Wisc/MN/ MI experts?

[KLAIT]

I have a question for all who are familiar with things to do in these states. Each summer there is a group of us in the family who meet up for a few days in the Dells. IT is a good time for all as we have several different ages from 10 - 70. We usually get a hotel at a waterpark and there is something there for everyone from the youngest to the oldest.

This year we are thinking of something different as the location needs to be changed. Any thoughts for fun things for a group this varied to do together? We have from the Daredevil who always likes to be on the go to the calm who love to sit and visit and do nothing.

Thoughts?

 

[ZephyrHawk]

Well, MI has some lovely vacation areas. There is, of course, Mackinac Island and the surrounding touristy areas. There's pthe pictured rocks up in the UP. Then on the west side of the lower peninsula there's Sleeping Bear Dunes and Traverse City. I'm actually taking a weekend vacation to that area this spring. We'll visit the dunes, go on a winery tour, and play some mini golf.

 

[golfgal]

I was going to suggest Mackinac Island as well. In MN I would suggest either the Mall of America, staying at the Lodge at MOA for the waterpark but you also have access to "active" things all within easy driving distance-Fort Snelling, Minnesota Zoo, Stillwater, to name a few.

If you want more "cabin" like setting, try the Brainerd Lakes area. There are a lot of nice resorts as well as many mom and pop type places. Most of the "on the go" activities would be golf, boating and browsing quaint shops.

 

[AshleyW]

I've spent a couple weeks during summers around Eagle River and Minocqua, Wisconsin. We've always found a lot to do, but I go with DF's family and they're a pretty outdoorsy family. We usually camp at Indian Shores (http://www.indian-shores.com), DF's family has a camper but there are cabins there, too. There are also a bunch of condos you can rent for a few days or weeks on Lake Tomahawk or around any of the other lakes. There's a lot of fun things to do in the area.. they have jet skis for rent, a go-kart track, fishing, boating, horseback riding, lots of neat shops, bumper boats, mini golf.. we've gone several times, and we always find plenty to do.

 

[Luv2Scrap]

Many people consider the Duluth, MN area a good tourist area, but at least for this summer (and maybe the next two summers as well, from what I hear)... if you are even remotely thinking about coming here, DON'T!!! On Monday they are starting the largest road construction project we've ever had on I-35 from one end of town to the other. It's going to be an absolute nightmare both on I-35 and on all of the back roads.

For several months now, they've been pleading with all the locals to stay off I-35 so the tourists will still be able to use it. We are all dreading this summer in my unit, as most of us are at one end of town or the other, and have to come right into the middle.

 

[DisneyFan32WI]

I would suggest DOOR COUNTY. I haven't been there in a few years, but I loved it!

I also like Mackinac Island, but the drive is so far from the Milwaukee area for us. I haven't been there since I was a teen.

 

[WDWMom]

There is lots to do in West MI. Near Muskegon is Michigan's Adventure which is an amusement park/water park. Lots of water front cottages for rent along Lake MI and camping. Farther north you have wine country and dunes to hike. Many state parks. South along the lake is more wine country. depending on your dates there are lots of festivals that go on around many of the small towns. Ludington is beautiful as is Traverse City and surrounding towns.

And many suggested Mackinac Island which can be touristy and pricey although I love it there.

 

[ginna74]

Many people consider the Duluth, MN area a good tourist area, but at least for this summer (and maybe the next two summers as well, from what I hear)... if you are even remotely thinking about coming here, DON'T!!! On Monday they are starting the largest road construction project we've ever had on I-35 from one end of town to the other. It's going to be an absolute nightmare both on I-35 and on all of the back roads.

For several months now, they've been pleading with all the locals to stay off I-35 so the tourists will still be able to use it. We are all dreading this summer in my unit, as most of us are at one end of town or the other, and have to come right into the middle.

I really liked duluth in the summer. Walking around canal park is really fun. I never got to go to the glensheen mansion like I wanted to Wondering if there is still construction going on by the dec? There are times that I miss duluth (moved late last year) and right now is one of them.

 

[DisMN]

Many people consider the Duluth, MN area a good tourist area, but at least for this summer (and maybe the next two summers as well, from what I hear)... if you are even remotely thinking about coming here, DON'T!!! On Monday they are starting the largest road construction project we've ever had on I-35 from one end of town to the other. It's going to be an absolute nightmare both on I-35 and on all of the back roads.

For several months now, they've been pleading with all the locals to stay off I-35 so the tourists will still be able to use it. We are all dreading this summer in my unit, as most of us are at one end of town or the other, and have to come right into the middle.

It is gonna be hectic with all that construction but if you get a good map you should be able to avoid it and maybe come into Duluth from the *back door*, so to speak. LOL
For the OP, Duluth has a lot to offer for everyone and if the thrill seeker needs more to do you could always drive up to Lutsen for the day and ride the Lutsen slide!
Good luck deciding what to do.........

 

[KJ Luvs Pluto]

Renting a cabin in the Porqupine Mountains in the UP of MI. They are hike in/out and you bring everything but the bed. But if you like to rough it without sleeping on the ground, it's really nice. There are close cabins, just a quarter mile or so and those that can take all day to hike to. We've done this in the winter where we've both hiked and skied in - lots of fun. Maybe too strenuous for the older ones in the group, but then again maybe not.

 

[Luv2Scrap]

It is gonna be hectic with all that construction but if you get a good map you should be able to avoid it and maybe come into Duluth from the *back door*, so to speak. LOL
For the OP, Duluth has a lot to offer for everyone and if the thrill seeker needs more to do you could always drive up to Lutsen for the day and ride the Lutsen slide!
Good luck deciding what to do.........

Honestly, I'm not sure if there will be ways to avoid it, short of coming into town "up the hill" and staying there! Evere side street option from West Duluth to East Duluth is expected to be clogged with locals trying to get to and from work.

If anyone does want to try it, I would definitely try to steer clear of the Bayfront Blues Festival and Grandma's Marathon dates!

 

[Luv2Scrap]

I really liked duluth in the summer. Walking around canal park is really fun. I never got to go to the glensheen mansion like I wanted to Wondering if there is still construction going on by the dec? There are times that I miss duluth (moved late last year) and right now is one of them.

The new DECC expansion is still under contsruction, if that's what you mean. It's scheduled to be completed in the fall.

Did you leave Duluth for somewhere better or worse?

 

[ginna74]

well still in minnesota, about a hour and a half away. I like it but it is a small area and there is no walmart, target, SUPER ONE I have to drive about a half an hour one way and about 20 minutes the other way to get to a walmart. The grocery store here is super expensive. So I guess it is better in some ways and NOT better in other ways lol. I think I took Duluth for granted And I was talking about the decc expanding too.

 

[stsomewhere]

There is lots to do in West MI. Near Muskegon is Michigan's Adventure which is an amusement park/water park. Lots of water front cottages for rent along Lake MI and camping. Farther north you have wine country and dunes to hike. Many state parks. South along the lake is more wine country. depending on your dates there are lots of festivals that go on around many of the small towns. Ludington is beautiful as is Traverse City and surrounding towns.

And many suggested Mackinac Island which can be touristy and pricey although I love it there.

We went here a few years ago and are planning another trip in Aug.
We went river tubing, mac woods dune buggy ride, Michigan adventures, hiked the sand dunes.
The beaches a long the lake are very sand and beautiful.


Last year we went to Michigan Up. We stayed at Taquamhaon Falls state park, we took day trips canoeing, row boating over to the lower falls and playing in them. Hike to the upper falls, canoeing/kayaking, Whitefish Point -swimming, rock hunting, there is a ship wreck museum. Pictured rocks boat tour, hiking to waterfalls, golf. The bear ranch. Many things to see and do.