We are looking for a vacation spot in the Midwest for late summer/fall. We have two children, ages 2 and 4. We want to get outdoors with the kids, have activities for them (possibly planned), and enjoy ourselves in a lodge or cabin-type atmosphere. Are we trying to find someplace unattainable? We can't seem to find anything!

You're right: That fabled Ralph Lauren-esque lodge, brimming with wholesome families playing outdoors together, is hard to find. The lodgings in most wilderness areas tend to be either very rustic sporting cabins or resort hotels with the usual amenities. So, you might have to compromise a little; go more rustic than you planned, or forego the log cabin atmosphere in exchange for more family activities. With that strategy in mind, we zeroed in on two great outdoor towns, and offer two possibilities for you to consider. Truly, these locales are so terrific that you'll probably spend more time outdoors together, and less time in your lodging place, than you anticipate.

Option 1: Ely, Minnesota is the rustic choice. Home of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Ely has deep woods and blue water. This area is the largest wilderness preserve east of the Rockies. Since your kids are so young, you'll want to do short paddles, fish from the shoreline, and splash around in the lakes. They'll get a kick out of the International Wolf Center, and learn to make wolf howls with the best of them!

There are a zillion lodges, cabins, and outfitters in the area. One known to cater to families is Timber Bay Lodge in Babbitt, 10 miles south of Ely. Set on Birch Lake, Timber Bay has a beach and lots of activities for kids. Call (800) 846-6821. For more info, contact Ely's Vacation Hotline by calling (800) 777-7281 or clicking here.

Option 2: Another terrific outdoor town is Traverse City, Michigan. (We should know--one of us spent every summer here as a child! Our cabin on Lake Leelanau, and its outhouse, will probably outlast all of us!) Set on the northwest corner of Michigan's Lower Peninsula, on the Grand Traverse Bay of Lake Michigan, the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa is a favorite with families. Okay, so this is a resort, not a lodge (although you can find plenty of cabins in the region), but it definitely makes it easy to enjoy outdoor fun with little fuss. Your kids, alas, are too young for the resort's Cub Camp (starts at age 7), but nanny services are available so you can play tennis, golf, or hit the spa on your own. Together, your family can keep as busy as you want to be, wandering the hiking trails, pedal-boating, swimming, fishing, and sightseeing. For information, call (800) 748-0303 or click here.

Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Originally published in June 2001. Updated June 2006.