Photo Courtesy of Great Wolf Lodge
By Maryann Hammers
From the Chicago skyline to the shores of Lake Geneva to Branson’s music scene, the marvelous Midwest has something for everyone — and we found discounts to bring down the price of your hotel stay. Bringing the kids? Check out the indoor waterparks throughout the area.
Chicago
The Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel offers a government rate as low as $141, depending on the season. (Standard nightly rates range between $220 and $350.) The modern, upscale 334-room hotel offers rooftop swimming, pet-friendly rooms, and skyline or lakefront views. It is downtown, minutes from the Magnificent Mile and Navy Pier. Call (312) 565-5258.
Lynfred Winery in Roselle (a Chicago suburb) offers active duty military members a 25-percent wine discount when you show your ID. “Lynfred is the oldest and largest continuously operating family winery in Illinois, producing over 70 varietals and 30,000 cases of fine wine per year,” says spokesperson Christina Anderson-Heller. “We also offer one-cent wine tastings for all military [members] and veterans on Veterans Day.” You also can buy and try wines at additional tasting rooms in Wheeling, Naperville, and Wheaton. Call (630) 529-9463.
Lake Geneva, Wis.
Several of the nicest resorts in this four-season recreation area, located between Milwaukee and Chicago, welcome military members with special pricing and packages. “The area is best known for its beautiful mansions built after the Great Chicago Fire. They can be viewed by walking along the 21-mile Lake Shore Path,” says spokesperson Julie Baron. “Visitors to Lake Geneva will also find pristine surroundings and a wealth of leisure activities, including golfing, water [sports], boutique shopping, events, and entertainment.”
Here are some of Lake Geneva’s best military discounts:
The Abbey Resort , an upscale 90-acre resort on the lakeshores, offers a Heroes Package with a 20-percent discount on overnight rooms, spa services, and resort dining. It’s valid Monday through Thursday. If booking online, use corporate/promo code HERO, or call (800) 709-1323.
Grand Geneva Resort & Spa , a four-star luxury resort, offers a 15 percent off the best available rate. The offer is valid until Dec. 30, 2017. Call (800) 558-3417.
Timber Ridge , a family resort, offers military members an “Honor Our Heroes” package with suite accommodations (one- or two-bedroom), a 15-percent discount, and complimentary waterpark passes. The offer is valid until Dec. 30, 2017. Call (866) 636-4502.
Lake Lawn Resort , a 250-acre, 271-room resort with championship golf, water sports, marina, and indoor and outdoor pools, offers active duty and retired military members a 15-percent discount on the best available rate. When booking online, click on the “Military Rate” box. Call (262) 728-7950.
Branson, Mo.
For music, live entertainment, and family attractions, you can’t do better than Branson. Use code MIL when you rent a vacation home or condo through Amazing Branson Rentals , and get 10 percent off your nightly rate.
Throughout the Midwest
Great Wolf Lodge — North America’s largest chain of indoor water park resorts — boasts six Midwest resorts: Bloomington, Minn.; Cincinnati/Mason, Ohio; Sandusky, Ohio; Kansas City, Kan.; Traverse City, Mich.; and Wisconsin Dells, Wis. Active duty and retired military personnel get up to 30 percent off the resort’s best rates through its Howling Heroesdiscount (and free water park passes are included). Use promo code HEROESwhen booking online, and show your valid military ID at check-in. Room rates vary by property and time of year.