Where to go in the middle of the country with a big group?

[newnana]

Sorry, I'm going to add in on the Branson love. I'm not talking about the gimmicky schmaltzy shows. I'm talking about Table Rock Lake. Maybe a day trip to Silver Dollar City on a Tuesday.

http://www.silverdollarcity.com/

The lake is beautiful. Plenty of places to rent with a dock and boats right on the water. Great for swimming, tubing, skiing, fishing. You can completely avoid Branson proper and have a fabulous time. There are great places for peach picking, horse back riding, boat rentals, etc.

http://www.uncleikestrailride.com/

Tour the dam and the hatchery.
http://www.tablerockdamtours.com/
http://www.swl.usace.army.mil/parks/...recreation.htm

It's about 1 hour from the Springfield, MO airport and they've really built a nice highway between Springfield and Branson to make the travel much easier in the last decade.

Then if anyone wants to go into Branson proper, there are the outlet malls and a couple of shows really worth seeing. My DD loved the Chinese acrobats.

Then again, I've always wanted to visit Mackinac Island (no cars):
http://www.mackinacisland.org/

[ChristinaLucia]

Michigan! The beaches are gorgeous -- it's perfect for a family reunion! Check out South Haven - not too bad a drive from ORD!

[DietCokeLover]

And, there is actually a brand new airport in Branson now too.

I live near Branson and I agree, there is a lot more available there than the cheesy shows. The lake is beautiful.

Sorry, I'm going to add in on the Branson love. I'm not talking about the gimmicky schmaltzy shows. I'm talking about Table Rock Lake. Maybe a day trip to Silver Dollar City on a Tuesday.

http://www.silverdollarcity.com/

The lake is beautiful. Plenty of places to rent with a dock and boats right on the water. Great for swimming, tubing, skiing, fishing. You can completely avoid Branson proper and have a fabulous time. There are great places for peach picking, horse back riding, boat rentals, etc.

http://www.uncleikestrailride.com/

Tour the dam and the hatchery.
http://www.tablerockdamtours.com/
http://www.swl.usace.army.mil/parks/...recreation.htm

It's about 1 hour from the Springfield, MO airport and they've really built a nice highway between Springfield and Branson to make the travel much easier in the last decade.

Then if anyone wants to go into Branson proper, there are the outlet malls and a couple of shows really worth seeing. My DD loved the Chinese acrobats.

Then again, I've always wanted to visit Mackinac Island (no cars):
http://www.mackinacisland.org/