Best-Kept Secret: Sheridan, Illinois<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blog-origin.redweek.com\/content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/sheridan-700x420.jpg?v=89fe9a64fd5c6047e77ad383e2db85ec\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe Destination:<\/em><\/strong> They call Sheridan<\/a> \u201cthe best kept secret in Illinois\u201d for good reason. Located just 90 minutes from Chicago, this charming Midwest destination is an extremely family friendly vacation choice. The centerpiece is Starved Rock State Park<\/a>, where you\u2019ll find gorgeous waterfalls, picturesque hiking trails and spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities \u2014 keep your eye out for bald eagles! Nearby Ottawa, Illinois, is also a must-visit, with a quaint downtown lined with cafes, boutiques and restaurants. <\/p>\n\n\n\nTravel Tip:<\/em><\/strong> For those in search of on-the-water adventure, the Illinois Fox River Chain O’Lakes<\/a> offers boating, swimming, tubing, waterskiing and standup paddle boarding. <\/p>\n\n\n\nWhere To Stay:<\/em><\/strong> Located on the shores of Fox River, Holiday Inn Club Vacations Fox River Resort<\/a> is relaxing and exciting in equal measure, with the 31,000-square-foot Pirate\u2019s Cay Indoor Water Park, a nine-hole par-3 golf course and a seven-acre stocked lake for fishing fun. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nBig Top Fun: Baraboo, Wisconsin<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blog-origin.redweek.com\/content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/baraboo-700x420.jpg?v=5865eef8239161645b335b0aa84c4cb2\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe Destination:<\/em><\/strong> With a population of just under 12,000, Baraboo<\/a> is the very definition of a charming small town. But spend a little time here and you\u2019ll see that this Wisconsin destination is very unique. For one thing, Baraboo is steeped in circus history; none other than the Ringling Brothers were born in the town, and that heritage is celebrated at the Circus World Museum<\/a> and the Big Top Parade, held every June. Baraboo is also home to the newly reimagined International Crane Foundation<\/a>, one of the best places in the U.S to view the endangered crane species. <\/p>\n\n\n\nTravel Tip:<\/em><\/strong> Don\u2019t miss the nearby Devils Lake State Park<\/a>, Wisconsin\u2019s most popular natural attraction, with towering quartzite bluffs, lakeshore picnic areas and plenty of backcountry hiking trails. <\/p>\n\n\n\nWhere To Stay:<\/em><\/strong> Your ideal Baraboo home away from home, Wyndham Vacation Resorts at Glacier Canyon<\/a> features lavish presidential suites, easy access to three indoor water parks and the championship Glacier Canyon Golf Course. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nLakefront Life: Boyne Falls, Michigan<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blog-origin.redweek.com\/content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/michigan-700x420.jpg?v=dd1d2ed0fb90e28a8a822ef846d4c2c5\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe Destination:<\/em><\/strong> Located alongside Lake Charlevoix \u2014 named one of the best lakes in the U.S. by USA Today \u2014 the cozy village of Boyne Falls<\/a> attracts visitors year-round. In the summer, sailboats catch gentle breezes and golfers enjoy some of the best fairways in the Midwest. In the winter, the area transforms into a snow sports lover\u2019s dream come true, thanks to the 415 skiable acres available on Boyne Mountain<\/a>. Whenever you visit, Boyne Falls is a picture-perfect vacation destination. <\/p>\n\n\n\nTravel Tip:<\/em><\/strong> For a little exercise, hike the 2.2-mile trail in the expansive Avalanche Preserve Recreation Area<\/a>. Your efforts will be rewarded with some truly breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding area. <\/p>\n\n\n\nWhere To Stay:<\/em><\/strong> Mountain Run at Boyne Mountain<\/a> attracts skiers and snowboarders in the colder months, but it\u2019s just as enticing when the snow melts, with a full-service spa, two championship golf courses and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nThe Heart Of The Ozarks: Ridgedale, Missouri<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blog-origin.redweek.com\/content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/big-cedar-wilderness-club-700x394.jpg\")
<\/a>Big Cedar Wilderness Club<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe Destination:<\/em><\/strong> Discover the magic of the Ozark Mountains in Ridgedale<\/a>. The destination is defined by rustic luxury, blending outdoor adventure and pristine natural beauty with sumptuous comforts. Climb to the famed Top of the Rock Ozarks Heritage Preserve<\/a>, where you\u2019ll enjoy ancient caves, awe-inspiring views and an array of dining options. Or journey 10 miles to Branson, where you\u2019ll find world-class entertainment in a one-of-a-kind setting. Ridgedale makes planning a perfect family vacation easy. <\/p>\n\n\n\nTravel Tip:<\/em><\/strong> The Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum<\/a> is a must-visit attraction, with detailed re-creations of prehistoric creatures, an impressive collection of Native American artifacts and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\nWhere To Stay:<\/em><\/strong> The sprawling Big Cedar Wilderness Club<\/a> is a playground for all ages, offering a wide variety of activities and experiences, from golfing to boating to the action-packed Fun Mountain, which kids will love.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe Destination:<\/em><\/strong> They call Sheridan<\/a> \u201cthe best kept secret in Illinois\u201d for good reason. Located just 90 minutes from Chicago, this charming Midwest destination is an extremely family friendly vacation choice. The centerpiece is Starved Rock State Park<\/a>, where you\u2019ll find gorgeous waterfalls, picturesque hiking trails and spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities \u2014 keep your eye out for bald eagles! Nearby Ottawa, Illinois, is also a must-visit, with a quaint downtown lined with cafes, boutiques and restaurants. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Travel Tip:<\/em><\/strong> For those in search of on-the-water adventure, the Illinois Fox River Chain O’Lakes<\/a> offers boating, swimming, tubing, waterskiing and standup paddle boarding. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Where To Stay:<\/em><\/strong> Located on the shores of Fox River, Holiday Inn Club Vacations Fox River Resort<\/a> is relaxing and exciting in equal measure, with the 31,000-square-foot Pirate\u2019s Cay Indoor Water Park, a nine-hole par-3 golf course and a seven-acre stocked lake for fishing fun. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The Destination:<\/em><\/strong> With a population of just under 12,000, Baraboo<\/a> is the very definition of a charming small town. But spend a little time here and you\u2019ll see that this Wisconsin destination is very unique. For one thing, Baraboo is steeped in circus history; none other than the Ringling Brothers were born in the town, and that heritage is celebrated at the Circus World Museum<\/a> and the Big Top Parade, held every June. Baraboo is also home to the newly reimagined International Crane Foundation<\/a>, one of the best places in the U.S to view the endangered crane species. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Travel Tip:<\/em><\/strong> Don\u2019t miss the nearby Devils Lake State Park<\/a>, Wisconsin\u2019s most popular natural attraction, with towering quartzite bluffs, lakeshore picnic areas and plenty of backcountry hiking trails. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Where To Stay:<\/em><\/strong> Your ideal Baraboo home away from home, Wyndham Vacation Resorts at Glacier Canyon<\/a> features lavish presidential suites, easy access to three indoor water parks and the championship Glacier Canyon Golf Course. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The Destination:<\/em><\/strong> Located alongside Lake Charlevoix \u2014 named one of the best lakes in the U.S. by USA Today \u2014 the cozy village of Boyne Falls<\/a> attracts visitors year-round. In the summer, sailboats catch gentle breezes and golfers enjoy some of the best fairways in the Midwest. In the winter, the area transforms into a snow sports lover\u2019s dream come true, thanks to the 415 skiable acres available on Boyne Mountain<\/a>. Whenever you visit, Boyne Falls is a picture-perfect vacation destination. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Travel Tip:<\/em><\/strong> For a little exercise, hike the 2.2-mile trail in the expansive Avalanche Preserve Recreation Area<\/a>. Your efforts will be rewarded with some truly breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding area. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Where To Stay:<\/em><\/strong> Mountain Run at Boyne Mountain<\/a> attracts skiers and snowboarders in the colder months, but it\u2019s just as enticing when the snow melts, with a full-service spa, two championship golf courses and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The Destination:<\/em><\/strong> Discover the magic of the Ozark Mountains in Ridgedale<\/a>. The destination is defined by rustic luxury, blending outdoor adventure and pristine natural beauty with sumptuous comforts. Climb to the famed Top of the Rock Ozarks Heritage Preserve<\/a>, where you\u2019ll enjoy ancient caves, awe-inspiring views and an array of dining options. Or journey 10 miles to Branson, where you\u2019ll find world-class entertainment in a one-of-a-kind setting. Ridgedale makes planning a perfect family vacation easy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Travel Tip:<\/em><\/strong> The Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum<\/a> is a must-visit attraction, with detailed re-creations of prehistoric creatures, an impressive collection of Native American artifacts and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Where To Stay:<\/em><\/strong> The sprawling Big Cedar Wilderness Club<\/a> is a playground for all ages, offering a wide variety of activities and experiences, from golfing to boating to the action-packed Fun Mountain, which kids will love.<\/p>\n\n\n\nBig Top Fun: Baraboo, Wisconsin<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nLakefront Life: Boyne Falls, Michigan<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe Heart Of The Ozarks: Ridgedale, Missouri<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"You may think you know the Midwest \u2014 but these secret destination spots deliver surprises that are perfect for your next vacation.","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":7412,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4441,3795],"tags":[4446,4449,4444,4448,4049,3857,4443,4048,4450,4453,4452,3636,3637,4451,4445,3030,3084,3722,4442,3535,3595,4447],"yst_prominent_words":[],"class_list":["post-7407","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-midwest-travel","category-travel-guides","tag-baraboo-resorts","tag-boyne-falls-resorts","tag-illinois-resorts","tag-michigan-vacation","tag-midwest-resorts","tag-midwest-travel","tag-midwest-travel-guide","tag-midwest-vacation","tag-missouri-vacation","tag-ozark-resorts","tag-ozark-vacation","tag-redweek","tag-redweek-vacation-rentals","tag-ridgedale-resorts","tag-sheridan-rentals","tag-timeshare-rentals","tag-timeshare-vacation","tag-timeshare-vacation-rentals","tag-travel-guides","tag-vacation-rentals","tag-vacation-rentals-by-owner","tag-wisconsin-vacation"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog-origin.redweek.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7407","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog-origin.redweek.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog-origin.redweek.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog-origin.redweek.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog-origin.redweek.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7407"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/blog-origin.redweek.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7407\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7414,"href":"https:\/\/blog-origin.redweek.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7407\/revisions\/7414"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog-origin.redweek.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7412"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog-origin.redweek.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7407"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog-origin.redweek.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7407"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog-origin.redweek.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7407"},{"taxonomy":"yst_prominent_words","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog-origin.redweek.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/yst_prominent_words?post=7407"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}