2019

In every issue of Midwest Meetings magazine we put together a list of Midwest
meeting and event destinations we think every planner will want on their list of
must-plan-at destinations at least once in their career. Discover your next bucket list venue below.

Illinois: Wrigley Field, Chicago
Gather on Chicago Cubs Game Days for an Extra Special Meeting Experience

The home of the Chicago Cubs offers multiple suites and clubs for your next Chicago meeting or event. Whether you plan to meet on a game day or not, groups large and small love the views and seeing sports history first hand.

ILLINOIS: FIELD MUSEUM, CHICAGO
Gather in one of the largest natural history museums in the world

Meet among plants of the world, precious gems, mummies, and SUE the T. Rex, oh my! Whether you plan a board meeting for 10 or a soirée for 700, create an unforgettable experience.
Photo Credit: Kyle Flubacker Photography

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Indiana: French Lick Resort, French Lick
Experience two AAA Four-Diamond national historic hotels in one location

Surround your group in history and splendor at French Lick Resort. Offer them time away from the meeting to enjoy superb dining, golf, and spa experiences. With multiple meeting spaces in the West Baden Springs Hotel and French Lick Springs Hotel, as well as the French Lick Events Center, the sky is the limit, with room for more than 2,000.
Photo Credit: French Lick Resort

INDIANA: INDIANAPOLIS MOTOR SPEEDWAY, INDIANAPOLIS
Start your event on the Indy 500 start/finish line

Get your group on the fast track by hosting your event at the IMS Pagoda with beautiful views of the racetrack and downtown Indianapolis. Up to 350 attendees can meet and mingle indoors and on the patios.
Photo Credit: Indianapolis Motor Speedway Archives

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Iowa: Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, Des Moines
Beautiful event space and gardens in the middle of downtown Des Moines

From board meetings to conferences and luncheon seminars to awards ceremonies, the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden has multiple indoor and outdoor venues perfect for any size group.
Photo Credit: Ivory House Photography

IOWA: HISTORIC PARK INN HOTEL, MASON CITY
Meet in walls designed by Frank Lloyd Wright

The last remaining Frank Lloyd Wright designed and built hotel in the world is truly one-of-a-kind and offers more than 8,000 sq. ft. of conference space.
Photo Credit: Historic Park Inn Hotel

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Kansas: Exploration Place, Wichita
Mesmerizing designs inside and out with event versatility

Enjoy the tranquil Arkansas River, when you host your meeting or event at Exploration Place. This venue mixes unique architecture, science, a dome theatre, and diverse meeting spaces. Massive windows for natural light and a creative backdrop are great for engaging attendees.
Photo Credit: Exploration Place

KANSAS: FLINT HILLS DISCOVERY CENTER, MANHATTAN
Experience ecology in action surrounded by native grasses and wildflowers

Get Tallgrass Prairie vibes in the LEED certified green building, with multiple locations to meet, including a rooftop terrace.
Photo Credit: Flint Hills Discovery Center

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Michigan: Fox Theatre, Detroit
Meet in the largest theatre in downtown Detroit which is a 1928 National Historic Landmark

Host your convention, awards ceremony, or business meeting amid the historic and ornate designs of the Fox Theatre. Groups of all sizes enjoy the theatre, which houses 4,800 theatre-style seats.
Photo Credit: Olympia Entertainment

MICHIGAN: GRAND HOTEL, MACKINAC ISLAND Overlook the Straits of Mackinac from the World’s Longest Porch

Bring a bygone era and opulence to your event at the Grand Hotel. Experience an island resort in the Midwest, where cars and cares are miles away.
Photo Credit: Grand Hotel

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Minnesota: U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis
Gather on the 50 yard line of one of the newest major sports stadiums in the Midwest

Large-screen technology is a visual your group won’t soon forget. Whether you need space for 12 or seats for 66,200, U.S. Bank Stadium knows how to host an event.
Photo Credit: U.S. Bank Stadium

MINNESOTA: MALL OF AMERICA® AND NICKELODEON UNIVERSE®, BLOOMINGTON
The largest mall in the US has meeting space too

Energize your meetings with the buzz of rollercoasters and fun when you meet in the Executive Center at Mall of America®, with 2,834 sq. ft. of space overlooking Nickelodeon Universe®.
Photo Credit: Explore Minnesota

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Missouri: Big Cedar Lodge, Ridgedale
Outdoor adventure awaits just outside the rustic, yet regal, resort

One location with everything you need to wow your group. Golf, fishing, and spa time are all available during any size and type of event. You can meet big with conference space for up to 1,000.
Photo Credit: Big Cedar Lodge

GATEWAY NATIONAL PARK, ST. LOUIS
The Gateway Arch offers amazing views and history

Explore the newly renovated Gateway Arch Museum and see history differently when you host your event at the Gateway Arch, Old Courthouse, or on a Riverboat at the Gateway Arch.
Photo Credit: Explore St. Louis

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Nebraska: Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, Omaha
Add animals to your event with multiple ‘wild’ spaces

Turn typical upside down when you meet at Omaha’s zoo. Meet in the Aquarium Conference Center, with space for 325. Creative breakout sessions are made easy in the Desert Dome and Garden classrooms.
Photo Credit: Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium

NEBRASKA: LIED LODGE & CONFERENCE CENTER - ARBOR DAY FARMS, NEBRASKA CITY Meet amidst 260 wooded acres

Meander through a multitude of blossoms at Arbor Lodge State Historic Park, a short walk on the Lied Lodge grounds, while the conference center holds 14,000+ sq. ft. of adjustable meeting and banquet space.
Photo Credit: Lied Lodge & Conference Center

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North Dakota: Burning Hills Amphitheatre, Medora
Use the Badlands as your event backdrop

Host your keynote, for up to 2,900, with beautiful views of the Badlands. After a day of meetings, give your group a dining experience they will never forget at Pitchfork Steak Fondue.
Photo Credit: Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation

NORTH DAKOTA: INTERNATIONAL PEACE GARDENS, DUNSEITH Assemble along the US/Canada border

Gather on the US and Canada border in this location defining peace for more than 85 years. Utilize one of the meeting locations on property, accommodating up to 100 attendees.
Photo Credit: North Dakota Tourism

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Ohio: Cedar Point, Sandusky  
Boost meeting adrenaline at the second oldest amusement park in North America

Groups from 10-500+ enjoy meetings among the 70 amazing rides throughout the park. The second oldest amusement part in North America will create a full-catered event and interactive experiences everyone will enjoy.

OHIO: ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME, CLEVELAND Engage attendees with the power of Rock and Roll

Rock your next event at the only Rock and Roll Hall of fame in the world. From boardroom to a full buyout evening reception, groups from 10 to 2,000 are accommodated with diverse options and one-of-a-kind experiences.
Photo Credit: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

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South Dakota: Children’s Museum of South Dakota, Brookings
Home of the only full-size, permanent, animatronic tyrannosaurus dinosaurs in the US

Host your event outdoors and allow your group to meet Mama and Max T. rex, the only full-size, permanent, animatronic tyrannosaurus dinosaurs in the US. With multiple rooms and event configurations, groups up to 210 have plenty of room to roam.
Photo Credit: Children’s Museum of South Dakota

SOUTH DAKOTA: MOUNT RUSHMORE NATIONAL MEMORIAL, KEYSTONE
These iconic faces have inspired for generations

Dine with revered presidents of the past. Apply for a special permit to allow your group to meet in multiple locations within the memorial grounds.
Photo Credit: South Dakota Tourism

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Wisconsin: Lambeau Field, Green Bay
Legendary events need a legendary venu

Meet overlooking the Green Bay Packer’s home at Lambeau Field. Whether you need space for 5 or 1,000 a legendary event awaits. With the ability to walk to Titletown, many entertainment options are right around the corner.
Photo Credit: Green Bay Packers

Wisconsin: House on the Rock Resort & Attraction, Spring Green
Home of the Infinity Room and the World’s Largest Carousel

After a day of meetings at the resort, with room for up to 300, see the World’s Largest Carousel and many other diverse collections as you explore the attraction.
Photo Credit: Wisconsin Department of Tourism

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Tell us about your Planner Bucket List venue by emailing News@MidwestMeetings.com