Take a Road Trip through America’s Flyover States
D.C., LA. NYC. The country’s big cities top everyone’s bucket list, but the vast landscape in between is filled with history, scenic locales and adventures for the entire family. Spring and summer are ideal for exploring the heartland, so join us as we stockpile junk food, crank up the tunes and plan a road trip to these great destinations in America’s flyover states
Springfield, Illinois
Illinois’ capital is best -known as the hometown of Abraham Lincoln, but this year the city welcomes locals and visitors alike to celebrate the state’s bicentennial with festivals, parades and special events. Warmer months mean swimming in Lake Springfield, cheering on the local college league baseball team and piling into the station wagon for films at the drive-in theater.
In the heart of Springfield, State House Inn is six blocks from the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, and Travelzoo members receive two tickets with their reservation. The Old State Capitol is half a mile from the property and the Illinois State Fairgrounds, where visitors can attend the State Fair in August, are 2.5 miles away.
Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
Just across the border from Illinois, Lake Geneva is within a 90-minute drive of Chicago, Milwaukee and Madison. Offering year-round entertainment for the entire family, the lakefront is best enjoyed when visitors can sail, swim and walk the 20-mile path circling the lake. Travelers can take in the great outdoors without breaking a sweat at the Studio Winery, the Black Point Estate and Gardens or on a sunset cruise.
Five minutes from Lake Geneva’s downtown, Timber Ridge Lodge and Waterpark has two golf courses, hiking and biking trails, outdoor pools and an indoor water park, exclusive to hotel guests, with a lazy river and heated waterslides. The family-friendly suites are equipped with whirlpool tubs, fireplaces and kitchens, but if visitors prefer to eat out, there are eight dining options on site or next door at Grand Geneva Resort & Spa.
Danville, Kentucky
About an hour from Lexington and 90 minutes from Louisville, Danville is in the heart of Kentucky’s Bluegrass Region known for its Southern hospitality, racehorses and bourbon. History buffs can walk the hallowed grounds of the Civil War’s Perryville Battlefield; sample local blends at Chateau Du Vieux Corbeau Winery, which dates back to 1780; or watch a performance at Pioneer Playhouse, the state’s oldest outdoor theater.
Guests of The Farm have the chance to interact with goats, mini horses, chickens, kittens and other animals that live on the 120-acre property. The inn offers the choice of traditional rooms, suites and private cottages, and can arrange tours to bourbon distilleries and Civil War sites.
Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri
With over a thousand miles of shoreline, the Lake of the Ozarks is one of the world’s largest man-made lakes. Lined with charming towns and challenging golf courses, the destination is part of Missouri’s largest state park. The reservoir tops USA Today’s Best Recreational Lakes with entertainment for every family member: think boating, fishing, amusement parks and water sports.
Three hours from St. Louis, the waterfront Tan-Tar-A Resort rents water skis, WaveRunners, paddleboats and pontoons from its marina. Guests have access to the resort’s two golf courses, indoor water park, bowling alley and miniature golf course. Tiny travelers can attend the all-day kids camp while guests of all ages are welcome to explore the area on horseback or a sightseeing cruise.