Midwest Spring Break Destinations

Midwest Spring Break destinations might not be as warm as a tropical getaway, but that doesn’t mean there’s no fun to be had!

Keep scrolling for my favorite destinations in Minnesota, Michigan, and Wisconsin in the late winter and spring. All spots are great to visit with kids. Some activities will depend on the weather, and make sure to check if activities are open before you go!

Lutsen, Minnesota

Highlights: Downhill skiing, hiking, unique stays

Lutsen is located on the North Shore of Lake Superior in Northern Minnesota and has the great skiing, views, and even a gondola that non-skiers can ride! Take the family for a ski weekend, do some beautiful winter hiking along the North Shore, and relax at a resort or Airbnb (my favorites are in my post below!)

Related post: Lutsen Ski Weekend Guide

Grand View Lodge, Minnesota

Highlights: Family-friendly resort, indoor and outdoor pools, spa

Grand View Lodge is located in Nisswa, Minnesota. You might have heard of it as a summer destination, but it’s great in the winter and spring, too! Dine in an igloo, ice fish, ice skate, go sledding, enjoy the indoor waterpark, and even take a horse drawn wagon ride. Plus, Nisswa has so many cute shops, breweries, and restaurants. So much fun!

Related post: Grand View Lodge Winter Getaway

Treasure Island, Minnesota

Highlights: Indoor pools, spa, entertainment

Treasure Island is located about 1 hour from the Twin Cities and just got a glow-up! We’ve visited for a couple’s getaway and with our kids, and it’s a great option for both! If heading there without kids, make sure to check out the Lagoon which has a 21+ adults only section with a swim up bar and both indoor and outdoor hot tubs. Make an appointment at Wave Spa and then head to one of their on-site restaurants, my favorite is Tado Steakhouse. There’s lots of great shows, so check out their schedule in advance!

If you’re bringing the kids along, the Lagoon is still a must, but instead of the swim up bar enjoy the lazy river, water slides, and zero-entry area. Make sure to do some bowling as well! And if you do decide you need some adult time, there’s a great on site kids club!

Mall of America, Minnesota

Highlights: Indoor activities, food

The Mall of America has so much more than just shopping. Stay at the Radisson Blu which is attached to the mall and dine at Cedar + Stone or Fire Lake. They are our fav restaurants there and are both farm to table! Then try some fun activities. We love the The Escape Game (highly recommend Gold Rush!), Activate Games for an immersive video game experience, and Museum of Illusions for awesome brain teasers and photo ops. If you’re going with kids, Nickelodeon Universe, Sea Life, and the Crayola Experience are so fun!

Related post: Best Minnesota Staycations

Cuyuna, Minnesota

Highlights: Mountain biking, snowshoeing, shopping

At the heart of Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area is Crosby and Ironton, Minnesota, which are less than 2 hours from the Twin Cities. The red dirt trails turn into snowy trails in the winter and spring which are great for fat tire biking and snowshoeing. This area is full of adventure and also has unique Airbnbs, local shopping, and great restaurants. Also visit the nearby ice skating forest trail in Baxter for something totally new to MN!

Duluth, Minnesota

Highlights: Food scene, shopping, kid friendly activities

Located about 2.5 hours from the Twin Cities, Duluth is a top Minnesota destination in any season. If you’re seeking some adventure, I highly recommend staying at RiverWest right at the base of Spirit Mountain, plus it’s a great spot for multiple families to come together.

While there, ski at Spirit Mountain, try snow tubing, and do some ice skating at the base of the mountain. We also love the Great Lakes Aquarium and many local shops and restaurants (including ice cream for the kids and breweries for the adults!)

Ironwood, Michigan

Highlights: Outdoor winter activities, Stormy Kromer

Ironwood, Michigan is about 4 hours from the Twin Cities of Minnesota in the Upper Peninsula. Downhill ski at Big Powderhorn Mountain, cross country ski the amazing ABR trails, do some winter hiking, and stop by Stormy Kromer to get yourself one of their famous hats! And don’t forget to visit Cold Iron Brewery for some local brews.

Related post: Things to do in Ironwood, Michigan

Porcupine Mountains, Michigan

Highlights: Snowmobiling, snowshoeing, downhill skiing

Stay in Ontonagon, Michigan which is about 5 hours from the Twin Cities. It’s a great home base for exploring the Porcupine Mountains area (nicknamed “The Porkies”). This area averages 200-300 inches of snow each winter so there’s always fresh Lake Superior powder to enjoy! Here you can downhill ski, hike to gorgeous waterfalls, and snowmobile through the most snow you’ll ever see.

Related post: Things to do in the Porcupine Mountains

Upper Peninsula, Michigan

Highlights: Waterfalls, hiking, views

If you want to visit Michigan but don’t want to stay in one spot, take a road trip! See SO MANY gorgeous views of the South shore of Lake Superior with a road trip around the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. This is a popular spot in the summer, but the Spring gives you less crowds and the spaces all to yourself! See some of the 300+ waterfalls that occupy the Upper Peninsula, explore the massive sand dunes, stay in cute Airbnbs, and gaze at the unreal blue water!

Related post: Things to do in Upper Peninsula Michigan

Metropolis, Wisconsin

Highlights: All in one kid friendly resort

I recommend Metropolis if you’re looking for an ultimate indoor water park adventure without driving all the way to the Wisconsin Dells. Located under two hours from the Twin Cities, it has everything your kids will be obsessed with all in one spot.

Highlights here are the indoor waterpark with two huge waterslides, lazy river, hot tub, and toddler area. There’s also a trampoline park with a ninja course, dodgeball, and tons of trampolines. The arcade has games, laser tag, and prizes. And I can’t forget the indoor playground and on-site restaurants, including a Dairy Queen and Caribou Coffee.

Related post: Things to do at Metropolis Resort

Vilas County, Wisconsin

Highlights: Hiking, supper clubs

Vilas County is located in Northern Wisconsin. We visited in the fall, but it would be great in the Spring too! Stay at the Lodge at Manitowish Waters, hike/snowmobile/snowshoe/ski the amazing trail systems, eat a Friday night fish fry, and check out the supperclub where John Dillinger had a shootout with the FBI. Bullet holes still sprinkle the hotel – so crazy!

Related post: Things to do in Vilas County, Wisconsin

Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

Highlights: Indoor waterparks, outdoor activities

Wisconsin Dells is known for its waterparks which are perfect for a Midwest Spring Break destination. But there’s so many other fun things to do there as well! Stay in a tiny house, take a hike at Devil’s Lake State Park, visit Witches Gulch, take a horse drawn canyon tour, and more! These activities open as Spring unfolds, so make sure to check when things are open based on the dates you’re visiting!

Related post: Unique things to do in Wisconsin Dells

That’s a wrap for Midwest Spring Break destinations! I hope I sparked your interest in traveling the Midwest for a fun spring getaway!

Related post: Best Minnesota Staycations