Get Cultured

Culture, according to Merriam-Webster, is “the customary beliefs, social forms, and material traits of a racial, religious, or social group.” But the dictionary states it also is “the characteristic features of everyday existence (such as diversions or a way of life) shared by people in a place or time.” With these definitions in mind, get ready to explore some of the Midwest’s popular cultural destinations. These include not only cities but also their art venues, botanical gardens, historical museums, outdoor sites, and other attractions.

Not all noteworthy stops for a group visit are included, of course, but those mentioned will help get your group started on an excursion that can be adventurous, fun, and memorable. With so many places to choose from, where does a tour planner begin? A suggestion is to start with the Twin Cities of Minnesota. Known for the Twins baseball team, Mall of America, and being home to the late rock star Prince, the Twin Cities is an iconic destination that offers plenty of cultural experiences.

Early in their history, the Cities—which primarily include Minneapolis and St. Paul, but in broader terms their many suburbs as well—were largely developed by Scandinavians who came to the region in the 1800s. Today, that culture is celebrated at many places throughout the region, including the American Swedish Institute, Danish American Center, Ingebretsen’s Scandinavian Center, and the Norway House, all located in Minneapolis. Other local places with cultural ties include the Gammelgarden Museum, Mindekirken church, and even the state capitol building, where a memorial stands in honor of Viking Leif Erikson.

While in Minnesota, head north to Duluth, located in the state’s Arrowhead region, a scenic destination where the wilds of Mother Nature abound, thus creating another type of culture. But your group members don’t have to be versed in the outdoors to enjoy this pretty place. Plenty of adventure awaits indoors as well. The Dr. Robert Powless Cultural Center has rotating exhibits that explore Minnesota’s Indigenous heritage, while the Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum preserves original letters and other documents of past leaders who helped shape state and national history.

One popular stop for marine culture is the William A. Irvin Museum, a floating venue located at Canal Park and set against the Duluth Aerial Bridge, yet another historic emblem from the past. Earlier in its career, the freighter experienced a boiler explosion that caused the death of a crewmate and the injury of two others. The ship eventually was retired, but instead of going to the scrapyard, it was turned into the living museum it is today near the shores of Lake Superior. The museum welcomes visitors, but make sure to check for days and times because these do change with the seasons. Of note, the ship has been a popular stop for paranormal groups in search of ghosts because of the claims in some circles about it being a haunted vessel. Even if you don’t encounter any ghosts, your group members will surely garner other, more enlightening information from times now past.

Going back to the “cities” designation is the Quad Cities, which encompasses parts of Illinois and Iowa, and has large Asian, Black, Hispanic, and Latino communities, each culture playing an integral part of the region, influencing its heritage sites, dining experiences, and art scene. “The Quad Cities is a perfect destination for group tours seeking to explore a rich blend of heritage and diversity,” says Lindsey Row, director of public relations and communications with Visit Quad Cities. “From the German American Heritage Center to the Mercado on Fifth market and historic neighborhood, our region offers immersive experiences that highlight global influences and local traditions. Groups will find unique opportunities to engage with the Quad Cities’ deep-rooted cultural history and vibrant bi-state communities.”

Of the arts, the Quad Cities touts itself as having live music in its DNA. What exemplifies the word “culture” more than an orchestra and symphony? Experience the Quad City Symphony Orchestra and concert tours at the historic 2,400-seat Adler Theatre in Davenport, Iowa. For a different kind of music, the venues Codfish Hollow Barnstormers (Maquoketa, Iowa), Common Chord’s Redstone Room (Davenport, Iowa), Raccoon Motel (Davenport), and The Rust Belt (East Moline, Illinois) allow guests to experience entertainers whose cultures stretch from many parts of the globe. These places are just the tip of the proverbial iceberg of cultural venues in the region.

“The Quad Cities is recognized as the ‘Creative Capital of the Midwest,’ making it an ideal spot for group cultural tours,” Row says. “With a dynamic arts scene—ranging from fine art at the Figge Art Museum to the annual Alternating Current festival—there’s a strong creative energy here that invites exploration. Groups can experience a variety of artistic expressions in both curated spaces and public installations,
making the Quad Cities a must-see destination for art lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike.”

For a different kind of experience, visit downtown Des Moines, Iowa, and the Pappajohn Sculpture Park, which features the work of more than 20 artists. The 4-acre property opened in 2009 and is itself a type of art, described by the Greater Des Moines Public Art Foundation as being “unlike any other sculpture park in the United States.” Guided tours, which are scheduled in advance, are available from April 1 through Oct. 31, but groups can visit without a scheduled tour during park hours. A giant spider, a large pumpkin, and black-and-white snowmen are just a few of the artistic pieces that decorate this interesting and group-friendly venue. Photography and picnicking are available, but make sure your group keeps their food away from the sculptures.

Indiana and Ohio also have rich cultures and history. The Indianapolis Cultural Trail in Fountain Square, for instance, is 10 miles of pedestrian and bike-friendly trails that connect users with all sorts of experiences, from the Madam Walker Legacy Center to the Fall Creek Greenway and White River Wapahani Trail. Along the way, notice the cultural interpretive panels. In Ohio, visit the 1847 Quilt Retreat Center (Millersburg), 3060 Artworks (Columbus), A Christmas Story House (Cleveland), and the Allen Memorial Art Museum (Oberlin), just a few of the many sites worthy of a tour in the Buckeye State.

In Michigan is the famous Motown Museum—nicknamed “Hitsville U.S.A.”—site of Motown’s first headquarters and recording studio. Located in Detroit, the museum invites people of all backgrounds and ages to visit and become “inspired and transformed” not only by the music but also by the “cultural and social impact of Motown.”

In Eau Claire, Wisconsin, the arts are on display at such places as the Pablo Center at the Confluence, where visitors can catch a Broadway play, or smaller stages like The Plus and The Lakely, both of which host live entertainment and open mic performances. There’s also the artistic venues Clear Water Comedy, Oh Claire Improv, and the Heyde Center for the Arts in the nearby community of Chippewa Falls.

Experience farm culture in Eau Claire, from the popular Ferguson’s Orchards, which grows apples and offers activities on the farm, to Connell’s Family Orchard and Leffel Roots Apple Orchard. Other places allow groups to get a taste, literally, of what the Midwest has to offer, such as Govin’s Farm in Menomonie, Wisconsin, about 30 minutes from Eau Claire, where guests can experience fun on the farm; and the Eau Claire Farmers Market. After an immersive cultural experience in the Midwest, your group will likely have worked up an appetite; but don’t worry, they won’t leave this place hungry!

By Andrew Weeks

Main Image: Gammelgarden Museum, Scandia, Minnesota; Credit: Explore Minnesota