You probably don’t need us to tell you about the most iconic destinations to bring your group to in the Midwest. You can easily find your own way to snap selfies in front of Chicago’s Cloud Gate sculpture—even if you only know it as “The Bean”—or recite your favorite lines from “Field of Dreams” in the cornfields of Dyersville, Iowa. There is a certain kind of memory you make at well-known, bucket list-type destinations, where the thrill of being there adds to the experience.
There also is a special kind of memory you make at so-called “hidden gem” destinations, where the surprise and thrill of discovery makes that place stick in your mind for totally different reasons. The Midwest is full of these kinds of destinations, waiting to be found on not only its rural backroads but also on its Great Lakes shores and along its major highways. Even if you have GPS leading you there, you’ll still feel like you discovered something.
The Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site is just a 15-minute drive across the Illinois border from St. Louis, Missouri, but feels like an entirely different world. It’s certainly a place with global significance as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with an interpretive center bringing to life the culture that called the site home from roughly 1000 to 1350. Groups can make the 150-step trek to the top of Monks Mound, the largest prehistoric earthen construction in the Americas, according to Site Superintendent Lori Belknap. Guided tours are offered upon request—with interpreters available to speak to groups with advanced notice—and its interpretive center is scheduled to reopen this spring following a renovation.
“[We hope visiting groups realize] the importance of the site to American history,” explains Belknap, “to Native cultures in the past, and the many Native groups alive today that have ancestry and connections to the ancient site.”
Credit: Illinois Department of Natural Resources
Another place to make connections to the past in Illinois is the village of Bishop Hill, which has a fascinating history for groups to discover. Originally established as a religious colony in 1846 by Swedish Pietist leader Eric Janson, Bishop Hill once had a population of roughly 1,200 colonists. Some of their descendants still linger among the 100 or so residents today, but what the colonists built remains on display for all to see. The state of Illinois oversees the Bishop Hill State Historic Site, where groups can see the colony’s church from 1848, as well as a hotel and dormitory from circa 1850-1860.
“What you see when you drive into town is what many people would have seen as they would have rode into town 100 years ago—or nearly 200 years ago, as we’re approaching the 180th anniversary of Bishop Hill,” says Ryley Lamb, site services specialist for the historic site. “Many of the historic sites across the Midwest feature many reproductions of their buildings, but Bishop Hill still has several of its original structures.”
Art enthusiasts also won’t want to miss the Olof Krans museum, honoring the life and work of this celebrated folk artist. In addition to the historic draws, there are special events throughout the year to experience the site in a new way. Lamb notes that April to December is the best time to visit, with events going on each month. Ag Days—known in Swedish as Jordbruksdagarna—is a popular festival in the fall with hands-on demonstrations and activities based around 19th-century farm life.
Lamb recommends calling ahead to see what special activities might be taking place at the time of your visit. Additionally, you can sometimes arrange special demonstrations for your group such as candle- or brickmaking, depending on the season.
“I hope groups come away from Bishop Hill having experienced a sense of connection to its people, place, or heritage,” says Lamb. “People settled in this village to make a new life for themselves and their families, and the people who live here today—some even descendants of the original colonists—seek to preserve its history and traditions so people from all walks of life can enjoy it now and in the future.”
Much like the time-honored skills of making candles by hand that once drove 19th-century economies, a great way to engage with the culture of a place is through the things they make. Elkhart County, Indiana, for instance, is known for quilting. Each year, the county residents take their love of this art form to new levels with stunning Quilt Gardens found throughout the region.
Quilt Gardens combine the patterns and intricate designs of quilting with floral artistry, creating something entirely new. Each one is unique, and they’re available to view for free along the Heritage Trail, which connects seven communities. While visiting the gardens, groups also will enjoy specialty boutiques, local dining, museums, and artisans, including from the region’s Amish communities.
“Each Quilt Garden tells a story of heritage, creativity, and the local people who bring these living quilts to life,” says Janis Logsdon, director of marketing and sales for the Elkhart County Convention & Visitors Bureau and project manager for Quilt Gardens. “It’s more than just flowers; it’s a celebration of community pride and the enduring spirit of the region’s ‘well-crafted’ identity.”
Gardens are in full bloom from approximately late May through mid-September, with each season offering new designs and sometimes new locations. Most sites can accommodate motorcoaches and groups of any size. “The trail itself provides a natural flow for a day trip or multiday tour,” says Logsdon, “and the gardens make excellent photo stops and conversation starters that delight every age group.”
Credit: American Players Theatre
Even without a specific attraction in mind, your group can find hidden delights within many of the small communities found throughout the Midwest. Take Spring Green, Wisconsin, for example. This town of just about 1,500 contains multitudes for groups, whether they’re interested in live stage productions at the American Players Theatre, enjoying the great outdoors on the Wisconsin River, or exploring the nearby driftless area.
“We offer a unique combination of world-class cultural attractions, scenic beauty, and small-town charm,” says Julie Jensen, executive director of the Spring Green Chamber of Commerce, “all within a compact, easy-to-navigate area.”
Spring Green offers a variety of experiences to please groups of any interest, but one of its most enduring landmarks is Taliesin, the home and studio of famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Described as simply “stunning” by Jensen, and translating to “shining brow” in Welsh, Taliesin is both an example of Wright’s iconic style and also a historical artifact of his life and work. Wright lived at Taliesin for nearly 50 years and groups can enjoy soaking up that legacy today.
Taliesin offers guided and custom tours for groups with advanced reservations. Professional guides offer exciting commentary while exploring the property, which totals 800 acres in all. And an on-site cafe—in the Wright-designed Riverview Terrace—offers a convenient dining option.
For a taste of lake life, look no further than Charlevoix, Michigan, occupying a unique geographic position upon an isthmus dividing Lake Michigan from Lake Charlevoix. Here, groups can enjoy lake cruises, wine and history tours, and a picture-perfect downtown with unique shops and restaurants. A group favorite is Earl Young’s Mushroom Houses. Designed by master builder Young over the course of five decades, each house was built for its specific site using native materials, resulting in more than two dozen unique designs.
“Charlevoix makes people slow down, connect, and appreciate the beauty of northern Michigan,” says Amanda Wilkin, Visit Charlevoix executive director. “It’s a hidden gem they’ll want to revisit.” Whichever hidden gem you choose to uncover in the Midwest, you’re sure to find the things that this region is known for: warm hospitality, affordability, and activities that delight in unexpected ways.
By Todd Kortemeier
Main Image: Earl Young Mushroom Houses, Charlevoix, Michigan; Credit: Visit Charlevoix
