If a spring or summer trip is on your radar, this is your friendly nudge to start booking now. National Parks and some of the most popular Midwest destinations fill up fast, especially campgrounds and family-friendly stays. These are the places that tend to disappear first, and why they are so worth planning ahead.
Popular Cities That Book Up Quickly
Rapid City, South Dakota Rapid City makes an excellent home base for exploring the Black Hills. We loved how easy it was to have fun in town while also doing epic day trips. Downtown Rapid City is great for walking, grabbing food, and letting kids play at Main Street Square. Storybook Island and Dinosaur Park were big hits, and Bear Country USA was unforgettable. Watching bears wander right up to the car was exciting and a little nerve-wracking.
Rapid City is also perfectly located for must-see day trips like Custer State Park, Mount Rushmore, Badlands National Park, and Wall Drug, making it a destination that packs a lot into one trip. 👉 Read the Rapid City blog here.
Bear Country USA
Branson, Missouri Branson is always a favorite for our family. Shows like Dolly’s Stampede, Table Rock Lake, and Silver Dollar City make it worth it, but also popular. I suggest booking soon if you want to snag a more popular stay like Big Cedar or Grand Country Resort.
Lost Canyon Cave Tour
Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin Water parks, resorts, and family-friendly attractions make the Dells incredibly popular. We loved going to Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park, Wizard Quest and taking the Dells Boat Tour. The Dells are perfect for a long weekend or a full summer getaway, but the best spots will book up fast.
National Parks and Outdoor Spots to Lock In Early
Medora, North Dakota and Theodore Roosevelt National Park This is hands down one of the most beautiful places we have ever been. Theodore Roosevelt National Park feels wide open and peaceful, and Medora is the perfect place to stay. Downtown Medora feels like walking right into the Wild West. We stayed in a cabin at Medora Campground and loved being so close to nature, while still having a town nearby.
My daughter at the top of Buck Hill in Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota Voyageurs is unlike anywhere else. We camped on a remote island here in 2021 and it was one of the coolest experiences we have ever had. Campsites fill up fast, especially island sites. Not into camping? Renting a houseboat is an incredible way to experience this park. 👉 See photos and details in the National Parks and Midwest State Parks blog.
Voyageurs National Park
Big Bay Town Park and Apostle Islands National Lakeshore This was some of the most memorable camping we have ever done. The campground is within walking distance of a lagoon, a beach, canoeing, and a state park, all on an island. We drove into town for dinner each night and spent the days at the beach and on the water. Big Bay is on Madeline Island, the only populated island in the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, which makes it even more unique. 👉 Photos and trip details are in the National Parks and Midwest State Parks blog
Big Bay Town Park
Camping
If camping is part of your travel plans, this is your reminder to reserve sites early. State park campgrounds are especially competitive. Check out these 10 Best Places to Camp Near Kansas City.
If you have been dreaming about any of these trips, now is the time to grab those reservations before calendars fill up. You will be so glad you did!
Where are you planning to explore this spring and summer?
Keep exploring, Amy
Thank you!
Thank you so much for being here and supporting me! It means so much to me that you’re here. I hope that I can provide value for you and your family, so you’re inspired to get out and explore more! Happy adventuring!
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