ILLINOIS
Quad Cities
Bald Eagle Days in Rock Island (Jan 6-8) Eagle
viewing from QCCA Expo Center and Mississippi
River Visitor Center; tours, 90 booths and
exhibits, birds of prey program. Tel:
309-794-5338.
www.visitquadcities.com
Jimmy Buffet Weekend in Galena
(Jan 6-7) Join the island-themed party with Caribbean food,
tropical drink specials, prizes and live entertainment at
Chestnut Mountain Resort. Tel: 800-397-1320.
www.chestnutmtn.com
Northern Illinois Farm Show
2012 in DeKalb (Jan 11-12) Northern Illinois’ only farm show
features more than 270 exhibits, 7,000 producers and educational
programs. Tel: 800-827-8007.
www.farmshows.com
All-Canada Show in St. Charles
(Jan 12-15) See reps for Canadian lodges and outfitters; hands
on activities, hunting and fishing simulators. Tel:
800-325-6290.
www.allcanada.com
Illinois Snow Sculpting
Competition in Rockford (Jan 18-21) Watch 30 top sculpting teams
form beautiful figures from giant blocks of snow in Sinnissippi
Park. Tel: 815-987-1603.
www.snowsculpting.org
Home Improvement & Remodeling
Expo in Hoffman Estates (Jan 20-22) Hundreds of exhibits, live
demonstrations, healthy cooking show, celebrity guests, live
radio and tv shows. Tel: 630-468-2237.
www.homeshowevent.com
Strictly Sail 2012 in Chicago
(Jan 26-29) More than 20,000 sailing enthusiasts visit the
largest indoor sail show in the country at Navy Pier. See the
newest sailboats and hottest sailing accessories on the market.
Tel: 312-595-5700.
www.strictlysail.com
INDIANA
Indiana Home & Garden Show (Jan
6-8) See what’s new in home building, remodeling, home decor,
landscaping and more at the Indianapolis Convention Center. Tel:
317-705-8719.
www.indianapolishomeshow.com
The Yard Sale Extravaganza in
Crown Point (Jan 12) This huge yard sale, flea market and craft
show is housed in the Lake Co. Fairgrounds. Tel: 219-629-6346.
www.sammyssaddles.com
36th Annual Greater
Indianapolis Garage Sale & Marketplace (Jan 14-15) Indy’s
bargain paradise is back at the Indiana State Fairgrounds with
more than 600 booths. Tel: 317-236-6515.
www.familyevents.com/event/218
23rd Annual Fort Wayne Farm
Show (Jan 17-19) One of the most respected farm shows in the
nation attracts attendees from across the country to see the
latest farm technology. Tel: 260-482-9502.
www.tradexpos.com
9th Annual Gardening Show in
Valparaiso (Jan 21) Check out the garden art, exhibitors,
workshops, seed and bulb exchange and demonstrations. Tel:
219-477-5200.
www.pcgarden.info
The Week of Chocolate in
Bloomington (Jan 29-Feb 4) This annual event promises events and
activities for chocolate lovers of all ages. Tel: 800-885-9615.
www.weekofchocolate.com
IOWA
Monster Jam at Mid America
Center in Council Bluffs (Jan 6-8) Watch these modified monsters
with oversized engines, huge tires and suspensions compete
against each other. Tel: 712-323-0536.
www.midamericacenter.com
Annual Eagle Watch in Clinton
(Jan 7) Enjoy outdoor eagle viewing at Lock & Dam 13; eagle
seminars and wildlife exhibits at Clinton Community College.
Tel: 563-242-5702.
www.clintoniowatourism.com
Quad City Boat & Vacation Show
in Davenport (Jan 13-15) The RiverCenter will be full of all
types of watercraft, RVs, campers and trailers and exhibits by
resorts and fishing camps in the U.S. and Canada. Tel:
319-232-0218.
www.iowashows.com
2012 River City Hunting,
Fishing, RV & Boat Expo in Council Bluffs (Jan 20-22) See
everything from hunting and fishing products to boats, campers
and RVs; talk to outfitters & lodge owners, seminars. Tel:
800-247-0646.
www.rivercityexpo.com
Iowa Boat, RV & Vacation Show
in Cedar Falls (Jan 20-22) See hundreds of models of boats and
RVs in the UNI-Dome. Exhibits include boat docks, waterskis,
marine accessories, tourism destinations and vacation ideas.
Tel: 319-232-0218.
www.iowashows.com
28th Annual Bald Eagle
Appreciation Days in Keokuk (Jan 21-22) See the wildlife and
conservation exhibits, enjoy the live eagle presentations and
view eagles in their natural habitat. Tel: 800-383-1219.
www.keokukiowatourism.org
McGregor Fiber Arts Fest (Jan 28-29) You’ll find quilts, sewing,
crocheting, knitting, textiles, demos and vendors at the
McGregor’s Landing Event Center. Tel: 563-873-2387.
www.mcgregorlanding.com/fiberfest
KANSAS
Tuttle Creek Lake Eagle Day in
Manhattan (Jan 7) Presentations on bald eagles and their nesting
habits, followed by tour to view wintering eagles. Tel:
785-539-8511.
www.nwk.usace.army.mil/Tuttlecreek
NUCS Western Kansas Gun Dog
Competition in Collyer (Jan 7-8) The first gun dog competition
of 2012 is a sanctioned event held at the Pheasant Runn Hunting
Club. Tel: 785-635-2030.
www.pheasantrunn.com
Topeka Farm Show (Jan 10-12)
Check out the latest farm equipment, products and supply
materials in Landon Arena. Tel: 785-297-1000.
www.ksexpo.com
Darryl Starbird Exotic Car Show
in Wichita (Jan 13-15) This 55th annual show includes 400 hot
rods, custom cars, trucks and dream cars, live entertainment.Tel:
918-257-8073.
www.darrylstarbird.com
Eagle Days-Milford Lake in
Junction City (Jan 14-15) Observe eagles and other birds in
their natural habitat on a guided bus tour. Nature-related
activities scheduled throughout the day at the Milford Nature
Center. Tel: 785-238-5323.
www.milfordnaturecenter.info
15th Annual Eagles Day in
Lawrence (Jan 21) Sponsored by the Jayhawk Audubon Society, this
event celebrates the return of bald eagles to the area. Tel:
785-843-7665.
www.kawvalleyeaglesday.com
A Taste of Hays (Jan 22) Local
restaurants serve their signature dishes for this annual event
that helps support the Mary Elizabeth Maternity Home. Tel:
785-625-6800.
www.maryelizabeth.net
MICHIGAN
2012 International Motorcycle
Show in Novi (Jan 6-8) The latest and greatest innovations,
products and services and the hottest motorcycles, custom bikes
and ATVs. Tel: 248-348-5600.
www.motorcycleshows.com/Novi
24th North American
International Auto Show in Detroit (Jan 9-22) The NAIAS in the
Cobo Center is one of the most prestigious auto shows in the
world. Tel: 313-877-8777.
www.naias.com
30th Annual Plymouth
International Ice Sculpture Spectacular (Jan 20-22) Wielding
chisels, saws and picks, teams of ice artists and chefs from
around the globe transform tons of ice into more than 100
shimmering sculptures. Tel: 734-459-6969.
www.plymouthchamber.org
Tip Up Town USA at Houghton
Lake (Jan 20-28) Michigan’s largest winter festival features the
Grand Parade, snowmobile display-rides-racing, ice carving,
carnival, winter fashion show, fireworks. Tel: 989-366-5644.
www.tip-up-townusa.com
Heikinpaiva Mid-Winter Festival
in Hancock (Jan 28) This Finnish fest celebrates the halfway
mark of winter with authentic smorgasbord dinner and dances, a
concert, a Tori Market and a parade. Tel: 906-487-7302.
www.pasty.com/heikki
62nd Annual Perchville, USA in
Tawas City (Feb 2-5) This annual winter fest includes ice
sculptures, frozen lake demolition derby, polar bear swim,
entertainment and food. Tel 989-362-8643.
www.tawas.com
MINNESOTA
Ice Fest in Breezy Point (Jan
6-7) Enjoy the sleigh rides, bonfires, ice dance, live
entertainment, snowmobile radar runs and the Power Ice Auger
World Championship. Tel: 218-568-8911.
www.explorebrainerdlakes.com
White Oak Sled Dog Classic in
Deer River (Jan 6-8) More than 100 sled dog teams from around
the world compete over 130 miles through six small towns. Tel:
218-246-9393.
www.whiteoakclassic.com
32nd Icebox Days & Freeze Yer
Gizzard Blizzard Run in International Falls (Jan 18-22) Annual
celebration of winter includes, frozen turkey bowling, snow
sculpting, smoosh races, candlelight skiing and turkey bowling.
Tel: 218-283-9400.
www.internationalfallsmn.us
18th Annual Antique Snowmobile
Rendezvous in Pequot Lakes (Jan 20-22) snowmobiles built through
1966 “race” at speeds up to 18 miles per hour. Enjoy the races,
parade, obstacle rallies, vintage snowmobile show and trail
rides. Tel: 218-543-4146.
www.brainerd.com
125th Saint Paul Winter
Carnival (Jan 26-Feb 5) “The Coolest Celebration on Earth”
offers fun for the entire family in downtown St. Paul. Tel:
651-223-4700.
www.winter-carnival.com
Winter Tracks Festival in Grand
Marais (Feb 3-12) A festival to celebrate snow, winter and the
bounty of outdoor recreation with a candlelight ski, snowshoe
hikes, bonfires, sleigh rides and a snowmobile fun run. Tel:
218-387-2524. www.donorth.mn
28th Annual Logging Days in
Bemidji (Feb 4) Old-time logging demonstrations, wood & chainsaw
carving, live music, sleigh rides and flapjack meals. Tel:
218-243-2231.
www.bvskiarea.com
MISSOURI
Eagle Days at the Old Chain of
Rocks Bridge in St. Louis (Jan 14-15) View bald eagles as they
search for fish; education tent and Lewis and Clark reenactors
in a camp reminiscent of 1804. Tel: 314-436-1324.
www.visitmo.com
58th Annual Kansas City Sport
Show (Jan 19-22) H. Roe Bartle Hall is brimming with the latest
models of water crafts. Learn about loans, leasing, insurance
and more. Tel: 314-567-0020.
www.kansascitysportshow.com
Eagle Days in Clarksville (Jan
28-29) Events around Lock & Dam 24 include live eagle programs,
exhibits, conservation activities, videos and guides with
spotting scopes. Tel: 573-242-3132.
www.greatriverroad.com
19th Annual Greater Springfield
Garage Sale & Marketplace (Jan 28-29) Browse more than 400
booths filled with antiques, collectibles, jewelry, new and used
clothing, arts and crafts, furniture and more. Tel:
317-236-6515.
www.familyevents.com
King’s Ball in Ste. Genevieve
(Feb 4) This celebration has been held in historic Ste.
Genevieve for more than 250 years. Don’t miss the chance to see
the revelers dressed in French Colonial attire. Tel:
573-883-7097.
www.saintegenevievetourism.org
58th Annual St. Louis Boat &
Sport Show (Feb 8-12) You’ll find something for every sportsman
and gal, from antique & classic boats to dock dog competitions,
turkey calling and owl hooting contests and the archery room.
Tel: 314-821-5400.
www.stlouisboatshow.com
OKLAHOMA
Martin Luther King Soul Food
Cook-Off in Muskogee (Jan 13-15) This 6th annual event showcases
the skills of amateur cooks from the region. Tel: 918-684-6363.
www.nationalsoulfoodcookoff.com
Eagle Tour in Hulbert (Jan 14 &
28) Come to the Three Forks Nature Center and take a guided tour
in the Fort Gibson and Hulbert area to view eagles in their
natural habitat Tel: 918-772-2108.
www.oklahomaparks.com
Western Hills Winter Bluegrass
Festival in Wagoner (Jan 19-21) Come out and enjoy great music
at the Western Hills Guest Ranch; jam sessions daily in the
hotel lobby. Tel: 405-308-0010.
www.oklahomaparks.com
Ultimate Eagle Watch in Kaw
City (Jan 21) In addition to guided tours to eagle spotting
areas on Kaw Lake, you’ll enjoy programs on bald eagles, raptor
rehabilitation and wildlife. A Native American lunch is
available. Tel: 580-762-9494.
www.kawlake.com
Trail Dance Film Festival in
Duncan (Jan 27-29) The festival showcases the work of
independent filmmakers from around the globe. Tel: 580-467-8519.
www.travelok.com
Chocolate Festival in Norman
(Jan 28) Ranked third among food festivals in the United States
by the Food Network, this event is indeed a treat for the
senses. Tel: 405-329-4523.
www.normanfirehouse.com
Tulsa Boat, Sport & Travel Show
(Jan 30-Feb 5) One of the top five boat shows in the U.S. boasts
the southwest’s largest display of boats, RVs, ATVs, fishing
tackle and resorts. Tel: 918-486-3318.
www.tulsaboatshow.com
WISCONSIN
26th Annual Winter Veterans
Festival & Reunion in New Glarus. (Jan 13-15) This celebration
for veterans of all U.S. wars and conflicts includes a parade,
veterans programs, dance, auction and more. Tel: 608-527-2942.
www.war-veterans.org
WBAY RV & Camping Show in Green
Bay (Jan 18-21) More than 80 campground/accessory vendors and RV
and camper dealers from around the Midwest display the latest
models in the Brown County Veterans Memorial Arena. Tel:
920-494-3401. www.wbay.com
World Championship Snowmobile
Derby in Eagle River (Jan 19-22) The highest ranking winter
sports event in the Midwest is unique in that it hosts three
separate racing venues: ice oval, sno-cross and vintage racing.
Tel: 715-479-4424.
www.derbytrack.com
Milwaukee Boat Show in West
Allis (Jan 20-29) Wisconsin’s foremost boat show has it all,
from inflatables to yachts and everything in between in the
Wisconsin Expo Center. Tel: 616-447-2860.
www.showspan.com
Lake Home & Cabin Show in
Madison (Jan 27-29) Activities include seminars, demonstrations
and products covering virtually every aspect of lake home and
cabin ownership and the lake and cabin lifestyle. Tel:
608-267-3976.
www.lakehomeandcabinshow.com
Bald Eagle Days in Cassville
(Jan 28-29) Up to 250 bald eagles winter around Cassville each
year. Knowledgeable volunteers help you locate them at the
outdoor observation deck at Riverside Park. Tel: 608-725-5855.
www.cassville.org
Winter Carnival at Christmas
Mountain Village in Wisconsin Dells (Feb 4) The nation’s largest
sanctioned sled dog weight pull attracting teams from throughout
the United States. Dog sled races, woodsplitting, horsedrawn
wagon rides, fireworks. Tel: 608-254-3944.
www.Christmasmountainvillage.com
