• Pack your bags for the Midwest.luggage in hotel room image by Albert Lozano from Fotolia.com
  
  Encompassing an 11-state region from the Dakotas to Michigan, the Midwest United States boasts a range of vacation destinations. From the shores of the Great Lakes to rugged mountain ranges, the Midwest offers vacationers a variety of ways to enjoy all the region has to offer. Some longtime destinations haven't changed for centuries, while others continually embrace growth and progress. Despite the differences, some destinations continue to keep bringing in visitors year after year.
  
  

Mackinac Island, Michigan

• Mackinac Island is filled with history.little stone church mackinac island, michigan image by Paul Retherford from Fotolia.com
  
  Located in Lake Huron, between the Upper and Lower peninsulas of Michigan, Mackinac Island has been fairly unchanged since the early 1800s. The tiny island community attracts as many as 15,000 visitors a day during the summer months to roam its Victorian village and explore the scenic roadways and trails. Automobiles are banned on the island, and transportation is only available via horse-drawn carriage, bicycle or foot. View the island from historic Fort Holmes, originally a British outpost 320 feet above the lake. Numerous shops and restaurants entice pedestrian traffic with their crafts, wares and variety of cuisines. Lodging on the island consists of approximately 2,000 rooms in cottage homes, bed and breakfasts, condos, and hotels. Ferries travel to the island daily from May through October from St. Ignace in the Upper Peninsula and Mackinaw City in the Lower Peninsula.
  
  Mackinac Island Tourism
  7274 Huron St.
  Mackinac Island, MI 49757
  906-847-6418
  mackinacisland.org
  
  

Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

• Go-karts are one of many Wisconsin Dells attractions.carting during race image by Vasyl Dudenko from Fotolia.com
  
  Wisconsin Dells is the birthplace of the indoor water park, but visitors have been flocking to this destination long before that particular attraction was invented. Water lovers will have no problem finding a place to get wet in one of Wisconsin Dells' numerous outdoor water parks. Many resorts and hotels in Wisconsin Dells also feature large indoor versions, making the town a year-round destination. Speeding go-karts, exotic miniature golf, water ski shows, thrill rides, animal parks, interesting shops and museums have long been Wisconsin Dells traditions. Touring the Dells on the Wisconsin River on "Ducks"--amphibious World War II vehicles--has been a popular attraction since 1946. The bustling community offers a variety of lodging options, from mega-resorts to quiet bed and breakfasts.
  
  Wisconsin Dells Visitor and Convention Bureau
  701 Superior St.
  Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
  608-254-4636
  wisdells.com
  
  

Black Hills, South Dakota

• A Black Hills favorite.mont rushmore image by hbriphil from Fotolia.com
  
  The Black Hills of South Dakota provide an 8,125-square-mile escape into an island of trees amidst the Midwest plains. Forested peaks cover rugged rock formations filled with canyons, grasslands, streams and caves. Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse monuments are popular attractions. Visitors can see large herds of wild buffalo at Custard State Park. Sturgis is famous for its motorcycle rally each year. Historic Deadwood provides a look back to the days of Calamity Jane and the Black Hills Gold Rush. A full range of outdoor activities can be had in the Black Hills, including rock climbing, fishing, boating, hiking and hunting. There are numerous campgrounds to take advantage of the outdoor scenery of the area. Other accommodations are readily available throughout the area.
  
  Department of Tourism and State Development
  Office of Tourism
  Capital Lake Plaza
  711 East Wells Ave.
  c/o 500 East Capitol Ave.
  Pierre, SD 57501
  605-773-3301
  travelsd.com