Europe River Cruises w/ Flights | Up to $300 Off, Special Savings | 11-Day Mekong River Cruise. 25 Best Lake Resorts and Vacations in the United States - Travel Stacker collected data from WalletHubreleased on June 16, 2021comparing U.S. beach and lake towns in six categories: affordability, weather, safety, economy, education and health, and quality of life. - Total score: 56.9 Lake Texoma, Texas & Oklahoma. Where to stay: Look no further than the upscale, dog-friendly boutiqueLora Hotel. Swim, sail, fish or simply sunbathe here. GO WEST: 7 Best West Coast Vacations for Families. Prime rib on Saturday night is a local favorite. 2023 Cond Nast. When youre not riding a horse or the resorts pontoon boat, consider a relaxing massage in the Glacial Waters spa. - Education & health rank: #37 Best Sailing Lakes in the Midwest - Better Sailing - Economy rank: #7 Rent bikes and ride down the coastline, check out the two towns' dozen of art galleries, or go shopping at high-end boutiques. Indiana Dunes National Park is one of the country's newest national parks, designated in 2019. The Travel Essentials Our Readers Bought Most This Prime Day, Our most popular newsletter for destination inspiration, travel tips, trip itineraries, and everything else you need to be an expert traveler in this beautiful world, 11 Best Beach Blankets for Camping Trips, Picnics, and Afternoons on the Sand, How to Get Outdoors in BerlinFrom Lush Gardens to Swimming Lakes, 10 Most Beautiful Mountain Lakes in the World, The Best New Beach Hotels in the World: 2023 Hot List. Klongs. Prince recorded his third studio album, Dirty Mind, by Lake Minnetonka and is said to have been inspired by the area's natural beauty. Rustic-themed vacations allow for rest and relaxation away from the stresses of modern life. At #2 on our top 5 bass fishing lakes of the Midwest, we go back to Minnesota. Visitors can fish, swim, camp, and picnic along the Great Lakes shore. The lake also has several public beaches and parks, including the popular Green Lake Conference Center and Dodge Memorial County Park. Michigan City offers both lakefront living and lake access. Charlevoix, Michigan. The nearby town of Okoboji is home to numerous shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, including a popular summer theater. The region is committed to Expanding partnerships offering innovative opportunities to enhance the region Healthy fish and wildlife trust species populations and habitats to support them Providing the public with quality hunting, fishing, wildlife watching and other wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities on Service lands Our regional office is in Bloomington, Minnesota. Courtesy of Deer . By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Visitors can enjoy classic lakeside activities such as kayaking, fishing, hiking, and horseback riding or simply relax in their cabin or campgrounds, napping on a hammock or reading a good book. - National rank: #9 - Affordability rank: #42 - Total score: 54.6 - Weather rank: #30 Best Places to Stay. - Affordability rank: #28 This is also a great place to enjoy a cup of coffee or glass of wine. - Economy rank: #34 A variety of kids activities, including culinary classes, are available for additional fees. Catch theferry to Kellys Island for even more Northern Ohio beach town fun, like renting a bicycle, swimming at the beach, walking the Lilac Trail, or evenscuba diving the Great Lakes. It is the longest inland lake in Michigan and measures around 19 miles long with an area of 18,770 acres. Presque Isle is a popular natural area visited all year round. Cond Nast Traveler may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. The staff also organizes games of volleyball, basketball and soccer, and theres shuffleboard, tennis and horseshoes for all guests to enjoy. When you want a break from the lake, cross the street to play golf, get a massage at the resorts Evensong Spa or enjoy a show at Green Lakes historic opera house. Residents can picnic on the shore, take a dip in the lake, or paddle around the waters. - Affordability rank: #23 "@type": "Organization", { - Quality of life rank: #37. - Economy rank: #39 It is a peaceful lake perfect for visitors that want serenity and relaxation. Milwaukee is on its south border, giving residents easy access to the city. - Quality of life rank: #27. - Quality of life rank: #12. 25 Coolest Midwest Lake Vacation Spots | Midwest Living The city features a quaint downtown and great access to Lake Erie for boaters and paddlers. Minnesota is known for its lakes, and Eden Prairie's residents can enjoy 17 of them. Due to its gorgeous environment, and rich history, Gull Lake is now a well-liked tourism destination for both locals and visitors and is widely considered one of the best lakes in the US to visit on vacation for a fun-filled getaway in nature. For those who'd rather play in the water than on it, Lakefront Park has a beach and swimming area. Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri is home to several resorts that allow guests to go snowboarding, skiing, and snowmobiling. The lake covers approximately 360 acres and is surrounded by steep bluffs that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Breakfast and dinner are included in rates, with Susan overseeing the menu. Lake Vermillion is frequently one of the top ten most gorgeous lakes in the Midwest, as well as one of the greatest boating holidays, due to its 40,000-acre size and ease of navigation. The American Midwest is known for many things, including its friendly people, rich comfort food, and above all, breathtaking lakes. Looking for a North Woods experience? 10 Best Lakeside Vacations You Can Take In The American Midwest - TheTravel The park is home to 65 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline. No cars are allowed, so visitors can walk around or ride in one of the iconic horse carriages. Lake Michigan's Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore offers over 100 miles of hiking trails that wind through scalable dunes and forests, which provide hikers with plenty of opportunities to spot black bears, coyotes, and even bald eagles. This is mainly because of its many recreational opportunities as well as the proximity to a wide array of charming towns in the surrounding area of Lake Tahoe (which are especially beautiful in spring). In 2018, the city completed Lake Vista Park, a 250-acre transformation of industrial land that features a playground, walking trails, and a pavilion that looks out onto the lake. Where to stay: Pop up to the quaint village of Marblehead to stay atThe Red Fern Inn at Rocky Point Winery, a five-star inn. - National rank: #22 - Safety rank: #19 - Education & health rank: #12 - Safety rank: #2 Top 10 Lakes for Boating in the Midwest - boats.com - Quality of life rank: #15. Choose from one-, two- and three-bedroom condominiums, log cabins, a cottage and a studio. - Education & health rank: #21 Lake Michigan is also home to several unique geological formations and natural attractions, such as the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, and the Door Peninsula. The lake is mostly surrounded by residences, but there are several lakefront parks that provide public access for swimming, boating, and fishing. - Education & health rank: #35 Oak Coves owners of more than 40 years, Susan and Bob Wojcik, are on hand to warmly welcome visitors. In addition to the lake, the area offers rivers, trails, shopping, golf courses, spas, sports leagues and so much more. - Quality of life rank: #46. This northern Wisconsin resort town (165 miles northwest of Green Bay) has all the ingredients of a great family vacation , including more than 3,000 lakes in Vilas and Oneida counties. - Safety rank: #22 The lake is one of the best lakes in the US for water lovers because of the presence of outdoor activities like boating, fishing, swimming, and camping. The main town sits along the Yahara River, which is dotted with waterfront parks, including Viking County Park and Troll Beach, both of which embrace the city's Norwegian heritage. Yes, send me expert advice, handpicked recommendations, and tips for my family. Charmingly, its only accessible via plane or ferry. Traverse City has a juicy secret, though: it may be charming and quaint, but its also a foodie paradise, with a reputation for its wineries and microbreweries. - Weather rank: #15 Next door to Toledo, Oregon sits on Maumee Bay, which leads into Lake Erie. Theres also an onsite ice cream parlor, casual pub and the Sunroom restaurant, where breakfast and lunch are served. Another Lake Michigan gem is Kohler-Andrae State Park, which is home to over 100 campsites, miles of nature trails, breathtaking sand dunes, and of course a sandy shoreline. Related: Water Views: 10 Most Beautiful Lakes In Upstate New York. Theres plenty to keep you and your kids away from the computer, though, including a heated pool, canoes, kayaks, paddleboats and bikes. Continue on to find out what gives it that staying power and for the full list of the. Lake Vermilion is the gateway to the Superior National Forest . republish under a Creative Commons License, and we encourage you to Five Best Boating Lakes in the Midwest | Bennington When you tire of the roaring engines, you can rest easy to the rhythm of the lake while reclining in your beach chair at this Midwest family resort. The picturesque lakes scattered throughout this region make the Midwest one of the best places to visit in the United States for a lake vacation that's filled with adventure, scenic sights, and relaxation. All listings featured onCond Nast Travelerare independently selected by our editors. - Safety rank: #6 The sand dunes here can rise to up to 450 feet tall. In terms of surface size, Lake Michigan is the third-largest lake in the US and is entirely contained inside the country's borders. One of the more popular of these amusement parks is the Silver Dollar City amusement park, right next to Michigan's stunning Table Rock Lake. - Total score: 46.1 By subscribing I agree to the terms and privacy policy. - Total score: 57.7 As its name indicates, Lake Texoma straddles two states. - Total score: 40.8 Michele Falzone / Alamy. 1. The American Midwest is known for many things, including its friendly people, rich comfort food, and above all, breathtaking lakes. Washington Park offers 99 acres of outdoor activityincluding a 2-mile-long beachand its pier has Indiana's only working lighthouse. "datePublished": "2018-11-26", Known to many Midwestern anglers as the best walleye lake in the country, the trophy smallmouth bass . Any information published by Cond Nast Traveler is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. Owned by the same family since 1937, this is historic lodging at its finest. The Surf Ballroom, where the concert was held, is still open and is a popular destination for music fans. Not a fisherman? Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore - Empire, MI, Top 12 Spa Resorts in Phoenix (& Nearby Scottsdale), Top 13 Hotels Near Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Colorado, 10 Best Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resorts in Greece, Top 11 Hotels Near Yosemite National Park, Top 10 Hotels in Sorrento, Italy with Sea Views, Do You Need a Passport to Fly to Puerto Rico? Fox Brook Lake has a popular swimming beach, and due to its 30-foot depth it's ideal for scuba divers. Fans can tour the Dungeon Hobby Shop Museum, which is located in the home where Gary Gygax founded the company that would eventually create Dungeons and Dragons. Stacker believes in making the worlds data more accessible through Also, catch the (seasonal)Musical Fountain show downtown at dusk. But the star of the show is its natural lake namesake, a premiere bass fishing spot and swimming hole. 22 of the Best Places to Camp in the Midwest - TripSavvy From sleeping in an enchanting treehouse rental to snowmobiling on a frozen lake, here are some of the best lakeside vacations in the American Midwest. Bayfield provides a myriad offarms and orchards, too, earning the nickname of the berry capital of Wisconsin. Lake Superior is the largest, coldest, and deepest of the Great Lakes, but those elements stave off summer heat and keep the shoreline warmer in the winter. - Economy rank: #11 - Weather rank: #34 These are the 11 best lakes in the U.S. for your next vacation. - Weather rank: #41 - Total score: 41.6 - Safety rank: #35 On the culinary side, snag brunch fromOn the Rise and dinner by boat at1932 Reserve orBackwater Jacks. Picture thisa mile of postcard-perfect Lake Michigan beachfront, right next to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, with its 35 miles of pristine coastline, secluded beaches and scenic overlooks. Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club w/ Unlimited Play | MA. The 12 states that constitute the Midwestern United States might not have oceanic coastlines, but they certainly deliver waterfrontwith tens of thousands of river miles and lakeshores that make up some of the best beaches in the Midwest. - Quality of life rank: #25. The resorts daily kids program, Adventure Cove, keeps kids ages 4 to 12 busy from dusk until dawn, and is part of the all-inclusive rates. The lake also plays an important role in shipping and transportation, with several major ports located along its shores. If youre a fishing enthusiast, youll be hooked by the 100 boat slips, as well as the stuffed fish and fowl adorning the walls of this sportsmans paradise, located a half-hour from where the tackle box king opened his first bait shop. Les Cheneaux Islands, meaning "The Channels" in French, are the best islands on Lake Huron for a resort vacation. "@type": "ImageObject", There are a few guidelines and Though the amenities vary from rental to rental, some of these treehouses come equipped with everything from King-sized beds and running water to fireplaces and outdoor private hot tubs. This lower peninsula gem is famous for theGrand Haven Lighthouse and ten sandy beaches along the pretty Lake Michigan coastline. Lake of the Woods is known for some of the best family fishing in the Midwest. 1. Best for Geology: Other lakes have shipwrecks or sunken towns, but only Crater Lake offers the bragging rights of visiting a flooded volcano that also . Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes National Lakeshore is a Midwest gemand is definitely one of the most scenic areas on this list. Domestic Travel, 14 Best Hotels for Watching 4th of July Fireworks, 9 Water Parks in the Wisconsin Dells Your Kids Will Love, 13 Best Hilton Hotels & Resorts in the World. Its also home to the notorious party cove, where boats gather with raucous crowds, called Anderson Hollow Cove. The Midwest's beautiful lakes have attracted and inspired millions of visitors and residents, including many of the rich and famous. Created over 10,000 years ago when glaciers receded, Gages Lake has a 143.4-acre surface area and is 54 feet deep at its lowest point. - Education & health rank: #17 The 72 guest rooms have cozy beds, soft towels and squeaky-clean bathrooms. - Education & health rank: #7 The college-age staff organizes several hours of supervised complimentary activities for kids every day, from scavenger hunts to arts and crafts. If youre looking for a unique place to stay, check out the top Airbnb rentals in the area. Nearby concerts in the park and farmers markets add to the charm. - Economy rank: #22 This Northern Michigan family resort along Elk Lake has every conceivable water sport, from the excitement of tubing or sailing to more peaceful paddleboarding and kayaking. Minnesota's Lake Mille also has trophy-sized walleye and muskie, along with northern pike and bass. This gorgeous beach is perfect for sunbathers and thrillseekers alike. Best spots in the Midwest to learn how to canoe, kayak - USA TODAY - Safety rank: #44 In warm weather, the park's Muskegon Lake access offers a boat launch, paddling, picnic facilities and camping. Further inland, a former limestone quarry has been converted into Quarry Lake Park, a spring-fed lake that's prime for swimming, scuba diving, and fishing. Part of Chicago's North Shore, Waukegan has a vibrant harbor that offers boating, kiteboarding, and charter fishing opportunities on Lake Michigan. Right on its shores rests Stillwater, a quintessential Midwestern river town complete with an aerial lift bridge and a riverfront park. 50 Midwest Resorts We Love | Midwest Living A pedestrian-friendly village, Shorewood has its own 5-acre lakefront park with a beach. These treehouses have a few upgrades, making them perfectly suitable and comfortable for adults and families. Where to stay:Consider a stay at theWild Rice Retreat, an upscale, modern cabin-style spot. Though lakes have sometimes gotten a reputation as being safer to explore than ocean waters, this region's lakes can often have rough weather and even rougher waves. Web Visit website. Since this midwestern area is known for its accessibility to large . The poolside Gazebo Grille is also open seasonally. - Economy rank: #41 The cute beach town of Sandusky, Ohio offers easy access to Lake Erie from Cleveland. Anything you purchase through links on our site may earn us a commission. Wisconsin's deepest lake is also one of the top 10 fishing lakes in the US. She celebrates the seasonal bounty by changing the menu weekly, using ingredients from nearby farms. This serpentine man-made recreational paradise is a major Midwestern summer destination. Klongs is a general name given to the canals in the central plain of Thailand. Within walking distance from downtown, visitors to this beach enjoy 1,500 feet of sandy shoreline. - Quality of life rank: #1. Devil's Lake is located in southern Wisconsin on the Devil's Lake State Park. #6. Nisswa is nestled between a number of Minnesota's fine watering holes. Relax in northern Indiana at Lake Wawasee, the largest natural lake in Indiana and one of the best lakes in the Midwest for families. - Total score: 54.0 A blue sky along Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore on Lake Superior in Pure Michigans Upper Peninsula, A view of Devil's Lake in Baraboo, Wisconsin, Lake Minnetonka frozen over near the Minnetonka Yacht Club, Enjoy A Whimsical Treehouse Vacation In The Midwest, Go On The Ultimate Midwest Hiking Vacation, Enjoy The Thrills Of A Lakeside Amusement Park Vacation, Unwind On A Rustic Lake Vacation In The Midwest, Go On A Celebrity & Pop Culture Sightseeing Vacation, Enjoy A Winter Lake Vacation In The Midwest, Get Out On The Water For A Fishing Vacation, best places to visit in the United States for a lake vacation, 10 Treehouse Rentals In The U.S. That Make Us Feel Like We're In The Clouds, making Lake Eerie an excellent spot for shipwreck diving, What's At The Bottom Of Lake Michigan? It is a wonderful place for a Midwest romantic getaway. Lake Macatawa is the definition of lakefront living, as most of the property surrounding the lake provides stunning views for waterfront homeowners. The Great Lakestogether the largest freshwater body on the planet spanning hundreds of miles across the upper Midwestare a major draw for many; however, the Midwest also has many converted quarries, lakes made from dams, and lakes created from receding glaciers. - Total score: 54.0 Like most beach towns, the primary season stretches from Memorial Day through Labor Day and is the best time to visit. our latest advice & deals in your inbox! - Economy rank: #19 With numerous migratory bird species traveling the area each year, the lake is also a well-liked location for birdwatching. - Total score: 54.5 This is technically a townand anisland, but it belongs on this list either way. [emailprotected]. 40 Amazing Experiences for Midwest Summer Water Getaways Rankings are based on comparisons of 191 cities across 62 key indicators of livability. share our stories with your audience. - Total score: 42.0 - Weather rank: #36 Big Green Lake, Wisconsin. 1. It is situated about an hour south of Jefferson City, MO and an hour and a half or so north of Springfield, MO. - Weather rank: #18 The Midwest is known for its winters, and no other place is better for enjoying winter sports and activities than a charming lake town. 7 Best Beaches in the Midwest - Trips To Discover Cleveland Magazine ranked Rocky River second on its 2022 list of Best Places to Live, and for good reason. Traverse City is home to a number of beaches, however, Clinch Park Beach shouldn't be missed. "url": "https://www.tripstodiscover.com", From kayaking to jumping off the swim pier, kids make memories that last a lifetime. In addition to its recreational value, Torch Lake is also an important ecological resource. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond Nast. "headline": "7 Best Beaches in the Midwest", Pewaukee, Wisconsin's namesake lake is a fisherman's paradise. Named one of the top five destinations in all Minnesota by Lake Superior Magazine, Grand Marais Recreation Area's campground is situated between the harbor on one side and the gorgeous Lake Superior on the other. Lake Mille Lacs, Minnesota. Head to Lake Calhoun for a beach day in Minneapolis. Lake McConaughy offers a stunning view of the surrounding sandhills and crystal-clear waters that stretch for miles. Clinch Park Beach is a Lake Michigan oasis found in Traverse City. Bradstreet's Landing offers one launch point, and Emerald Necklace Marinalocated in Rocky River Reservationallows boaters access to the lake via the city's namesake river. You don't have to be rich and famous to vacation here, though. Duluth's 135-foot-tall Aerial Lift Bridge (pictured) rises more than 20 times each day for sailboats and skyscraper-length ships traveling between Lake Superior and Duluth Harbor. may earn a commission for purchases made through our links. Set amid 8,000 hilly, tree-dappled acres, Pere Marquette Lodge and Conference Center provides thoughtful hospitality in Grafton, an hour north of St. Louis. - Education & health rank: #9 - Quality of life rank: #40. Best Midwest Lake Vacations In The US (With A Map) - Exploringo Whether visitors are nature enthusiasts, thrill seekers, or just looking for a peaceful getaway, these beautiful Midwest lakes are sure to leave an impression. Just south of Milwaukee, Oak Creek sits on bluffs above Lake Michigan's western shore. - Safety rank: #32 - Safety rank: #31 - National rank: #21 Then, sample a glass of Michigan dry riesling at the waterfrontPink Pony and dont miss a slice of fudge (orfive) fromMurdicks. This is one of the best lakes in the Midwest with clear water, made even better by the fact it's in a stunning location. - Economy rank: #26 Klongs are generally spawned by the Chao Phraya , the Tha Chin and the Mae Klong Rivers and also their tributaries. Along the scenic shores of the land-locked region's finest lakes and rivers, these all beckon for a summertime visit. It's also one of the largest reservoirs in the countryand one of the most developed. - Safety rank: #30 Lake Erie is one of the five Great Lakes of North America, located primarily in the northeastern part of the United States, and It is the fourth-largest of the Great Lakes by surface area and the smallest by volume, with a maximum depth of 64 meters (210 feet). Boatline has compiled a list of the six best lake towns in the Midwest to visit this summer. For those who just want to relax at the lake, theres a half-mile of beach. Today, Ashtabula celebrates all that Lake Erie has to offer. There is no limit to the number of vacations visitors can . It borders the states of Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, New York, and Ontario in Canada. Splash Into These 14 Inland Lakes in Michigan - Safety rank: #43 Families enjoy waterskiing, tubing and wakeboarding on the resorts 2 miles of shoreline. In addition to jaw-dropping scenery, there are pools, tennis, golf, wind surfing, kayaking, a spa and even a kids club so adults can have time alone. Among the landmarks are Acapulco Rock and Chimney Rocktwo rugged cliffs where swimmers bravely take the ultimate summertime plunge. - Weather rank: #3 - Safety rank: #17 Lake Erie is one of the must-visit destinations on the Great Lakes and is known for its importance to commercial and recreational fishing, with popular species including walleye, yellow perch, and smallmouth bass. - Quality of life rank: #43. The Lake of the Woods in Minnesota is a world-class fishing destination famous for its walleye and muskie. Finally, consider a stop atArnolds Park amusement park for old-school family fun. Duluth has many parks on the water, including Park Point Beach, a long sandbar that separates Lake Superior and Superior Bay. Where to Find the Most Picturesque Lighthouses in the Midwest - National rank: #27 - Safety rank: #14 Wahweap is the town with the most boating options, which spans the Utah and Arizona border. - Economy rank: #9 During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people got back to naturepermanently. Related: These Are The Most Scenic Roads In The Midwest For A Road Trip. - Economy rank: #13 Lake Tahoe attracts a lot of visitors all year long. - Total score: 58.5 Formed in 1959 after a dam was built in the White River, Table Rock Lake beckons Branson residents with every lake activity you can imagine. Guests can either take the 79 steps up to this bed and breakfast, or use thehistoric electric trolley. "Thank you to our guests and the readers of Travel + Leisure for voting for us to receive this . Plus, most of the area isprotected state park land, so there are tons of recreational opportunities. There is no limit to the number of vacations visitors can enjoy in the Midwest's lakes. The eruption was so powerful, causing the mountain to collapse in on itself, forming a huge caldera. . This section of the waterway is actually considered a National Park as its a recognizedNational Recreational River. - National rank: #16 Ignore theOzark TV show reputation and consider the winding miles and miles of shoreline at the Lake of the Ozarks. | International Vs. Brady Knoll On Pexels. Average weekly wages in these three counties ranked among the top 60 nationwide: Lake ($1,758, 19 th), Cook ($1,597, . Lake Kegonsa lies on the north end of Stoughton, and its namesake state park is a haven for boaters, anglers, and swimmers. - Total score: 42.7 Kenosha's Lake Michigan shoreline once buzzed with manufacturinga 69-acre industrial site once housed Simmons Mattress Company, which then became a factory for American Motors Corporation before being sold to the city in 1994. Grafton, Illinois: Pere Marquette Lodge and Conference Center. This unique beach is actually found in the city of Chicago on Lake Michigan. - Affordability rank: #45 At Lake Superior, divers can explore the remains of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald, the Thomas Wilson, and the Algoma. Minocqua's quieter lakes are perfect for swimming lessons and sand castles. Rooms feature flat-screen TVs, modern bathrooms and complimentary Wi-Fi. Just above every lake in this region will boast incredible catches, but some lakes stand out more than others. - Economy rank: #40 That being said, the shipwrecks in some of these lakes hold truly fascinating history. Round Lake hosts the city's annual Fourth of July celebration, which features food, music, and fireworks on the beach. Speaking of lakes, many people don't know that the Midwest is home to some of the clearest lakes in the United States. Over time, rain and snow filled the caldera, forming what is now Crater Lake. - Quality of life rank: #9. Food is excellent. - Education & health rank: #41 - Weather rank: #45 It's easy to spend a whole day exploring Chicago's Shedd Aquarium (Photo: Shedd Aquarium/Brenna Hernandez) During the hot summer months, guests here typically flock to the beach or the water, enjoying water sports and beach activities. - Economy rank: #42 Muskegon Lake - Muskegon. 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