Where to Find Budget Culture in the Midwest

Find culture on the cheap in these five laid-back Midwestern cities:

Indianapolis, Indiana
Visit the Indianapolis Museum of Art or the Indianapolis Museum of Contemporary Art for free, or visit the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis on one of its free admission days.

Minneapolis, Minneapolis
Admission to the Minneapolis Institute of Arts and Minneapolis Sculpture Garden are always free. St. Paul’s Como Zoo and Conservatory is also free, and the Minnesota Historical Society hosts free admission days to historic sites in the Twin Cities.

Best Budget-Friendly Ski Vacations

These budget-friendly ski resorts offer amenities and activities for everyone from seasoned skiers to first-timers.

Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa, Thompsonville, Michigan
With ski and spa packages starting at $139 per person per night and a variety of other wallet-friendly deals, this full-service ski and golf resort offers a variety of activities, lessons, childcare and more at reasonable prices. Voted top Midwest ski resort by SKI magazine in 2005, the resort offers 45 trails plus two terrain parks and a 700-foot halfpipe.

Vail Cascade Resort, Vail, Colorado
This AAA Four-Diamond resort at the base of Vail Mountain offers a variety of lodging styles and sizes, and an extensive list of attractions and activities for year-round fun. Take advantage of special packages catering to families, spa-lovers, foodies, and hardcore deal-seekers.