by Sara A Broers

Created on: May 07, 2009

The Midwest is an area of the country that offers many unique vacation experiences. From the cornfields that sprout up around Iowa to the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri; there is a destination that will fit the needs of your family. Festivals, dazzling architecture, as well as nature, will entice you to visit and possibly plan an adventure for the following year.

Iowa is right in the heart of the United States. Here is where the cornfields are tall, as well as beautiful streams that flow through the countryside. Des Moines, Iowa, offers Blank Park Zoo, Adventureland, Living History Farms, unique museums, as well as historical sites. Should you visit in August, the Iowa State Fair is a treat for anyone. The livestock, free entertainment and pride that is shown by Iowans will allure you, as you visit this great August tradition. Should you visit on a blistering, hot summer day; be sure to hit one of the numerous water parks that are within the Des Moines area.

Should you opt to visit St. Louis, Missouri, you will find yourself in the city that prides itself on being called The Gateway to the West. The awesome Gateway Arch and museum are a treat for everyone that visits. You can ride to the top of this 630 foot structure and take in the view of the Mississippi River, as well as the city of St. Louis. The Saint Louis Cardinals can provide great entertainment for the baseball enthusiast. If thrill rides are your desire, then head on over to Six Flags over St. Louis. A zoo, museum, or authentic meal can round out your visit to this famous city that led our ancestors West.

If you enjoy the thrill of a big city, then look no further than Chicago, Illinois. This bustling city will greet you with an awesome skyline, introduce you to cultural experiences, as well as an educational experience. The Museum of Science and Industry, as well as The Shedd Aquarium, can entertain you and your family for one whole day. For the architectural enthusiast, visits to the Sears Tower Skydeck, as well as the John Hancock Observatory are two buildings you must visit while in "The Windy City." For a unique twist to your visit, make arrangements to be a guest on the Oprah WInfrey television show. Chicago, Illinois is a gem of a city in the MIdwest. A great way to top off your visit to Chicago is to enjoy a deep dish slice of pizza, a Chicago favorite!

Maybe you and your family truly enjoy a little adventure, along with some rest and relaxation. Sparta, Wisconsin, can provide all of this on the Elroy-Sparta bicycle trail. With three long, dark tunnels, this bicylce trail is truly one of a kind. The longest tunnel is 3,810 feet long. Bicycle riders must walk their bicycles through the dark, damp tunnels. Flashlights and jackets are recommended during the stroll through the tunnels. The trail is 32 miles long and does offer bed and breakfasts, as well as campgrounds along the route. This experience is one of the Midwest's best kept secrets.

Wherever your destination in the Midwest, you will find the people, as well as the scenery delightful. These are just four destinations of hundreds that I can share to visit while vacationing in the Midwest. Maybe you will decide to rent a houseboat and check out the MIssissippi River, or even spend a week boating in Okoboji, Iowa. With so little time and so many great places, the Midwest will delight you and your family as you venture out into a new area of our great country. So, what are you waiting for? Time to get those vacation plans finalized and make those reservations!

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