks and tempting hot chocolate stops, the city shines.Spend any time at all in Minneapolis and smiling will be unavoidable. Voted the best in the USA for dozens of things, the ongoing results span the gamut. [Read More]

Ohio: Mason, Celebrate the Holidays at the Beach.

The Beach Warterpark, perfect on a hot summer day, also has a high-energy winter personality which makes it an ideal escape for families. From old-fashioned carriage ride and reindeer at Santa's Village to live bands, carolers and a production by Madcap Puppet Theater, the activities are tempting. See the Polar Express miniature train display; toboggan down Cool Runnings slide; take an Arctic paddleboat cruise. [Read More]

USA: National Wildlife Refuge, Short Stops in Wild Places.

Flight delays, missed flights or time to spare, threaten to mix up your family vacation breakout of the airport - wildlife and wilderness is only minutes away. From Philadelphia, Baltimore and Minneapolis to Denver and San Diego there are fresh air options not far from airport chaos. A delayed flight out of Philadelphia International Airport does not have to mean a long afternoon of shopping for souvenirs or squirming in a terminal seat - wilderness is just one train stop away. [Read More]

Illinois: Chicago, CityPass Family Vacation Ideas - Sea Otters, NASA Missions and a Submarine. .

The Hancock Observatory delivers a view of the region, joining a lineup of Chicago’s most treasured museums: Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum for a peek beyond the Milky Way; the Museum of Science of Industry, full of the gusto of scientific inventions and explanations; The Field Museum, an unforgettable trove of modern and ancient discoveries; The Shedd Aquarium, displaying the world’s aquatic creatures and the shifting greens and blues of Lake Michigan’s vistas. [Read More]


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FAMILY VACATION IDEAS
Chicago, Illinois: Fairmont Chicago

Going Green to See Chicago Package. See all that Chicago has to offer including the Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum, Art Institute, Navy Pier, Chicago Architectural Foundation. The Chicago Transit Authority Visitor Pass is the perfect way to get to all of these attractions without ever having to find a parking place. [Read More]

www.Fairmont.com/Chicago

Hannibal, Missouri: Mark Twain Cave Campgrounds

Whether you have a RV or a tent, we have a quiet, shady spot just for you. [Read More]

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Chicago, Illinois: CityPass Chicago - A Family Vacation Idea

An Easy Urban Family Vacation. [Read More]

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www.citypass.com

Sherrodsville, Ohio: Atwood Lake Resort and Conference Center

Check out our special value resort packages that make any visit to Atwood Lake Resort enjoyable and affordable. We offer cabins right on Atwood Lake a perfect place to relax with your family. [Read More]

www.AtwoodLakeResort.com

Minneapolis, Minnesota: Holiday Inn Metrodome

Stay close to the action. [Read More]

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www.Metrodome.com

Galena, Illinois: Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa

Check out our Family Time package. [Read More]

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www.eagleridgeresortonline.com

Lebanon, Ohio: Great Wolf Lodge Lebanon

Great Wolf Lodge has plenty of room for your entire family and even your friends with 10 different suite-style rooms. [Read More]

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www.ohioslargestplayground.com

Ottertail, Minnesota: Otter Tail Country

Loons, Lakes and Friendly People. Sound like heaven? Join us in Otter Tail Country - the best part of Minnesota. [Read More]

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www.ottertailcountry.com

Lebanon, Ohio: Warren County Family Fun

Enjoy tons of family fun in our part of the world. Great family vacation packages throughout the year make planning a quick vacation break easy. [Read More]

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Lebanon, Ohio: Kings Island Adventure Park

Check out the best combined stay and play packages. [Read More]

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Mason, Ohio: Beach Water Park Mason

White sand, cool water, wild waves and real palm trees… no this isn’t Florida, this is Ohio and it's a blast! [Read More]

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Hannibal, Missouri: Hannibal - Tom and Huck Country

Plan a visit to America's Home Town, fun for the whole family day and night. [Read More]

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www.visithannibal.com

Bayard, Nebraska: Oregon Trail Wagon Train

Relive the days of 1850 along the Oregon Trail. [Read More]

www.oregontrailwagontrain.com

Carpenter, South Dakota: Possibility Farm Bed and Breakfast

Imagine life on a farm with us. [Read More]

www.possibilityfarm.com

Dearborn, Michigan: Hyatt Regency Dearborn

Henry Ford Museum Package. [Read More]

www.Dearborn.Hyatt.com