lolfn

My family is planning a large reunion for the summer of 2015. If everyone showed up there would be 100 people ranging in age from baby to 75 and we would need about 40 rooms. Everyone is spread around the country with the highest concentration in WI/ MN. We were thinking of finding somewhere within couple hours of Chicago as that is an easy city to get to no matter where you are.

The location/resort doesn't have to be high-end but we don't want low-end (like campsites/tents) and would love somewhere with some activities.

Fodorites are so great at knowing these kind of places. Any ideas? And we aren't wedded to the Chicago area, but would need somewhere that isn't hard/expensive to get to from the east and west coasts.

Thanks for any help!

ComeSailWithME

Pheasent Run Resort in St. Charles is the only one that truly comes to mind with all of your requirements. While I think it would benefit from a facelift, it is a great resort to stay because there is so much to do. There is an indoor and indoor/outdoor pool, so a pool no matter the time of year. They have bonfires nightly, weather permitting, on a large patio near the outdoor pool. They have a few restaurants, spa, comedy club (zanies, must be 21+), a few bars. It has a New Orleans theme, so the promenade area is literally made to look like Bourbon Street. They even have a "kids korner" area where they do daily activities for the children.

I recommend a room in the tower over the courtyard, as the rooms tend to be more updated in the tower AND you are closer to where all the activities are.

St Charles is tops 45 minutes southwest of O'Hare.

Weekender

I would look at Lakelawn Resort on Lake Delavan in southern Wisconsin. Easy drive from Chicago. Fly into Chicago, Milwaukee or Madison.

http://www.lakelawnresort.com/

AAFrequentFlyer

Lake Geneva, WI

http://www.theabbeyresort.com/

artfan

American Club in Kohler WI, although it is somewhat more than 2 hours from Chicago

abram

Friends have had a family reunion at George Williams College near Lake Geneva.

LindainOhio

The Port Clinton/Catawba/Marblehead area around Lake Erie is between the Cleveland/Chicago airports.

You have Lake Erie, boating, fishing, Cedar Point, Put-in-Bay, Kelley's Island, wineries. Lots of things for families to do.

I can't recommend a resort. I know Sawmill Creek is in Huron but I haven't stayed there. There are some cottage and condo developments. Lakeside is an Chatauqua type gated cottage community.

lolfn

Wow, I knew Fodorites could help out! Thanks for all the suggestions. I'm off to research every one.

Thanks!!!

barbrn

This sounds like a lot of fun lolfn.

My daughter just looked into Pheasant Run for a possible wedding venue. It was nice and would meet your requirements and the St Charles/Geneva area has lots of good restaurants and shopping. Geneva's historical area is outstanding. We were told Pheasant Run is having some difficulties at this time so we were a bit wary. I'm not sure about this though, just something to keep in mind. She ended up with another venue in St Charles so I am keen to recommend the area.

Another idea is Galena, Illinois. There are some good resorts around there (Eagle Ridge, Chestnut Mountain come to mind) and the town itself is very fun with a lot of history thrown in to boot. It was just voted second friendliest city in the US too. It's right across the mighty Mississippi from Dubuque, Iowa which in itself is a good destination. They have the Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium, and a good casino and water park.

You have some really good ideas here, I've been to Lake Lawn in Delavan and the Lake Geneva area is absolutely wonderful too. I'm sure you will find something really great from these suggestions.