Telling a group to go jump in a lake can actually be a good thing, especially in the Midwest. The region is brimming with picturesque and inspirational lakeside destinations and venues that enhance morale and build attendance. Better still, they feature a wealth of recreation, team-building, entertainment and spouse program options.
Here’s a closer look at four fantastic lakeside locales that groups are certain to savor.
Duluth, Minn.
Built on a steep, rocky cliff-side at the westernmost tip of Lake Superior, Duluth offers a plethora of outdoor activities as well as the second-largest convention center in the state.
“There are many different ways to take advantage of our unique lakeside location,” says Anna Tanski, director of sales for Visit Duluth. “We attract more than 3.5 million leisure visitors a year so our tourism infrastructure is well-developed.”
Topping the list of group-friendly activities are the seven-mile Lakewalk that affords biking, jogging and roller blading, rock climbing possibilities throughout the city, sightseeing cruises, a 30-mile scenic drive along the shoreline 600 feet above the city and guided fishing trips for walleye, sturgeon, lake trout and other fish.
“First-time group visitors are always amazed at the large number of facilities, attractions and activities we have for a city our size,” Tanski says.
Traverse City, Mich.
“Water is our front yard,” says Mike Norton, spokesperson for the Traverse City CVB.
Norton, no doubt, is referencing the 234 miles of continuous Lake Michigan coastline and 95 inland lakes that are more than 50 acres in size in the Traverse City area.
The 11,000-square-foot Hagerty Conference Center along the shores of West Grand Traverse Bay gives groups the opportunity for productive meetings with stunning water views.
Norton says the schooner Manitou, a replica of an 1800s tall ship, which can accommodate up to 62 people, “is popular with groups who want a one-of-a-kind Great Lakes experience.”
Among the many themed options on the Manitou are cruises featuring wine tasting, microbrews and pizza, and stargazing in the evening.
“Traverse City appeals to groups because it’s a genuine destination not reliant on themeing,” Norton says. “We’re authentic and natural, providing an exciting and inspirational setting for a meeting.”PageBreak
Wisconsin Dells, Wis.
Water, water everywhere is an apt description of this resort town about 115 miles northwest of Milwaukee.
Wisconsin Dells bills itself as the “Waterpark Capital of the World,” and the water fun continues on the Wisconsin River and Lake Delton.
“We are an attendance-building destination,” says Tiffani Jones, director of sales for the Wisconsin Dells Visitor and Convention Bureau. “Association groups love us because we’re affordable and there are lots of activities for families.”
Aside from the more than 20 indoor waterparks, which are open year-round, one of the more popular ways for groups to enjoy the water is by boat.
Scenic, sunset and dinner cruises, tours on amphibious vehicles, jet-boat rides and a paddlewheel riverboat head the list of options for groups wanting to immerse in the river and lake lifestyle, according to Jones.
Branson, Mo.
Most people know Branson as a live music entertainment capital with Las Vegas-style shows by big-name performers.
“We’re an outdoor paradise, too,” says Deborah Cohen, CMP, director of meeting and convention sales for Explore Branson. “Kayaking, zip lining, fishing, paddleboarding, you name it, we’ve got it.”
Settings for outdoor activities include three lakes (Table Rock Lake, Lake Taneycomo and Bull Shoals Lake) and Dogwood Canyon Nature Park, a 10,000-acre park with walking and biking trails, trout fishing, horseback riding and other activities.
For larger groups, the three-deck showboat Branson Belle, a 278-foot long riverboat with 16-foot twin paddlewheels that can accommodate up to 700 passengers, offers cruises on Table Rock Lak, encompassing views of the Ozark Mountains, high-energy stage shows and fine dining.
Team-building opportunities abound at Big Cedar Lodge, an 800-acre wilderness recreation resort created by Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris. Some of the more intriguing choices include a cattle drive in Dogwood Canyon, paddleboard yoga on the lake and Ozark Olympics, with events like horseshoes, “hillbilly” pie eating, seed spitting and cattle roping.
Ed Schmidt, a frequent contributor to Meetings Focus, prefers to catch fish from a boat rather than a restaurant menu.
