Midwest family reunion
 

I am looking for a place in the Midwest for a family reunion. The family will be coming from all over the country, so a destination less than 3 hours from a major airport is needed. Thinking more like Wisconsin or Illinois this year, but are open to ideas. There will be up to 35 people who would attend, ages birth to 70 years old. Looking for a wide range of activities to be available, such as swimming, golf, hiking/biking, shopping, etc. My family has this reunion about every 4 years, we plan to be together for a week, typically towards the end of August. In the past we have been to Sunriver, OR; Asheville, NC; Colorado. We prefer cabins/townhomes/vacation homes, and not hotels. We like to have dinners together at night and play games/cards. During the day we typically will split up, as we have some extreme hikers, some golfers, and people who like to dabble in lighter activities. I have been trying to find information on-line, but have started to feel overwhelmed with the whole research process. Originally wanted to do Maine or Vermont, but we have people who won't go to the east coast. Trying to be centrally located this time. We don't want to go to Door County, too busy and expensive in the summer. Anyone have ideas for the midwest area? Thank you!!

Friends had a family reunion at George Williams College in Lake Geneva, and were very happy with it.

http://www.blackbearlodge.com/cottages.html

www.northlandlodge.net

www.osthoff.com

You might consider northeast Indiana. We have a lovely state park just north of Angola. It features an inn as well as cabins and campground. There is a large lake w sandy swim beach. Pontoon, paddle boats and row boats are available to rent on site and I believe ski boats are available to rent locally. There are several walking and biking trails (bikes available onsite) and a horse barn there too. Nearby are a small water park, a quaint winery, and outlet mall. There are a few excellent restaurants within minutes of the park and several golf courses, as well as mini golf and go-karts.

Auburn, with its classic car museum is a pleasant half hour drive to the south. Shipshewana is a half hour to the west. They have huge flea market there as well as many cute shops. You can take a buggy ride through the Amish countryside and even book a meal in an Amish home if you wish.

Pokagon State Park is located about 3 hours from Chicago, 3 hours from Indianapolis, 2 hours from Detroit, 1 1/2 hours from Toledo and just an hour north of Fort Wayne -- another city that has wonderful restaurants and good shopping.

http://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/inns/...out.html#local

How about the Black Hills/South Dakota? There are numerous outdoor activities for hiking,biking,kayaking,horseback riding,etc. as well as Jeep tours for wildlife viewing, helicopter tours, Mt. Rushmore, museums, - the list goes on & on. Try Hill City, Custer, Keystone, Rapid City or Deadwood for accomodations - all are within a comfortable drive from attractions, although Keystone & Hill City are more centrally located. Blue Bell Lodges have cabins to rent, as well as a quaint restaurant with good food. Try Black Hills for search.

We had a family reunion in the Wisconsin Dells. Initially, I was hesitant about the location but was pleasantly suprised. We rented condos at the Wilderness Lodge. There was plenty to do with the water parks, golfing, boating, shopping, spas, many restaurant and show options. Madison or Milwaukee airports would serve this destination.