Exploring the Midwest in winter is more than just bracing cold temperatures and consistent snow. It is a region full of adventures and unique travel opportunities when temperatures fall.
From the festive streets of Branson, Missouri, to the dreamy snow-covered trails, the Midwest is the perfect destination for your next winter outing. Whether you are a local looking to enjoy the season or a traveler seeking a cozy getaway, this region has it all.
In this guide, we give you five expert tips to help you make the most of your winter vacations in the greater Missouri area. So, pack your bags and let's explore this region together.
Visiting the Midwest in Winter: Expert Travel Tips
Let's explore our top 5 tips for travel in the Midwest during winter.
1. Skiing and Snowboarding at Pine Knob
The Northern part of Michigan is visited by people throughout the year, but winters make it a must-visit destination for adventurers. Traveling a few kilometres from I-75 takes you to a winter wonderland where you can put your logs on the fire in the cabin and enjoy a cozy night.
However, we understand not everyone is enthusiastic about hiking. If you are one of those people and find yourself in the metro-Detroit area, Pine Knob ski is something you must consider. Located just 45 minutes from Downtown Detroit, it makes for an unforgettable skiing and snowboarding adventure.
While Pine Knob cannot be compared to the Rocky Mountains or the Alps, it still offers an excellent winter travel experience at a reasonable price.
2. Drink in a Church
While the thought of drinking in a church might sound the blasphemy alarm bells in your mind, it is not so simple at St. Joseph's Brewery in downtown Indianapolis. This brewery is actually built inside an old church where you can warm yourself with some delicious beer as temperatures outside go low.
The Saint Joseph's Church was built in 1873 and stayed the same until 1954 when it was turned into a Catholic community center. The brewery opened in 2015 after the pews were taken out and it became a commercial place. However, you still feel you're inside an old church – especially because the place has kept the pipe organ intact.
Although they are popular for their beer, the food is not to be missed either. The brewery is a great place in summer too, but it really comes into its own during winter. Tucked inside, you have candles spreading a warm glow around while it snows outside.
3. Explore the Caves
Exploring the Midwest in winter is incomplete without visiting the caves in Missouri popular for keeping the temperature around the 60s, no matter how cold the outsides are. They actually feel cold in high-heat summers and warm during winters.
If you want to explore this region's kart topography, there is no better option than Missouri caves. Not to mention enjoying some warmth during outdoor adventures that can leave you trembling with cold. Some of the most popular caves are:
Fantastic Caverns
Crystal Cave
Smallin Civil War Cave
Talking Rocks Cavern
Taking your kids to these caves can make your adventure an educational tour, as they learn cool geography facts along the way.
4. Enjoy the Shows and Seasonal Events
Branson might be a small town, but it packs a lot of fun and adventure for anyone exploring the Midwest in winter. With the Tri-Lakes area, it sees an influx of 65,000 daily tourists, generating a whopping $1.5 billion for the local economy.
Throughout the chilly winter months, several entertaining shows await you and your loved ones. During January and February, delight yourselves with the following shows:
The Haygoods
SIX
Legends in Concert
Grand Country Music Hall
Dolly Parton's Stampede Dinner Attraction
The biggest of them all is the Hot Winter Fun Big Show. It assembles the most prominent Branson stars on one stage, something not to be missed.
In addition, Branson has several winter festivities to make your tour truly special. Here are the most notable mentions:
Adoration Parade
An Old-Time Christmas
Let There Be Lights Drive-Thru Display
Promised Land Zoo
You'll experience a whole lot of characters during these events, with people gathered to cheer them on. Despite the falling temperatures, these festivities attract a huge chunk of locals as well as tourists.
5. What to Pack?
This could be your very first time exploring the Midwest in winter, so it is crucial to be prepared. Winters aren't extremely cold in the region, but temperatures can sometimes fall below zero. Heavy snowfall is infrequent but light dusting and frozen rain are a common sight.
Since you're likely to explore the outdoors, we suggest you pack layers. In the morning, you must have a winter coat, a winter hat, gloves, and window scrapers on the car. However, sunshine during the day can make temperatures go milder and you can get away with fewer layers, especially if you're walking around.
Conclusion
Midwest and greater Missouri are some of the best places for winter vacations. Several festivals, delicious foods, and natural landscapes make this region a must-visit for any adventurer.
With all the enthusiasm for exploring the Midwest in winter brewing inside, you need a quality place to truly enjoy yourself. That is where The Branson Club comes in with its class-leading Oak Ridge at Branson and Great Rock at Branson. Regardless of the place you pick between these two, you get a high-quality residential space from where you can explore Branson and surrounding areas with ease – that too at unbeatable prices.
So, book your place with us today and begin your Midwest adventure with a bang.
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