America's Midwest stretches from Ohio on its east to the Dakotas, Nebraska and Kansas on the west. Within this region are some of America's largest cities such as Cleveland, Columbus, Detroit, Chicago, Indianapolis and Milwaukee. Geographically, this region offers travelers freshwater lakes and rolling rivers, rich farmland, prairies and the rugged badlands near its western borders. The biggest challenge for a weekend trip is deciding where to go.
Ohio's northern edge is bordered by Lake Erie, one of the five Great Lakes and the world's largest inland body of freshwater. A weekend trip for the outdoor enthusiast may include fishing and boating near Port Clinton, the self-proclaimed "Walleye Capital of the World," providing anglers with plenteous walleye, perch, trout and small-mouth bass. Nearby attractions include Cedar Point Amusement Park in Sandusky and historic Kelley's Island and Put-In Bay, reachable only via water. On these islands, guests enjoy a leisurely weekend touring geographic and historic sites, biking, golfing, hiking, swimming, fishing and relaxing.
Port Clinton Department of Recreation
1868 E. Perry St.
Port Clinton, Ohio 43852
419-732-2206
portclinton.com
Chicago offers a vast array of things to do including professional and amateur sports, theater and the arts, shopping and ethnic culture. Register at the Chicago Office of Tourism for a free two- to four-hour Chicago Greeter guided tour. You'll be matched with someone knowledgeable about the area or with a common interest. A free hop-on, hop-off trolley tour of the Bronzeville Arts District is available the third Friday of the month. Visit the Lincoln Park Zoo with its world-class museums, stunning local mansions, boutique shopping and fine dining. With so many options to explore, focus on one or two major attractions for a Chicago weekend trip, then plan a return trip to explore something new.
Chicago Water Works Visitor Information Center
163 East Pearson Street
Chicago, IL 60611
877.244.2246
explorechicago.org
A family weekend trip to Lincoln, Nebraska, features a Saturday night visit to the Hyde Memorial Observatory, live entertainment at the Lied Center for Performing Arts, the Folsom Children's Zoo and the Lincoln Children's Museum. The zoo exhibits include areas where children may feed a llama, get an up-close look at reindeer or dig for bones in Stego's Big Dig. The observatory, according to HydeMemorialObservatory.com, is the only one totally built by and run by voluntary funds and personnel. Three floors of interactive exhibits at the children's museum offer youngsters a climb in a three-story apple tree and a visit to Prairie Dog Town.
Lincoln Convention & Visitors Bureau
1135 M Street, Suite 300
PO Box 83737
Lincoln, NE 68501
402-434-5335
lincoln.org
