The world's waterpark mecca, Wisconsin Dells, is a five-hour drive from Springfield.

In 1946, boat trips to Witches Gulch landing and the Stand Rock Indian Ceremonial on World War II boats known as DUKWs (or "ducks") was the big thing in Wisconsin Dells. Since the 1950s, the Tommy Bartlett ski show has wowed visitors to the area. But it was Stan Anderson's idea in 1994 that kick-started the waterpark wave.

St. Louis’ proximity to Springfield and its long list of first-class cultural and recreational venues make it an ideal weekend destination.

In Cuba, the most jarring case of culture shock is the distance between the worlds of visitors and those who live there.

The first thing you notice upon arriving in Stowe is the intense green. Not only are the mountains, forests and meadows green, but the very air smells green. Welcome to Vermont, where the air is clean and suitable for drinking in deeply. When you take in a lungful, it's akin to a deep religious experience or a seven-course gourmet meal in a five-star Paris bistro. Environmentalists will feel as if they've landed in the Garden of Eden.

Less than 20 miles separate America's first permanent English settlement (1607) in Jamestown, from the last battle of the Revolutionary War (1781) in Yorktown. Located strategically in between these two historical areas is the second capital of Virigina: Colonial Williamsburg.

Lakes, mountains, museums, golf courses, fine dining and non-stop family musical entertainment have helped Branson, Mo., earn the nickname of "Live Music Show Capital of the World."

So your daughter runs around in Disney Princess costumes and wishes upon a star every night. Your son secretly thinks that he looks like Johnny Depp when he lunges about the house with his cardboard sword, humming "The Pirates of the Caribbean" theme song. Both your kids are clamoring for a change of scenery, but you assume that family finances dictate that none of you will be wearing mouse ears for some time to come. Is there any destination close enough to Springfield for a weekend jaunt that will be magical enough to satisfy your Disney-crazed offspring and yet won't put too big of a strain on the family budget?

Mix a strong ethnic heritage, spectacular lakefront views, festivals for everyone and anyone, and world-class museums. Add a dash of glamour, some great shopping ... that's Milwaukee.