Any suggestions on where to take a 8 year old in the upper midwest (WI, MN, MO, ND, SD area) for a fun vacation in June? Any festivals geared to kids in this timeframe that you have been to and enjoyed?

How about MN, you can go to Valleyfair, waterpark, lots of rides, games. The Como Zoo (free admission into the zoo, they ask for a donation of $1.50 for kids and I can't remember how much for adults at the entrance). The Mall of America, where there is Camp Snoopy, lots of rides, food, etc. Have a great trip!

I don't think you meant Missouri, did you?

In Wisconsin, the Dells is always a kiddy playground. You aren't far from Milwaukee which has a great zoo. Summerfest on the Lakefront...

Rent a house on one of the many lakes in the area...

KANSAS CITY HAS OCEANS OF FUN AND WORLDS OF FUN - THEY ARE CLOSE TOGETHER-

YOU COULD EASILY SPEND A FEW DAYS THERE

I'm putting in my vote for the Rapid City area of South Dakota. Our family has gone there numerous times and we just love it - it really is geared for that age. Get the Junior Ranger booklet at Mt. Rushmore and have your child complete it. Once they do, you get a certificate and you can get the patch for $1. There are some neat drives in Custer State Park: one is a wildlife loop, there is the piggy-tail bridges, and another loop with frequent stops with short walks to neat rock formations. You can go to the Reptile Gardens and Bear Country. There are crystal caves. Crazy Horse. Chuckwagon dinners. The School of Mines has a free geology museum with dinosaur bones, glow-in-the-dark rocks and different crystals. If your child still enjoys parks and playgrounds, Storybook Island is fantastic. There is a new Dinosaur museum in the area (Hot Springs maybe?) that I have not yet been to but it's said to be very kid-friendly and great. The Black Hills are great. There is a Passion Play that I have not been to either.

The Black Hills are beautiful and there are a lot of neat old park lodges. You can stay at some but they're spendy but you can also just stop and eat a meal or rent paddle boats too. It feels like what you dream the ideal camping experience would be.

Medora, North Dakota is near enough that you could spend a night or two there.

I agree with ajcolorado. Except that I'd recommend staying in Custer State Park if possible. What a wonderful area for kids! There's just so much to see. The Mammoth Site in Hot Springs is great. And, of course, a stop at the Badlands on the way in or out of the Black Hills would be great.

I agree that the Black Hills is a good choice. Here is another thought:

6/17-6/19 is Fun Fishing Fest in Minocqua, WI http://www.minocqua.org

Remember that WI, MN and the Dakotas could experience some cool weather in June. Remember your sweatshirts and jackets if you plan to be outside often.

Every kid loves water. Central Minnesota has thousands of lakes and resorts.

I have 2 suggestions. Go to the incredible North SHore of LAke SUperior north of Duluth in Minnesota. Stay at Sugar Beach Resort--in log cabins with fireplaces--right on the flat rocky shore of LAke Superior--you can do a campfire right out your door on the rocks under the moon and stars and roast your dinner. It is grand fun to walk all up and down the rocks along the shore...it is the only place I know like this. You can go to Lutsen-a ski resort-which has horseback riding in summer and a long curving summer tobaggon run that is grand.And ride the ski tram up to the mt top and have lunch.
My other choice is to stay at Custer State Park in the Black HIlls, or Blue BElle state Park. Blue Bell has the most beautiful horse back ride on the French River. The Black Hills in general with Mt Rushmore are a hidden gem. Rent a great cabin--bargain prices because SD is sort of on the road to nowhere...

I'm from northern Wisconsin...and know that many people have a wonderful time vacationing "up north"

Minocqua is great, there are other fun towns w/ great resorts on the lakes, etc.

Also...Eagle River, St. Germain. Even though they're close to where I grew up, not as familar w/ them!

try

http://www.upnorthsidewalk.com/ (GREAT SITE)

http://www.minocqua.org
http://www.manitowishwaters.org/ (where I am from!)

http://www.lakelandtimes.com (local newspaper which will have some resources!)