14 Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day in the Great Lakes USA

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, and in the Great Lakes there is everything from romantic beach walks, breath-taking sun sets and unique events.

Love Gone Wild: Detroit, Michigan

Spend an evening exploring the world of "dating" and mating in the animal kingdom at Detroit Zoo. Open to both singles and couples, this memorable Valentine’s Day event offers a candid and entertaining look at how zoo animals spend a romantic evening, but you must be over 21 to attend. Love Gone Wild includes strolling canapes prepared by the Zoo’s culinary team, two drinks and a special gift. http://detroitzoo.org/events/zoo-events/love-gone-wild/

Valentine’s Day Dinner through Ohio’s Cuyahoga Valley: Cleveland, Ohio

Treat your loved one to a unique dining experience in Ohio; enjoy a romantic dinner from Fahrenheit restaurant of Cleveland, while you ride aboard the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. As you travel down the rails of the Ohio National Park, enjoy a four course meal with wine’s specially selected to complement each dish. http://www.cvsr.com/special-events

Mallow Run Winery Dinner and Wine Pairing: Indianapolis, Indiana

Treat your partner to a romantic Valentine’s dinner in the rustic setting of Mallow Run Winery. Taste your way through a three course dinner, each served with a specially selected wine to highlight the locally sources ingredients. Live entertainment will be provided by The Castlewood Singers. The Live! Laugh! Love! Valentine’s Dinner and Wine Pairing’s take place 12^th and 13^th February 2016, more information can be found: http://mallowrun.com/events-3/

Romancing the Stars: Milwaukee, Wisconsin

This Valentine’s Day, give that special someone the universe as the Daniel M. Soref Planetarium presents a special two-evening run of the Valentine’s show Romancing the Stars. Couples can experience an out-of-this-world date at the Planetarium, complete with a romantic tour of the universe and a look at which star clusters are actually "constellations of love." http://www.mpm.edu/plan-visit/theater-planetarium/romancing-stars

Chicago’s Midsummer Night’s Dream: Chicago, Illinois

Make Shakespeare’s 400^th Birthday in the windy city this Valentine’s. The Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Chicago Shakespeare Theater join forces for the concert, combining Chicago actors and the CSO orchestra to alternate scenes from Shakespeare’s comedy with excerpts from Felix Mendelssohn’s music for the play. http://cso.org/ticketsandevents/Production-Details/family/family-midsummer/

Tie the knot in the Mall of America: Bloomington, Minnesota

Thinking of tying the knot with your loved one?  Why not fly to Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota and get hitched at Chapel of Love which has married more than 7,000 couples.  The Chapel will arrange everything within two hours, including minister, bride and groom’s apparel, music and even the rice!  www.chapeloflove.com

Mush with Dogs, Howl with Wolves: Ely, Minnesota

Spend your Valentine’s weekend steering a team of sled dogs through the snow-covered Northwoods of Minnesota. Learn to snowshoe and discover the secrets to tracking wolves in their native habitat. Followed by hot cocoa while watching our ambassador wolves from inside our spectacular viewing auditorium with your loved one. http://www.wolf.org/programs/learning-adventures/mush-with-dogs-howl-with-wolves/

Be My Valentine 5K: Indianapolis, Indiana

A little friendly competition is good for any relationship. The Be My Valentine 5K takes place on 13^th February 2016 and is at The Athenaeum in Indianapolis. Run, walk or jog your way into the heart of your Valentine in 2016, and when you’re finished you can cosy up under the blanket with you winner’s medal and hot chocolate. http://fun-races.com/valentine/

Valentine’s Candlelight Night at Interstate State Park: St Croix Falls, Wisconsin

Experience a winter evening by candlelight as hundreds of candles are lit to guide skiers, snowshoers and hikers on separate trails. There are warming fires at the trailheads, and refreshments available at the Ice Age Center for you to spend a romantic evening exploring Wisconsin by candle light. The event takes place on 13^th February 2016. http://www.travelwisconsin.com/events/cross-country-skiing-snowshoeing/valentines-candlelight-night-at-interstate-state-park-40014

Valentine’s Murder Mystery: Springfield, Illinois

Team up with your loved one to solve the ultimate ‘Who dunnit’ in Springfield this Valentine’s. Enjoy a three course dinner in downtown Springfield, but be sure to keep your cards close to your chest as you never know who the killer may be. This is Valentine’s treat supports the American Cancer Society and is held annually at the Inn at 835 in historic downtown Springfield. http://www.visitspringfieldillinois.com/event-details/9552

Valentine’s Day Ball and Extravaganza: Duluth, Minnesota

Spend Valentine’s Day with the whole family in Duluth, Minnesota. The Valentine’s Day Ball and Extravaganza has princesses, bouncy castles, dancing, music and much more. The event is in its second year at the Clyde Iron Works and takes place on 14^th February. http://clydeironworks.com/files/2015/11/2016-02-14-Valentines-Day-Ball.jpg

Cincy Winter Beerfest: Cincinnati, Ohio

The 9th annual Cincy Winter Beerfest will be held at the Duke Energy Convention Center in downtown Cincinnati on 12^th and 13^th February 2016. Breweries and beer enthusiasts from across the US will gather for a sampling of over 350 fresh craft beers of all styles, and tastes, offering a unique way to celebrate your Valentine’s weekend in Ohio. http://www.cincybeerfest.com/

Chateau Chantal Presents: Traverse City, Michigan

Chef Reuben Rosales presents a unique 5-course meal with each course perfectly paired alongside a Chateau Chantal wine. The popular wine dinners at Chateau Chantal are the perfect way to experience the best of Northern Michigan, from the stunning scenery to the delicious culinary creations. http://www.chateauchantal.com/event-calendar/194

Harrison Hills Sleigh Rides: Merrill, Wisconsin

Ride through the northwoods of Wisconsin on a scenic sleigh ride this Valentine’s. You can take up to 14 people on the ride if you want to share the day of love with family and friends or choose a more intimate option and bring your loved one for a romantic outing and cuddle up under the warm blanket. There are plenty of opportunities to stop for photos along the ride and for a bite to eat. https://travelwisconsin.com/tours/harrison-hills-sleigh-rides-196697