MIDWEST
As a native of Illinois, I know that many consider the Midwest an area made up of cornfields and cattle farms. However, the center of the country has a lot more to offer than silos and ethanol. “My favorite family road trip was to Mackinac Island, Michigan,” explained Christy L, a collegiette™ from Chicago. “We drove up into Michigan, then parked and took a ferry to the island because they don’t allow cars! We saw an old fort, rented a horse and carriage and went on a bunch of bike rides. Plus the fudge was amazing!” Get a taste of what she experienced with a trip to one of these Midwestern destinations.
Door County, WI
This little gem is located on the little peninsula of Wisconsin that sticks out into Lake Michigan. Known for its cherries, Door County is much more than just breathtaking scenery. From camping, biking and outdoor theatre in the State Parks, to beaches and water sports, to a drive-in movie theatre that shows double features every night, this little piece of heaven has fun for everyone. A trip to Door County is not complete without a visit to Wilson’s Ice cream in the adorable white-washed town of Ephraim. The night life is not exactly hoppin’-- in fact, a few of the towns are dry, but with all there is to do during the day, you’ll be ready to snuggle in early or go for a late night swim before bed.
Chicago, IL
Seeing is believing with a trip to the Windy City, or as John Hodgman puts it, “the Atlantis of the Midwest." I may be a bit biased as a native Chicagoan, but the city named for smelly onions is highly underrated. Get a summer glow on one of the many free freshwater beaches, or see a Cubs game at historic Wrigley Field or a Sox game at US Cellular Field. For those history-crazed collegiettes™, the Chicago History Museum boasts a great exhibit on the World Fair, Abraham Lincoln’s deathbed, a constantly changing fashion exhibit, and a “dress up as a Chicago style hot dog” photo op. At night, see a comedy show at the famed Second City, where many SNL comedians got their start, or go to one of the many bars on State Street near Division.
