What are some good, cheap vacations in the mid-west?

Branson, MO and Eureka Springs, AR. I'm planning a trip to Eureka Springs this year and found through a lot of research that there is a lot to do. Ghost tours($20), zip lining, hiking trails, shopping, lakes with boat rentals(pontoon for up to eight $200 for 8 hrs), wine tastings(under $20 for 6 tastings) and good dining. Historic city in beautiful countryside. Also if your taking a bus, there are cabs and the downtown has a lot to do within walking distance of some hotels including The Crescent (supposedly haunted, $129 p night) and Basin Park Hotels($89 p night), both kind of high but very nice with spas, dining, bistros and bars on site. Other hotels, probably not walking distance to much start as low as $45 p night. Have not been there yet but have heard great things from several people.

We went to Branson, MO last year and went to Ripleys Believe It or Not museum, rode The Ducks (amphibious busses that take you on a land and lake tour), went to the Butterfly Palace and rode lots of go-carts and bumper-boats. Five of us went and did all this for 3 days and 2 nights for $1500 including lodging at the Ramada. Theres also the Titanic museum, magic shows and water fountain show.