Summer Bucket List

Summer is flying by way too fast!

Have you taken enough time to soak up the sunshine and dip your toes in the sand? Remember all those things you said you were going to do? Well, it’s not too late. I still have a few items to check off my summer bucket list. So, you’ll be seeing a little less activity here on Zabelicious Life, while I hop back on the fun wheel and get to it. Need some inspiration for ways to spend your final days of summer? Here’s my list, with some links to travel guides for my Midwest favorites in three states I’ve called home, Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin.

Go jump in the lake! We love taking a dip in Devil’s Lake after a hike in one of Wisconsin’s most scenic state parks, or a polar plunge in Lake Superior after a trip to Minnesota’s majestic North Shore.
Rent a pontoon or speedboat for some of the best lake views, especially at sunset. Wisconsin’s Lake Geneva or Elkhart Lake are both family friendly destinations. If you are in the Twin Cities, check out Lake Minnetonka or Lake Nokomis. For a true adventure seeker, head to Northern Minnesota to experience Lake Vermillion, Lake Mille Lacs, or one of the other 10,000 lakes.
Go sailing or kayaking in the beautiful Apostle Islands, known as the jewels of Lake Superior.
Cruise down the mighty Mississippi on a riverboat. We caught sight of the American Queen docked recently in LaCrosse, which is one of the larger steamboats that offers longer voyages. Only time for a short sightseeing trip, check out the La Crosse Queen.
Paddle or kayak some of the most scenic waterways in the Midwest. Boundary Waters Canoe Area, Namekagon-St.Croix National Scenic Waterway or the Kickapoo River near La Crosse are all breathtaking rides.
Pitch a tent. Even if it’s only in your own backyard! The kids will love it!
Visit Midwest Farmers’ Markets for the freshest produce and support local artists.
Explore biking trails throughout the Midwest. We enjoy touring the lakes of Minneapolis on the Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway, cycling Wisconsin’s Elroy-Sparta State Trail, or pedaling through Iowa’s 1,800 miles of trails.
Road trip somewhere new, or rediscover old favorites nearby. Check out My Madison Faves and Villa Belleza Winery for some tips on Wisconsin options.
Take a nature hike and create your own photo essay like the pros we’ve featured, Cortney Kintzer’s "Reflections on Nature” in Iowa and Rona Neri’s “Get Inspired by Nature,” in Wisconsin.
Try lakeside yoga and get “Grounded in Nature.” Minnesotans love Zen Wellness with Beth LaBreche in White Bear Lake.
Pack a picnic basket and find a picturesque park to enjoy. One of my favorites is Lake Harriet in Minnesota, where you’ll often be treated to a free concert. The historic Stone Arch Bridge is a romantic spot that offers panoramic views of St. Anthony Falls and the Minneapolis skyline. Como Park is a St. Paul gem not to be overlooked for a prime picnic location. Discover more options in the Twin Cities at Minneapolisparks.org or Saint Paul’s Parks & Recreation.
Roast s’mores over a campfire-fancy it up with some gourmet chocolates!
Check out one of the Midwest State Fairs, which are already underway. The Wisconsin State Fair is held from August 5th- 15th. The Iowa State Fair is held August 12-22nd. The Great Minnesota Get-Together starts August 26th and runs through Labor Day. All three rank in the top ten as the best state fairs in America.
Listen to live music outdoors all summer long. Check Explore Minnesota for a full calendar of events. Find a complete list of concerts for Madison, WI at Isthmus.com. The Memorial Union Terrace is a popular lakeside option that can’t be beat and Milwaukee’s Summerfest is just around the corner. Iowa’s live music scene offers national and local artists at a variety of venues. Find the full list at Travel Iowa.
Catch a drive-in movie under the stars, which recently made a comeback. Big Sky in the Dells and Skyway in Door County both get rave reviews in Wisconsin. Minnesotans give high marks to both the Vali Hi in Lake Elmo and the Starlite in Litchfield. Head to Iowa to discover some of the oldest outdoor movie theaters in Newton at the Valle Drive-In, or try Superior 71 in Spirit Lake.
Find family friendly festivals throughout the Midwest. Taste of Madison has moved to Breese Stadium for Labor Day weekend.
Host a potluck family reunion. Try serving my Wheat Berry Salad or Grandma’s Potato Salad with some broasted chicken.
Escape to a cabin up north in Wisconsin or Minnesota. Find my travel guides for a Minocqua Northwoods Retreat or discover Old World Charm at a B&B in Phelps. Relax at the historic GrandView Lodge in Nisswa, Minnesota, which now has an updated spa and two pristine golf courses.
Soak up the sun with some of my Best Beach Reads!
Unplug, unwind and start journaling! Find useful tips in Why Journal?