12 Great Midwest Spots for Family Vacations

The Midwestern United States spans from Ohio in the east to the Great Plains states (North and South Dakota, Kansas and Nebraska) to the west, from the Canadian border in the north to the Ohio River, Missouri and Nebraska to the south. The diverse region, sometimes referred to as "The Heartland", offers a large variety of destinations that are ideal for family vacations. Whether your group enjoys big city adventures or communing with nature, there is a Midwest family vacation spot for you.

A region as broad and full of diverse landscapes as this offers countless opportunities for vacation destinations. With options ranging from scenic locations such as lakes, mountains and forests, planning a family trip to the Midwest can seem like a big task, but it doesn't have to be stressful. This guide will help you find the destinations that are just right for you and your family. Below are suggestions for 12 great Midwest spots for family vacations.

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While Indianapolis is best known for being the heart of Indy car racing, the capital city of Indiana has much more to offer. Indianapolis has the world's largest children's museum, with a new $38.5 million sports-themed addition, as well as a great zoo with a separate children's petting zoo. Conner Prairie, located just north of Indianapolis in the City of Noblesville, is a living history museum that showcases what life was like in the wilderness of central Indiana for pioneers during the early 19th century.

For racing fans, Indianapolis Motor Speedway is a bucket list item. The iconic racetrack is home to the annual Memorial Day Indy 500 and NASCAR's Brickyard 400. However, the track is interesting on other days, too. There is a museum on site and you can even take a lap around the track with a tour guide and "get the feel" of what the drivers experience on race day.

Branson CVB Photo

Branson is a great family vacation spot for country music lovers. Located in the Ozark Mountains of southern Missouri, near the Arkansas border, Banson is home to more than a dozen entertainment venues, including Dolly Parton's Stampede. Other Branson attractions include the 218-foot-tall Branson Cross, the largest cross monument in North America; Silver Dollar City, an 1880s-themed amusement park with more than 40 rides, 60 shops and 18 eateries; and a collection of quirky museums, such as the Titanic Museum and Marvel Cave, a natural cavern.

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Frankenmuth, Michigan, located in the east-central part of the state, is a favorite of vacationers for its German-themed downtown shopping district, its delicious chicken dinners, its fascinating Glockenspiel that chimes every quarter hour and as the home of the sprawling Bonner's Christmas emporium. Billed as Michigan's "Little Bavaria", Frankenmuth also hosts an annual summer Bavaria Fest with food tents, dancing and crafts, as well as an Oktoberfest, held in September, with beer, polka, music and more.

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The Black Hills rise up from the flat Great Plains and strattle the border of South Dakota and Wyoming in southwestern South Dakota. The historic home of the Cheyenne and Lakota Native American tribes, this area is home to the Mount Rushmore National Memorial, the 71,000-acre Custer State Park, the Crazy Horse Memorial and Jewel Cave National Monument.

The town of Deadwood, a former town rush mecca, was once home to Wyatt Earp, Calamity Jane and Will Bill Hickok and is now a national historic site with a well-preserved collection of frontier 19th century architecture and unique shops. Wildlife lovers won't want to miss the Custer State Park Bison Center, where a herd of close to 1,400 bison roam freely.

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Springfield, the capital city of Illinois, is perhaps best known for its ties to the life of Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln lived and worked in the city from 1837 until he became president in 1861. Historic sites in Springfield include the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, The Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site and Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices State Historic Site.

In addition to the Lincoln sites, visitors can tour the Old State Capitol building, sample a corn dog (said to be invented in the city) and explore New Salem State Park, which includes a collection of authentic log cabin homes.

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One of the most popular amusement parks in the United States, Cedar Point is a favorite of roller coaster enthusiasts. However, the 364-acre park offers more than just 17 coasters (the third largest number among North American parks). Cedar Point has live entertainment, its own Lake Erie beach, a kids ride section and a classic wooden carousel. Cedar Point is open from mid-May through Halloween, when they feature special Halloweekend themed days.

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Another great Midwest family vacation spot is Wisconsin Dells, outside of Madison, WI. Dubbed the "Waterpark Capital of the World", Wisconsin Dells features a collection of eight indoor and outdoor water parks, as well as plenty of outdoor activities like fishing, hiking, boat tours and mini-golf. Adults in the group will enjoy the outlet malls on the outskirts of town.

Wildlife enthusiasts will find plenty to see in and around Wisconsin Dells. The International Crane Foundation's 300-acre sanctuary is the only place in the world where you can see all 15 species of cranes in one place. The 100-acre Wisconsin Deer Park features more than 100 different forest inhabitants, including deer, elk and bison.

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Charming Mackinac Island is perhaps best known as the site of the romantic film, "Somewhere in Time", which was filmed at the Grand Hotel and other places in town. Mackinac Island, located in Lake Huron, is accessible via ferry from St. Ignace, Michigan. The eight-mile-across island is almost entirely auto-free (except for emergency vehicles). You can get around on foot or via rental bike or horse-drawn carriage. The pace is slow and relaxed here. Nearly 80 percent of the island consists of state park land, with horsebacking riding, fishing, boating, hiking and other outdoor activities available. The island's fudge is world-famous; make sure to try some.

In addition to the classic Grand Hotel, there are a smattering of small bed and breakfast inns, AirBnBs and guest houses on the island.

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The Hocking Hills region of southeastern Ohio is a favorite of hiking enthusiasts and families who want to get outside and enjoy nature. Just an hour's drive from Columbus, Ohio, the Hocking Hills region combines the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains with fascinating caves, state parks and outdoor adventures like horseback riding and ziplining. Make sure to check out Hocking Hills State Park and hike to Old Man's Cave and Ash Cave. Nearby Zaleski State Park also has excellent hiking trails and a dip in Lake Logan is refreshing after a full day on the trail. Accommodations in this area are varied, with a good sampling of Bed and Breakfast Inns and small guest houses. You can even stay in a treehouse.

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Sometimes overlooked as a family vacation destination, Cleveland offers a variety of attractions and things to do, as well as many family-friendly venues. Among these are University Circle and its collection of museums, including the free Cleveland Museum of Art, with its fascinating armor collection; the Cleveland Zoo and the West Side Market, a food lover's must-see. Just outside of town is the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Hale Farm and Village living history museum in Bath.

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Traverse City offers a host of adventures for the whole family. Lake Michigan boating, fishing and swimming are highlights of the summer months. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore offers hiking trails, including the challenging Dune climb. There are also several indoor and outdoor waterparks in the area. July brings the annual Traverse City Cherry Festival, with a parade, a variety of cherry treats, an air show and fireworks. July also brings the Great Lakes Equestrian Festival to Traverse City. This four-day event features equestrian athletes from 14 nations.

Getty Images / Photo by Mike Kline (notkalvin)

Put-in-Bay, Ohio and South Bass Island are practically unknown outside of Ohio, but the island resort community brings the Key West vibe to the Great Lakes, with a quaint downtown, vibrant waterfront, multiple live music venues and the scenic Admiral Perry Monument, where you can see for miles. You can rent a boat or hire a boat to take you fishing. You can explore the hiking trails at the state park, which makes up around 25 percent of the island. You can spend the day at the beach or you can get a pizza and a beer at Frosty's across from the marina.

Join the more than a million people who are AAA members and start planning your trip to your favorite Midwest family vacation destination today. Dream up the perfect trip with our Trip Canvas research tool and use your membership to get the best discounts on hotels, rental cars and entertainment tickets.