Beyond Wisconsin: Exploring the Midwest

This is an unforgettable Wisconsin 4-H travel experience designed for middle school students in grades 6–8. Over President’s Day weekend in February 2027, youth will journey from Wisconsin to St. Louis, Missouri, by coach bus for an adventure that blends fun, learning, and cultural discovery. Along the way, participants will explore science museums, art centers, and enjoy live music and performances, all while sampling local flavors like St. Louis-style barbecue. The experience kicks off Thursday evening with an overnight stay at a camp facility in Illinois, where students will engage in teambuilding activities and build relationships with peers from across Wisconsin. After a weekend of hands-on, interactive experiences in STEM, art, music, and regional culture, along with two nights in a St. Louis hotel, the youth will ride through the night on Sunday and return home Monday morning with memories to last a lifetime. This is more than a travel experience, it’s a chance to spark curiosity, build connections, and see the Midwest in a whole new way!

This is a great opportunity for youth to take the first steps toward independence: staying overnight in a new place away from home.  Use this program as a stepping stone for other overnight educational travel experiences.

Youth will travel with Wisconsin 4-H educator staff and enrolled adult volunteers who have completed screening and training in how to keep young people safe in overnight programs. The travel team will include a health coordinator and adults trained in addressing mental health needs.

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