Family Reunions are amazing but tricky to plan. You’re bringing together a large group of people with a range of vacation needs, and you want everyone to have a great time. Luckily, there are many great destinations for family reunions in the Midwest region of the United States.
The Midwest is full of cities that offer group accommodations, outdoor activities, and a relaxed vibe to simply enjoy each other’s company.
Whether your reunion is an annual event or a once-in-a-lifetime splurge, organizing doesn’t have to be a hassle. Once you find the right town (and the best place to stay!), you can plan a family reunion that’s perfect for your clan.
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1. Door County, Wisconsin
Door County is located on the northern peninsula of Wisconsin, not far from Green Bay – and it’s one of our favorite Midwest vacation spots. It has charming small towns, lakeside serenity, and outdoor activities. Spend the day at a rocky beach, hike at The Ridges Sanctuary, and eat at one of the excellent local restaurants. If you’re visiting in the summer, don’t miss a chance to pick fruit at a local orchard or go to a drive-in movie.
We always recommend visiting Door County with kids, but there are many activities for family members of all ages.
Where to Stay
Bridgeport Resort is a great place for large groups to stay, as it offers 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom suites with full kitchens. Plus, there’s an indoor and outdoor pool, a beautiful bayside lawn, and great shops within walking distance.
2. Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
Lake Geneva is the perfect place to sit back and enjoy great waterside tranquility. Or, you can get active by kayaking, hiking, or ziplining. Plus, it’s a convenient drive away from Milwaukee and Chicago, making it a breeze to get here.
Rent a boat or jet skis to fully enjoy the lake, or take a sunset cruise. If you visit in the winter families can enjoy skiing, ice skating, and sledding.
Where to Stay
The Grand Geneva Resort and Spa has 1,300 acres of fun activities and spacious hotel rooms and condos the whole family can enjoy. Its sister property, Timber Ridge Lodge, has an indoor waterpark. Larger groups can take advantage of their banquet options, or you can enjoy the grounds together.
3. Madison, Wisconsin
We’ve talked about how fun it is to visit Madison, Wisconsin with teens, but this town is also one of our top choice destinations for family reunions in the Midwest. There’s a zoo, botanical gardens, a weekly farmer’s market, and the state capitol building. We also love the outdoor activities in Madison – its many lakes offer great opportunities for swimming, boating, and hiking.
Where to Stay
Madison has many lakeside and riverfront rentals that accommodate larger groups (many have hot tubs!). This Madison lakefront rental is close to downtown while offering great outdoor recreation. Enjoy the private dock (bring your own boat!) and roast s’mores in the backyard fire pit. The property accommodates up to 8 guests.
4. Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
Wisconsin Dells is a popular destination for kid-friendly adventure. It’s become most famous for its many indoor water parks, though there is more to do than simply slide and splash around. You can go horseback riding, enjoy a dinner theater show, or get brave at a ropes course. Plus, there is a wealth of on-the-water adventures along with casinos and breweries for grown-up family members.
Where to Stay
Families with a lot of kids will love staying at Great Wolf Lodge. It has a 76,000-square-foot indoor water park that you can enjoy any time of year.
There are many vacation rentals in the Dells offering spacious and private accommodations if you are looking for something away from the crowds.
5. Mackinac Island, Michigan
There are so many fun things to do on Mackinac Island, and it’s a great place for a family reunion in the Midwest. This vehicle-free island with small-town charm will feel like an oasis for kids who want to run and bike around freely. You can spend multiple days exploring downtown Main Street, but be sure to leave time for the many hiking and biking trails out in nature.
Where to Stay
The Grand Hotel might be a splurge, but it’s perfect for family reunions. They have a variety of on-site activities like pickleball and swimming, plus dining spaces that can accommodate a large group. Their Cupola Bar is the perfect place to gather for evening cocktails while the kids run on the lawn.
6. Traverse City, Michigan
Traverse City is perfect for a family reunion trip in the summer and fall, as it’s brimming with amazing scenery and fun outdoor adventures. It’s also an ideal place for those who love historic charm, as you can tour lighthouses, an old fishing village, and its historic downtown. Plus, there are many great wineries and small casinos.
Don’t forget to spend time at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. It’s one of our top family-friendly things to do in Traverse City.
Where to Stay
Lakemore Resort is a complex of rental home properties right on Arbutus Lake. The four-bedroom homes allow you to be steps away from great outdoor activities like kayaking, fishing, and swimming.
7. Chicago, Illinois
Chicago is a popular destination for all kinds of travelers, and it could be perfect for your next family reunion in the Midwest. This sprawling city has miles of scenic shoreline (along with sandy beaches!) and fun activities for all ages. Wander around Navy Pier and Millennium Park, take a cruise on Lake Michigan, and shop till you drop along the Magnificent Mile.
There are also (seemingly) endless museums, two zoos, and beautiful botanical gardens. Talk about a wealth of great activities for multi-generational vacations. Discover more fun things to do in Chicago with kids here!
Where to Stay
The Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile is a popular hotel for families who want to be close to the popular tourist attractions.
8. Branson, Missouri
Branson, Missouri, is a bustling family vacation destination with a variety of fun activities. Families can enjoy live theater, kitschy museums, kid-friendly restaurants, and a lively amusement park. Beyond the touristy hub, there are also great outdoor adventures in Branson. Its Ozark Mountains location makes it a great spot to horseback ride, rock climb, and hike.
Where to Stay
Marriott’s Willow Ridge Lodge offers multi-room condos with balconies and kitchens, giving your family reunion a neighborhood feel that the entire family will love. It has indoor and outdoor pools, and a fitness center, and is minutes away from Branson’s entertainment district.
9. Medora, North Dakota
Enjoy stunning natural scenery, a charming Western spirit, and unique fun in Medora, ND. Your perfect family getaway will include hikes (or scenic drives) through the Badlands, days of golfing, and seats at the Medora Musical Western Revue.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park is a great spot to enjoy North Dakota’s rugged wilderness, especially in the winter when there’s cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. This is a fun year-round destination for family reunions in the Midwest.
Where to Stay
Rough Riders Hotel is one of the most popular places to stay in Medora. If you’re visiting from May to October, book cabins or Conestoga Wagons in the Medora Campground.
10. Rapid City, South Dakota
A family reunion in Rapid City will allow your group to enjoy the great outdoors while seeing one of the most iconic landmarks in the United States. Rapid City is the gateway to Mount Rushmore, but there are even more great attractions in this South Dakota city. Explore Badlands National Park, ride the Black Hills Central Railroad, and enjoy an array of fun restaurants.
Where to Stay
Canyon Lake Resort is a lakefront property with a 38-guest reunion lodge. Your family will have a great time enjoying the serene setting, complete with paddle boats, an outdoor pool, and firepits.
11. Hocking Hills, Ohio
Hocking Hills, Ohio, is a great place to get away from it all while enjoying beautiful outdoor scenery. There are fun adventures for everyone in your group, from ziplining and horseback riding to day spas and bird watching. Hocking Hills State Park is one of our favorite Midwest family destinations, and there are great water activities here, too.
Where to Stay
Hocking Hills State Park Lodge has cabins and guest rooms that are great for families of all sizes. There are several great lodging options to give each family a choice in the type of stay they want to book.
12. Indianapolis, Indiana
Indianapolis is an extremely family-friendly destination, even if you’re not into race cars and football. Explore The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Conner Prairie historical site, and Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, and spend time exploring downtown. This is a great city if you enjoy restaurants, breweries, and fun city vibes.
Where to Stay
For a unique stay, check into the Bottleworks Hotel. This former Coca-Cola factory has a spa and easy access to restaurants and shopping.
13. French Lick, Indiana
Have you ever heard of French Lick, Indiana? This small town is a great place for a family reunion in the Midwest, especially if your group loves American charm with a touch of luxury. You can visit a wildlife park, ride a scenic railway, and visit one of the best amusement parks in the US, Holiday World. Plus, there are great wine tastings and golf courses for grown-up travelers.
Where to Stay
The French Lick Springs Resort and its sister property, West Baden Springs, are historic properties with bowling, horseback riding, shooting, golf, bike rentals, an outdoor pool, and a kids club.
14. Louisville, Kentucky
Louisville is a fun little city in northern Kentucky that will be fun for the whole family. It’s home to the Kentucky Derby, the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory, and the Kentucky Kingdom theme park. The downtown area is fun to explore, and Louisville Mega Cavern is a unique attraction to check out.
Where to Stay
This spacious Louisville VRBO sleeps up to 16 people and has a great downtown location. It is close to some of the city’s best attractions, including bourbon and whisky tastings.
15. Nashville, Tennessee
You will have to travel a bit into the South to enjoy Nashville for your family reunion, but it’s still easy for any Midwesterners to travel to. Enjoy mild temperatures, live music, fun museums, and a bustling downtown area – all in one of America’s most popular cities. Kids of all ages will love Nashville, and grown-ups will enjoy the many breweries and tours available throughout town.
Where to Stay
For a unique stay in Nashville, book a room block at the Gaylord Opryland Resort, which has a year-round waterpark, an indoor greenhouse, and a neighboring shopping mall.
16. Chattanooga, Tennessee
In Tennessee, you will also find Chattanooga, a mountain town on the Tennessee-Georgia line with an endless amount of activities for the family. Explore natural wonders like Ruby Falls, ride the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway, walk around downtown, and spend quality time at the Tennessee Aquarium. There is a lot of history in Chattanooga, not to mention fantastic outdoor fun like bike paths and hiking trails.
Where to Stay
Hotel Clemons offers 3-bedroom suites with full kitchens in a great area of downtown. It is within walking distance of attractions and dining while offering a space to truly relax and enjoy.
17. Grand Marais, Minnesota
Grand Marais is a great place to enjoy the splendor and serenity of Lake Superior. This small Midwest town has a great arts scene, charming local restaurants and shops, and almost any water activity you can dream of. You’ll love the scenery and relaxed atmosphere of this quintessential American lake town.
Where to Stay
This Lake Superior VRBO has room for 13 guests, features great lake views, and stands on a working farm. Enjoy their spacious yard and scenery while being just 10 minutes from downtown Grand Marais.
Planning Family Reunions in the Midwest
The Midwest is one of the best places to host a family reunion, whether you want to unwind in nature, find thrilling activities, or explore unique places. So gather the family and make incredible memories in some of America’s best destinations!