Author: marklongmainstream (Page 43 of 174)

Looking for a place to enjoy this cold winter weather? Look no further, Perfect North Slopes is a fantastic place the entire family will enjoy! This is one of the largest tubing areas in the country and its right here in the Midwest. Perfect North Slopes is located at 19074 Perfect Lane, in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. For more information, click here.

Perfect North Slopes has offered tubing for the last 20 years. Way longer then most other ski resorts in the Midwest. So that makes them a bit of an expert on the sport. At Perfect North they consider tubing a perfect family activity because everyone can enjoy it together.

Experience the thrill of sliding down a snowy 1200′ long run and then effortlessly riding one of two Magic Carpet conveyor lifts back to the top…no hiking uphill here! You don’t need any experience or special equipment. Just hop in the provided tube and enjoy the ride.

Goggles, hats and gloves are available for purchase, and they have snow boots, insulated ski pants and helmets for rent. Come have some fun on the snow!

Choose from 25 lanes including the super lanes which allow for your entire family or group to go down together. Tubing is a perfect activity for birthday parties and Perfect North is an excellent host! For more information on having a party on the slopes, click here.

Perfect North Slopes is located at 19074 Perfect Lane, in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. For more information, click here. For more great tubing options in the Midwest click here.

Perfect North Is also an excellent place for ski and snowboarding, they even have a terrain park to harness your skills! If its your first time on the slopes Perfect North offers lessons in both ski and snowboarding.

For more great family activities you can enjoy in Indiana, click here.

Backbone State Park has so much to see and do its almost unbelievable. The hiking is some of the best in the Midwest, There are exceptional trout streams for fly fishing, numerous rock climbing locations. If that wasn’t enough there is a beach and  a beautiful lake. If you wish to stay the weekend,  they have cabins for rent as well as a campground. Backbone State Park is located at 1347 129th St in Dundee, Iowa. For more information, click here.

Midwest Hiking

Backbone is considered by many to be Iowa’s oldest state park. (although it is disputed) the park was dedicated all the way back in 1920. This is one of the most geographically unique locations in Iowa. The steep and narrow ridge of bedrock from the Maquoketa River forms the highest point in northeast Iowa – The Devil’s Backbone – giving the park its legendary name.

Midwest Hiking

The hiking is some of the best in the region. You can hike through the 21-mile trail system and venture along twisted and windblown cedars up rough, rocky staircases. Backbone trail at Backbone State Park is the most popular and one of the easier trails at the park. This trail takes you through rocky and forest areas and has great overlooks. In the winter, explore the park’s snowmobile and cross-country ski trails. Avid mountain bikers can trek through the picturesque trails of Barred Owl, Bluebird, East Lake and West Lake.

Midwest Hiking

Climbing enthusiasts love the park for its rugged dolomite limestone cliffs, offering many challenges for climbers and rapellers throughout the park. Check out Backbone Trail for some of the most popular climbing spots. Please register at the park office before climbing. Rock climbing opportunities like this are few and far between in the Midwest, and even if they were abundant Backbone’s climbing trail would still be considered unique.

Midwest Hiking

Fishing for trout in Backbone’s clear, quick flowing stream fed by Richmond Springs. Backbone is known for its exceptional trout fishing, and anglers looking for their “secret spot” can enjoy a variety of shady and universally accessible trails along the stream. The sidewalk and concrete parking lot along the trout stream are ADA accessible.

picture is owned by Eric Hanson KCCI

Stay overnight in one of Backbone’s popular 4-season cabins, or camp in one of Backbone’s campgrounds. Non-electric and electric sites are located in the South Lake Campground along with two shower buildings, a playground and a dump station. Both shower buildings and the campsite in the South Lake Campground are ADA accessible. Near the west entrance lies The Six Pine Campground, featuring non-electric sites and pit latrines. Campsites and year-round cabins can be reserved through the online reservation system for Backbone State Park.

Midwest Hiking

Boat on Backbone Lake and enjoy refreshments from the beach concession stand. Visitors can rent boats at the boathouse and a boat ramp can be accessed near the southwest end of the lake. Only electric motors are allowed on the lake. Kayaks, canoes and paddle boats can be rented from the park’s concessionaire.

Midwest Hiking

Cyclists are also know to frequent the park, as the Northeast State Park Bike Route is a 130 mile route which connects Backbone State Park, Wapsipinicon State Park, and Pikes Peak State Park utilizing county highways.

This picture is owned by Moser’s Moments

Whether you’re an adrenaline seeker or just wanting to get outdoors for the day, Backbone State Park has something for everyone. Pictures used in this article are owned by our friends at Midwest Hiking. Check them out on Facebook for more great hiking locations around the Midwest. For more great hiking locations in and around Iowa, click here.

Midwest Hiking

Looking for a private vacation home and a great place to relax? The Cedar Bend Cabin is located along the Cedar River near Charles City Iowa, and is an excellent place for a weekend getaway! For more information or to check availability, click here. Prices start at just $150 per night!!

The cabin is 840 square feet, and has one bedroom and one bath! The property can sleep up to four adults. The kitchen is fully stocked with a microwave, a refrigerator, a stove, coffee maker, a blender, dishes and utensils and so much more. There is an onsite washer and dryer, as well as a 58 inch TV in the living room and a 42 inch TV in the bedroom.

Outside the cabin is a riverside paradise! There is a private deck with plenty of seating overlooking the water, a fire pit, and a 6 person hot-tub overlooking the river. Guests have described the property as an outstanding location for fishing, bird-watching, and relaxing. The property even includes two canoes for your families enjoyment!

The fire pit is a great place to gather around at the end of the day, relaxing under the stars right next to the river! If you enjoy having peace and quiet and relaxing by the river, but with all the amenities… you will love this cabin!!

Nearby attractions, include: two museums, a brewery, public golf, art exhibits and numerous shopping and dining options in Charles City. Of course one of the most popular attractions is the  Charles City Whitewater course. This whitewater park attracts kayak and whitewater enthusiasts from all around the world. This park offers a one of a kind kayak experience right here in Iowa. For more information, on Charles City Whitewater, click here.

A weekend at the Cedar Bend Cabin is a weekend you will remember forever. The cabin can fill so many different roles. It can serve as a perfect romantic getaway, but it would also make for a memorable family vacation destination. On top of that it would make a fantastic fishing cabin. No matter what your looking for, your sure to find it here at the Cedar Bend Cabin!

For more great lodging options in Iowa, click here. For the best hiking locations in Iowa, click here. For the best family activities in Iowa, click here.

Ride The World’s Longest Snow Tubing Hill-

Sunburst has been the pitch-perfect destination for skiers and snowboarders. Located in Kewaskum, Wisconsin – just thirty minutes outside of Milwaukee. This epic place is perfect for tubing with Over forty chutes. A quarter-mile run with a 90-foot drop. Speeds of up to 30  mph. Not one, but two magic carpet lifts that pull you back to the top so you can keep going again and again.  And did we mention Sunburst is home to the WORLD’S LARGEST TUBING HILL? Sunburst Ski Area is located at 8355 Prospect Dr. in Kewaskum, Wisconsin. For more information, click here.

Kayak The Crystal City Underground-

Looking for an unforgettable Adventure, that is fun for the whole family? (ages 12 and up only) Look no further!  Marsan Canoe and Kayak Tours, has just what your looking for. Operated by Marsan Canoe and Kayak Tours, this amazing Adventure takes you into the depths of the long forgotten PPG no.9 glass mine. The 3 hour tour takes you up to 400 feet below ground, as you navigate your kayak through the flooded former sand mine. All tours are run by expert guides of great personality, who do an outstanding job both guiding the tour and providing an interesting/entertaining history of the mine. At Marsan Canoe and Kayak Tours, kayak season never ends.   They are open year round with a constant inside temperature of 61 degrees. The Crystal City Underground is located at 700 Crystal Ave, in Crystal City, Missouri. For more information, click here.

Tour Fantastic Cavern-

Fantastic Caverns is America’s only ride-thru-cave. The 55 minute tour takes place in Jeep drawn trams and is run by expert guides. The path follows an ancient underground river and provides guests an up-close look at beautiful cave formations. The cave is packed full of beautiful rock formations, that have been formed over millions of years. No walking is necessary and trams are equipped with pull-out ramps to accommodate wheelchairs, making the tour convenient for everyone, especially older visitors, parents with small children and individuals with physical limitations. Fantastic Caverns is open year ‘round, with the temperature inside Fantastic Caverns hovering at around 60 degrees F (15 degree C) all the time.  Fantastic Caverns is located at 4872 N Farm Rd 125, Springfield, Missouri. For more information, click here.

Visit Chestnut Mountain-

Chestnut Mountain Resort is one of those rare places, where luxury and adventure come together to create the ultimate vacation destination the whole family will enjoy! During the winter months Chestnut Mountain is one of the Midwest’s most popular ski resorts.  The slopes are meant for all levels of skiers and boarders to enjoy. The 475-foot vertical drop meanders 3,500 feet through 19 runs, ranging from novice to black diamond.  Transworld has chosen Chestnut Mountain as their top-rated Midwest snowboard park for three years running! This gorgeous resort is nestled in the rolling hills of Galena, with beautiful views of the Mississippi River Valley. Rooms run about $100 or more depending on the type and size of suite you choose. Each is equipped with a microwave, mini fridge, flat screen television, and a coffee maker.  There is also an indoor pool, sauna, and Jacuzzi. Chestnut Mountain Resort is located at 8700 W Chestnut Road in Galena. For more information, click here.

Kayak To An Underground Waterfall-

SUP Kentucky has numerous incredible float tours you can choose from! One of these amazing tours is the Crystal Kayak and Sup Glow Tour! This one of a kind tour takes place in a flooded abandoned limestone mine. The tour lasts 90 minutes with 1 hour spent paddling. For a more intimate experience tours are limited to 8 guests, and to make things interesting. You can take your pick between clear bottomed kayak or a stand-up paddleboard. The abandoned mine has around five miles of tunnels. And it’s all flooded from an underground aquifer. The mine’s tunnels are 60 feet in width and about 30 feet in height. The main attraction of the epic float trip, with no doubt is the stunning underground waterfall. The waterfall is spring fed and is about 30 in height! Temps within the mine hover in the 50’s all year long, but the water temperature is always a cool 42 degrees. Sup Kentucky is located at 2478 Glen Cairn Rd. in Rogers, Kentucky. For more information, click here.

Take A Boat Ride Through An Old Mine-

The Bonne Terre Mine is the perfect place for adventure!   This cave boat tour will give you an unforgettable experience as you get to see into the past! The Bonne Terre Mine is the largest man made cavern in the world, and dates all the way back to the 1860’s. This is also home to the world’s largest freshwater dive resort. The boat tours last between 45-55 minutes, and will take you past ancient items submerged in the crystal clear water.  After the boat tour, your adventure continues on foot, exploring the vast underground. Bonne Terre Mine is located at 185 Park Ave., Bonne Terre, Missouri.   For more information click here.

Visit Wonders Of Wildlife-

Most people don’t know that one of the most amazing sites in the country is also located right here in the Heartland. Wonders of Wildlife  National Museum and Aquarium is the largest most immersive fish and wildlife attraction in the world!  The aquarium features a 1.5 million gallon tank and is home to over 35,000 live fish, crabs, reptiles and more. This fantastic new animal and nature museum opened its doors in September of 2017, and has been voted America’s #1 new attraction, and America’s Best Aquarium by USA TODAY! At this multi-level aquarium , visitors are able to get up close and personal with several species of fish, sharks, and sting rays. In fact one of the most popular attractions allows guests to go underwater and get face to face with sharks. Wonders of the Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium is located at 500 W Sunshine St., Springfield Missouri.  For more information, click here.

Zipline Underground-

Each year thousands of vacationers,and thrill seekers flock to the Mega Cavern, to experience all the wonder and Adventure of this unique attraction. The Mega Cavern offers two amazing tours, the first tour is called Mega Zip, which is a 2 ½ hour guided Adventure, that takes you into never before seen sections of the Cavern. This tour features six underground zip lines, which includes a dual racing line which is over 900 feet long,a bunny zip, a Zip to Hell, the Cross Canyon Zip, and the Lake Canyon Zip, as well as two amazing challenge bridges. If your looking for a more relaxing Adventure, then check out the Mega Tram. This one hour tour takes you through many of the man made passages lurking beneath the city of Louisville. This tour gives seniors, children, and the physically impaired an amazing opportunity, for a little Adventure of their own all from the comfort of the Mega Tram. The Louisville Mega Cavern is located at 1841 Taylor Ave, in Louisville Kentucky. For more information, click here.

Stay At A Waterpark-

Discover a magical family getaway just beyond the glow of Chicago at Starved Rock’s own Grand Bear Resort. Grand Bear Resort offers an oasis of relaxation and adventure – a destination where waterpark fun meets nature! A truly unforgettable place to unwind, play, meet, dine and explore with family and friends. Grand Bear Resort is an oasis of relaxation and adventure where water park fun meets natural wonder! Featuring 24,000 sq.ft. indoor waterpark, mini-golf, arcade, 4 cafe/restaurant/bars, banquet hall & party suites just steps from Starved Rock State Park. The resort has numerous lodging options available, everything from guest rooms, to cabins, to villas are available.  Grand Bear Resort is located at 2643 IL Route 178, in Utica, Illinois. For more information, click here.

Visit A Climbing Gym-

My favorite climbing gym is Climb Iowa in Grimes Iowa, just outside Des Moines. However there are numerous climbing gyms all over the United States, that are simply amazing. I will post some info about my favorite gym here. Climb Iowa Is Iowa’s largest indoor climbing and training facility. With more then 10,000 square feet of climbing, 200 different routes, a fitness room, and a yoga studio. There is literally something for everyone regardless of skill level.  Climb Iowa also has several boulder climbing zones, so you can practice your side to side climbing skills, to go along with your vertical climb. Climb Iowa is located at 3605 SE Miehe Drive in Grimes, Iowa.  For more information, click here.

Rent A Cabin For The Weekend-

There are some amazing vacation homes are the country. Some with indoor pools, hot tubs, game rooms, lakeside and countless others Its hard to name just one for the sake of this article, so instead I will include a link to out lodging database. This is a state by state list of all our favorite vacation homes, cabins and resorts around the United States. To find the perfect vacation home, click here.