Family Vacation Ideas...

Wesley · 06-18-2008, 07:28 PM

Originally Posted by rworkman83

I think the Wisconsin Dells have alot of stuff like that. I've never been there before, but never really heard anything bad about it.

The two highest rated waterparks are currently at the Dells: Noah's Ark and Kalihari. Mt Olympus is my favorte (7 roller coasters, indoor, outdoor, go kart rides, etc - motel room for one night gives you park passes for two days which saves lots of money. The Ho Chunk Casino is nerby. You have the Ducks, House on the Rock, 8 major mini golf places, jet boats, Bartlett water Show, magic place, ghost places, Paul Bunyan eats, buffets, real golf, fishing, real golf courses, nightspots, Circus World, etc. Probably second biggest tourist spot in nationbwhind Disnet. Chicago supports it. Next year the country's largest park will be built in KC.

cys_av8r · 06-18-2008, 07:53 PM

Originally Posted by psycln11

We're renting a cabin for a week near Leach Lake. We'll be there in about a week and a half.

Used to go to Cass Lake when I was a kid. I LOVE it up there.

zeke · 06-18-2008, 07:54 PM

You might want to try Omaha. Holiday Inn on 72nd and Dodge has a new water park in it. Also there's a very good zoo. Lots of good restaurants also. Plenty of shopping.

CyGal · 06-18-2008, 08:31 PM

Can you fly your family somewhere? If so, I suggest Minocqua, Wisconsin. Nice outdoor tourist trap, plenty of mini-golf and lakes for water sports. I'd love to go back, but the 9 hour drive is a deterant.

Wx4Cy · 06-18-2008, 08:43 PM

how about branson or the lake of the ozarks?

AIT · 06-19-2008, 12:05 AM

Originally Posted by psycln11

We're renting a cabin for a week near Leach Lake. We'll be there in about a week and a half.

That's an unfortunate name for a body of water. I suppose it's better than Water Moccasin Lake.

isucyfan · 06-19-2008, 12:09 AM

Leech Lake is beautiful. My kids (7, 4) can throw rocks in the lake for hours.

The North Shore of Lake Superior is great, too. Duluth is touristy, but great if you've never been there. The farther north on the lake you go, the less tourists, and the more beautiful the land. There are lots of parks, resorts, and cabins all up the North Shore. Highly recommended.

AIT · 06-19-2008, 12:14 AM

If you can stand the Husker fans, Lincoln has some good stuff for kids. The Lincoln Children's Museum is a lot of fun for little ones. We went there last year when my kids were about the same age as yours, and they had a blast. It's like a giant playground with a little educational value. The Lincoln Children's Zoo is also nice for kids, although it's nowhere near as good as Omaha's.

pulse · 06-19-2008, 12:17 AM

Originally Posted by cys_av8r

Here's the deal. I have a 3 year old boy and a 2 year old girl. (I am accepting sanity donations) and the wife and I are trying to come up with a good first family vacation. Want it to be something within a one state radius that has swimming, boats, fishing, type activities.

Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

A place like the Great Wolf Lodge, if your kids like water, will totally wear them out and they'll have lots of fun. 2 nights is good.

ANKENY4CLONES · 06-19-2008, 12:18 AM

Hate to be captain obvious, but why not try Okoboji/Spitit Lake area

isucyfan · 06-19-2008, 12:22 AM

Here's a picture of my youngest at Tettegouche State Park on Lake Superior's North Shore last month.

Cyclone711 · 06-19-2008, 12:25 AM

Originally Posted by isucyfan

Leech Lake is beautiful. My kids (7, 4) can throw rocks in the lake for hours.

The North Shore of Lake Superior is great, too. Duluth is touristy, but great if you've never been there. The farther north on the lake you go, the less tourists, and the more beautiful the land. There are lots of parks, resorts, and cabins all up the North Shore. Highly recommended.

When my brother was touring UMD couple years back he said the worst thing about duluth was the smell that all the paper factories let out. We have a chocolate factory next to our house and even that smells horrible at times (ironic).

isucyfan · 06-19-2008, 12:26 AM

Originally Posted by Cyclone711

When my brother was touring UMD couple years back he said the worst thing about duluth was the smell that all the paper factories let out. We have a chocolate factory next to our house and even that smells horrible at times (ironic).

Never smelled that in Duluth. I used to live in Morton, Illinois, where a Libby's pumpkin processing plant is, and the whole town smelled like pumpkins in the fall. Actually, it's quite pleasant!

isucyfan · 06-19-2008, 12:43 AM

Whatever you decide, don't come to the Twin Cities the first week in September. The Republican Nat. Conv. is here then, and this place will be crazy. Many residents are leaving for the week.

bhoodjer · 06-19-2008, 01:00 AM

Originally Posted by Wx4Cy

how about branson or the lake of the ozarks?

I would second that suggestion. Branson is a perfect place to vacation, tons to do. Stuff to do in Branson, right by the best lake I have ever been to (Tablerock) and right by Silver Dollar City. Great place to vacation and not that bad of a drive.