Midwestern weekend vacation destinations?

[DWGal210]

Hi all!

I am thinking of taking a solo trip over Labor Day weekend. I live in Northeastern Iowa, & don't want to drive more than 4 hours one way. I ruled out Chicago, only because I have been there quite a few times over the past few years. For my fellow Midwestern DISers, what are some nice places to spend a long weekend? TIA!

 

[golfgal]

Minneapolis area, Omaha, St. Louis (might be outside of your 4 hours depending on where exactly you live but St. Louis is a great place to visit).

 

[themilesfamily]

Go to the House on the Rock in Spring Green, Wisconsin. (It's about one hour and 15 minutes from Dubuque.)
http://www.thehouseontherock.com/

And if you want a side trip, drive about 30 minutes to the south of Spring Green and tour Cave of the Mounds in Blue Mounds, Wisconsin.
http://www.caveofthemounds.com/

And right by Cave of the Mounds is Little Norway.
http://www.littlenorway.com/

This is all pretty close to Madison, as well and I'm sure they have things to do there.

 

[sunshine1178]

The Quad Cities can be fun for a weekend. Riverboat gambling for the adults, John Deere Commons for kids, a baseball game at John O'Donnell stadium on the Mississippi for everyone. Bishop Hill is a good day trip from the QC -- an old Swedish settlement. History, crafty shopping, and delicious food!

 

[NotUrsula]

I have a friend who lived in Iowa for some years, and their favorite weekend getaway was the Amana colonies. Obviously, you have to be the kind of person that that appeals to, but if you like watching craftsmen and eating a lot of classic German food, it could be fun.

 

[malibuconlee]

Wisconsin Dells? If you aren't taking kids, the winery at Galena, IL?

Minneapolis area. How far of a drive to Okoboji?

 

[MzDiz]

I second Wisconsin Dells, even if you're traveling kid-free. Grab your swim suit and go play.

 

[AshleyW]

I have a friend who lived in Iowa for some years, and their favorite weekend getaway was the Amana colonies. Obviously, you have to be the kind of person that that appeals to, but if you like watching craftsmen and eating a lot of classic German food, it could be fun.

Wisconsin Dells? If you aren't taking kids, the winery at Galena, IL?

Minneapolis area. How far of a drive to Okoboji?

These are my favorite ideas - the Amanas, Galena or the Dells. DF and I live about 15 minutes from the Amanas and go there every couple months. It's a nice place to spend a weekend and do some window shopping, eat some great food, and try some pretty delicious wines. Plus, the Tanger outlet mall is only about 15-20 minutes away, and they've got some good stores - I can spend most of a day there pretty easily.