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.
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!
Wine, Charcuterie, and Bingo Tour
Experience: Tours
State: Wisconsin
- City: Ellison Bay
Savor local wines and charcuterie on a fun-filled tour featuring bingo games, blending gourmet flavors with playful entertainment for an unforgettable experience.
Sewing Machine Know-How
Experience: Workshops
State: Minnesota
- City: Minneapolis
Have you been wanting to learn how to use your beautiful sewing machine since it came into your life but you’re not sure how to begin? Or has it been so long that you’ve forgotten how all the bells and whistles work? We can help!
Evening Boat Rentals (Fireworks)
Experience: Entertainment, Outdoor
State: Illinois
- City: Chicago
Cruise the Chicago River for 2 hours, enjoying stunning views and the famous Navy Pier fireworks (Wednesdays at 9:30 PM, Saturdays at 10:15 PM). Bring your own speaker, snacks, or BYOB. Gas-powered, easy-to-drive boats with life jackets provided. Available Wednesday and Saturday nights, Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Photo Safari Green Bay Segway Glide
Experience: Outdoor, Tours
State: Wisconsin
- City: Green Bay
Join a guided Segway photo tour through downtown Green Bay and along the Fox River every Wednesday at 4pm! Explore historic sites, scenic parks, and hidden gems while capturing great shots. Includes Segway, training, guide, and bottled water.
Slow Stitch: Hand Sewing Basics
Experience: Workshops
State: Minnesota
- City: Minneapolis
It all begins with a single stitch. Long before there were machines to assist, our hands did all the work! The workshop covers the most valuable and most basic techniques of sewing. Students will learn 5 to 6 fundamental stitches, how to securely sew on a button and snap, seams and edge finishing, various decorative stitches, and more.
6 Hour Tubing Trip
Experience: Entertainment, Outdoor
State: Nebraska
- City: Sparks
Paddle the scenic Niobrara River by canoe, kayak, or tube—perfect for all skill levels. Enjoy gentle rapids, waterfalls, cliffs, forests, and wildlife. Rates include gear, shuttle from Sparks, and all fees. Alcohol allowed only from Berry Bridge downriver.
Chicago in a Day: Food and Architecture Private Walking Tour
Experience: Entertainment, Tours
State: Illinois
- City: Chicago
Experience Chicago with a combo tour: explore iconic architecture, Millennium Park, and the Chicago River, then dive into the city’s food scene. Sample local treats, learn about deep-dish pizza, sandwiches, and hot dogs, and discover the chefs behind Chicago’s food culture.
Weekend Pontoon Rental
Experience: Outdoor
State: Wisconsin
- City: Eagle
Weekend pontoon rental in Eagle, WI! Enjoy a 20′ tri-toon for up to 10 passengers with a 90HP engine, swim ladder, cooler, speaker, and more. Limited parking—carpooling encouraged. Operators 25–34 need a boating certificate. Valid ID and signed agreement required.
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.
6 Hour Canoe or Kayak Trip
Experience: Entertainment, Outdoor
State: Nebraska
- City: Sparks
Launch into the gentle Niobrara River for a scenic float past cliffs, forests, meadows, and waterfalls. Perfect for all skill levels, with mild rapids and wildlife sightings like deer and eagles. Navigate small obstacles and soak in the natural beauty along the way.