Midwest Wine Country Weekend Getaways
Enjoy the Midwest's growing wine scene with a scenic drive or overnight stay in one of the region's thriving wine areas.
Illinois: Shawnee Hills Wine Trail
While Illinois has nearly 80 wineries, the best-known area is the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail in the southern tip. The 25-mile trail connects about a dozen wineries along the scenic backdrop of the Shawnee National Forest.
Sip: Blue Sky Vineyard, at the east end of the trail, offers wine tasting, food and a two-bedroom inn, with memorable views over the vineyards (left) and countryside.
Stay: Explore 12 acres of woods and gardens, plus a lake with a paddleboat, at Hidden Lake Bed and Breakfast along the wine trail.
Play: The huge Shawnee National Forest covers 280,000 acres between the Mississippi and Ohio rivers. Popular spots in the park area include the Garden of the Gods rock formations and Bell Smith Springs, a canyon and watershed with 12 miles of trails.
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