vacation recommendations needed-Midwest

[paintnolish]

So, we are jsut back from WDW. As most of you know, while fun, it is hardly relaxing! I would like to take a small trip sometime this summer. The kids love swimming and playing in the sand, so I am think a lakefront trip, maybe Michigan or Wisconsin. i am in central IL, about 2 hours south of Chicago. Any advice? Specific hotels or lodges? TIA! I need to sit on a beach and read!

 

[Dan Murphy]

Paint.

We have been going here for years, will be there again mid July. About 6 or so families.

It is just what you want, laid back, quiet town, beach, lake, sand. There is some entertainment once or twice a week, like a musical. It is kind of like Dirty Dancing place.

Hot buffet breakfasts are included. We always stay in the Victorian Inn building.

http://www.vicvill.com/newsite/index.php?page=39

 

[wdwiala]

I always thought that Lakeside, Ohio sounded nice. They did a profile on it one time on CBS Sunday Morning. Called it the safest community in the country. It's actually a gated community on the lake. Biking, swimming and all kinds of entertainment through the summer.

I tried to find the video online but can't.

 

[Liberty Belle]

I grew up in St. Joseph, Michigan. It's a pretty little town with a nice beach and a lighthouse (actually the lighthouse is in Benton Harbor, I think, right across the bridge). In July (maybe the first weekend?), they have a really nice art fair on the bluff, if you're into that. Also, they had a nice little children's museum that I am assuming is still there.

Oh, I forgot - in the summer, they have concerts at the local bandshell along the river (near the beach). It's a fun, family atmosphere in the nice bluff park.

 

[overlyspoiled4sure]

Door County, WI. Wisconsin Dells (Lake Delton is back & better than ever). Ashland WI (I heard it's beautiful up there, on the shores of Lake Superior). Baraboo WI where the Circus Museum is. What about Chicago itself? There's gotta be super places there to visit such as Navy Pier & American Girl Place. Good luck making a decision.

 

[Nik's Mom]

Where ever you decide to go, be sure to check for hotel deals on Travel zoo.com. They always have some great deals.

 

[figment52]

Traverse City, MI (Northern Lake Michigan).

 

[paintnolish]

Anyone have any specific lodging recommendation in those aforementioned WI or MI towns? I have been to The Dells (Kalahari) several times and grew up in Chicago, so those are probably out.
Dan- That hotel looks wonderful. I will check that out.

 

[DisneyFan32WI]

How about Mackinac Island, Michigan? Also, there are some great spots to visit here in WI like House on the Rock, WI Dells, Door County, etc.

 

[golfgal]

http://www.explorebrainerdlakes.com/lodging/

Another option, a little farther away but a multitude of choices in a small area would be the Brainerd Lakes area in Minnesota. There are probably over 100 resorts of all sizes and price ranges from the mom and pop cabin resorts to the Grandview Lodge. I specifically like Madden's, Izaty's, and Craigun's resorts. The Grandview Lodge is the most expensive in the area but very nice-similar to Wilderness Lodge at WDW.

 

[antmaril]

I was in Traverse City, Michigan last week. I am a native Michigander and we have been going to Traverse City for many years.

We stay at the Tamarack Lodge (tamaracklodgetc.com) and it is lovely. One, two and three bedroom condos right on Grand Traverse Bay. I've stayed here three times in two years. There are many hotel choices in Traverse City depending on your budget. Most are right on the Bay (think beachfront). From Traverse City you can do day trips and visit Charlevoix, Petoskey, Harbor Springs, Sleeping Bear Dunes, etc.

Northern Michigan is beautiful - you can't go wrong.

 

[traces7]

We took a trip last summer to Michigan's UP. There's so much to see and do up there. We went to Mackinac Island, the Soo Locks, Great Lakes Shipwreck museum, Pictured Rocks National Park, Tehquemenon Falls. Everything was so beautiful and so nice. We had a lot of fun! We saw 3 of the Great Lakes on 1 trip!
We went more to the eastern side of the UP, but there are some nice things to see on the western side of the UP. I hope to do that some day.
We're from southern Wisconsin, so not sure if this would be too far for you. But it's a fun trip.

 

[golfgal]

We took a trip last summer to Michigan's UP. There's so much to see and do up there. We went to Mackinac Island, the Soo Locks, Great Lakes Shipwreck museum, Pictured Rocks National Park, Tehquemenon Falls. Everything was so beautiful and so nice. We had a lot of fun! We saw 3 of the Great Lakes on 1 trip!
We went more to the eastern side of the UP, but there are some nice things to see on the western side of the UP. I hope to do that some day.
We're from southern Wisconsin, so not sure if this would be too far for you. But it's a fun trip.

Is Lake Michigan warm enought to swim in around Mackinac?

 

[traces7]

No, I don't think so. We saw a few people in the water, but just wading. All the lakes were too cold for swimming (for me anyway). We were by Lake Michigan, Lake Huron and Lake Superior.
It's cool in general in the UP. We went in the beginning of August and wore sweatshirts a lot!

 

[geffric]

Paint what about Starved Rock or the Dells?? We biked around Door County and loved it ..

 

[Traveliz]

So, we are jsut back from WDW. As most of you know, while fun, it is hardly relaxing! I would like to take a small trip sometime this summer. The kids love swimming and playing in the sand, so I am think a lakefront trip, maybe Michigan or Wisconsin. i am in central IL, about 2 hours south of Chicago. Any advice? Specific hotels or lodges? TIA! I need to sit on a beach and read!

Any chance you are the family I talked to coming and going -- at the Bloomington airport?

Son loves Legos, daughter made me a princess picture?

Liz

 

[figment52]

No, I don't think so. We saw a few people in the water, but just wading. All the lakes were too cold for swimming (for me anyway). We were by Lake Michigan, Lake Huron and Lake Superior.
It's cool in general in the UP. We went in the beginning of August and wore sweatshirts a lot!

Yes, you can swim in the lake Michigan and Lake Huron in June, July, August and early September. Lake Superior swim season will be slightly shorter due tot he fact that is is further north.

 

[paintnolish]

Any chance you are the family I talked to coming and going -- at the Bloomington airport?

Son loves Legos, daughter made me a princess picture?

Liz

Nope! We flew out of Midway-flights are much cheaper than at CIRA. DS loves Legos, though!