Lauritzen Gardens

Travel through the 28-acre African Grasslands exhibit with the likes of elephant, white rhino, cheetah, sable antelope, bongo, ostrich and impala rising into view upon your every move. See eye-to-eye with reticulated giraffe from the all-new Giraffe Encounter. Feed and brush the African pygmy goats at the kraal. View the African lions from the peak of the exhibit, while they gaze into the distance over the entire exhibit. Immerse yourself in a desert environment at the Desert Dome, the world's largest indoor desert located under the world's largest glazed geodesic dome. See plant and animal life from three of the world's deserts: the Namib Desert of southern Africa, the Red Center of Australia and the Sonoran Desert of the southwest United States. Navigate the ocean floor as sharks and other marine life circle overhead in the Suzanne and Walter Scott Aquarium, the largest aquarium within a Zoo. Discover polar regions, temperate oceans, coral reefs and the Amazon, as well the wildlife that inhabit these areas, from Antarctic penguins, puffins, sea turtles, jellyfish, stingrays, Giant Pacific octopus, moray eels and colorful fish. And explore the natural rainforest environment as you walk through the Lied Jungle, North America's largest indoor rainforest. Cross a unique swing bridge, through wet caves and beyond swooping tree limbs to the sounds of crashing waterfalls, see gibbons and other primates swinging in the canopy and experience exotic plant life. http://www.omahazoo.com/

Beautiful architecture blends with memories of a time gone by at The Durham Museum. Making its home in one of Omaha’s most unique treasures, Union Station, The Durham Museum offers a fascinating look at the history of our region and offers a broad-range of traveling exhibits covering subjects ranging from history and culture, to science, industry and more through our affiliation with the Smithsonian Institution and strong ties with the Library of Congress, National Archives and the Field Museum. https://durhammuseum.org/our-museum/

The International Quilt Study Center & Museum's mission is to build a global collection and audience that celebrate the cultural and artistic significance of quilts. http://www.quiltstudy.org/about/

Constellation Studios is a worksite and gallery, and a creative destination for artists in Lincoln, Nebraska. In a professional studio, we mentor and educate, and we explore and celebrate interconnections between traditional and innovative print, paper and bookmaking. Events, activities, workshops are offered for community engagement. https://constellation-studios.net/

This quaint, Renaissance-style park includes a gazebo, fountain, play area and benches all surrounded by an ornate cast iron fence. It is tucked away in Lincoln's historic Near South neighborhood and transports visitors to the calm nostalgic times of days gone by. http://www.lincoln.org/visit/attractions?cat=parks&keyword=&search=Search

The Jesse James Birthplace Museum contains the largest collection of James family artifacts in the world. Tour the home where Jesse was born and raised alongside his also-infamous brother Frank. Jesse’s grave site at Kearney’s Mount Olivet Cemetery draws thousands of visitors each year, as does the Jesse James Festival, which takes place each September. https://www.visitkc.com/business-detail/jesse-james-birthplace

In 1856, the steamboat Arabia was traveling upriver to Montana with supplies needed for a small town on the Western frontier. The boat hit a snag in the Missouri River and sank near modern day Parkville. The Arabia was recovered more than a century later beneath a Kansas farm field with all of its cargo intact and in pristine condition. These artifacts are now on display at the Arabia Steamboat Museum, a one-of-a-kind establishment offering a fascinating glimpse into early Western life. https://www.visitkc.com/business-detail/arabia-steamboat-museum

The sights and sounds of a uniquely American art form come alive at the American Jazz Museum. The Museum includes interactive exhibits and educational programs as well as the Blue Room, a working jazz club, and the Gem Theater, a modern 500-seat performing arts center. https://www.visitkc.com/business-detail/american-jazz-museum?cid=18602#sm.000184edndt4sfcyt9010c9rxvdb6

Year-round, visitors can head to Independence, where they’ll find the National Frontier Trails Museum, an institution that offers an in-depth look at Kansas City’s trailblazing history, including insights into Lewis and Clark’s exploration through present-day Jackson County. https://www.visitkc.com/business-detail/national-frontier-trails-museum

Home to the Kansas City Chiefs of the AFC West Division, Arrowhead Stadium is a state-of-the-art sports and entertainment destination that will serve as the setting for future generations. The renovated stadium celebrates the rich history of the Kansas City Chiefs and builds upon the best gameday experience in professional sports. https://www.visitkc.com/business-detail/arrowhead-stadium?cid=18602#sm.000184edndt4sfcyt9010c9rxvdb6

More Zoo for you to explore with more than 200 acres of adventure filled with more than 1,700 animals. See penguins like never before at Helzberg Penguin Plaza. Watch king and gentoo penguins torpedo through the water in their 100,000 gallon cool pool and see the Humboldt penguins bask in the sun and get their flippers wet in the 25,000 gallon warm water pool. Dip your hands into a shallow pool and discover the unique texture of stingrays and bamboo sharks at Stingray Bay. Journey to the Polar Bear Passage and marvel at our polar bears' beauty and strength. Swing into the Orangutan Canopy and get nose to nose with these orange apes. Take a walk-about through a mob of kangaroos. Get a birds-eye view of zebras, giraffes and rhinos on the African Sky Safari. Visit animals from the tropical rainforest, the African Savanna, the Australian Outback, the Asian mountainside, the north and south pole and everywhere in between. https://www.visitkc.com/business-detail/kansas-city-zoo?cid=18602#sm.000184edndt4sfcyt9010c9rxvdb6

The Alexander Majors House is one only four surviving antebellum houses in Kansas City, Missouri, and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Built in 1856 for the family of Alexander Majors, the house served as both a family home and as the headquarters for Majors’ successful freighting company. The Majors House was built facing westward, overlooking what was then the Kansas Territory. Originally, the Majors House had nine rooms and nine fireplaces—one in each room. It boasts original floors of virgin white pine—non-existent today. The walls were originally plastered with white lime and hog-hair. The house’s main rooms consisted of an office, parlor, and dining room on the first floor, and three bedrooms and a family parlor on the second floor. Before the rear additions were constructed in the early 1900s, the Majors family’s kitchen was a detached outbuilding or lean-to. http://www.wornallmajors.org/explore/majors-house/

See what a progressive farming community, spread across some 30 sloping acres, looked like in the mid-1800s. Missouri Town 1855 is composed of more than 25 buildings dating from 1820 - 1860. This living history museum uses original structures, furnishings and equipment. Also depicting the 19th Century lifestyles are interpreters in period attire, authentic field and garden crops, and rare livestock breeds. http://www.makeyourdayhere.com/missouritown

The Crown Uptown Theatre offers a variety of shows and entertainment. They are also the premier facility to hold events - meetings, weddings, receptions https://www.visitwichita.com/listing/crown-uptown-theatre/25617/#

Since opening in 1987 with four gardens and a horticultural library, Botanica Wichita has added more than 30 additional themed gardens and exhibits to delight new visitors and those who return for repeat visits. https://www.visitwichita.com/listing/botanica-wichita/25663/

Experience Wichita like it’s 1865. Old Cowtown is a living history museum that lets you immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and activities common to a Midwestern cattle town. https://www.visitwichita.com/listing/old-cowtown-museum/25660/

Minnesota's largest public garden on 1,000 acres, the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is open year-round and offers seasonal tours of beautiful display gardens and plant collections. https://www.minneapolis.org/directory/minnesota-landscape-arboretum-parks/

The nation's largest professional dinner theatre features three separate theatres under one roof to enjoy spectacular Broadway musicals and comedies, served with delicious dinner. Chanhassen Dinner Theatres (CDT) came to be in 1968. It was the vision of founders Herb and Carol Bloomberg to bring a “little bit of Broadway to the Midwest.” They loved traveling to New York to enjoy great Broadway productions and felt audiences deserved a quality musical theatre experience here in the Twin Cities. They acquired land in Chanhassen, Minnesota, a tiny rural community with a population of less than 500 people. The 90,000 square foot dinner theatre was built on what was then cornfields and countryside. At its core Chanhassen Dinner Theatres is about Entertaining YOU! So whether you are coming with a group, celebrating a birthday or anniversary, having a date night or enjoying an evening with good friends, It’s the place where generation after generation comes to make lasting memories. And that’s its proudest accomplishment. https://www.chanhassendt.com/Online/default.asp

Located just minutes south of Mall of America, the Minnesota Zoo brings education and entertainment to life! The zoo is home to penguins, a lush tropical forest and aviary, marine center, boreal forest, tundra and a family farm. With more than 4,300 animals, you're bound for a new adventure on every visit! The zoo also has banquet facilities and picnic rentals available and group discounts for 20 or more. https://www.exploreminnesota.com/things-to-do/3079/minnesota-zoo

Surrounding the Convention Center on the southern edge of downtown Minneapolis, the Loring Park District is a walkable residential neighborhood of historic institutions and cultural attractions. https://www.minneapolis.org/map-transportation/neighborhoods/loring-park/

Built into the ruins of what was once the world’s largest flour mill, Mill City Museum is located on the historic Mississippi Riverfront. Here, visitors of all ages learn about the intertwined histories of the flour industry, the river, and the city of Minneapolis. http://www.millcitymuseum.org/

At the Science Museum of Minnesota, the science that shapes our daily lives comes to life through hands-on exhibits, larger-than-life Omnitheater films, and a world-class collection of fossils and artifacts. https://www.minneapolis.org/directory/science-museum-of-minnesota-arts-entertainers/

The Cathedral dominates the Saint Paul skyline and is situated on the highest point in downtown Saint Paul. For the wider community, as well as for its parishioners, the Cathedral provides opportunities to enhance appreciation for the arts. https://www.visitsaintpaul.com/directory/cathedral-of-saint-paul-museums-historic-sites/

Saint Paul’s last true island, Raspberry Island is a beautiful site visitors can enjoy day or night along the Riverwalk pathway. Raspberry Island is a little gem of tranquility that allows for escape outside the hustle and bustle of the city. Featuring music in the park throughout the summer season at its stunning illuminated band shell, Raspberry Island is an unforgettable location for weddings, celebrations and musical performances. https://www.visitsaintpaul.com/directory/raspberry-island/

Minnesota's official museum of natural history since 1872. Coming in summer 2018 to the St. Paul campus, the new Bell Museum brings together science, art, and the environment with a unique Minnesota perspective. https://www.visitsaintpaul.com/directory/bell-museum/

One of the last free zoos in the United States, Como is home to a wide array of animals (from monkeys to polar bears) and exotic plants and welcomes visitors 365 days a year. Located next to Como Town Amusement Park, the historic Cafesjian's Carousel, and in Como Park, the zoo and conservatory are great fun for visitors of all ages. http://www.comozooconservatory.org/

One of the largest mosaic collections in the western hemisphere; museum and shop. Daily for Masses and tours. https://explorestlouis.com/partner/cathedral-basilica-of-saint-louis/?see_do_category=attractions

A National Historic Landmark founded in 1859 with 79 acres of scenic landscaping and historic structures. Don't miss the Climatron® tropical rain forest, the Japanese Garden and founder Henry Shaw's Victorian home. Seasonal narrated tram tours, restaurant, gift shop https://explorestlouis.com/partner/missouri-botanical-garden/?search_category=attractions

Powell Hall, home of the St. Louis Symphony, is the place to be in St. Louis for music. With it's marvelous acoustics, the classical, holiday, solo and special event concerts at Powell are second to none. https://explorestlouis.com/partner/saint-louis-symphony-powell-hall/

St. Louis' oldest brick home is located just five minutes from the Gateway Arch. Enjoy the original participatory comedy/murder mystery served with a four-course meal to DIE for on Friday, Saturday or Sunday. Private shows available any day/evening including weekends. https://explorestlouis.com/partner/bissell-mansion-restaurant-and-dinner-theatre/?see_do_category=attractions

Fondly nicknamed the “Old Lady on Brady,” this 100-year-old theater is on the National Register of Historic Places and has played host to countless big-name performers, including Journey, Kansas, B.B. King, Will Rogers, Robin Williams and Randy Travis. Today, it anchors the bustling Brady Arts District and stands as one of the greatest monuments to Tulsa’s rich cultural heritage. http://www.visittulsa.com/listings/Brady-Theater/699/

192 acres of wooded area that has great natural beauty and panoramic views of Tulsa and Sand Springs. There are rock formations for climbing, a swimming pool, trails, baseball complex, 2 large playgrounds, restrooms, picnic shelters, 18-hole disc golf course and a community center. http://www.visittulsa.com/listings/Chandler-Park/711/

Where Cardinals past and present combine to create an unforgettable experience. As the official home for St. Louis Cardinals legends, the Cardinals Hall of Fame & Museum is already considered a "must-see" attraction. Created to honor the players and personalities who have impacted the franchise, the museum features stadiums, players, championship moments and one of the world's largest team-specific collections of artifacts and memorabilia. https://explorestlouis.com/partner/cardinals-hall-of-fame-museum/?see_do_category=attractions

Ballpark Village is the premiere dining and entertainment district in the region. Located in the heart of St. Louis' central business district adjacent to Busch Stadium, Ballpark Village is the first-ever, sports-anchored, multi-phased/mixed-use development. The $100 million, 120,000-square-foot multi-story project is visible beyond the left center field wall of Busch Stadium, complimenting the energy and excitement of the game day experience. Ballpark village hosts a variety of public and private events 365 days a year, providing patrons a variety of entertainment, food and beverage, and on-site parking in one location. https://explorestlouis.com/partner/ballpark-village/?see_do_category=attractions

Visit Agora Fitchburg and experience a weekly farmer’s market, annual art fair and local retailers that include Bilancio Eyewear, Ecco Salon, Kneaded Relief Day Spa, and Perennial Yoga. https://www.visitmadison.com/listings/agora-at-fitchburg-center/181540/