Midwest Weekend Getaways for Couples
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There is always a reason for a quick getaway with your partner. What better time than around the Valentine’s Day season! When was the last time you took a mini vacation with your partner? Even if it was not too long ago, I say it’s time for another!. If you live in the Midwest, you are going to love this list of Midwest weekend getaways for couples!
I have packed this list full of the best weekend vacations for couples in the Midwest. Get ready to add more than a few to your Midwest travel bucket list!
How to Plan the Perfect Weekend Getaway
Planning a great weekend getaway with your partner includes a few things.
First, set a budget. I highly recommend doing this before anything else. How can you plan the trip if you don’t have a budget in mind? Get this one out of the way before moving on!
Some things to include in your couples getaway budget might include money set aside for…
Gas/Travel
Accommodations
Food
Activities
Wiggle room
Something many couples forget is that last one; wiggle room. You can plan all you want, but something unexpected could end up happening on your trip pushing you out of budget. What happens if you don’t have the money? Or, maybe you get to your destination and find something new you want to do. You’ll need some wiggle room for that! So set aside a little extra cash for your weekend getaway.
Next comes making your plan. There is nothing worse than going on a trip and not having a clue what to do! I highly suggest making a plan for your weekend, whether that plan includes going out and doing all of the things or simply staying in. Figure out what you want to see, where you want to eat; all of that. That way you can spend the weekend completely relaxed!
For even more tips on putting your weekend getaway together, check out this great post!
What Do You Need for the Perfect Weekend Getaway?
If you are wanting to go all out with your Midwest weekend getaway, I suggest checking out the few following items for making it a couples getaway to remember!
Cute Date Night Outfit
Date Night Game
New Lingerie
Your Favorite Snacks for the Hotel/AirBnB
Midwest Weekend Getaways for Couples
While planning out your Midwest weekend getaway, scroll through the following ideas by Midwest state and figure out what you guys should do together!
Illinois Weekend Getaways for Couples
Starved Rock State Park - If you are needing a break from city life and want to get away to a place with spectacular views, there is no better place than Starved Rock State Park. Take a weekend vacation to the state park to check out its beautiful waterfalls and hiking trails, and stay at some of their fabulous lodging options.
Rockford - Located near Chicago, Rockford would be a great location for a weekend getaway thanks to its culturally rich offerings and opportunities to get in touch with nature while also being in the hub of a city. Visit Rockford for their Japanese gardens and breweries!
Chicago - Of course Chicago needed to be mentioned on this list of Midwest weekend getaways. This is a travel bucket list location for many people and there are many reasons why! It is packed with high quality restaurants, museums and events for a city centered weekend getaway with your partner. I suggest scheduling a sunset lake cruise for romantic fun with the city as your backdrop! It’s unreal! Looking for a one of a kind experience? Visit 2D Restaurant; an immersive and interactive Vietnamese/American eatery featuring hand sketched, floor to ceiling, black and white decor that makes you feel like you’ve walked onto a canvas! A pretty cool experience on its own but they serve mochi donuts too so…you’re welcome.
Indiana Weekend Getaways for Couples
Turkey Run State Park - Want to get outside? Check out Turkey Run State Park and stay in one of their rooms or cabins for the outdoors experience without the camping aspect. They offer a variety of things to do that will keep you busy all weekend long!
Tour and Stay in Indiana Wine Country - Indiana’s Wine Country has some beautiful views and not to mention, some lovely wineries! Check out the “Wine Trail” for a memorable wine tour experience! Check out the wine trail in Indiana Wine Country here.
For a staycation vibe in Indiana, check out this post where I share how I spent a weekend in Hotel Carmichael. and then this post where I share some ideas for a weekend in Fort Wayne! They would both serve as awesome Midwest weekend getaways!
Wisconsin Weekend Getaways for Couples
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore - They offer the cutest bed and breakfast (Pinehurst Inn) and many cabins to choose from for your weekend getaway. Choose Apostle Islands for the amazing views, music, and outdoor activities. It is often called the best weekend getaway in Wisconsin!
Elkhart Lake - For a dreamy, romantic weekend, Elkhart Lake is the spot! They offer beautiful resort’s packed with things to do, as well as a variety of things to do out in nature!
Marinette County - Marinette County offers everything for your weekend getaway.
They have amazing food, wineries, and even places to try some tasty cheeses! Definitely a quality weekend getaway spot in the Midwest!
Michigan Weekend Getaways for Couples
Petoskey - If you love getting outdoors, this is the place for you. Little Traverse Bay offers snow nearly year round for anyone who loves to hit the slopes. Then a fun activity for couples can be hunting along Lake Michigan for Petoskey Stone’s! They are beautiful!
Grand Rapids - For a more city-scape weekend getaway, head to the Grand Rapids for a weekend packed with art, food, and culture. You will love all of their unique restaurants and art displays around the city!
Ann Arbor - For a weekend full of art and culture, head to Ann Arbor. Walk the streets browsing various galleries and make sure to check to see if any festivals are happening during your stay. They are known for their on-going festivals and events!
Traverse City Michigan - This couples centered city is full of wineries and is known for their Cherry Festival. It would be the perfect spot for a romantic weekend with your partner!
Ohio Weekend Getaways for Couples
Downtown Columbus - This is a great place to check out a little bit of everything in the city. There is so much you could do that you could even extend your weekend trip! Stay at the Graduate Hotel to be in the center of it all. Cool Perk: your hotel keycard is a student ID! With several food options, you’ll never run out of choices! Head to North Market, a 147 year old public market in downtown Columbus! From spots to shows and even gardens, downtown Columbus has it all! Our other personal favorite destination about 10 minutes outside of downtown Columbus- Otherworld. Let’s just say you have to see it to believe it!
Hocking Hills State Park - Love the outdoors? Hocking Hills State Park in Ohio offers a huge selection of beautiful outdoor activities from hiking, to ziplining, and bird watching. You will have a truly magical weekend if you decide to stay in Hocking Hills State Park!
Amish Country - For something a little more slow speed, Amish Country would be a very nice pause on life. You’ll get back to the simple ways of life and experience a whole alternate lifestyle to your own!
Need some date night ideas while in Ohio? Here are some great ideas: The Power of Art in Butler County Ohio & Fall is for Donuts: Visit Butler County
Kentucky Weekend Getaways for Couples
Lexington - Visit the horse capital of the world during your upcoming Midwest weekend getaway and enjoy the many wonders of life around horses. Stop by Keeneland for a memorable experience with your partner! Take a walking tour or “Backstretch” tour and get up close to the race horses! A must do during your stay in Lexington!
Louisville - Is the home of the Kentucky Derby calling your name? For a weekend of history, horses and of course, BOURBON, Louisville is the way! The city offers a variety of history, culture, and entertainment. Make sure to see if they have any festivals or events happening during your stay because they usually have some fun things going on! Stay at the Brown Hotel for an even deeper dive into the city. Pro Tip: Head to 4th Street for 21 and older fun at night! There’s no driving in the area so take an Uber and explore!
Pine Mountain State Resort Park - For some super cool rock formations and hiking experiences, Pine Mountain State Resort Park is an awesome option for a romantic weekend getaway in the midwest!
Tennessee Weekend Getaways for Couples
Nashville - What is a list of weekend getaways in the Midwest without a Nashville feature? Home to the Grand Ole Opry and Broadway Street, I couldn’t pass up sharing this amazing weekend getaway spot! If you are looking for an energetic weekend packed with awesome things to do in music country, Nashville is the spot! Indy natives: it’s only 4.5 hours away!
Chattanooga - For a super scenic city stay, Chattanooga is a great option for your pending weekend getaway. Check out the Aquarium and Ruby Falls for some once in a lifetime experiences!
Franklin - For a historic Midwest weekend trip, Franklin (named after Benjamin Franklin) is the spot for you. It boasts plenty of historic homes to stay in and plenty of historical tours and things to do!
We’ve prioritized our marriage of 15 years thanks to weekend getaways like this. Looking for more ways to connect with your partner? I share even more in this post about ways to keep your marriage alive. Take a read and let me know what you think!
Enjoy Today!
-Sierra
