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You don’t have to travel to the mountains, the coasts or even a tropical climate this winter for a much-needed getaway. The states in the central part of the country offer great places to hole up for a weekend or mid-week retreat. Here are some Midwestern hotels and resorts that provide much needed R & R through winter and all year-round, from skiing and other winter sports to world-class spas and fine dining.

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Photo courtesy of the Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa

Photo courtesy of the Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa

Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa

Head 150 miles west and slightly north of Chicago to a scenic landscape of rolling hills and winding roads in Galena, Illinois, and spend a few days at this getaway nestled within the 6,800-acre Galena Territory. Accommodations on the Eagle Ridge Resort’s grounds range from rooms at The Inn to more than 250 private villas and distinctive home rentals. Visit the state-of-the-art fitness center, game room, an indoor pool area complete with a steam room and sauna, and the Stonedrift Spa. Winter activities include rentals from the Nordic Ski and Winter Sports Center to cross country ski or snowshoe groomed trails, a trip to the nearby sledding hill and skating pond, or a 15-minute complimentary shuttle ride over to Chestnut Mountain for downhill skiing and snowboarding. Fuel up between activities at Woodlands Restaurant & Lounge, Paisanos, Eagle Ridge Coffee Shop, or The General Store Bakery & Deli. Once you’ve exhausted all these options, there are the shops and eateries of historic downtown Galena to explore.

Photo courtesy of the Kohler American Club

Photo courtesy of the Kohler American Club

Destination Kohler

Located in the village of Kohler, Wisconsin, an hour north of Milwaukee and two-and-a-half hours north of Chicago, this resort offers a myriad of accommodation, recreation and dining options to keep everyone satisfied. Choose from The American Club, built in 1918 as a boarding house for immigrants working in the Kohler factory and renovated in 1981; the luxurious guestrooms of The Carriage House, located in the annex to The American Club in the same building as the Kohler Waters Spa; the Inn on Woodlake; and Sandhill, a private cabin situated on 350 acres in nearby Mosel. Apart from a not-to-be-missed 25,000-square-foot, full-service spathat features Kohler products, visitors can tour the three-level Kohler Design Center, energize at the more than 100,000-square-foot Sports Core Health & Racquet Club, take a class at Yoga on the Lake, or visit the more than 20 specialty stores at The Shops at Woodlake Kohler. An array of restaurants includes four-star fine dining at The Immigrant Room, farm fresh cuisine at The Wisconsin Room, more casual fare at the Horse & Plow, restaurants at both Whistling Straits and Blackwolf Run golf courses including Cucina, The Greenhouse, Take 5 Café, and River Wildlife Lodge Restaurant. Guests can also pick up treats at Craverie Chocolatier Café and groceries at Woodlake Market. There won’t be any reason to leave Destination Kohler until it’s time to check back in to reality at the end of your stay.

Photo courtesy of the French Licks Springs Hotel

Photo courtesy of the French Licks Springs Hotel

French Lick Resort

In the heart of Indiana’s Hoosier National Forest just 70 miles from Louisville and 108 miles from Indianapolis, this resort in French Lick offers two historic hotels, each with its own top notch spa, restaurants and indoor pool. There is also a 60,000-square-foot Sports & Exhibit Complex, a bowling alley and gaming arcade, shops, and a 51,000-square-foot casino. Restaurants include fine dining at 1875: The Steakhouse, Hagen’s Club House Restaurant and Sinclair’s Restaurant; casual fare at Pluto’s Pizzeria, Spring No. 8 Deli, The Grand Colonnade Restaurant, Power Plant Bar & Grill, Café at Sinclair’s, Ballard’s Bar and Nosh; or quick pick-me-ups at French Lick Mercantile Co. and Xanadu Coffee & Creamery. Off property, visit attractions including Big Splash Indoor Water Park, French Lick-West Baden Indoor Karting, French Lick Winery, Hoosier National Forest, and Paoli Peaks for skiing, tubing and snowboarding.

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Chateau on the Lake Resort and Spa

Photo courtesyof the Chateau on the Lake Resort and Spa

Chateau on the Lake Resort & Spa

Not far from the attractions and entertainment of Branson, within the Ozark Mountains overlooking Table Rock Lake, this expansive resort in southwest Missouri is a true winter hideaway. The Chateau on the Lake property includes a 14,000-square-foot Spa Chateau; the Movement Therapy Studio for Zumba, yoga or Pilates; a hair salon; an indoor pool, hot tub and fitness facilities; an indoor video theater; a 10-story, sky-lit atrium containing streams filled with Koi fish; and a Library Lounge with a large stone fireplace. Dining options include Chateau Grille, Atrium Café & Wine Bar and The Sweet Shoppe.

Photo courtesy of the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa

Photo courtesy of the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa

Grand Traverse Resort and Spa

Situated in the northwest corner of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula and just 6 miles from Traverse City, this 900-acre resort along the shores of Lake Michigan’s East Grand Traverse Bay is a year-round destination. Accommodations at Grand Traverse Resort include guestrooms in the Hotel or Tower, and 150 one-, two- and three-bedroom privately owned condominiums. Grab a meal or drink at Aerie Restaurant & Lounge, Sweetwater AmericanBistro, the Grand Lobby Bar or Jack’s Sports Bar. Stroll through the 20,000-square-foot Gallery of Shops and keep little ones occupied at the Cub House, a 2,000-square-foot children’s daycare center. The 2,000-square-foot Grand Traverse Resort and Spa Golf Academy building is open for lessons and practice sessions year-round. A 100,000-square-foot Health Club with a 15,000-square-foot indoor Water Playground and five indoor tennis courts keeps guests in shape. Unwind in the two-floor, 7,000-square-foot spa, or embrace winter on up to two kilometers of groomed cross country ski trails, while snowshoeing or ice skating. Head off property for nearby horse-drawn sleigh rides, downhill skiing, snowboarding and snowmobiling.

Ameristar Casino Hotel

Photo courtesy of the Ameristar Casino Hotel

Ameristar Casino Hotel Council Bluffs

Ameristar is one of Iowa’s largest casinos. Located in the greater Omaha area, the property not only features a 38,500-square-foot casino but a full-service hotel with five restaurants, three bars and an entertainment venue. Warm up in the fitness center complete with a sauna and an indoor pool overlooking the Missouri River. Dine at Amerisports Bar, Bella’s Bakery & Café, Double Down Dogs, Heritage Buffet or Riva Steak & Seafood. Center Sports Bar on the casino’s third floor offers four plasma-screen televisions and 18 high-tech video poker and reel machines while the Amerisports Bar features free live entertainment from local artists. Travel a few minutes off propertyto visit attractions such as Omaha’s Historic Old Market District or the Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium.

This winter, check in to one of these central states getaways and check out all they have to offer, whether you’re looking for a change of scenery or just a change of pace.

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Tagged: Destinations, Family time, Midwest

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