Guidebook 2015

Y
ear-round there is a plethora of festivals located across the
state of Illinois. In August, the Magnificent Mile in Chicago

offers a Shopping Festival, or take the family to the Popcorn
Festival in Casey each September. Music lovers will enjoy the
annual Concerts on the Hill in Joliet held June to August, or check out the
Chicago Car Festival in February. Spend your new years in Brookfield for
the Zoo Years Eve party with family and friends. Eat, shop, and enjoy in the
great state of Illinois!
Submit your state information to Editor@MidwestMeetings.com
GRAFTON CANOE AND KAYAK

After your meeting or conference is complete, join a biking and kayaking
crew to travel through Grafton.
The John Deere Pavilion, located in Moline, gives a

detailed account of the history of the company.
129
Midwest Meetings Guide Book 2015
State Capital: Springfield

Admission to Statehood:
December 3, 1818, as 21st state
Leading Industry:
Agriculture and Manufacturing
Population:
12,882,135
2013
Springfield, Illinois, was the childhood
hometown of Abraham Lincoln.
Illinois Tourism:
www.enjoyillinois.com
www.illinoisbeautiful.com
www.illinoistourism.org
Illinois Hotel and

Lodging Association:
www.stayillinois.com
Meet in Illinois:
www.meetinillinois.com
Illinois Gaming:
www.illinoiscasinogaming.org
www.illinoislottery.com
Illinois Golfing:
www.golfillinois.com
Illinois Transportation:
www.dot.state.il.us
SOCIAL MEDIA
Connect with Illinois Tourism at:
www.facebook.com/EnjoyIllinois
www.twitter.com/enjoyillinois
www.pinterest.com/enjoyillinois
www.MidwestMeetings.com
130
The Superman Celebration is held

each summer in Metropolis.
Cave in Rock State Park is a

popular visitor site.
131
The Chicago Jazz Festival is a favorite

Labor Day Weekend tradition.
Photo Credits: Illinois Office of Tourism
Illinois is the home of more than 60

wineries located across the state.
The Quad City Botanical Center

maintains several gardens with
hundreds of plants and flowers.
The historic DeSoto House Hotel

has played host to Civil War
Generals and U.S. Presidents.
kkSpringfield is the state capital and the home of the

National Historic Site of the home of President
and Mrs. Abraham Lincoln.
kkIllinois had seven professional sports teams, all

which are located in Chicago.
kkThe worlds first Skyscraper was built in Chicago,

Illinois, in 1885.
kkChicagos OHare airport comes from the original

name Orchard Field and was named in honor
of Lieutenant Commander Edward H. Butch
OHare.
kkEmmetts
Ale
House,
Downers Grove
kkIron Spike Brewing Company,

Galesburg
kkGalena Brewery, Galena

kkEngrained
Brewing
Company,
Springfield
kkHaymarket
Pub
&
Brewery,
Chicago
132
utdoor lovers will enjoy the numerous adventures available in
Indiana. The state is known as The Covered Bridge Capital

of the World with 31 bridges, features eXplore Brown County
with 15 world class zip lines and offers many stay and play
golf course across the state. Indiana is also is the home of the largest War
of 1812 living history event in the nation, Mississinewa 1812. This adventure
takes visitors back in time of the British and American military camps
including demonstrations such as field drills, artillery firings, musket and rifle
drills, battlefield medicine and surgery and reenactments.
INDIANA DUNES
Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore hugs 15 miles of the southern shore of Lake
Michigan and ranks seventh in the nation in plant diversity.
Ghyslain in Richmond is the home of a gourmet

handcrafted chocolate shop.
129
State Capital: Indianapolis

December 11, 1816, as 19th state
Leading Industry:
Population:
6,570,902
2013
Indiana is the home to beautiful
golf courses like the Pete Dye Golf
Course in French Lick.
Indiana Tourism:
www.in.gov/visitindiana
www.visitindiana.net
www.indianabeautiful.com
www.visitindianatourism.com
Indiana Gaming:
www.in.gov/gaming
www.hoosierlottery.com
www.casinoassociation.org
Indiana Transportation:
www.in.gov/dot
www.indianatransportationassociation.
com
Indiana Golfing:
Indiana Hotel and Lodging Association:

www.indianahotels.org
www.indianagolf.org
SOCIAL MEDIA
Connect with Indiana Tourism at:
www.facebook.com/VisitIndiana
www.twitter.com/visitindiana
www.pinterest.com/visitindiana
130
240Sweet in Columbus makes nearly

20 varieties of flavored marshmallows.
Enjoy white water rafting right in

downtown South Bend.
131
Photo Credits: Indiana Office of Tourism Development
Holiday World & Splashin Safari in

Santa Claus made the 5 Best Water
Parks in the Country list.
Indianapolis Canal lights up the night

sky for visitors.
The Inn at Irwin Gardens features

contemporary amenities and beautiful,
early 20th century architecture.
The Toboggan Run at Pokagon State

Park is fun for the entire family.
kkThe first professional baseball game was played in

Fort Wayne on May 4, 1871.
kkResidents of Indiana are called Indianians or

Hoosiers.
kkAt one time Studebaker Company of South Bend

was the nations largest producer of horse-drawn
wagons. It later developed into a multimilliondollar automobile manufacturer.
kkIndiana is the first state to have a chapel in its

state capitol. It was built in memory of former
first lady Beth Bowen.
kkZwanzigZ Pizza & Brewing,

Columbus
kkFunction
kkLafayette Brewing Company,

Lafayette
Brewing
Company,
Bloomington
kkSun King Brewing Company,

Indianapolis
132
o w a h a s 2 4 Nat ional Hist oric Landma rks, 2 1 o f w h i ch

a r e o p e n to t he public. T he Sergeant Fl o yd Mo n u me n t
in S i o u x C i ty f eat ures a st one obelisk, th e fi rst N a ti o n a l

H i s to r i c L a n dmark. T he monument is a l so th e b u ri a l sp o t
of S e r g e a n t C h a r l es F loyd, t he only f at alit y o f th e L e w i s & C l a rk
Ex p e d i ti o n . Or tr y t he Merchant s Nat ional Ba n k i n Gri n n e l l ,

whic h i s o n e o f only eight Midwest ern j e w e l b o x b a n ks
des ign e d b y L o u i s Sullivan, legendary Ame ri ca n a rch i te ct a n d
m ent o r to Fr a n k L l oyd Wright .
FIELD OF DREAMS
The actual Field of Dreams movie site from the 1989 film is
located in Dyersville, Iowa.
Baliss Park Hall in Council Bluffs is the setting of

numerous events due to its beautiful exterior.
129
State Capital: Des Moines

December 28, 1846, as 29th state
Leading Industry:
Population:
3,090,416
2013
Pella celebrates its Dutch Heritage
with yearly celebrations.
Iowa Tourism:
www.traveliowa.com
www.iowatourism.com
www.iowa.gov/For_Visitors
Iowa Lodging Association:
www.iowalodgingassociation.org
Iowa Golfing:
www.iowagolf.org
www.iowagolf.com
Iowa Gaming:
www.iowagaming.org
www.ialottery.com
Iowa Transportation:
www.iowadot.gov
Iowa Meetings Association:
www.iowameetings.com
SOCIAL MEDIA
Connect with Iowa Tourism at:
www.facebook.com/IowaTourism
www.twitter.com/Travel_Iowa
www.pinterest.com/iowatourism
130
Iowa offers great year-round

outdoor adventures.
Photo Credits: Iowa Tourism Office
The Iowa State Capital is located in

Iowas capital city, Des Moines.
Eagle Point Park is situated on a bluff

overlooking the Mississippi River and
Dubuque Lock and Dam.
Iowa hosts small town charm with big

city amenities that are sure to please.
The statues of The Four Seasons

fountain represent the four
seasons in Iowa.
Maquoketa Caves State Park

contains more caves than any other
state park in the state.
131
kkQuaker Oats, in Cedar Rapids, is the largest

cereal company in the world.
kkBorn Marion Robert Morrison in Winterset,

John Wayne was the son of a pharmacist and grew
up to become one of Hollywoods most popular
movie stars.
kkThe
National
Balloon
Museum
in
Indianola chronicles more than 200 years of

ballooning history.
kkIowa is the only state name that starts with

two vowels.
kkOlde Main Brewing Company &

Restaurant, Ames
kkRaccoon River Brewing Company,

Des Moines
kkOld Man River Restaurant &

Brewery, McGregor
kkAngry Cedar Brewing Company,

Waverly
132
ake a stop at the Museum of World Treasures in Wichita to

experience Ivan the T.Rex, two Egyptian mummies and an
expansive military history exhibit. Or take the family to the
Kansas Museum of History in Topeka. The site is the state
history museum and presents Kansas history from the prehistoric to modern
eras. After your meeting take in a few holes at the Sand Creek Station in
Newton. The course is praised as being the 24th best municipal course in
the Nation by Golf Week Magazine.
KANSAS SPEEDWAY
The Kansas Speedway is a tri-oval race track located in Kansas City. It was built in
2001 and hosts two annual NASCAR race weekends.
The Brush Creek Bridge is the only remaining fixed

Marsh Rainbow Arch bridge left on Route 66.
129
State Capital: Topeka

January 29, 1861, as 34th state
Leading Industry:
Agriculture, Manufacturing
and Mining
Population:
2,893,957
2013
Shopping choices in Salina include

eclectic specialty shops.
Kansas Tourism:
www.travelks.com
www.kansas.gov
www.kansastravel.org
www.kansassampler.org
www.getruralkansas.org
www.kansascommerce.com
Kansas Restaurant &
Hospitality Association:
www.krha.org
Kansas Golfing:
www.kansasgolf.org
Kansas Gaming:
www.krgc.ks.gov
www.kslottery.com
Kansas Transportation:
www.ksdot.org
SOCIAL MEDIA
Connect with Kansas Tourism at:
www.facebook.com/TravelKS
www.twitter.com/travelks
www.pinterest.com/travelks
130
Culinary Center of Kansas City offers

over 600 cooking classes each year.
Hunting enthusiasts will enjoy the

seasonal hunting the state offers.
131
Photo Credits: Kansas Travel & Tourism Division
Kansas is the home of numerous

sports activities including
Wingnuts baseball.
Enjoy year-round family fun at

Lake Scott State Park.
The first westbound Pony Express

rider carried the pouch across the
Missouri River ferry into Kansas.
The Watson Stiefel Theatre for the

Performing Arts is the home of the
Salina Symphony.
kkAmelia Earhart, the first woman granted a pilots

license by the National Aeronautics Associate and
first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean,
was from Atchison.
kkDodge City is the windiest city in the

United States.
kkCivil War veteran S.P. Dinsmoor used over 100

tons of concrete to build the Garden of Eden in
Lucas. Even the flag above the mausoleum is made
of concrete.
kkThe American Institute of Baking is located

in Manhattan.
kk23rd Street Brewery, Lawrence
kkFlying Monkey Brewery, Olathe
kkHays-Lb. Brewing Company &
kkTallgrass
Gellas Diner, Hays
kkRadius
Brewing
Brewing
Company,
Manhattan
Company,
Emporia
kkBig Johns Brewing Company,

Salina
132
ith 124 lighthouses in Michigan, you are sure to find one

near your destination. The Alpena Light may not be a
typical lighthouse, butt does meet the criteria to be called
one. Located at the mouth of the Thunder Bay River, the
80-foot skeletal tower is best viewed from the docks at the city of Alpenas
marina. Or try a narrated cruise through Copper Harbors once bustling
port that takes you to one of Michigans oldest lighthouses, the Copper
Harbor Lighthouse. The lighthouse was restored to its original 1866 beauty
overlooking the majesty of Lake Superior.
STATE CAPITAL
The state capital building, located in Lansing, contains over nine acres of
hand-painted surfaces and was dedicated to the citizens in 1879.
The Michigan State Spartans football program

began at the university in 1896.
129
State Capital: Lansing

January 26, 1837, as 26th state
Leading Industry:
Agriculture and Industry
Population:
9,895,622
2013
With over 600 public golf
courses, Michigan could be
considered the Golf Capital.
Michigan Tourism:
www.michigan.org
www.wmta.org
www.swmichigan.org
Michigan Lodging and Tourism
Association:
www.milodging.org
Meetings Michigan:
www.meetingsmichigan.com
Michigan Golfing:
www.michigangolf.com
www.gam.org
Michigan Gaming:
www.michigan.gov/lottery
www.michigangaming.com
Michigan Transportation:
www.michigan.gov/mdot
www.michigantransportation.com
SOCIAL MEDIA
Connect with Michigan Tourism at:
www.facebook.com/puremichigan
www.twitter.com/puremichigan
www.pinterest.com/puremichigan
130
Lake Michigan at sunset is a stunning

and incredible site to see.
Oktoberfest is held annually in

Frankenmuth, Michigan.
The Windmill Island Gardens features

an authentic Dutch windmill.
The river waterfront of Manistee is an

amazing site from the air.
Lake and water fun abound

across the state of Michigan.
Find original Picasso paintings at the

University of Michigan Art Museum.
131
kkMichigan State University was founded in 1855 as

the nations first land-grant university and served
as the prototype for 69 land-grant institutions
later established under the Morrill Act of 1862.
kkMichigan is the only place in the world with a

floating post office. The J.W. Westcott II is the
only boat in the world that delivers mail to ships
while they are still underway. They have been
operating for 125 years.
kkMichigan has more shoreline than any other state

except Alaska.
kkKalamazoo
Beer
Exchange,
Kalamazoo
kkHarpers Restaurant and Brew

Pub, East Lansing
kkCorner Brewery,Ypsilanti
kkDetroit Beer Company, Detroit

kkPigeon
Hill
Brewing
Company, Muskegon
kkMidtown
Beer
Company,
Lansing
132
et the great state of Minnesota entertain you with festivals,

sporting events and performing arts. Partake in the variety of
music, food and entertainment options available across the state.

During the winter months outdoor lovers have a variety of snow
sport options or go hiking, biking or fishing during the warm months. The kids
will want to go to Nickelodean Universe, the Minnesota Zoo and Valleyfair

Family Amusement Park. Minnesota offers something for everyone.
MINNESOTA ZOO
Created by the State of Minnesota, the Minnesota Zoo opened in 1978 with a
mission to connect people, animals and the natural world.
Take time away from your meeting to boat on

Lake Vermillion with the family.
129
State Capital: Saint Paul

May 11, 1858, as 32nd state
Leading Industry:
Population:
5,420,380
2013
The Minnesota Orchestra performs
outdoors yearly at Lake Winona.
Minnesota Tourism:
www.exploreminnesota.com
www.visitnwminnesota.com
Minnesota Golfing:
www.minnesotagolf.com
www.mngolf.org
Hospitality Minnesota:
www.hospitalitymn.com
Minnesota Gaming:
www.mnlottery.com
Minnesota Association of CVBs:

www.minnesotacvbs.com
Minnesota Transportation:
www.dot.state.mn.us
SOCIAL MEDIA
Connect with Minnesota Tourism at:
www.facebook.com/ExploreMinnesota
www.twitter.com/ExploreMinn
www.pinterest.com/exploreminn
130
The state capital building of Minnesota

is located in St. Paul.
Minnesota is the home to some of the

most beautiful country around.
131
The colors of fall in the great state will

take your breath away.
Photo Credits: Explore Minnesota Tourism
The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

is a horticultural garden and
arboretum in Chanhassen.
The Canal Park Brewing Co. in Duluth

features craft brew with a
Northcoast attitude.
The MN Bicycle Festival Features a

95-mile road race.
kkRochester is home of the world famous Mayo

Clinic. The clinic is a major teaching and working
facility. It is known world wide for its doctors
expertise and the newest methods of treatments.
kkThe first official hit in the Metrodome in

Minneapolis was made by Pete Rose playing for
the Cincinnati Reds in a preseason game.
kkIn 1919 a Minneapolis factory turned out the

nations first armored cars.
kkKnown as the Land of 10,000 lakes, Minnesota

actually has 11,842 lakes.
kkBemidji Brewing Co., Bemidji

kkBad
Weather
Brewing
kkBent Brewstillery, Roseville

Co.,
Minnetonka
kkFulton Brewing Co., Minneapolis
kkJunkyard
Brewing
Company,
Moorhead
kkVine Park Brewing Co., St. Paul
132
isitors to the Crown Center in Kansas City will find the

international headquarters of Hallmark Cards. Crown Center
offers something for everyone with a three-level center featuring
60 shops and restaurants. Or give The Branson Scenic Railway
a visit. The heritage railroad features a train that departs from a historic depot
in downtown Branson and operates through the scenic Ozark Mountains for
a 40-mile trip. The farm in Grantwood Village is a historic farm and long-
standing landmark once owned by Ulysses S. Grant. Today the property is

run by Busch family, who own Anheuser-Busch Brewing Company.
POWER & LIGHT DISTRICT

The district in Kansas City boats over a half million square feet of
premiere entertainment options.
The Bates County Museum pays tribute to the first

Colored Volunteer Infantry during the Civil War.
129
State Capital: Jefferson City

August 10, 1821, as 24th state
Leading Industry:
Service Industries
Population:
6,044,171
2013
You could plan an entire vacation
around shopping in Missouri.
Missouri Tourism:
www.visitmo.com
www.missouritravel.com
Missouri Hotel and Lodging
Association:
www.lodgingmissouri.com
Missouri Association of CVBs:
www.macvb.com
Missouri Golfing:
www.mogolf.org
Missouri Gaming:
www.mgc.dps.mo.gov
www.molottery.com
Missouri Transportation:
www.modot.org
www.mo.gov
SOCIAL MEDIA
Connect with Missouri Tourism at:
www.facebook.com/VisitMO
www.twitter.com/visitmo
www.pinterest.com/visitmo
130
Take in the attractive scenery of

the seasons in Missouri.
The sculpture of Mark Twains fictional

heroes was created in 1926 by
Frederick Hibbard.
131
The Museum of Transportation houses

both local and national history.
Photo Credits: Missouri Division of Tourism
Missouri offers big city charm as well

as small town beauty.
Branson Landing offers dining,

shopping and entertainment.
The Museum of Westward Expansion

preserves some of the rarest artifacts
from the days of Lewis and Clark.
kkAt the St. Louis Worlds Fair in 1904, the ice

cream cone was invented. An ice cream vendor
ran out of cups and asked a waffle vendor to help
by rolling up waffles to hold ice cream.
kkJefferson City, Missouri, the states capital, was

named for Thomas Jefferson, the third President
of the United States.
kkThe state flag has a red, white and blue

background
representing
Missouris
French
heritage and the land being part of the Louisiana

Purchase from France.
kkFlat Branch Pub & Brewing,
kkCrown Valley Brewing & Distilling
Columbia
kkSpringfield
kkPerennial Artisan Ales, Saint Louis
Brewing
Company,
Springfield
Company, Sainte Genevieve
kkOFallon Brewery, OFallon
132
ewis and Clark Landing in Omaha is a 23-acre landing providing

a variety of options to relax and enjoy the Missouri River. Outdoor
concerts and festivals, interpretive exhibits and the Omaha
Firefighters Memorial Monument are just a few. Or give the Fort
Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge a visit. Bison, elk, deer and prairie dogs
can be seen along the wildlife drive, interpretive displays at the visitor center
describe the history and ecology of the area and canoeing or tubing through
the Niobrara National Scenic River is a popular activity on the refuge.
MAHONEY STATE PARK

The Mahoney State Park offers year-round entertainment including sleigh rides
in the winter and a family water park in the summer.
Over 30,000 individual annual plants can be seen

at the Sunken Gardens in Lincoln.
129
State Capital: Springfield

December 3, 1818, as 21st state
Leading Industry:
Population:
12,882,135
2013
The Museum of Nebraska Art is the
home to 12 permanent galleries.
Nebraska Tourism:
www.visitnebraska.com
www.westnebraska.com
www.nebraskatravelassociation.com
www.visitsoutheastnebraska.org
Nebraska Hotel & Motel Association:
www.nebraskahma.com
Nebraska Golfing:
www.golfingnebraska.com
www.nebgolf.org
Nebraska Gaming:
www.nelottery.com
Nebraska Transportation:
www.nebraskatransportation.org
SOCIAL MEDIA
Connect with Nebraska Tourism at:
www.facebook.com/VisitNebraska
www.twitter.com/nebraskatourism
www.pinterest.com/visitnebraska
130
Enjoy a lazy trail ride in the shadow of

towering buttes at
Fort Robinson State Park.
The Towers of Time is a monument

to the history of nature and
man in the area.
131
Photo Credits: Nebraska Tourism Commission
The Great Platte River Road

Archway is a monument to Nebraskas
role in westward expansion.
Bikers ride 195 miles on the Cowboy

Recreation & Nature Trail.
Omaha promises to be an adventure

for people of all ages.
Nebraska abounds with leisure

activities including fishing and hunting.
kkMarlon Brando was born April 3, 1924, in Omaha.

kkIn 1950, Omaha became the home of the
College World Series.
kkSidney, Nebraska was the starting point of the

Black Hills Gold Rush.
kkThe state soft drink for Nebraska is Kool-Aid,

developed in Hastings by Edward E. Perkins
in 1927.
kkTwice-yearly migrations of millions of cranes,

ducks and geese turn the Platte River area into
an amazing sight.
kkGottberg Brewing, Columbus
kkBlue Blood Brewing, Lincoln
kkBorgata Brewery & Distillery,
kkThunderhead Brewing, Kearney
Omaha
kkMoonstruck Meadery, Bellevue
kkSoaring Wings, Springfield

kkModern
Monks
at
Mistys,
Lincoln
132
hen your meeting or convention ends, take time off to

partake in the Black Butte Adventures in Minot. More than
500 privately owned acres of native prairie offer a hiking/

biking and agriculture tourism destination. Voted the 2007
North Dakota Tourist Attraction of the Year, the Center of Western Heritage
& Cultures: Native American, Ranching and Rodeo proves the history and
heritage of trail drivers, homesteaders, Native Americans and rodeo stars.
SNOWBOARDING AT HUFF HILLS

Huff Hills, located in Mandan, North Dakota, features
80 acres of winter fun.
Downtown Fargo boasts a vibrant and

exciting nightlife.
129
State Capital: Bismarck

November 2, 1889, as 39th state
Leading Industry:
Agriculture
Population:
723,393
2013
A must see is the Custer House at the
Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park.
North Dakota Tourism:

www.ndtourism.com
www.nd.gov
www.northdakotabeautiful.com
www.realnd.com
North Dakota Transportation:

www.dot.nd.gov
North Dakota Gaming:
www.lottery.nd.gov
North Dakota Hospitality Association:

www.ndhospitality.com
North Dakota Game, Fish and Parks:

www.gf.nd.gov
www.ndparks.com
North Dakota Golfing:
www.ndgolf.org
SOCIAL MEDIA
Connect with North Dakota Tourism at:
www.facebook.com/TravelND
www.twitter.com/NorthDakota
www.pinterest.com/NDtourism
130
Small game, waterfowl and pheasant

hunting are popular pasttimes
in the state.
Photo Credits: North Dakota Tourism
The International Peace Garden

straddles the US-Canadian border
between North Dakota and Manitoba.
Take in the beautiful sights at the

Bully Pulpit Golf Course.
The 19-story capital tower of

North Dakota is located in Bismarck.
The Fort Lincoln Trolley offers a

nine-mile trip along the Heart River.
The Scandinavian Heritage Park

features replicates from all five
Scandinavian countries.
131
kkWhen Dakota Territory was created in 1861 it

was named for the Dakota Indian tribe. Dakota is
a Sioux word meaning friends or allies.
kkNiewoehner Funeral Home in Rugby has changed

the skyline of Rugby with the construction of a 30
foot tower containing 13 bells. The largest bells
are 40 inches in diameter and weigh about 1,300
pounds each.
kkA 12-foot-high statue of Sakakawea and her baby

son Baptiste stands at the entrance to the North
Dakota Heritage Center looking toward the
country she helped to open.
kkWilliston
Brewing
Company,
Williston
kkLaughing Sun Brewing Company,

Bismarck
kkFargo Brewing Company, Fargo

kkEdwinton
Brewing
Company,
Bismarck
kkLittle Deep Brewing Company,

Minot
132
eing the only facility of its kind, the First Ladies Library serves
as a unique national resource for guests. Located in Canton, the
library is a national archive devoted to educating people about

the contributions of First Ladies and other notable women in
history. Then take the family to the roller coaster capital of the world: Cedar
Point in Sandusky, Ohio. The 364-acre amusement park offers nearly 20

roller coast choices for you and your family.
CLIFTON MILL
Clifton Mill is one of the largest water powered grist mills still
in existence and was built in 1802.
Grab your family for some fun in the sun at the

Beach Waterpark in Mason, Ohio.
129
State Capital: Columbus

March 1, 1803, as 17th state
Leading Industry:
Retail Trade
Population:
11,570,808
2013
Mohican State Park Lodge is nestled in
6,000 acres of forests and rolling hills.
Ohio Tourism:
www.discoverohio.com
www.ohiotravel.org
www.travelohio.com
Ohio Hotels & Lodging:
www.ohla.org
www.ohiohotels.org
Ohio Golfing:
www.ohio-golf.com
www.noga.org
golfinohio.com
ohiogolfguide.com
Ohio Gaming:
www.ohiolottery.com
www.lotterypost.com
Ohio Transportation:
www.dot.state.oh.us
SOCIAL MEDIA
Connect with Ohio Tourism at:
www.facebook.com/DiscoverOhio
www.twitter.com/DiscoverOhio
www.pinterest.com/DiscoverOhio
130
Being Ohios only public market,

The North Market in Columbus
has something for everyone.
A large Amish community of nearly

36,000 exists in
Northeast-Central Ohio.
131
Photo Credits: Ohio Division of Travel and Tourism
Clevelands harbor is home to the

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
and Museum.
The Memorial Tournament is

played each year at the Muirfield
Village Golf Club in Dublin.
More than 15 Asian communities

gather to celebrate at the
yearly Asian Festival.
Kids love to experience the African

elephant crossing at the
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.
kkOhio is called the Buckeye State because of the

many buckeye trees that once covered its hills
and plains.
kkAkron was the first city to use police cars and

Cincinnati had the first professional city fire
department.
kkMany famous people are from Ohio including

Neil Alden Armstrong, Doris Day, Clark Gable,
James Abram Garfield, Ulysses Simpson Grant,
Dean Martin, Annie Oakley, Paul Newman, Jack
Nicklaus and Steven Spielberg.
kkSugar
Ridge
Brewery,
Bowling Green
kkHoppin Frog Brewery, Akron

kkRockmill Brewery, Lancaster
kk Fat Heads Brewery & Tap House,

Middleburg Heights
kkGreat
Lakes
Brewing
Co.,
Cleveland
132
itting Bull Crystal Caverns is the perfect spot to visit while taking
time off from you meeting or convention. The caverns are a

limestone cave complex nine miles south of Rapid City, on
the way to Mount Rushmore. The site was found in 1934 and
features subterranean, crystalline passages. History lovers will enjoy a tour
of the St. Joseph Cathedral, a Catholic cathedral located in Sioux Falls.
Founded in 1881, the cathedral features a renaissance revival style that is

absolutely stunning to viewers.
GEOGRAPHIC CENTER OF NATION

Belle Fourche, South Dakota, is the geographic center of the United States.
The Center of the Nation monument includes flags from all 50 states.
Badlands National Park offers breathtaking and

inspiring scenes for artists and photographers.
129
State Capital: Pierre

November 2, 1889, as 40th state
Leading Industry:
Retail Trade and Manufacturing
Population:
844,877
2013
South Dakota has a plethora of camping
choices located across the state.
South Dakota Tourism:

www.travelsd.com
www.sdvisit.com
South Dakota Transportation:

www.sddot.com
South Dakota Golfing:

www.sdga.org
South Dakota Gaming:

www.sdcasinos.com
www.lottery.sd.gov
South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks:

www.gfp.sd.gov
South Dakota Black Hills:

www.blackhillsbadlands.com
SOCIAL MEDIA
Connect with South Dakota Tourism at:
www.facebook.com/southdakotatourism
www.twitter.com/southdakota
www.pinterest.com/travelsd
130
Mountain goats are often seen

around the Mount Rushmore
National Memorial.
Hunting of deer, pheasant, antelope

and turkey is a popular
sport in the state.
131
Photo Credits: South Dakota Department of Tourism
The Mammoth Site in Hot Springs

is the worlds largest
mammoth research facility.
Huron is the home of the

State Fair, celebrating the agricultural
heritage the state is built on.
The mission of the Akta Lakota

Museum is to preserve and promote
the Lakota culture.
The Washington Pavilion of Arts

and Sciences showcases six
different galleries.
kkDeadwood is the site of a rich gold strike in 1875,

and the town retains its mining atmosphere.
While Deadwood is one of the most highly
publicized mining towns, much of its fame rests
on the famous characters that passed through.
kkBadlands National Park consists of nearly 244,000

acres of sharply eroded buttes, pinnacles and
spires blended with the largest, protected mixed
grass prairie in the United States.
kkMitchell is the home of the worlds only

Corn Palace, which is undergoing a two-phase,
$7 million renovation.
kkHay Camp Brewing Company,

Rapid City
kkGandy Dancer Brew Works,

Sioux Falls
kkDakota Shivers Brewing, Lead

kkDempseys Brewpub & Restaurant,

Watertown
kkHeist
Brewing
Company,
Brookings
kkBitter Esters Brewhouse, Custer

132
he kids will love a stop at The Circus World Museum in Baraboo.

The large museum complex is devoted to circus-related history
and features not only circus artifacts and exhibits, but also hosts
daily live circus performances. Or maybe they would prefer a
stop at The UWMadison Geology Museum, a geology and paleontology
museum housed in the University of WisconsinMadison campus. Major

sections of the museum are devoted to rocks and minerals, invertebrate and
fish fossils, and vertebrate fossils; there are also glaciers, meteorites and
fossil plants on display.
AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH
The EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is an annual gathering of aviation enthusiasts held
each summer with nearly 15,000 aircraft visiting Wittman Field.
The Monona Terrace is a breathtaking site, especially

at dusk into the evening hours.
129
State Capital: Madison

May 29, 1848, as 30th state
Leading Industry:
Population:
5,726,398
2013
Travel to Wisconsin for new
adventures and tons of fun.
Wisconsin Tourism:
www.travelwisconsin.com
www.discoverwisconsin.com
Wisconsin Association of CVBs:
www.escapetowisconsin.com
Wisconsin Transportation:
www.dot.wisconsin.gov
Wisconsin Gaming:
www.wisconsingaming.com
www.wilottery.com
Wisconsin Golfing:
www.wisconsin4golf.com
www.wisconsingolfonline.com
SOCIAL MEDIA
Connect with Wisconsin Tourism at:
www.facebook.com/travelwisconsin
www.twitter.com/TravelWI
www.pinterest.com/travelwisconsin
130
Take time during your trip to enjoy

the states amazing cuisine.
Vince Lombardi is best known as the

head coach of the Green Bay Packers
during the 1960s.
131
Photo Credits: Wisconsin Department of Tourism
Outdoor activities are abundant in

Wisconsin including camping,
fishing and hunting.
The state of Wisconsin enjoys all four

seasons during the year.
Some of the most beautiful bridges

around can be found in Wisconsin.
Madison Museum of
Contemporary Art has a stunning
three-story glass exterior.
kkBarbies full name is Barbie Millicent Roberts and

her fictional family is from Willows, Wisconsin.
kkGreat Britain obtained the region in settlement

of the French and Indian Wars in 1763; the U.S.
acquired it in 1783 after the Revolutionary War.
However, Great Britain retained actual control
until after the War of 1812.
kkWisconsin, with many cultural remnants of its

heavy German settlement, is known as the most
German-American state.
kkThe Republican Party was founded in Ripon,

Wisconsin, in 1854.
kkBrewmasters
Pub
Parkside,
Kenosha
kkGray Brewing, Janesville

kkWoodshed Ale House, Sauk City
kkCapital Brewing, Middleton

kkMoosejaw Pizza & Dells Brewing
Co., Wisconsin Dells
kkMinocqua Brewing, Minocqua
132

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Y

ear-round there is a plethora of festivals located across the

state of Illinois. In August, the Magnificent Mile in Chicago

Festival in Casey each September. Music lovers will enjoy the

Submit your state information to Editor@MidwestMeetings.com

GRAFTON CANOE AND KAYAK

The John Deere Pavilion, located in Moline, gives a

Midwest Meetings Guide Book 2015

State Capital: Springfield

Illinois Hotel and

The Superman Celebration is held

Cave in Rock State Park is a

The Chicago Jazz Festival is a favorite

Illinois is the home of more than 60

The Quad City Botanical Center

The historic DeSoto House Hotel

kkSpringfield is the state capital and the home of the

kkIllinois had seven professional sports teams, all

kkThe worlds first Skyscraper was built in Chicago,

kkChicagos OHare airport comes from the original

kkIron Spike Brewing Company,

kkGalena Brewery, Galena

utdoor lovers will enjoy the numerous adventures available in

Indiana. The state is known as The Covered Bridge Capital

Submit your state information to Editor@MidwestMeetings.com

Ghyslain in Richmond is the home of a gourmet

Midwest Meetings Guide Book 2015

State Capital: Indianapolis

Indiana Hotel and Lodging Association:

240Sweet in Columbus makes nearly

Enjoy white water rafting right in

Photo Credits: Indiana Office of Tourism Development

Holiday World & Splashin Safari in

Indianapolis Canal lights up the night

The Inn at Irwin Gardens features

The Toboggan Run at Pokagon State

kkThe first professional baseball game was played in

kkResidents of Indiana are called Indianians or

kkAt one time Studebaker Company of South Bend

kkIndiana is the first state to have a chapel in its

kkZwanzigZ Pizza & Brewing,

kkLafayette Brewing Company,

kkSun King Brewing Company,

o w a h a s 2 4 Nat ional Hist oric Landma rks, 2 1 o f w h i ch

in S i o u x C i ty f eat ures a st one obelisk, th e fi rst N a ti o n a l

of S e r g e a n t C h a r l es F loyd, t he only f at alit y o f th e L e w i s & C l a rk

Ex p e d i ti o n . Or tr y t he Merchant s Nat ional Ba n k i n Gri n n e l l ,

Submit your state information to Editor@MidwestMeetings.com

Baliss Park Hall in Council Bluffs is the setting of

Midwest Meetings Guide Book 2015

State Capital: Des Moines

Iowa offers great year-round

The Iowa State Capital is located in

Eagle Point Park is situated on a bluff

Iowa hosts small town charm with big

The statues of The Four Seasons

Maquoketa Caves State Park

Midwest Meetings Guide Book 2015

kkQuaker Oats, in Cedar Rapids, is the largest