From quaint small towns or geological wonders, here are six weekend getaways and when to take them.

JULY: Johnson Shut-Ins State Park

While much of Kansas City migrates to the Lake of the Ozarks’ crowded coves each summer, those in search of a wilder kind of waterfront should point their compass southeast. 

Tucked within Mark Twain National Forest, Johnson’s Shut-Ins is a geological relic where ancient volcanic rock and centuries of rushing water have created one of Missouri’s most spectacular swimming holes. Wide, mellow pools are perfect for perching lawn chairs and dipping your feet, while rushing chutes and craggy rock form hidden alcoves and Olympic-size lazy rivers. Natural wildlife is abundant and one of the best perks of choosing this gently tamed campground. For any adventurous vacationer looking to experience wonder not too far from home, this is the perfect spot. Just remember to bring water shoes.

Pitch a tent for the ultimate camping excursion or opt for accommodations ranging from quaint A-frames and treehouses to a restored 19th-century “castle” and a refurbished chapel complete with original stained glass and beds fashioned from church pews.

Insider tip: While this corner of Missouri isn’t exactly known for retail therapy, there are plenty of ways to round out the trip. Spend an afternoon at Ironton’s Pickle & Perk—a Chicken N Pickle-esque concept that pairs pickleball and boutique shopping with café fare—and expand your souvenir search beyond the gift shop with handcrafted scents from Arcadia Valley Soap. 

AUGUST: Des Moines, Iowa

Des Moines thrives in late summer. The most obvious reason: the Iowa State Fair. Running August 13–23 this year, the fair is widely considered one of the country’s best, and it’s worth planning a weekend around it.

The fair’s Grandstand concerts alone are a draw, and this year’s lineup includes Rod Stewart, Alabama, TLC and Red Clay Strays. And of course no visit is complete without seeing the fair’s true star of the show (sorry, Alabama): the butter cow. This tradition dates back to 1911 and uses up to 800 pounds of butter over a wire and wood framework to create a life-sized bovine sculptural masterpiece.

After paying your respects to Iowa’s dairy icon, seek out some fried food on a stick. We suggest the pickle dog: a pickle wrapped in ham, slathered in cream cheese, battered and deep fried. It’s an Iowan delicacy.

For a calmer pit stop, head downtown the Better Homes & Gardens Test Garden, open Friday afternoons from May through October. The garden is a living lab where staff evaluate plant varieties, color combos and growing conditions for the magazine, which has long been headquartered in Des Moines. Visitors can freely wander through themed gardens and demonstration beds, and it’s a welcome moment of peace despite being on the edge of downtown.

Just across the street, the John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park is a must-see. Spreading more than four acres, the park has more than two dozen large-scale contemporary sculptures scattered around an open lawn. Grab a coffee, plug in your headphones and stroll at your leisure using the free audio tour.

Insider tip: Grab breakfast at Mullets. Located along one of the city’s busiest bike trails, the laid-back roadhouse is a prime place to relax on the outdoor patio and people-watch over a breakfast burrito and bloody mary.

SEPTEMBER: Eureka Springs, Arkansas

This quaint town in Northwest Arkansas, just under four hours from KC, is bustling with tourists in the summer months, but we prefer to visit as the fall foliage begins to sweep through the rolling Ozark Mountains. There are plenty of trails within a short drive, and the milder temps make for ideal hiking weather.  

The scenic views alone make the town a great getaway destination in itself, but that’s not all there is to look at. The town is full of well-preserved Victorian architecture; in fact, Eureka Springs’ entire downtown is placed on the National Registry of Historic Places. As it’s a community built right into the mountains, be prepared to tackle steep inclines and staircases as you navigate downtown (your smartwatch will be impressed after a day of exploring), or just hitch a ride on the trolley.

As for lodging, Eureka Springs has an abundance of small cottages marketed as couples retreats, motels and historic inns. For those who are eagerly awaiting Halloween, Crescent Hotel and Spa—an inn with a dark history as a once-fraudulent cancer hospital—offers evening ghost tours year-round. We suggest grabbing a bite at Local Flavor Cafe, live music at Chelsea’s Corner Cafe and a visit to Thorncrown Chapel, a striking glass sanctuary in the woods located a few miles outside of town. 

Did you know? Each level of downtown’s towering seven-story Basin Street Hotel is considered to be ground-level due to the hilly topography. The inn was even featured in Robert Ripley’s cartoon column “Believe It or Not” in 1930 for this reason. 

OCTOBER: Hermann, Missouri

Head a few hours east of Kansas City to Hermann and you may feel as though you’ve been transported to the Old World. Nestled along the bluffs of the Missouri River, this charming town is full of steeply-pitched roofs, tall facades and half-timbered structures.

Nearly 200 years ago, a group of German immigrants from Philadelphia—scouting a place to build their own utopia —were taken by the area’s resemblance to their homeland’s Rhine Valley. Today, the small town’s culture remains well intact, and the best time to visit is in October. Every weekend throughout the month, the town goes all out to celebrate Oktoberfest. 

Ditch the car and take the Amtrak Missouri River Runner—which departs from Union Station twice a day—and book a suite at the luxuriously-restored 19th-century hotel The Inn at Hermannhof, located just steps from the train station. Visit Hermann Wurst Haus for homemade sausages and sip through the area’s several vineyards and craft breweries. 

Insider tip: Want to polka? For live oompah music (plus German specialities like schnitzel, sauerkraut, bratwurst and more), visit Concert Hall and Barrel Tavern.

NOVEMBER: Lake of the Ozarks

Although the Lake of the Ozarks may feel like a ghost town in its off-season, this popular Midwest vacation destination is the ideal respite before the busy holiday season hits. With the lack of boat traffic, it’s also a great time to cast your pole—the reservoir is home to bass, crappie, walleye, catfish and more. 

For the full vacation experience, stay at The Lodge of Four Seasons. With amenities galore, like two championship golf courses, a spa, gaming arcade and beyond, there’s fun for all ages. But the highlight is the hotel’s year-round indoor-outdoor pool with heated water, perfect for the crisp fall weather. 

Although there are plenty of dining options at the resort, we suggest taking a short drive to Baxter’s Lakeside Grille for dinner. This tried-and-true, old-school steakhouse prides itself on flying in its seafood selections, in addition to a menu of locally sourced ribeyes, silky pasta dishes and chilled martinis. Reservations are highly recommended. 

Did you know? Lake of the Ozarks was originally built as a power reservoir, not a tourist attraction. From 1929 to 1931, more than 20,000 workers built the Bagnell Dam to supply power to the St. Louis region, impounding the Osage River and submerging townships, forests and even cemeteries. 

DECEMBER: Saint Charles, Missouri

Just 30 minutes northwest of St. Louis, St. Charles transforms into a Victorian-inspired winter wonderland during its annual Christmas Traditions festival, which takes place November 27 through December 24 this year. Along Main’s Streets brick-lined streets, gas lamps flicker, carolers sing and costumed characters in period dress mingle with visitors, creating an atmosphere that feels straight out of a Hallmark movie or a Charles Dickens’ novel.

The town’s core is very walkable, making it easy to spend a weekend exploring. Hit up The Glass Workbench for a keepsake ornament, browse antiques at Cobblestone Cottage and stop by Tony’s for lunch and have a plate of t-ravs (toasted ravioli for those unfamiliar with St. Louis’ game).

On Saturdays and Sundays, stake out a spot for the Christmas Traditions Santa Parade. Complete with a Revolutionary War-style drum line, this popular parade marches down Main Street at noon throughout the festival. On Saturdays, don’t miss one of the season’s simplest pleasures: hot roasted chestnuts served fresh as Jack Frost nips at your nose.

Table Rock Lake & Branson

We would be remiss not to mention one of the Midwest’s most popular vacation destinations no matter what time of year it is — Branson. This tourist hub offers a full slate of entertainment, Ozark mountain views, shopping and more.

Set along Table Rock Lake, sprawling wilderness resort Big Cedar Lodge offers something for every season, whether you’d prefer to lounge on a pontoon boat, tee off on championship courses or partake in holiday festivities like ice skating. 

Indulge in some R&R at the resort’s luxurious Cedar Creek Spa and Salon, which features a grotto, waterfalls, saunas, an ice room and an extensive menu of treatments. While there’s plenty to do on-site (like bumper cars, guided fishing and even underwater bowling), Dolly Parton’s Stampede, theme park Silver Dollar City and nature sanctuary Dogwood Canyon are among some of the area’s most popular attractions. 

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