The Best Resorts in the Midwest

For most people , vacationing at a resort entails tropic drinking , Aspen - point ski incline , or , at the very least , Mickey Mouse ears . Not many of these particular getaways can be mimicked in the Midwest , though the neighborhood has its ploughshare of special housing with both fond - conditions activeness like golfing , tramp , and wine-colored savoring , and even unparalleled fun in the dead of winter like zip - facing over ski slopes , floating down indoor lazy river , and steamy spa days . Even if you never guess far from the grounds , you ’ll eff you ’ve vacationed well by making the most of the fall and winter season at one of these one - full stop weekend escape .

Grand Harbor Resort and Waterpark

Dubuque , IAThe lively refuge hotel in the Port of Dubuque bluster arresting views of the historical Downtown orbit , bluff , and the Mississippi River . Modern suites have level - to - roof windows , whirlpool tubful , fireplaces , and wet bar . In summation to a huge colonnade room deemed " The Cave , " the riverbank accommodations include a 25,000sqft indoor waterpark with pee slides , tube rides , water cannons , a lazy river , and two gargantuan hot tubs . Experience the " four story spatter " when 350 gallons of H2O get plunge every eight minutes from the Huck Finn II Treehouse . sporting up for the little winery / eatery just up the paseo .

Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa

Galena , ILIts grownup hook might be three acclaimed 18 - jam golf grade , but out-of-door enthusiasts can also bike , hike , and horseback ride along the recourse ’s 26 miles of scenic trails , boat or fish on Lake Galena , expose terrain groom for cross country skiing and sleigh drive , hit the going hill or skate pond , or even take in the aurora or sunset over the sprawl grounds in a hot air balloon . Unwind at the Stonedrift Spa or stroll through the nearby township ’s sorcerous store before crawfish to one of the building complex ’s 300 villa or 80 hostel rooms .

French Lick Resort

French Lick and West Baden Springs , INA $ 500 million overhaul late restored the century - erstwhile refuge back into a opulence destination in southerly Indiana . Its two grand hotel within the Hoosier National Forest – the French Lick Springs Hotel and West Baden Springs Hotel , renowned for its ornate , 600 ft looking glass dome – sport three golf courses , indoor and outside pools , horse unchanging , world - grade spas , mellow - goal dining , and a gambling casino .

Boyne Mountain Resort

Boyne Falls , MIWhile it ’s home to Michigan ’s magnanimous indoor waterpark , Avalanche Bay , resort guests can also look forward to zip - lining through the treetops , horseback riding , biking , golfing on two courses , outside swim in het up pools , and weekend bonfire with s’mores in the fall . Scenic rides revert back into lifts for winter skiing and snowtubing , and a mixture of terrain elements render prime snowshoeing , snowmobiling , and chalk skating opportunities . take from a mountain range of accommodation , including elbow room , suites , condominium , cabin , and villas .

Timber Creek Retreat House

Drexel , MOIt might not house an entire indoor waterpark like some resorts , but guests will still leave this retreat mansion spirit positively refreshed . The idyllic wooded lodging offers non - denominational ghostly mentoring that ’ll steer you into a convinced frame of idea . A Vanessa Bell band three times a day for guide meditation sitting , chef - prepared gastronome meals are apportion family - vogue , the cinema way comes stocked with inspirational films , yoga and massage rooms , and a chapel invite personal musing , and picturesque trail receive long , passive hikes .

The Elms Hotel & Spa

Excelsior Springs , MOEstablished in 1888 , this landmark hotel near Kansas City was rebuild with native limestone in 1912 and of late restore for its centennial . Al Capone visited when it prospered as a speakeasy , and it once served as breeding ground for packer Jack Dempsey and the 1948 New York Giants football game team . Now visitors can enjoy way outfit with detached Wi - Fi and retention froth mattresses , as well as indoor and heated out-of-door pools , which are undecided year - round . guest should know The Grotto , the watering place ’s a modern take on a traditional Roman bath .

Big Cedar Lodge

Ridgedale , MOThe contemporary cabin tuck within southern Missouri ’s woods are the staring spot to observe the transitioning fall leaves or a coke blanketed landscape . Located near Table Rock Lake , the luxe stick tout panorama of the lake and Ozark Mountains with Branson ’s shopping and amusement just 10 miles aside . Water sports and deck of cards BBQs are understanding enough to inflict in the summer , but the balmy clime is still idealistic for fly fish at Dogwood Canyon , tramp , and golfing in January and February . The quieter off - season can bring in Charles Percy Snow and ice , however , score the spa and spicy tubs choice spots at the talkative resort .

Grand View Lodge Golf Resort & Spa

Nisswa , MNAn assortment of townhomes , villas , cabin , and clubhouse suite line Gull Lake at this 100 - class - previous golf holiday resort situated just outside Downtown Brainerd . Test your jive on three championship golf courses , try your bridge player at geocaching , or take a horse - describe wagon ride before settle in for the nighttime over a balefire . Spa - going , skiing , snowmobiling , and trash fishing at one of the field ’s many lakes are among the plethora of winter activity options .

Lied Lodge & Conference Center

Nebraska City , NEThe expansive lodge ’s 140 fully renovated , unsophisticated room showcase orchard or arboretum views . All fall time of year , the orchard is right for apple pick and hayrig drive , while a full calendar of events through winter includes a hazard to wobble your way up an old oak tree savanna tree , imbibe outside beers at Oktoberfest , and hop on the popular trolley tour of Nebraska City ’s vacation lights . The on - situation restaurant ’s nature - enliven card focuses on local and sustainable ingredients , and Guest can tour the contiguous glasshouse and tree farm . A cocktail lounge , full - religious service spa , sauna , and Olympic - sized indoor pool ( with freestanding pool for nipper ) help make for a rejuvenate lam .

The Villas at Gervasi Vineyard

Canton , OHWhether you ’re enjoying the crisp fall airwave on the patio or a meal inside the intimate bistro during a snow , simple pleasure like a glass of wine can be fully embraced at this vineyard . vino tyro and long - time enthusiast likewise can stimulate their palates through several wine taste and tours , and even personalized , chef - lead culinary classes . Stucco bulwark , stone fireplace , heat up bath floors , and fresh - baked breakfast goody suffice in wooden boxes add to the charming villa accommodations .

Custer State Park Resort

Custer , SDNestled within Custer State Park ’s 71,000 acres of plenty and pine tree timberland , four historic , stone - and - woods lodges , and a variety of upgraded cabins give nature enthusiast quick access to hiking , hogback equitation , safari Jeep tours , chuck wagon cookouts , and free - roaming bison . You wo n’t have to leave the primer for nutrient with restaurant peppering the stamping ground orbit , but you might need to strike the road to search the rude Black Hills of South Dakota grandness around Sylvan Lake or along the winding Needles Highway – 14 miles of National Scenic Byway with sharp turns , low tunnel , and telling granite spires .

The Osthoff Resort

Elkhart Lake , WISuite guests at the Victorian - style resort overlooking Elkhart Lake are privy to modern amenities like the applaud spa , an on - site culinary school , and indoor and outside pond , in increase to gas hearth , private balconies , and a beach on the lake . Quaint village streets and winding rural road provide ample paths for biking , and more adventurous riders can bump off the lead at Kettle Moraine State Forest . Some of the wintertime activeness let in Methedrine fishing , dog sled from The Siberian Outpost , and downhill skiing , snowboarding , and snowtubing at Sunburst Ski Area .

Grand Geneva Resort & Spa

Lake Geneva , WIThis refuge and spa knows how to pack in the amusement in 1,300 acres , and it ’s an gentle drive from Chicago or Milwaukee . lay eyes on the fall foliage via a horse drawn carriage or ride your own pony , or take it all in from the championship golf game courses . Obstacle backwash fiend can eclipse 20 + obstacles along five miles of snowy course in theAbominable Snow Race , then celebrate with beer , music , and a warm fire at the lodge . Those less keen on the challenge can snag pass away to The Mountain Top for day / night skiing and snowboarding on 20 unlike runs , include all new six - Akko Terrain Park . When you ’re tired of the C. P. Snow , the Moose Mountain Falls waterpark , tennis courts , and go up wall will be waiting indoors .

Destination Kohler: The American Club

Kohler , WIIt ’s impossible to leave this five - headliner stamping ground , starring the famed Kohler Waters Spa , without feeling rejuvenated . As the only AAA Five - Diamond hangout hotel in the Midwest , it ’s one of the top well - being focused destinations in the Carry Nation . Whether you ’re sink in for a soothing facial or soak up yourself in the spa ’s therapeutical water treatments all day , you ’ll end up melt into one of the enclose rooftop deck ’s fireside couch chairs . Seasonal outdoor adventures are just as invigorating ; they cast from ambuscade shooting , canoeing , sportfishing , archery , and golfing in the autumn to pheasant hunt , snowshoeing , Bavarian curling , and ice bowling in the wintertime , and Earth - renowned artists on a regular basis perform at the design and arts inwardness .

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