The traditional spring break beach trip to Florida or Mexico is great, but for those who want a change of pace off the beaten path, try one of these cool cities this year!
1. Louisville, Kentucky
My family went to Louisville for spring break when I was in high school, and it was one of the most fun trips we’ve ever taken! Visit the Louisville Slugger Museum in Downtown Louisville, tour Churchill Downs, the historic site of the Kentucky Derby, and visit the Kentucky Derby Museum to learn more about the race and experience what my brothers and I loved the most – learning how to bet on horses. There are also tons of historic houses to visit, and for a fun day trip, make the hour and a half drive out to Mammoth Cave National Park. If you’re an animal lover, there are also tons of horse farms and ranches outside the city where you can learn more about the breeding and care of horses.
2. Madison, Wisconsin
Stout students, hear me out. It’s not a far drive, which means you save money on gas, and there’s no need to buy a plane ticket. Madison is a cool city with a lot of character, and it’s very centralized so everything you need is convenient and readily available. Obviously, you’re going to want to visit the State Capital; it’s absolutely beautiful and you can learn about state-level politics. The city is also filled with amazing restaurants, local cafes, and shopping opportunities that are focused on State Street and branch off from there.
3. Tampa, Florida
If you’re looking for a beach and theme park vacation but want to steer clear of the crowds in places like Panama City, Daytona Beach, Miami, and Orlando; try Tampa. My dad, brother, and I had the best theme park experience at Busch Gardens in Tampa. The lines were short compared to Disney and Universal Studios, and we were able to get wristbands that let us skip to the front of the line on any ride and stay on as long as we liked. Plus, the jungle-themed park features a zoo of African animals. Also, check out the outdoor waterpark Adventure Island and Dinosaur World museum!
4. Chicago, Illinois
Chicago is one of my favorite places ever. The shopping is incredible, with State Street and Michigan Avenue filled with both high end and more affordable shops. To get your fix of education, head to one of the many museums the city has to offer. The Museum of Science and Industry is my favorite, with hands-on activities, large-scale scientific experiments, and my personal favorite part, Colleen Moore’s Fairy Castle, the most incredible dollhouse you’ll ever see. Chicago also boasts beautiful parks like Millennium park, the home of Cloudgate (or “The Bean”) and Maggie Daley Park which has a full-sized outdoor climbing wall. Don’t forget to stop by the Willis Tower for the best view of the city and after a long day of walking around, pick up a deep-dish pizza. Your life will be forever changed.
No matter where you’re headed this spring break, make the most of your trip and stay safe!