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  • More Of The Most Breathtaking Winter Destinations In The Midwest

From the gorgeous dunes along Lake Michigan to some of the prettiest covered bridges in Iowa to vibrant cities like Chicago, the Midwest has several destinations for vacationers to choose from in their next winter weekend getaways. Winter escapes come with ski resorts, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, snow-tubing, snowshoeing, and more. Winter is also the perfect time to experience some of the most scenic drives in the country. Planning a trip to the Midwest and wondering where to go? These are the most breathtaking Midwest winter weekend escapes.

UPDATE: 2023/02/07 10:15 EST BY AARON SPRAY

More Of The Most Breathtaking Winter Destinations In The Midwest

The Midwest is full of great winter attractions. There are plenty of excellent places to visit around the Great Lakes during the winter. This list was expanded to include more of the great winter destinations in the Midwest - including some of the hidden gems that few know about. Pack the winter coat and explore the Midwest this winter.

13 Hocking Hills, Ohio

Hocking Hills is a perfect winter weekend getaway for couples. It is also an excellent spot for nature lovers looking for a relaxing winter retreat. Begin this adventure at the 2,300-acre Hocking Hills State Park, located near Logan, and prepare for an experience of a lifetime. The place is brimming with hiking trails for vacationers of all levels. This means they can be as easy or strenuous as visitors want. There are some of the most impressive caves in this gorgeous forestland, including the ones at Ash Cave. Here, tourists are also bound to witness some of the most stunning and unique rock formations. So, having a winter weekend retreat at Hocking Hills, Ohio, is truly worth it.

Related: Enjoy The Best Sipping & Scenery In Ohio's Hocking Hills Region

12 Chicago, Illinois

Chicago is incredible year-round and would make a perfect weekend trip, even in the cold winter months. No idea what to explore on the weekend? Start with the most iconic attractions, such as the Navy Pier and Willis Tower, where one can experience some of the most impressive city views. Not scared of heights? Willis Tower’s 103rd floor, and enjoy the most breathtaking view of Chicago from the floor's gorgeous balcony. If traveling to Chicago with a partner, the city's art scene would be perfect for a romantic winter weekend escape.

11 Omaha, Nebraska

Omaha boasts some of the most stunning attractions, including it’s the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, one of the five best zoos in the world. Take some time at the aquarium, witnessing the shark swim in the ocean. This is also an amazing place one can visit with kids. Exploring the Lied Jungle is one of the best things vacationers can do in Omaha. The largest indoor rainforest is also based in this very city. The hundreds of butterflies at the Butterfly Pavilion are great things to enjoy marveling at.

10 Eagle River, Wisconsin

Nestled in the Northwoods of Wisconsin, Eagle River is the snowmobile capital of the world, and makes a perfect weekend winter trip. The place boasts more than 500 miles of trails to choose from. This could be an adventure of a lifetime for any type of traveler. One doesn't have to hop on the sled. People-watching is also enjoyable, but if one happens to be around on the third Sunday of January, then attending the annual World Championship Snowmobile Derby at World Championship Derby Complex would be worth it.

9 Brainerd, Minnesota

Located about two hours north of Minneapolis, Brainerd is full of fun adventures, including snowboarding, dog sledding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and going on scenic drives. Some of the places to stop by when visiting Brainerd for a weekend trip are Northland Arboretum, Cragun’s Resort, and Mount Ski Gull. These places are full of enjoyable winter activities that could keep vacationers busy for the whole weekend. A getaway in Brainerd would be suitable for solo travelers, couples, and even families with kids.

8 Bayfield, Wisconsin

Bayfield is brimming with a lot to experience, including an incredible dining scene, shopping, exploring arts and crafts, and more. Winter is an amazing time to explore Bayfield, especially the apostle islands, one of its major draws. Tourists from all over the country visit the beautiful shores of Lake Superior to experience the area at its most spectacular. The blue sea, endless fun winter activities, ice, and snow give the place an incredibly spectacular natural scene, making Bayfield a perfect winter weekend escape.

7 Branson, Missouri

Branson, Missouri, is an excellent destination for a family-weekend vacation. Known as the world's capital of live entertainment, there is a wide range of fun winter activities, from visiting museums to spending some time at theme parks, numerous outdoor opportunities, and endless exciting adventures to choose from. Some of the best museums to explore are the Titanic Museum, the Largest Toy Museum in the World, and Hollywood Wax Museum. Pass by the Promised Land Zoo, and enjoy witnessing different adorable creatures.

Related: 12 Things Definitely Worth Doing In Branson, Missouri

6 Southwest Lake Michigan Shore

In summer, the lighthouses and the gorgeous sand dunes are some of the best attractions in Southwest Michigan, but in winter, they get clocked in ice and snow, creating extremely breathtaking natural scenery. The magnificent landscape offers a paradise for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and strolling through the famed dunes of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. Other places to include in the winter weekend itinerary include Warren Woods State Park and Love Creek County Park.

5 Canoe Bay, Wisconsin

Canoe Bay is a perfect winter romantic getaway since no children are allowed at the place. Located on the northwest side of Wisconsin, Canoe Bay is calm, making it a fantastic destination for relaxation and serenity. The places boast some of the most impressive cabins and rooms, magnificent horse-drawn sleigh rides, and a restaurant serving the tastiest food. Most of the cottages come with bathrooms with heated floors, steam showers, sauna, and jacuzzi, and offer a warm, welcoming environment for vacationers to stay comfortably.

4 Upper Peninsula, Michigan

Michigan's Upper Peninsula is among the coldest and snowiest regions in America, mostly starting in October and ending in around May. The long, cold winters in the area make for a perfect winter weekend escape. Travelers should just dress well for the weather and embrace it. The landscape in the Upper Peninsula gets incredibly scenic in winter, creating numerous outdoor opportunities, including miles of snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. One of the best places to visit in the region is the Tahquamenon Falls State Park.

3 Mackinac Island, Michigan

Winter season is the off-season for Mackinac Island, but the island remains open year-round and offers a very different sort of destination. In the winter, most accommodations, restaurants, and tours close, but not all of them. There are eight or so accommodations open on the island year-round. During the summer, the car-less island can be crowded, but the story is very different during the winter.

2 Michigan City Lighthouse, Indiana

One of the most dramatic attractions of the Great Lakes during the winter has to be the Michigan City Lighthouse. Michigan City is actually located in the state of Indiana. During winter storms, the Michigan City Lighthouse and the catwalk out to the lighthouse ices up and can become utterly covered with ice and icicles. Anyone can visit, and the pictures one can take here may be the most impressive for the winter season.

1 Eben Ice Caves, Upper Peninsula Michigan

The Eben Ice Caves is one of the greatest attractions of the Upper Peninsula. It is found in the Rock River Canyon Wilderness in the Hiawatha National Forest. The best time to visit the Eben Ice Caves is during the winter, after the weather is cold enough for the ice to have formed. They are an easy drive from the town of Munising and are free to visit. The trail to the attraction is around 0.75 miles long. Visitors should consider wearing ice cleats when visiting the caves.