An Adventure Traveler's Guide To The Midwest

Whether you’re planning a winter or summer adventure vacation, the upper Midwest has your every outdoor sports need covered. Find a favorite spot for the classics, or try something totally new and extreme with Culture Trip’s list of must-visit hotspots.

Michigan

Boyne Mountain

What to do there: skiing, snowboarding, tubing, snowshoeing, ice skating

When to go: Winter

More info: 415 acres of slopes make Boyne Mountain the largest ski resort in the Midwest. It also comes equipped with an indoor waterpark, a massive spa and retail village for an all-inclusive winter getaway.

Boyne Mountain, 1 Boyne Mountain Rd, Boyne Falls, MI, USA +1 844 732 6875

Mackinaw Parasailing

What to do there: parasailing, boating

When to go: Spring, Summer, Fall

More info: Fly as high as 600 feet above the water attached to a parachute for unparalleled views and experience. Mackinaw City will send you up for more than 10 minutes for just $75 per person.

Mackinaw Parasailing, 209 S Huron Ave, Mackinaw City, MI, USA +1 231 436 7144

Wisconsin

Wildman Adventure Resort

What to do there: whitewater rafting, rock climbing, paintball, obstacle courses

When to go: Spring, Summer

More info: Two resort locations near the northern border of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Camping and cabins are also available, as well as golfing, fishing and hiking trails.

Wildman Adventure Resort, N22200 Bomber Rd, Niagara, WI, USA +1 715 757 2938

Alpine Valley Resort

What to do there: skiing, snowboarding

When to go: Winter

More info: Though open as a luxury resort all year round, Alpine is made for the winter. Enjoy 20 different runs spread across 90 acres, suitable for all experience levels.

Alpine Valley, W2501 County Road D, Elkhorn, WI, USA +1 262 642 7374

Minnesota

Gooseberry Falls State Park

What to do there: hiking, camping

When to go: Spring, Summer, Fall

More info: Hike 15 or 20 mile trails through 1,600-acre Gooseberry Falls. On the shores of Lake Superior, scenery includes waterfalls, wildlife and unparalleled views.

Gooseberry Falls State Park, 3206 MN-61, Two Harbors, MN, USA +1 218 595 7100

Sandstone Ice Festival

What to do there: ice climbing, skinny skiing, winter camping

When to go: Winter

More info: Scale frozen waterfalls at Sandstone’s annual festival and clinic. Climbers come together every January to celebrate the extreme sport as well as other family-friendly events spread across three days.

Sandstone Ice Festival, Old Wagon Rd, Sandstone, MN, USA +1 320 245 5241

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.