The Midwest may not have the Atlantic or the Pacific or the Gulf of Mexico, but that doesn't mean it lacks awesome summer destinations.
From lakefront retreats to charming small towns, these 12 spots are perfect for a summer escape.
1. Charlevoix, Michigan
A picturesque harbor, beaches and its family-friendly atmosphere make "Charlevoix the Beautiful" the perfect little summer town. Charlevoix is triple awesome because it boasts three lakefronts -- Lake Michigan, Lake Charlevoix and Round Lake. Nearby Petoskey is an equally charming spot known for its art scene.
2. Saugatuck, Michigan
Located on the "Art Coast of Michigan," Saugatuck offers lakefront beaches and tons of culture. Visit one of the town's many art galleries, take a class at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts, or get jazzy at a music festival.
3. Mackinac Island, Michigan
Mackinac Island is a nostalgic, idyllic escape. The island is car-free -- visitors ride bicycles or take horse-drawn carriage rides -- and offers plenty of activity, from museums to state parks.
4. Duluth, Minnesota
Located on the shores of Lake Superior, Duluth is known for outdoor adventure, historic mansions and gorgeous lake views. Duluth also features the Great Lakes Aquarium, America's only all-freshwater aquarium -- wannabe aquatic biologists, take note.
5. Grand Marais, Minnesota
Situated between the Sawtooth Mountains and Lake Superior, Grand Marais truly offers something for everyone. The town was named a top adventure town by National Geographic Adventure magazine, while also boasting Grand Marais Art Colony -- so whether you're into exploring the wilderness or taking a class at the North House Folk School, you'll never be bored in Grand Marais.
6. Bayfield, Wisconsin
Bayfield is a serene, welcome escape from the hustle of everyday life. Hop in a sailboat, kayak to a sea cave, take an Apostle Islands Lighthouse cruise or hang out on land and take in the gorgeous views.
7. Door County, Wisconsin
Door County consists of towns and communities that make up the Door Peninsula -- and they're are all worthy of a visit. The county offers more than 300 miles of shoreline and five state parks, making it heaven for nature lovers.
8. The Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri
The Lake of the Ozarks looks kind of like a spikey, snakey river. But it is, in fact, an awesome summer lake destination. The lake offers more than 1,150 miles of shoreline, plus a number of charming towns, challenging golf courses and excellent dining.
9. Branson, Missouri
This southwest Missouri town is the perfect place to relax and get in touch with nature. Explore Table Rock State Park and Table Rock Lake, mosey through the historic downtown, play a round of golf or hop on the Branson Scenic Railway.
10. Lake Erie Shores, Ohio
Ohio's Lake Erie shore is a favorite for active families. The shore is home to the famed Cedar Point amusement park, so thrill seekers can have a summer's worth of excitement. Nature lovers can ride the ferry over to islands like South Bass and Kelleys Island, while beach lovers can bask on the shore or splash around in Lake Erie. A visit to Marblehead Lighthouse is a must.
11. Okoboji, Iowa
Yes, Iowa has a resort town. And yes, it's very beautiful. Located in northern Iowa, Okoboji is home to the "Iowa Great Lakes" -- glacier-carved lakes that cover approximately 15,000 acres. Go sailing, water-skiing or fishing on the lakes, check out the retro Arnolds Park amusement park nearby, picnic in a local park or catch a show at the town's summer-stock playhouse.
12. Galena, Illinois
Galena claims to be the Midwest's "premier destination getaway." Golf courses, wineries, hiking, biking, boating and cultural activity all await visitors to Galena. The area's lush farmland and historic downtown don't hurt either.
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From lakefront retreats to charming small towns, these 12 spots are perfect for a summer escape.
1. Charlevoix, Michigan
A picturesque harbor, beaches and its family-friendly atmosphere make "Charlevoix the Beautiful" the perfect little summer town. Charlevoix is triple awesome because it boasts three lakefronts -- Lake Michigan, Lake Charlevoix and Round Lake. Nearby Petoskey is an equally charming spot known for its art scene.
2. Saugatuck, Michigan
Located on the "Art Coast of Michigan," Saugatuck offers lakefront beaches and tons of culture. Visit one of the town's many art galleries, take a class at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts, or get jazzy at a music festival.
3. Mackinac Island, Michigan
Mackinac Island is a nostalgic, idyllic escape. The island is car-free -- visitors ride bicycles or take horse-drawn carriage rides -- and offers plenty of activity, from museums to state parks.
4. Duluth, Minnesota
Located on the shores of Lake Superior, Duluth is known for outdoor adventure, historic mansions and gorgeous lake views. Duluth also features the Great Lakes Aquarium, America's only all-freshwater aquarium -- wannabe aquatic biologists, take note.
5. Grand Marais, Minnesota
Situated between the Sawtooth Mountains and Lake Superior, Grand Marais truly offers something for everyone. The town was named a top adventure town by National Geographic Adventure magazine, while also boasting Grand Marais Art Colony -- so whether you're into exploring the wilderness or taking a class at the North House Folk School, you'll never be bored in Grand Marais.
6. Bayfield, Wisconsin
Bayfield is a serene, welcome escape from the hustle of everyday life. Hop in a sailboat, kayak to a sea cave, take an Apostle Islands Lighthouse cruise or hang out on land and take in the gorgeous views.
7. Door County, Wisconsin
Door County consists of towns and communities that make up the Door Peninsula -- and they're are all worthy of a visit. The county offers more than 300 miles of shoreline and five state parks, making it heaven for nature lovers.8. The Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri
The Lake of the Ozarks looks kind of like a spikey, snakey river. But it is, in fact, an awesome summer lake destination. The lake offers more than 1,150 miles of shoreline, plus a number of charming towns, challenging golf courses and excellent dining.
9. Branson, Missouri
This southwest Missouri town is the perfect place to relax and get in touch with nature. Explore Table Rock State Park and Table Rock Lake, mosey through the historic downtown, play a round of golf or hop on the Branson Scenic Railway.
10. Lake Erie Shores, Ohio
Ohio's Lake Erie shore is a favorite for active families. The shore is home to the famed Cedar Point amusement park, so thrill seekers can have a summer's worth of excitement. Nature lovers can ride the ferry over to islands like South Bass and Kelleys Island, while beach lovers can bask on the shore or splash around in Lake Erie. A visit to Marblehead Lighthouse is a must.
11. Okoboji, Iowa
Yes, Iowa has a resort town. And yes, it's very beautiful. Located in northern Iowa, Okoboji is home to the "Iowa Great Lakes" -- glacier-carved lakes that cover approximately 15,000 acres. Go sailing, water-skiing or fishing on the lakes, check out the retro Arnolds Park amusement park nearby, picnic in a local park or catch a show at the town's summer-stock playhouse.
12. Galena, Illinois
Galena claims to be the Midwest's "premier destination getaway." Golf courses, wineries, hiking, biking, boating and cultural activity all await visitors to Galena. The area's lush farmland and historic downtown don't hurt either.
from Healthy Living - The Huffington Post http://ift.tt/1z1QmhW
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