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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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!
Smash Party
Experience: Entertainment
State: Nebraska
- City: Omaha
Host a 90-minute private Smash Party for up to 15 guests (ages 8+), featuring 35 minutes of smashing fun with glass and electronics. Includes party room, supplies, and gear. Rates: $400 (Mon–Thurs), $500 (Fri–Sun). Add pizza and soda for $50.
Historic Architectural Walking Tour
Experience: Tours
State: Iowa
- City: Mason City
Explore Mason City’s rich architectural legacy on a 90-minute guided tour! See the largest collection of Prairie School-style homes and learn about famed architects like Wright and the Griffins. Tours run May–Sept, Fri–Sun at 9 AM from the Historic Park Inn. Reservations recommended.
Spoon Carving - Just Getting Started
Experience: Workshops
State: Illinois
- City: Galena
Learn the basics of spoon carving in this 3-hour hands-on workshop! Using just three tools, you’ll carve your own wooden spoon, gain essential skills, and leave with the confidence to keep carving. Includes materials, tools, and expert instruction—and possibly a few well-earned blisters!
NEON Mini Golf @ Merle Hay Mall
Experience: Entertainment
State: Iowa
- City: Des Moines
Enjoy glow-in-the-dark mini golf at Merle Hay Mall with 9 or 18 holes, putter, neon ball, and scorecard included! Pair it with a $25 splatter paint experience—splatter canvases, walls, and each other for a full hour of colorful fun. Book separately for both!
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!
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.
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!
Best of Milwaukee - Half Day Tour
Experience: Outdoor, Tours
State: Wisconsin
- City: Milwaukee
Paddle through Milwaukee on a 4-hour guided kayak tour with stops at Lakefront and Rock Bottom Breweries, photo ops with the Bronze Fonz, and visits to Old World Third Street favorites. Includes beer tastings, food options, and souvenirs.
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!
Scenic Train Ride
Experience: Outdoor, Tours
State: Wisconsin
- City: Wisconsin Dells
Take a scenic 2-mile train ride along the Wisconsin River, spotting wildlife and unique rock formations. Enjoy food, yard games, and a gift shop at Hyde Park Station while watching steam trains. A fun, family-friendly experience at the Riverside & Great Northern.
Dive Bar Tour
Experience: Entertainment, Tours
State: Wisconsin
- City: Wisconsin Dells
Hop aboard the Drunken Beaver Dive Bar Tour for a wild ride through Wisconsin Dells’ best hidden-gem bars! Enjoy games, drinks, and laughs on a 16-person party bus with a lively host. $69 includes drink chips, safe transport, and unforgettable dive bar fun!