Unique Experiences in the MidWest
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Looking for the best food or themed tours in the Midwest? The Midwest Association of Independent Inns makes it easy. Our Tour Activities page highlights a variety of culinary and specialty tours across the region. From farm-to-table dining and food tastings to historic walking tours and scenic wine trails, you’ll find unique experiences near each our lodging properties.
Whether you crave gourmet meals, artisan markets, or a deeper look into local culture, these curated tours let you explore like a local. It’s the perfect way to turn your stay into a memorable adventure filled with flavor, fun, and discovery.
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6 Hour Tubing Trip Weekday Special
Experience: Entertainment, Outdoor
State: Nebraska
- City: Sparks
Float the scenic Niobrara River by canoe, kayak, or tube—ideal for all skill levels. Enjoy gentle rapids, waterfalls, towering cliffs, and wildlife sightings. Rates include gear and shuttle from Sparks. Watch for rocks and branches as you drift through stunning landscapes.
Heart of Minneapolis (HOM) Tour
Experience: Outdoor, Tours
State: Minnesota
- City: Minneapolis
Start at Boom Island marina for a 3–4 mile paddle tour through Minneapolis’ historic riverfront. Enjoy skyline views, hidden lagoons, and stories from guides about the city’s past. Route may vary with weather, but always includes scenic stops and rich history.
Sand Island Full Day Tour
Experience: Outdoor, Tours
State: Wisconsin
- City: Bayfield
This paddle includes an open water crossing to the idyllic Sand Island. This full day adventure highlights the historic Sand Island Lighthouse, eagle’s nests perched over brownstone rock shoreline, and some of Lake Superior’s most intricate sea caves.
1.5 Hours - Private Paint Class (Choice of Design)
Experience: Workshops
State: Iowa
- City: Des Moines
Book a private group paint class with all supplies included – canvas, paint, brushes, aprons, and virtual guided instruction. Perfect for parties, date nights, kids, adults, or corporate events. Enjoy your own space with room to store snacks and drinks!
Captained Pontoon - Edgewater
Experience: Outdoor
State: Wisconsin
- City: Madison
Relax on a captained pontoon boat rental from The Edgewater and enjoy a hassle-free, luxury experience on the lake. Perfect for special events, work retreats, or unwinding with friends, family, or colleagues. Let the captain handle the details while you enjoy the water!
Sea Caves Full Day Tour
Experience: Outdoor, Tours
State: Wisconsin
- City: Bayfield
Explore all the famous Mainland Sea Caves and cliffs from Meyers Beach. This tour is for those looking to spend more time exploring the sea caves in their entirety. Simply meet your guide at our store in Bayfield at the trip’s start time, and we’ll take it from there!
1-Hour Splatter Room Session
Experience: Entertainment
State: Iowa
- City: Des Moines
Get messy and creative in our splatter room! Enjoy painting on canvas (and everywhere else), with optional glow-in-the-dark fun. Includes take-home canvas, safe skin paint, goggles, and disposable coveralls. Great for sharing time with friends or loved ones!
Door Bluff Shipwreck Tour
Experience: Outdoor, Tours
State: Wisconsin
- City: Ellison Bay
Explore shipwrecks, cliffs, Native American pictographs, and scenic views on this 3-hour guided kayak tour near Door Bluff County Park. No experience needed—perfect for all skill levels. $69/person or private tours from $250. Spots fill fast, so book early!
Splatter Paint Party
Experience: Entertainment
State: Nebraska
- City: Omaha
Throw a colorful splatter paint party for up to 15 guests! Enjoy 90 minutes in a private room, 50 minutes of paint fun, and take home a 16×20 canvas. Ages 3+. $400 Mon–Thurs, $500 Fri–Sun. Includes supplies and setup. Add pizza + soda for $50!
Milwaukee City Skyline Tour
Experience: Outdoor, Tours
State: Wisconsin
- City: Milwaukee
Enjoy a relaxing 2-hour guided paddle through downtown Milwaukee on the City Skyline Tour. Take in scenic views and local history—perfect for all ages and skill levels. Bring sunscreen, water, and a change of clothes.
Gel Blaster and Airsoft Target Range
Experience: Entertainment
State: Wisconsin
- City: Appleton
De-stress with a thrilling indoor gel blaster/airsoft session in a zombie-themed shooting area! Hit 10 digital targets solo or with friends. Ages 10+. Includes gear, ammo, and game options. Add a flash drive to capture the action! Wear long sleeves!
North Aurora Self Guided Rental
Experience: Entertainment, Outdoor
State: Illinois
- City: North Aurora
Perfect for beginners, the North Aurora paddle offers a short, relaxing 30–60 minute float with no portages. Explore the Fox River’s wildlife and scenery by kayak or canoe with Howling Wolfe Canoe & Kayak—rentals, lessons, and tours available all summer!