Six Best Winter Travel Destinations in the Midwest

You may think snowy adventures only involve skiing through the Rockies or skating around Rockefeller Center, but the heartland has winter gems hidden around every corner. Your friends at HILLS Properties have gathered ideas for Midwest winter getaways the whole family can enjoy so you can embrace the holiday season without straying too far from […]
SW By Sara Woods on December 21, 2024
an aerial view of city with snow, bridge and downtown

You may think snowy adventures only involve skiing through the Rockies or skating around Rockefeller Center, but the heartland has winter gems hidden around every corner. Your friends at HILLS Properties have gathered ideas for Midwest winter getaways the whole family can enjoy so you can embrace the holiday season without straying too far from home.

Winter Trips in the Midwest

1. Duluth, MN

At sunset, a lighthouse on Lake Superior in Duluth, MN, along a snowy pier.

Duluth offers a unique oasis for winter activities you won’t find anywhere else. Among this town’s many winter festivals is the iconic Bentleyville Tour of Lights, where you can walk through dazzling displays while sipping hot cocoa. Winter sports enthusiasts can ski at Spirit Mountain or enjoy snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and dog sledding along the North Shore.

2. Door County, WI

On the western shore of Lake Michigan, Door County, a northern Wisconsin favorite, is nothing short of a winter wonderland. Visit Peninsula State Park to explore snowy trails and enjoy breathtaking views of rugged cliffs and picturesque caves along the Great Lake. After adventuring outdoors, warm up at local breweries, cozy coffee shops, or one of the many charming restaurants in town.

3. Chicago, IL

Cloud Gate, also known as The Bean, in Millennium Park on a snowy evening in Chicago, IL.

We couldn’t bear to leave the Windy City off our list of the best winter getaways in the Midwest. Chicago is the place to be in the winter, whether you want to ice skate through Millennium Park, zip down the Soldier Field sledding hill, or peruse the Christkindlmarket for one-of-a-kind gifts. Of course, you’ll have to check out classic Chi-town favorites while you’re at it, like enjoying stunning views of Chicago and Lake Michigan from the Skydeck, exploring the Field Museum,  or grabbing a hot slice of deep-dish pizza.

4. Indianapolis, IN

The Circle City is an exciting place to be during the holidays, and if you haven’t been to Indianapolis in winter, you’re missing out! Visit the Circle of Lights in Monument Circle, step into the magical world of WinterFaire at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, and download a Holiday Aventure Pass to experience all the fun to be had across Indianapolis and Hamilton County.

5. Hocking Hills, OH

Cloud Gate, also known as The Bean, in Millennium Park on a snowy evening in Chicago, IL.

It may come as a surprise that this outdoor oasis lies in the heart of Ohio, but for nature enthusiasts, Hocking Hills State Park is a must-see. This Midwest winter destination, known for cascading waterfalls and beautiful caves, is also perfect for stargazing or catching the northern lights at the John Glenn Astronomy Park.

6. Branson, MO

For those looking for organized entertainment over outdoor treks, Branson offers delightful weekend getaways in the Midwest winter. The aptly named Live Entertainment Capitol of the World boasts a variety of family-friendly shows and performances so you can enjoy the season while staying indoors, such as Dolly Parton’s Stampede, The Haygoods, and the Little Opry Theatre. If you want to head outside, the Ozarks are a short drive away!

Find a Home Base for Your Midwest Winter Vacations at HILLS Properties

If you need a comfortable community to return to between your winter adventures, HILLS Properties offers a broad selection of luxury apartment homes across Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky. Check out our availability online, and contact us today to find your perfect place!

More in Uncategorized

See all Uncategorized
Fishers, Indiana. The Nickel Plate Trail.
Living in Fishers, Indiana: A Guide to Indy’s Most Livable Suburb

Fishers sits along I-69 in Hamilton County, northeast of downtown Indianapolis, and it has spent the last decade earning a reputation as one of the most livable mid-size cities in the Midwest. For anyone searching for apartments in Fishers, IN, that reputation carries real weight: the city pairs genuine suburban convenience with a growing downtown […]

6 Minute Read
Public park trail lined with mature trees at Craig Park.
The Best Parks Near Greenwood, IN, Apartments

Greenwood, Indiana, has quietly built one of the most impressive park systems on Indianapolis’ south side, and residents at Emerald Lakes Apartments are right in the middle of it. Whether you are looking for scenic trails, open green space, a spot to bring your dog, or a place to stay active outdoors, Greenwood’s parks and […]

4 Minute Read
How To Budget Your Apartment Move

Moving into a new apartment is exciting, but the cost of moving into an apartment can add up faster than most people expect. Whether you are a first-time renter relocating across town or starting fresh in a new city, building a solid apartment moving budget today is the smartest first step you can take. From […]

6 Minute Read
A man carrying a box moves into his ground-level apartment, entering from the street.
Should You Choose a First-Floor or Upper-Level Apartment?

Finding a new apartment is one of the most exciting decisions you’ll make, but it’s not just about picking the right location. The floor you live on quietly shapes everything about where you live, from how much sunlight pours in each morning to how much outside noise you hear at night. It’s a detail that’s […]

7 Minute Read
Let's put our heads together.
Are you interested in a new development?
Get in touch or call 513.984.0300

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.