Many of our vacations are to National Parks, Rare Visions and Roadside Revelations, etc.
I'd add Duluth, MN to the list. You have Duluth's Canal Park area, Lake Superior with its North Shore and many state parks on North Shore Drive. Most of which have waterfalls. Lighthouses at Two Harbors and Split Rock for those of you who like lighthouses (like me).
Springfield, IL offers the Lincoln historical areas and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. If you are into Frank Lloyd Wright architecture, visit the Dana-Thomas House.
As royalswild mentioned, Rapid City is a wonderful base to explore the Black Hills. You have Mt. Rushmore, Crazyhorse, Devils Tower, Wind Cave, Jewel Cave and other caves. The Badlands and Wall Drug are East of Rapid City. If you are into motorcycles, the Sturgis during 'Bike' week in August is where you want to be. Otherwise, it is best to plan around this week.
I'm not so much into Branson, but it does pack a bunch of attractions. Eureka Springs, Arkansas is fairly close as well.
Wisconsin Dells, is like Branson on steroids... Ride the 'Ducks' and do the Upper Dells boat tour. Circus World Museum at Baraboo is close by as well.
Lots to do at Niagara Falls. Just don't go over the falls in a barrel !
