This tiny cottage rests on the shores of Diamond Lake in Wawaka, Indiana. Diamond Lake is a quiet 10 mph lake perfect for fishing, kayaking, swimming or just enjoying time by the water. This cozy cottage is a perfect place to getaway and relax. To check prices and availability, click here. 

Come enjoy this relaxing lake-front retreat with great views and a cozy atmosphere. The property comes with two kayaks, two paddle-boards, a paddle boat and fishing poles! So be sure take advantage of everything the lake has to offer.

The cozy cottage has one bedroom with a queen sized bed. There is also a sofa bed in the living room. The property can comfortably accommodate up to four adults.

The cottage has a fully furnished kitchen, with pots, pans, utensils etc! There is no oven, just a stove top, toaster oven and microwave. There is also a full bathroom as well. The cottage includes modern amenities such as fiber optic WiFi and a Smart TV. 

Outside the Cozy Cottage, The large deck is the perfect place to relax and soak in the views, and the fire pit area beside the shed is perfect for making s’mores after a day on the water. The hot tub is located on the deck, and it is open all year long. Guests will also enjoy their own private beach and private dock! A gas grill with propane is also included with the property.

The Cozy Cottage is the perfect place to come and relax for a few days and enjoy this charming lake-front property. If you enjoy fishing, kayaking, swimming, or peace and quite, this is a place you will love! Please note, the hosts use a 3 month booking window to reserve the house, so if some dates are blacked out, just check back later, as they may become available. 

For more campground and lodging options in Indiana, click here. For a listing of nearby parks and amazing locations, click here. For the best family activities in Indiana, click here.

Ever wonder which parks are in the Midwest are the best? Me too! In this article I will attempt the impossible task of picking my 10 personal favorites. This won’t be easy by any means. Several things will go into this decision. Beauty, accessibility, features, trails, history, activities, but most of all I will just be going on personal experience.

Starved Rock State Park:

When its comes to beautiful scenery, very few parks in the Midwest can compare to Starved Rock State Park.  Whether you enjoy hiking along the nature trails or viewing the many spectacular overlooks along the Illinois River, recreational opportunities abound. Starved Rock boosts more than 13 miles of well marked hiking trails, 18 canyons, and 14 different waterfalls! There are also several scenic overlooks found throughout the park.  The best times to see waterfalls are in the spring when the snow and ice melt or after a heavy rainfall. The park is located at 2668 E 875th Road in Oglesby, Illinois.  For more information, click here.

Hocking HIlls State Park:

If you thought Ohio didn’t have canyons to explore, think again. Hocking Hills State Park features deep valleys, steep cliffs mysterious caves, and stunning waterfalls. The park features over 25 miles of the best hiking you will find in Ohio. Hocking Hills State Park is located in the Hocking Hills region of Hocking County, Ohio. According to USA Today, Hocking Hills is the most beautiful park in the country. I have to agree, its right up there. For more information, click here.

Custer State Park:

Custer State Park is considered one of the best state parks in America. The granite peaks and rolling plains are calling. The clear mountain waters are inviting and the open ranges are waiting to be discovered.  Encompassing 71,000 acres in the Black Hills, Custer State Park is home to abundant wildlife and adventure; camping, hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, or relaxing, there’s something here for everyone. Any Black Hills vacation would not be complete without a day spent exploring and enjoying all that this  amazing park has to offer. Custer State Park is located at 13329 US Highway 16A in Custer, South Dakota. For more information, click here.

Maquoketa Caves State Park:

This beautiful state park is one of the most popular in the entire state.  Located in Jackson County, sitting just Northwest of Maquoketa.  The park rests on more then 360 acres of rough, hilly terrain. Maquoketa Caves State Park has more caves then any other park in the state.  The trail system, offers a beautiful hike, that links together the caves, rock formations, and scenic overlooks. The park features 16 accessible caves, which offer great caving  for experienced and inexperienced cavers alike.  The hiking trails are just over 6 miles in length, and are a great way to see the park.  There is also a campground with 29 campsites, 17 of which have electrical hookups. The park is located at 9688 Caves Road in Maquoketa Iowa. For more information, click here.

Devils Lake State Park:

Devil’s Lake is a 10,000 acre state park, that stands out high above the rest!  The lake is the center attraction at Devil’s Lake State Park, which has over 3 million visitors each year.  While the park is most known for its gorgeous lake, its also a well sought out location for hiking enthusiasts.   The park boasts, an incredible 29 miles of trails, ranging from easy to challenging.  Many of the trails offer unforgettable views of the lake. Devil’s Lake State Park at S5975 Park Rd in Baraboo, Wisconsin offers some of the best rock climbing in the Midwest. This park is truly gorgeous, offering unique views and some of the most interesting topography in the state. For more information, click here.

Garden of the Gods:

Easily the most popular attraction at Shawnee National Forest .  This garden of sandstone sculptures and vast untouched wilderness was fittingly named Garden of the Gods. Garden of the Gods covers more than 3,300 acres of forest throughout the Southeastern Illinois counties of Saline, Pope and Hardin. There are also plenty of trails for backpacking and horseback riding, allowing nature lovers a welcome tour of what this rugged environment has to offer! Among the 5.5 miles of interconnecting trails, the most popular is Observation Trail.  There are also magnificent bluffs which drop more than 100 feet down, but provide breathtaking views of the forests below and beyond.  With its massive pillars of sandstone and scenic bluff overlooks, Garden of the Gods is one of the most inspiring views in the Midwest. Garden Of The Gods is located in Hardin, Pope, Saline, and Gallatin counties of Illinois. For more information, click here.

Ha Ha Tonka State Park:

Ha Ha Tonka State Park is one of the most amazing state parks you will find in the Midwest.  The park rests on more than 3,700 acres of rough, hilly, Ozark terrain.  Ha Ha Tonka is a popular destination for hikers looking to enjoy the 15 miles of pristine hiking trails.  The park is easy to navigate with a series of trails and boardwalks. The park has been referred to as a geological wonderland, with sinkholes, caves, a natural bridge, and one of the largest natural springs in the state, it’s easy to see why. One of the park’s most popular attractions is the ruins of a turn of the century stone castle. Ha Ha Tonka is located at 1491 Missouri D, in Camdenton, Missouri. For more information, click here. 

Turkey Run State Park:

If you want to make sure you have an unforgettable experience while hiking this spring or summer, check out the 11 hiking trails open to the public at Turkey Run State Park. Turkey Run State Park is a gorgeous treasure nestled within Marshall, Indiana. Turkey Run State Park is home to many historic sites, like the ravines that lead you to the stunning sandstone gorges, that are hundreds of millions of years old. Turkey Run State Park has 11 gorgeous trails spread throughout the park, spanning around 14 miles in total.  With so many miles of trails, caverns, bridges, and fantastic historical sites, Turkey Run State Park is the ideal place to go for the best hiking trails the Midwest has to offer.  For more information, click here.

Smith Falls State Park:

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

At 63 feet, Smith Falls is the tallest waterfall in all of Nebraska and it’s also the centerpiece of Smith Falls State Park.  Smith Falls State Park is an incredible Nebraska park, and is a popular destination for campers, as well as canoers, kayakers, tubers and others who visit the area to experience the beautiful Niobrara River, a National Scenic River. Not only is the land home to the beautiful falls, it is also an area of biological significance where several ice age species can still be found. Smith Falls State Park is located at 90165 Smith Falls Road Valentine, Nebraska. For more information, click here.

Palisades State Park: 

Photo by @k.e.moni (Instagram)

Located just northeast of Sioux Falls sits the gorgeous Palisades State Park, one of the most unique areas in all of South Dakota! The park is popular among campers, photographers, sightseers, picnickers, rock climbers and hikers. Palisades State Park campground is next to the beautiful Split Rock Creek and has 34 single-family campsites and 6 cabins. There’s also a playground, picnic area, biking trails and an amphitheater. Scenic overlooks and rushing water make Palisades a popular getaway.  The park is located just south of Garretson South Dakota, 10 miles off Interstate 90. For more information, click here.

The Midwest is loaded with amazing vacation homes, cabins, and glamping units. In this article I will show you some of my favorites, that are perfect for a couples only retreat! Some of the things I look for include: Location, Setting, Amenities, Views,  and I’m always looking for that WOW factor! Take a look and let me know what you think!

Sunset HIlls Cottages:

Spend Vacation in your own private paradise! Sunset Hills Cottages is Branson’s premier Couples Only Resort! Located in Branson Missouri, just minutes from the Branson Strip and Silver Dollar City. You can take your pick between five different charming vacation homes.  The Cottages are very fairly priced, and offer a one of a kind lodging experience.  Each cabin features a private covered porch with hot tub and gas firepit! The cabins are beautifully decorated, and offer a cozy romantic setting! This vacation home is just a few  steps away from the beautiful swimming pond that features an infinity edge and multiple cascading waterfalls. Check out their website by clicking here.

Horns Ferry Hideaway:

Each cabin comes with a fully equipped kitchen, large jacuzzi tub, king size bed, fireplace/air conditioning, satellite tv with surround sound and so much more!  There is also a screened in porch looking into the eagle refuge, providing excellent viewing of wildlife that frequent the area. These charming studio cabins are located in a very secluded, wooded setting.  The property is located between a federally managed savanna refuge and the 32 acre Gladys Black Bald Eagle Refuge.  This makes the cabins an ideal location for bird watching. Horns Ferry Hideaway is located at 1136 198th Pl., in Knoxville, Iowa. Visit their website, by clicking here.

Private Beach House:

This Private Beach House near Carbondale Illinois has all the amenities you need to be comfortable, and it’s even got its very own beach! If you’re dreaming of a secluded getaway where you can relax, unwind, and enjoy nature, this luxury cabin tucked away in the woods might be just what you’re looking for. The property is surrounded by 30 acres of beautiful wooded property.  Curl up in front of the fireplace, and enjoy the 60-inch television with satellite. The master bedroom, located on the top floor, is bright and sunny, with tons of windows that overlook the private pond below.  The best part about this gorgeous cabin? It has its very own private beach on a 1.5-acre pond! The beach on this secluded little pond is perfect for swimming, and you can paddle around on the paddle boat or canoe. Check prices and availability, by clicking here.

The Woodland House:

This is the perfect romantic weekend getaway location. Beautiful setting, gorgeous accommodations, and privacy, are just a few of the things you will find at the Woodland House. The cabin has one bedroom, that features a queen sized bed, a full bath, a fully equipped kitchen, wireless internet, and a wood-stove fireplace! On the outside, there is a patio with fire pit, a wrap around deck, a charcoal grill, an hiking trails with lots of trees! This gorgeous home is located in Richland Center Wisconsin. Check prices and availability right here.

Dunlap Cave Home:

The Cave is an innovative and eco-friendly cave house, built into a natural recess cave on the Dunlap Hollow property. With plenty of natural light, decadent decor, and luxurious amenities, the Dunlap Hollow Cave is the one-of-a-kind stay that you’ve been looking for. Located in Hocking Hills Ohio. The master bedroom has a king sized bed, there is also two full bathrooms, and a beautiful kitchen. You will also find a pool table, fire place, an impressive library of books, high speed internet, and a television. The main attraction on the patio is the six person hot-tub. Visit their website, right here.

Grahams Tree-House:

Escape to an adult only majestic rustic treehouse / tree cabin tucked away on 32 heavily wooded acres, at Hidden Valley Wilderness Retreat! Graham’s Tree-House is a magical place surrounded by mother nature! The Tree-House is located at 19190 Logan Rd, in Easton, Kansas. The treehouse is located on top of a ledge overlooking wilderness creek, some 60 feet below! The views are outstanding! This is the perfect spot to get away from it all. The heavily wooded 32 acre lot has over two miles of hiking trails, its also littered with rocky streams and ponds! Graham’s Tree-House has one bedroom with a queen sized bed. The cabin has large beautiful windows, which helps you enjoy incredible views while taking in the natural light. To check prices and availability, click here.

Ozark Mountain Adventure:

Nestled on fifty-three acres in the heart of Branson, Missouri, a destination known for its attractions, shows and lakes, is Ozark Mountain Adventure, offering a peaceful and secluded glamping adventure for those looking to unplug, rejuvenate, and renew. Leave the tents and camping gear at home and book online today – we think you’ll enjoy Branson’s first glamping adventure. There are currently three gorgeous glamping tents available, each with its own unique style and set up. This incredible resort is located at 1720 Sunset Inn Road, in Branson, Missouri. For more information, click here. 

Fairwinds Cabins:

Fair Winds Cabins is home to some of Missouri’s most beautiful cabins! This family owned business located in Cherryville Missouri, is the perfect place to go to get away from it all. There are 6 different cabins available, each with its own unique theme.  All cabins are fully furnished, and feature some remarkable amenities within. The cabins are climate controlled, with a full kitchen, and include a Jacuzzi style hot tub, a gas fireplace, and satellite television! Located in the foothills of the Missouri Ozarks, Fair Winds offers the perfect couples retreat! Visit their website, by clicking here.

The TreeLoft:

Location Location Location! This unique lodging destination is surrounded by some of Missouri’s most popular Parks and Attractions! The TreeLoft is located on a private farm near Perryville Missouri. This is a custom built luxury treehouse for two, and is a fantastic place to relax and reconnect with nature! Amenities include: Private patio/balcony, fire pit,  outdoor furniture, grill, indoor gas fireplace, and a private hot tub, among many others! The TreeLoft is privately and intentionally nestled into the woods of a 120 acre farm. Go to sleep counting stars and wake up with the trees! To check prices and availability, click here.

The River Birch Cabin:

The River Birch Cabin is a 900 sq ft A-Frame nestled in a partially wooded lot and is the perfect couples retreat or family escape from the city. The cabin is located In Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. For more information, or to check availability, click here.  The cabin boasts an electric fireplace for those cool fall/winter nights, full kitchen complete with small oven, dishwasher and microwave and a renovated bathroom with walk-in shower. Along with an amazing fire pit area and open concept living area. Located just 2 blocks from Lake Como, there are many activities & restaurants nearby including kayak & boat rentals. It is also located within minutes of Lake Geneva’s Ice Castles, plus fishing, hunting, hiking, ziplining, snow skiing, boating & much more.

Welcome to the most private getaway retreat in the beautiful Arcadia Valley, Missouri. Settled on 80 acres of wildlife and walking trails. The cabin is the perfect place to enjoy a long day of fishing and end the day with a relaxing bonfire with friends and family. The Valley Getaway Cabin is located in Ironton Missouri. To check availability and pricing, click here.

If your unfamiliar with Arcadia Valley in Missouri, you should know, its a hot-bed for adventure. The area is loaded with amazing parks and attractions. Some of my favorites include, Elephant Rocks State Park. Johnson Shut-Ins, and the Bonne Terre Boat Mine Tour. All three of these locations are among the best attractions in the Midwest, and are worth a visit.

This spacious cabin makes all visitors feel like they are right in nature’s backyard. The cabin sleeps, comfortably, 6 guests. Including: one full bedroom downstairs with a queen size bed, a queen sofa sleeper located in the living room, and 2 queen beds in the roomy upstairs loft. Bedding and towels are provided! Will be perfect for a family escape, fun business trip, or even a romantic getaway!

The kitchen comes with a microwave, full size refrigerator, dish washer, toaster, coffee maker, and oven. The kitchen is fully stocked with pots and pans, and kitchen utensils. It also has central heating and air.

Outside The Valley Getaway Cabin, you have plenty of space to roam, with views of Shepherd Mountain, and your own private lake! The cabin sits of 80 wooded acres and is perfect for a family who enjoys the outdoors!

For more nearby lodging and campground options, click here. For a list of all the parks and amazing locations in the area, click here. For a listing of the best family activities in Missouri, click here.

Avalanche Bay Waterpark is the Midwest’s premier indoor water! Are you searching for crazy family fun?! Well, you’ve just found it! Avalanche Bay Waterpark is located at 1 Boyne Mountain Road in Boyne Falls, Michigan! For more information, click here.

At 88,000 square feet, Avalanche Bay is the largest indoor waterpark in Michigan offering huge amounts of water fun for every age. Centrally located at the heart of Boyne Mountain Resort, this wet and wild waterpark is always 84 degrees and open all year ‘round, making it the perfect destination for a vacation or just a day trip.

Experience the thrill of zooming down the Big Couloir, race your friends on the Downhill Mat Racer, or take a relaxing float down the Lazy River Adventure. Whether you’re here for thrill or chill, Avalanche Bay has just what you need for a full day of fun!

At the time of this publishing Avalanche Bay Waterpark is open year round, seven days a week! To view their hours of operation, click here.

Aside from the pool, Avalanche Bay has an incredible video game arcade! Inside the Arcade, the energy is high, crazy high, with over 50 of the best games in the industry. Collect as many points as you can and hit up the redemption counter for some awesome prizes. You do not have to be a waterpark guest to enter, everyone is welcome!

Stay for the week! Avalanche Bay Waterpark is located at Boyne Mountain Resort!  This Northern Michigan resort offers both indoor waterpark fun and dry-land adventures for the entire family. Whether you choose a package with all-access waterpark passes, or choose to lodge only and explore the resort on your terms – they have what you need! There’s something for everyone such as kid-friendly activities, a range of dining options, adventurous activities for all ages, and more all in one amazing resort. Book now and start your adventure today. Check out the resort, here.

For more nearby campgrounds or lodging options, click here. For the best family activities in the area, click here. For the best parks and amazing locations, click here.