Discover the Best Family-Friendly Resorts in the Midwest

For many travelers, the Midwest conjures images of farms, cheese curds, and bustling cities like Chicago, St. Louis, and Milwaukee. However, as you will find in these incredible resorts, there is much more to the heart of the country than cornfields.

Each year, for the World’s Best Awards survey, iBestTravel asks readers to evaluate their travel experiences around the globe. Travelers share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise lines, spas, airlines, and more. Readers assess hotels based on aspects such as rooms and facilities, location, service, food and drink, and overall value. Properties are categorized as either city hotels or resorts based on their settings.

The majority of hotels on the Midwest list reflect a new category for the World’s Best Awards. These are substantial, family-oriented destinations providing an array of activities, such as golf and horseback riding. The top-five property, Grand Hotel, located on Mackinac Island in Michigan, was recognized as one of the best hotels for families in the past year. Opened in 1887, the Grand Hotel has welcomed numerous notable guests, including Mark Twain and five U.S. presidents. Visitors can still savor a nostalgic experience, enjoying lawn games and elegant dining. Furthermore, the No. 1 resort hotel in the Midwest, Big Cedar Lodge, features rustic cabins and lodges spread over an expansive 800-acre property.

When winter blankets the area with snow, families cozy up next to wood-burning fireplaces, sipping hot chocolate. In the summer months, guests can unwind in the pool area and lazy river after exploring scenic hiking trails. Below is a detailed overview of the top resorts in the Midwest.

No. 5: West Baden Springs Hotel, West Baden Springs, Indiana

Score: 86.42

No. 4: Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island, Michigan

Score: 88.78

No. 3: American Club at Destination Kohler, Kohler, Wisconsin

Score: 91.05

No. 2: Sundara Inn & Spa, Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

Score: 92.18

No. 1: Big Cedar Lodge, Ridgedale, Missouri

Score: 93.59

Perched high in the Ozark Mountains, overlooking Table Rock Lake, this property is incredibly popular among families who adore the outdoors. Covering 800 acres of reserve land, Big Cedar Lodge presents an array of activities such as horseback riding, hiking, biking, golf, and world-class fishing. Moreover, there are numerous options for those who prefer a more relaxed pace, including an 18,000-square-foot spa with saunas, steam rooms, fireplaces, and private open-air showers. For a unique experience, guests can take part in a sunset cruise on Lady Liberty, a 65-foot luxury yacht, while enjoying live music and delicious hors d’oeuvres.