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 spring. Some activities will depend on the weather and some may have restrictions due to COVID. Make sure to check if activities are open before you go!

Midwest Spring Break Destinations

Lutsen, Minnesota

Best for: Downhill skiing and hiking

Lutsen is located on the North Shore of Lake Superior in Northern Minnesota and has the best skiing in the state! 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

Best for: Family resort

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

Mall of America, Minnesota

Best for: Indoor activities, good food

The Mall of America has so much more than just shopping. Stay at the Radisson Blu which is attached to the mall, dine at Cedar + Stone (our favorite restaurant at the mall – all farm to table!), check out local shops like Macarons by Maddie Lu and Wafels & Dinges (get the Throwdown it’s to die for!!), and try an escape room at The Escape Game. We played the Gold Rush and had a blast! If you’re going with kids, Nickelodeon Universe, Sea Life, and the Crayola Experience are open at limited capacity as well.

Related post: Best Minnesota Staycations

Ironwood, Michigan

Best for: Downhill and cross country skiing

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

Upper Peninsula, Michigan

Best for: Waterfalls, hiking, views

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

Vilas County, Wisconsin

Related post: Things to do in Vilas County Wisconsin

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

Best for: 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! No matter where you go, remember to be respectful of your natural surroundings, wear a mask indoors and when around others, be safe, and have fun!

Related post: Best Minnesota Staycations