Affordable Summer Staycations

Getting away for the summer doesn’t have to be as expensive as you might think! With many growing destinations here in the Midwest, you can now relax at the beach without having to step foot on a plane! At Lincoln Savings Bank we love finding great destinations in our own backyard. Here are a few of our employees’ favorite midwestern vacations from their summer travels throughout the years! 

Lost Island Waterpark – Waterloo, IA.

Did you know that this waterpark is consistently voted as one of the top ten in the nation? It’s no wonder when you stay at their KOA campground next door, or take a fun go-kart ride at their family fun area next door. The waterpark itself has slides and attractions for all ages, so the entire family is sure to have a fun day in the sun at this Northeast Iowa destination.

INSIDER TIPS: You can go in and out of the park all day long, so packing a cooler to keep in your vehicle can help you save on expensive food inside the park. If you do grab some grub inside, don’t forget to grab a pineapple Dole whip by the Lost Souls Falls or fuel up in at the Castaway Café with their specialty Buffalo Chicken Pizza!

Adventure Land – Altoona, IA

Just outside of the Des Moines metro, this destination draws Midwesterners from flyover states all around! With their adrenaline filled outdoor rollercoasters, relaxing wave pools, and addicting fair food, each area of the park has its own unique highlights! This is a great weekend destination for your family to enjoy a new side of the park on either Saturday or Sunday.

INSIDER TIPS: Grocery stores and other businesses typically have coupons for Adventureland which can save you a few dollars off tickets! Once you get to the park, try starting with the rides or attractions at the back of the park and working your way to the front. This way, at the end of the day, you have a shorter walk to get you and your family back to the vehicle.

Wilderness Lodge – Wisconsin Dells, WI

Just a short drive away in Wisconsin, this water centric destination can be a family trip year-round with its indoor waterparks! While Wilderness Lodge itself has eight waterparks total, there are also countless other resorts and waterparks in town should your family want to check all the water slides off their bucket list. Luckily, the town is usually filled with coupon books, and other available online deals to make sure you get the best bang for your buck.

INSIDER TIPS: When booking your accommodation, consider selecting a condo or other option that is equipped with a full kitchen. When corralling the whole family on vacation, a kitchen can come in handy when you need to make late night snacks, post-swim refreshments, and budget friendly dinners. 

Bridges Bay – Okoboji, IA

This is the most quintessentially Iowan lake town in the state; complete with its own amusement park and boat-friendly bar, this lakeside community is perfect for an extended family getaway. For those with a boat, there’s nothing more relaxing than finding a sandbar to park and let the kiddos play. Families looking to enjoy the Okoboji on land can sunbathe on any of the town’s numerous beaches before exploring the area’s diverse shopping scene.

INSIDER TIP: For fun and surprising home décor finds be sure to pop by Barn Swallow before heading out of town – they have kittens you can play with while you shop! One of the area’s favorite burgers can be found at Tweeter's – locals love this Okoboji classic which is covered with peanut butter and topped with bacon and a fried egg. 

Lakeside Inn – Clear Lake, IA

For those looking to relax without spending an arm and a leg, the town of Clear Lake offers one of the most serene settings in the Midwest. At the Lakeside Inn you can find dock rentals for your boat, or even rent a pontoon boat for you family to enjoy throughout your stay. This is an Iowa must attend destination for the Fourth of July, offering the perfect mix of space and activity for your family to enjoy the best events in the State during the holiday – fireworks included!

INSIDER TIP: When searching for a place to put your boat in the water, try some of the entry areas around Ventura and Macintosh Park for a less heavy traffic flow. The harbor downtown is a great place to dock and take a break to stop into some local restaurants for lunch or dinner with the whole family. 

Mall of America – Bloomington, MN

This national attraction brings in millions of visitors each year! While older generations may know it as the home of Camp Snoopy, your kids will enjoy the attractions and rides in its updated Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park Featuring everything from rollercoasters, thrill rides, easy-going swings, and ghost fighting interactive adventures – this midwestern destination has something to make each of your family members smile.

INSIDER TIP: Before forging a path in the amusement park or mall, pick a place and time to meet with you and family for lunch or dinner. This way, different family members can enjoy the parts of the destination that they love most, and all of you can find some much needed refreshment after a long day of excitement!   

Honey Creek Resort – Moravia, IA

Located in southern Iowa, this lakeside resort is the all-inclusive answer to your family’s summer vacation needs. Since its conveniently located on Rathbun Lake, your kids have ample activities to keep them busy enjoying the sun. Coupled with a golf preserve and indoor waterpark, there should be no shortage of fun during your stay at this classic Iowa destination.

INSIDER TIPS: Grab a few blankets and head down to the great lawn on Thursdays in July for some free music provided by nationally-recognized Iowa acts. During the day you can rent bikes and disc golf sets from the front desk before exploring the grounds with your whole crew.

Wherever you and your family decide to go this upcoming season, don’t forget to take Lincoln Savings Bank with you! Our newly released debit cards can help you keep your payments close with wearable technology compatibility and tap-to-pay functions. You’ll be having fun, staying in budget, and becoming your family’s vacation hero in no time!

Lincoln Savings Bank. Member FDIC.