My husband and I are trying to figure out a fun, not totally commercialized place to take our kids for a week this summer. We're thinking along the lines of an outdoorsy area where we might be able to rent a cabin & do stuff like swim, paddle boats, fishing, mini golf, hike trails & go to local shops & restaurants. We're not thinking something like Wisconsin Dells or Great America. Starved Rock is a great idea, but we're going to go there this fall and do the indoor water park thing, so we're just looking for something farther away that is a little tourist-y, but not totally commercial. We live right next to Peoria, IL and would like to drive about 6 hours or less to get to where we're going. Does anyone have a suggestion of an out-of-the-way place that might be what we're looking for? The more suggestions, the better!! Thanks so much!
Starved Rock could be nice. It's mostly outdoorsy type stuff and I'm pretty sure they have a lodge you guys could stay at.
umm starved rock comes to mind
I was also thinking of Starved Rock! It would be close for you, and seems to have most of the things you mentioned!
French Lick, IN is really nice. It is about 5 1/2 hours from Peoria. It has the small town feel and is located within a few miles of Patoka Lake. Patoka Lake has fishing, camping, cabins, there are also several Bed and Breakfasts in that area. There are also antique shops, a winery, the old West Baden resort has tours, there is also an old fashioned train which does train rides. They were working on a casino which I think just opened recently. The area also has several caves that offer public tours and there are places nearby that offer horseback riding. Have a nice vacation!
