Here is a roundup of some of the biggest events and openings in the Great Lakes USA region in 2023:
Minnesota
A world-record breaking nature experience is set to open this summer at the Minnesota Zoo. The Minnesota Zoo’s new Treetop Trail will be the world’s longest elevated pedestrian loop, offering visitors an immersive nature and wildlife experience 32 feet above the ground.
Mall of America in Bloomington, which just celebrated its 30th birthday in 2022, continues to add new shopping, dining and entertainment experiences. The Museum of Illusions, opening in early 2023, will feature more than 70 exhibits that will provide immersive, interactive, mind-boggling experiences. Kura Sushi restaurant will feature a revolving sushi bar.
Wisconsin
Harley Davidson 120th Anniversary.
America’s most famous motorcycle brand is celebrating 120 years since Milwaukeeans William Harley and Arthur Davidson built the world’s first motorised bicycle. Celebrations in the Wisconsin city will kick off with the launch of the Harley-Davidson Homecoming event which will take place at venues throughout the Milwaukee area. For devotees of the iconic motorcycle, it’s a chance to meet fellow enthusiasts and share their passion for two wheels by joining in the fun of the four-day summer festival of music, food and moto-culture (July 13-16). Hardcore fans should head downtown to the Harley-Davidson Museum, a 20-acre campus that’s a heaven of motorcycles and memorabilia.
Potawatomi Hotel & Casino in Milwaukee is currently undergoing a $100 million renovation to the casino’s third floor. The 120,000-square-foot project will include 1,800 slot machine stations, a new bar with 28 bar-top “slot seats” and 4K televisions. The project will also see the addition of Rock & Brews, a restaurant whose co-founders include Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley of the rock band KISS. Construction will be completed by the spring of 2023.
Illinois
An American Giants Museum in the City of Atlanta, Illinois will open in spring 2023. The new, one-of-a-kind experience will be located on the 1926 alignment of Route 66 (Arch Street) in downtown Atlanta. The American Giants Museum will tell the story of the kitschy and quirky “Muffler Man/Bunyan Giant” statues that once sprang up in the 1960s as advertising gimmicks across the USA. Today, they are some of the most popular sights for tourists traveling Historic Route 66. Route 66 tourists will be able to see, learn about, and interact with the largest single collection of American Giants anywhere along Route 66. Because one of the feature outdoor exhibits will be a “Texaco Big Friend,” the exterior of the museum resembles a vintage Texaco service station. The Texaco Big Friend is 24’ tall. Up to five additional giant statues, each approximately 19’ tall, will also be displayed on the museum grounds.
Alpine Coaster at Aerie’s Resort in Grafton
This thrilling new ride – that’s the first of its kind in Illinois –will feature two-person sleds that will travel down the hillside over 3,000 feet of track at speeds up to 25 miles per hour. Visitors can travel through the seasonal foliage that Grafton is known for, and twist and turn around the landscape
Ohio
The state has two major celebrations in 2023:
120th Anniversary of the invention of flight (Wright Brothers First Flight was December 17, 1903)
220th Birthday of Ohio (Ohio became a state on March 1, 1803)
New at Cedar Point Amusement Park
From the simple pleasures of swimming and sunbathing in the late-1800’s to the modern-day roller coasters, rides, waterpark, signature events and multi-day fun of today’s resort destination – the Cedar Point Beach has been the anchor of both the park’s history and traditional summer vacations for so many families. In 2023, this history is celebrated in a whole new way with the introduction of The Boardwalk.
The Boardwalk joins Cedar Point as an entirely new area of the park. You’ll step into a modern-day take on the experience of yesteryear. Enjoy new ride experiences, including the Wild Mouse family coaster and revitalized family attractions, Cedar Point’s Grand Pavilion – a new dining venue, roaming entertainment and the sights and sounds of our classic beachside resort.
Michigan
Detroit
Motown Museum Expansion Update:
Construction is already underway on the third and final phase of the expansion project. Phase three will involve a 40,000 square foot theatre and exhibit space. Completion of phase three is expected in 2024, although specific dates are not yet known. For more information on the Motown Museum, visit www.motownmuseum.org.
Development is in the final stretch for Michigan Central Station, with founding members Ford Motor Company and Google. The unprecedented public-private redevelopment project is in the process of transforming the once derelict Michigan Central Train Station into the core of a 30- acre mobility innovation district, powered by 100% renewable energy. Now in its final stages, the current work is focusing on the former train station’s interior, including using 3D printers to replicate original architecture, and matching original brickwork. The first floor of the station itself will be open to the public, and include event space, libraries, eating space, retail space, and even a coffee shop operating out of previous ticket windows. Currently, plans are on track for tenants to move in winter or spring 2023. For more information, visit www.michigancentral.com
Traverse City
The first Rail Bike tour in Michigan starts on 25 May, 2023 in Traverse City. Wheels on Rails combines rail travel and bicycling for fun. Rail bikers pedal specially purposed vehicles along disused stretches of historic rail lines that have no traffic. A railbike ride offers the perfect combination of fresh air, sightseeing, exercise, and wide-open spaces. The tour is a six-mile round trip on either a tandem bike for two people or a quad bike for four persons.
Mackinac Island
This national treasure is located directly between Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas and is only accessible by boat or plane. In 2023, it celebrates 75 years of the Lilac Festival and 125 years of the ban on motorized vehicles on the island.
The Lilac Festival is the largest and most historic festival on Mackinac Island. It’s 10 days celebrating the lilacs and their uniqueness and history to Mackinac Island. The 10 days include Join us the Lilac Queen coronation, official poster reveal, 10K Run/Walk, lilac walking tours, lilac planting seminars, bounce houses, Michigan Cornhole tournament, live music, the Grand Parade, and more! www.mackinacisland.org/
Mackinac State Historic Parks will mark the 125th anniversary of the ban on motorized vehicles with a special event on July 22, complete with an 1886 Benz Motorwagen on the island. The “horseless vehicle” will also be on display outside Fort Mackinac during the day on July 22. A special commemorative logo has been developed and will be found on merchandise at Mackinac State Historic Parks museum stores, as well as on the license plates found on carriages throughout the island. Visitors to the island get around by walking, cycling or using horse-drawn carriages.
