Midwest winter vacation destinations
The Midwest has become a popular destination for winter vacations. This is due to the fact that many parts of the Midwest are not prone to extreme weather. This means that you can enjoy your vacation without having to worry about snowstorms, blizzards or other harsh conditions.
There are plenty of things that you can do on your vacation in the Midwest. You can visit one of the many museums located throughout this region. You will also find that there are plenty of art galleries and theaters as well. If you enjoy shopping, then there are plenty of stores where you can find everything from clothing to jewelry. There are also many restaurants where you can enjoy dining with friends or family members while enjoying some great food.
Midwest winter vacation destinations
ILLINOIS
Chicago, Illinois
By Kirsten from Kids Are A Trip
Winter is the perfect time to visit Chicago. Festivities kick off right after Thanksgiving and everyone embraces the cold wintry weather. From the Christkindlmarket to the Museum of Science and Industry, the city gets decked out in its holiday finest, and puts on quite a show.
There are places to go ice skating (both public and private), but don’t miss the skating ribbon at Maggie Daley Park in the heart of downtown. Skates are available for rent and you can’t beat the location in the shadow of the city’s skyscrapers.
Warm up afterwards with hot cocoa from Ghiradelli’s chocolate shop or pop into the world’s largest Starbucks. If you prefer a more formal experience, take afternoon tea at one of the local hotels, such as The Drake or The Peninsula.
Theatre is always a good option in Chicago with a multitude of Broadway and local productions to choose from. Around the holidays there are performances of It’s A Wonderful Life, The Nutcracker, and A Christmas Carol. If you visit in early February, take advantage of Theatre Week and get discounted tickets to some of the best performances.
Midwest Winter Travel Tip: If you’re traveling through Chicago’s O’Hare airport in winter, know that delays are quite possible. I recommend taking the first flight of the day if possible to reduce your risk of an extended stay, but know if you have to stay longer, that isn’t a bad thing.
IOWA
Clear Lake, Iowa
By Sara from Travel With Sara
Clear Lake, Iowa is a bustling lake town all year around. Spectators flock to Clear Lake, each year, to see the beautiful kites flying over the frozen lake in February. The Color The Wind Kite Festival is held annually and folks come from all over the world to see a frozen lake come to life. Kites of all shapes and sizes are flown high above the lake. It’s truly a majestic experience, as spectators can walk right next to the person flying the kite and even ask a question or two. Most importantly, look up and enjoy the beauty of a flying kite and a frozen lake!
Dress accordingly as winter is cold in Iowa and visitors will want to enjoy the kites for a period of time. Hot chocolate and warm treats are available for purchase near the lake, as well as in the local restaurants and shops. My recommendation: Swing into Cookies Etc. and grab a hot chocolate and a freshly baked cookie to go. There’s nothing like standing out on a frozen lake with a cup of hot chocolate and a cookie from Cookies, Etc. This is an Iowa classic and something everyone deserves to enjoy.
Dubuque, Iowa
One of the best things to do in Dubuque during the winter season is to go skiing or snowboarding at Sundown Mountain Resort! If possible, I’d recommend visiting during the day in the week as the slopes are emptier, it can get a little crowded in the evenings and during the weekend.
The National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium hold an annual ‘Ice Fest’ during January or for the adults, Dubuque On Ice Brewfest is held in February, featuring a whole host of local breweries which takes place at the Ice Arena (don’t worry, they cover up the ice for the festival)!
Winter is also a great time to see bald eagles along the Mississippi River!
Midwest Winter Travel Tip: I like to carry a frost sheet in my car, especially if I’m having to park outside. Simply lay it over the windshield and shut the tabs in the doors. It stops frost and ice from forming on the window, so you don’t have to scrape it or wait for it to clear!
Winterset, Iowa
By Michelle from Simplify Live Love
Winter is the perfect time to explore Winterset in Madison County and Iowa’s new Covered Bridges Scenic Byway. The six famous Covered Bridges of Madison County are beautiful in any weather, but winter adds a magical element that only snow can provide. Choose a snowy weekend and head out to explore Madison County!
Make sure to explore Winterset’s downtown square too. Named “Outstanding Retail Experience” at the 2019 Iowa Tourism Conference, the square features many fun, independently owned shops with something for everyone! If you’re a John Wayne fan, you won’t want to miss the John Wayne Museum, the only museum in the world dedicated to this celebrity. Warm up with a Pammel Park Coffee Company coffee at The Cellar and grab a delicious lunch at the famous Northside Café. Head over here to learn more about the Madison county bridges and what to do while you’re in Winterset, Iowa.
Midwest Winter Travel Tip: Explore the 82-mile scenic byway safely by stocking your car with emergency essentials like wool blankets, snacks, water, and a full tank of gas. Take it slow if roads are icy, remember not to use cruise control on slippery roads, and take care when driving on gravel.
MISSOURI
Defiance, Missouri
By Kay from Happy Trails Hiking
Nestled in Missouri Wine Country is a slice of National history in the form of The Historic Daniel Boone Home. Each December, this reconstructed 1800’s frontier village comes to life for Christmas! Visitors step back in time at the Christmas Candlelight Walk. These walks take place on Fridays and Saturdays in December and sell out quickly. You can get your tickets through the Boone Home’s Facebook page.
We recommend making a full day tour of wine country stopping at Montelle Winery for the BEST views from a Missouri Winery as well as Defiance Gardens and vineyard for a wonderful afternoon snack. Taking a walk at Klondike Park around the Lakeside Loop is a relaxing way to enjoy mid-afternoon, as well. Ending your day at the candlelight walk to really get you in the holiday spirit. Even if you find yourself at the Boone Home during the week, you can still get a tour of this Historic Home and the village. Park hours for home tours are 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday–Saturday; 11:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Sunday through December 16th. Then, Winter hours are 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Saturday; 12–5 p.m. Sunday. The outdoor spaces are open for you to look around during the week all year long.
MINNESOTA
Maple Grove, Minnesota
By Nicky from Little Family Adventure
Just minutes from downtown Minneapolis is the city of Maple Grove, home to Elm Creek Park Reserve. This regional park is an outdoor treasure that few people know about. During the winter months, come out and enjoy tubing, Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, dog sledding, and snowboarding. Best of all, the prices are extremely reasonable! Lessons start at $24 and an annual ski pass is just $75. If snow isn’t in the forecast, manmade snow ensures a full winter of fun. The opening of ski season is a huge event in the area. The parks hosts an annual 8k ski race, ski expo, and more the first Saturday in December.
In addition to outdoor fun, the area has a thriving shopping and entertainment area. Visit the Shoppes at Arbor Lakes for local retailers and restaurants like Grey Duck Games & Toys and Patrick’s Bakery Cafe. If you’ve never played Whirlyball, then a visit to Whirlyball Twin Cities is a must too! So whether you are looking for indoor or outdoor winter fun, you’ll find plenty just outside Minneapolis.
Midwest Winter Travel Tip: There’s an old Nordic saying, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, such the wrong clothes.” This is so true and wearing the “right” clothes means wearing layers. Invest in quality base layers to keep you warm and wick away moisture. Favorite brands include Fjällraven and Smartwool. Next add comfortable mid layers and finally great outerwear/coat.
Mall of America – Bloomington, Minnesota
The Mall of America is a great place to escape the cold Midwestern winters! There’s so much to do for all the family. Not only are there hundreds of stores, you’ll find a huge indoor theme park, complete with a high ropes climbing course and zip lines, not one but TWO mini golf courses, an escape room, an aquarium, go kart tracks and plenty of different restaurants and food outlets to choose from!
I planned my winter getaway to the Twin Cities area around the Hot Chocolate 5k/15k race. These races take place in various cities around the US during the winter season. Typically I had to run my 5k in a BLIZZARD but it was a fun experience and all participants receive a personal chocolate fondue kit and a cup of hot chocolate at the end of the race! There are several Midwest locations including: St Louis, Chicago, (Minneapolis), Kansas City, Oklahoma City and Detroit.
Midwest Winter Travel Tip: The hotel I stayed at in Minnesota had snow shovels and equipment to help guests dig their car out of the snow! You may have to wait and share with other people but it saves from having to travel with your own giant shovel!
NEBRASKA
Omaha, Nebraska
By Nikki from She Saves She Travels
If you’re looking for a Midwest destination in the winter time, then Omaha is an excellent choice. Omaha is an affordable city and will surprise you with one of the top 5 zoos in the world! The Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium regularly competes with the San Diego Zoo as the top zoo in the US.
When in Omaha, hang out in America’s largest indoor rainforest while watching monkeys swing on branches at the Lied Jungle. Experience the depths of the ocean as sharks swim above you at the aquarium. Pet sting rays at the Sting Ray Beach, or even marvel at hundreds of butterflies at the Butterfly Pavilion.
Perhaps the best place to be in the middle of winter? The world’s largest indoor desert, which just happens to be shaped like a dome. It’s the warmest exhibit as you work your way through the zoo.
The Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is one of the most Instagrammable spots in Omaha, and rightfully so! My favorite spots to grab incredible photos are the desert dome and jungle.
The Zoo is Nebraska’s largest tourist attraction. But if you go in the winter, it’s way less crowded! Pro tip – buy your tickets online in advance and skip the lines.