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The 13 best midwest vacations for families.

From big-city adventures to small-town escapes, these locales highlight some of Middle America's top destinations.

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Explore cities, lakes, theme parks and more in America's heartland.

Indianapolis

South Dakota road trip

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Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

St. Louis, Missouri

Traverse City, Michigan

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Branson, Missouri

Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

Kansas City, Missouri

Door County, Wisconsin

Mackinac Island, Michigan

Put-in-Bay, Ohio

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18 Top-Rated Midwest Vacations

Written by Anietra Hamper Updated May 4, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Author Anietra Hamper is a native of the Midwest and has been to some of the best vacation spots that visitors can experience.

One of the best features when considering a Midwest vacation is that these states experience all four seasons, so the scenery and experiences are different every time you go. While major cities like Indianapolis and Chicago are top places to visit in the Midwest, some of the best vacation spots are in the more subdued destinations, like Mackinac Island in Michigan or the Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri .

Depending on the time of year you want to plan a vacation, you can consider places that offer ski resorts and scenic byways or simple sunsets and spring break getaways. What makes a Midwest vacation even better is the convenience of getting to most of the cities since they are centrally located in the United States.

Choose the ideal place to visit with our list of the best Midwest vacations.

1. Mackinac Island, Michigan

2. chicago, illinois, 3. door county, wisconsin, 4. put-in-bay, ohio, 5. kansas city, 6. south dakota ski resorts, 7. wisconsin dells, wisconsin, 8. st. louis, missouri, 9. indianapolis, indiana, 10. lake of the ozarks, missouri, 11. traverse city, michigan, 12. duluth, minnesota, 13. mount rushmore & rapid city, south dakota, 14. cleveland, ohio, 15. milwaukee, wisconsin, 16. ohio's amish country, 17. branson, missouri, 18. omaha, nebraska, map of midwest vacations.

Highlight: Simplistic, old-school vacation vibe inspired by historic hotels; no cars allowed on the island

One of the most magical vacation experiences in the Midwest is on Mackinac Island in Michigan. There is a quiet charm on the island, as no vehicles are allowed, which is part of what makes it one of the best places to visit in Michigan . Vacationers are transported to the resorts by horse and carriage, and during their stay, they get around on foot or by bicycle.

Your vacation begins with the ferry ride from Mackinaw City to Mackinac Island across Lake Huron, and whether you spend your day hiking through the Mackinac Island State Park , kayaking along the shoreline and Arch Rock, or just kicking back in a rocking chair to watch the sunset, you can put your wristwatch away and feel comfortable on vacation time.

There is a vintage vacation elegance on the island, with the Victorian architecture of the homes and the beautiful historic resorts that have welcomed visitors for decades. Two of the most notable and luxurious places to stay are the Grand Hotel , which sits on top of the hill, and Mission Point Resort , which is easily spotted by the collection of Adirondack chairs on the front lawn, ready for the evening spectacle of the sunset.

If you want to add some sightseeing to a few days, you can arrange for a horseback ride around the island and visit Fort Mackinac , a historic military outpost. The best experiences on the island happen by just exploring on your own, past the intricately manicured gardens and the lilac trees. You can book a sunset cruise or fireworks cruise on the Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry on summer weekends.

Highlight: The adventurous ways to see Chicago from above is from the city's tallest buildings

The great city of Chicago in Illinois is one of the best vacation spots in the Midwest because there are so many things to do. The Windy City is filled with culture, music, arts, and of course that famous deep-dish pizza. You can theme each day of your vacation to cover the best that Chicago has to offer.

Two of the top places to visit during your Chicago vacation are Millennium Park and Navy Pier. Millennium Park is part of Grant Park, which is where you are likely to catch a summer concert or festival during your stay.

The historic Navy Pier has so much to see, from gardens and restaurants to a performing arts center. You can take a ride on the 150-foot Ferris wheel for one of the best views of the city. If this is a family vacation, the kids will enjoy the Chicago Children's Museum located at Navy Pier.

To catch some of the arts scene in the city plan a day to visit the Art Institute of Chicago , and catch a live show at one of the theaters in the city, like the Chicago Theatre, CIBC Theatre, or the Cadillac Palace Theatre.

No vacation to Chicago is complete without some time to shop along Michigan Avenue and the Magnificent Mile . The upscale retailers and shops make for an exciting day filling your shopping bags with new finds.

Add in a day of adventure hitting two of Chicago's most ambitious attractions: 360 Chicago , located on the 94 th floor of the John Hancock Building, is not for those who are afraid of heights. The observation deck gives you a great view of the city, with a tilt feature that leans you 1,000 feet over the Chicago skyline.

The SkyDeck Chicago at Willis Tower is the other high-rise attraction worth seeing. As you ride up to the SkyDeck on the 103 rd floor of what was once the world's tallest office building, you will be 1,353 feet off the ground and see into the landscape for nearly 50 miles.

Highlights: Family-owned businesses, farms, restaurants, and ice cream parlors that have been around for generations

The Door County peninsula of Wisconsin, most identifiable as the "thumb" of the state, is one of the best vacation ideas in the Midwest because of the variety of things to do and for the number of towns that you can visit in a short period of time.

Door County has 19 small towns along the 70-mile peninsula, which is bordered by Lake Michigan on one side and Green Bay on the other. It is a charming chain of communities with many small businesses like restaurants and resorts, making it a wholesome vacation for families traveling with kids or for a romantic getaway .

You can stay in a place like Egg Harbor or Sister Bay and spend your vacation days going to the other communities to experience the family-owned cherry orchards, biking, or taking a ride on the Door County Trolley to see some of the area's highlights. Outdoor enthusiasts can spend every day hiking in one of the five state parks in Door County. One of the best and largest is Peninsula State Park .

The water is a main draw in Door County, with more than 300 miles of coastline, so plan a few days to experience some of the beaches and kayaking opportunities , where you can see shipwrecks and sea caves.

For a fun day trip, take the ferry to Washington Island , where you can see lavender fields and Schoolhouse Beach with its unique all-rock shoreline.

Highlight: The ferry ride to get to the island has regular departure times to and from the mainland so you can stay as long as you want.

One of the best Midwest spring break ideas is Put-in-Bay on South Bass Island in Ohio. It is a popular vacation spot both for residents looking for Ohio weekend getaways and for those traveling from out of state.

The island is off the northern Ohio coast in Lake Erie and has gained a reputation as one of the best getaways in the Midwest. The island calls to spring breakers every year, who hop on the Jet Express ferry from Sandusky or Port Clinton and head to the small island, which is big on fun.

For the younger crowd, your vacation will likely center around Put-in-Bay's social scene. There is a cluster of restaurants and activities in the center of town where vacationers congregate.

As you head out from the main drag, things get quieter around the South Bass Island state park and the other side of the island. You can rent kayaks and Jet Skis and get out on the Lake Erie waters, or just enjoy hanging out, which is what most visitors do here.

Families will find plenty of things to do in Put-in-Bay , too. It's wise to start with a tour of the island on the Tour Train to get a lay of the land. You can get on and off the train as you like and see some of the top attractions, like the Perry's Victory & International Peace Memorial and Perry's Cave Family Fun Center .

While you will find a number of condominiums and Bed and Breakfasts on the island, if you are looking for something a bit more exclusive, the Anchor Inn Boutique Hotel is an adults-only lodging option that is located away from the bustle of the main tourist areas.

Highlight: Visit two states in one vacation as Kansas City stretches into Kansas and Missouri

A Kansas City vacation is one of the best vacation ideas if you are looking to get the most bang for your buck. The city straddles both Missouri and Kansas , so it is possible to visit both states in the same trip.

Start in Missouri with some of the best of Kansas City , including free activities in town, like the Crown Center, which has great shopping and restaurants and is the international headquarters for Hallmark Cards.

Make your way to the Money Museum (also free), which has interactive exhibits, like a 27-pound gold bar. Walk the city and see how many of the 200 fountains you can spot and see why Kansas City is known as the City of Fountains. While you are on the Missouri side, be sure to take in a bite of famous Kansas City barbecue, a jazz performance, and a Kansas City Chiefs football game featuring the 2020 Super Champions.

The Kansas side of your vacation might be a day trip or several days to cover some of the best attractions on this side of the river . The Kansas City Speedway is a must-experience, where you can take in a NASCAR race or get in a car with the Richard Petty Driving Experience. Another day can be spent at the Zip KC Zip Line Park , which is an adventure park with zipline tours. You can round out your quick visit to Kansas at the T-Rex Café, which is a fun and educational dining experience.

Highlights: Outdoor winter recreation, from downhill and cross-country skiing to tubing and snowboarding

If a Midwest winter vacation is what you are looking for, then you might consider some of the ski resorts in South Dakota. The Terry Peak Ski Area near Lead and Deadwood is where many winter vacationers go, as it is a family-friendly destination in the Black Hills. There are 29 trails for every ski level, and a terrain park. There are also cross-country ski trails through the dense pine forests.

Great Bear Ski Valley near Sioux Falls is another option. It is a year-round recreation park that has skiing, snowboarding, and tubing in the winter. There are 14 downhill skiing trails, a tubing park for families, and groomed trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Lessons and rentals are available, so all you have to do is show up.

South Dakota is great for other winter recreation besides downhill skiing. It is one of the top places to visit in the U.S. for snowmobiling, with more than 1,500 miles of trails in the state. Just outside Spearfish , you can find 350 miles of groomed snowmobile trails and lodging.

Highlight: Family-centric atmosphere, more than 20 indoor and outdoor water parks

The Wisconsin Dells is one of the best midwestern family vacations because of its attractions , and it is considered the water park capital of the world . With top water parks like Kalahari, Noah's Ark Water Park, and Great Wolf Lodge, it is great to vacation at one of these resorts, where you have the option of staying in or heading out.

If you want something a bit more private, you can stay at Cedar Lodge and Settlement , which has private cabins and chalets on wooded and waterfront property, with a beach for guests.

The Wisconsin Dells is the kind of midwestern vacation that brings back forever memories with unique experiences, like riding in the Original Wisconsin Ducks , which tour on both the land and water.

The Wisconsin Dells has family-friendly tourist attractions like the Ripley's Believe It Or Not Museum and the Rick Wilcox Magic Theater and illusion show.

To enjoy some of the natural side of the Wisconsin Dells spend at least one day outdoors at the Wisconsin Deer Park , or hike and zipline near Lake Delton.

Highlight: Historic Route 66 runs through the city with old diners and iconic signage along the Mother Road

Plan a road trip through St. Louis along Route 66 in Missouri . You will see the famous St. Louis Gateway Arch and other historic sites along the famous highway. Spend a few days with a loose agenda to make your way around to see some of the drive-ins, diners, filling stations, and old signage that exists along the St. Louis section of Route 66.

You will find an extra adventure by figuring out the various alignments of Route 66 that go through the city. You will travel through St. Louis' diverse districts, which each have a variety of hotel options. For the rest of your vacation, you can settle into the city and experience some of the best attractions , like the Missouri Botanical Garden and the City Museum.

You will want to spend several days exploring Forest Park Forever , where many of the attractions are free. The park is the location of the St. Louis Zoo, St. Louis Science Center, Missouri History Museum, and the City Art Museum.

If you plan a summer vacation, be sure to spend one evening at Busch Stadium and catch a St. Louis Cardinals baseball game.

Highlight: The energy of the city with the famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Indiana's capital city of Indianapolis is one of the best Midwest vacations because there is a fun energy and so many options to fit into one visit.

For families, vacations will likely center around the Children's Museum of Indianapolis , the largest children's museum in the world , with exhibits that range from dinosaurs to an immersive Sports Legends Experience.

Couples vacationing in Indianapolis will enjoy a weekend getaway surrounding the Indianapolis Motor Speedway . The Indy 500 events in the spring are the prime times to visit, but even outside the race activities, the speedway has year-round experiences like a museum and other races.

While you can fill your agenda with attractions , you might want to plan some down time to enjoy White River State Park, which is an expansive green space in the middle of the city with a three-mile walking path, shops, and restaurants.

If you need a little more outdoor time, you can head to the Eagle Creek Park and Nature Preserve , where you can kayak, hike, fish, and zipline. There is also a golf course in the park. There are some fun hotel options in Indianapolis that range from luxury and themed to mainstream to accommodations in renovated historic buildings.

Highlights: Outdoor experiences like fishing, boating, birdwatching, caverns, and camping

The Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri is one of the best outdoor vacation spots in the Midwest and home to one of the best lakes in the United States . If you stay in one of the resorts or cabins in the area, you will be surrounded by water and forest and be able to fill your days with many outdoor activities. Want even more nature immersion? You can book a spot at one of the campgrounds around Lake of the Ozarks .

The Lake of the Ozarks State Park is the largest in Missouri — you can find 85 miles of shoreline, several public beaches, hiking, bird-watching, biking, and boating.

A couple of days can be used to explore one or all of the four cave systems in Lake of the Ozarks: Bridal Cave, Stark Caverns, Ozark Caverns, and Jacob's Cave. While there are thousands of caves in the region, these caves have been adapted for safe trekking.

If you want to get in a scenic game of golf, there are three courses around the lake. For a nice evening out before the bonfire and stargazing, you can catch a performance at the Ozarks Amphitheater , which adds a nice entertainment option while enjoying Missouri's natural outdoor scene.

Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do at Lake of the Ozarks, MO

Highlight: Relaxation at the region's spas, resorts, and golf courses, surrounded by scenic views

A vacation in Traverse City, Michigan is great for a true escape. It is a laid-back area with spas and golf courses and scenic back roads. You can spend some time enjoying the luxury resorts and the beautiful scenery near Grand Traverse Bay and then get out to enjoy the natural outdoor playgrounds in the area.

Head to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore for a day and hike the famous dunes or go for a swim in Lake Michigan. You will want to spend another day in downtown Traverse City, where you can go shopping in small boutiques and peruse the antique shops and quaint art galleries.

The Lake Michigan sunsets are spectacular from Traverse City, so plan to spend a few nights enjoying farm-to-table fare at one of the waterfront restaurants.

Highlights: Outdoor serenity with trout fishing, hiking, kayaking, and beautiful scenery

The Lake Superior port city of Duluth, Minnesota is a terrific Midwest vacation because it encompasses the best experiences from the Great Lakes, the scenic outdoors, and a charming city.

A Duluth vacation is ideal for those looking to enjoy time outside and searching for a quieter getaway. There are thousands of acres of parkland and hundreds of miles of hiking trails in the city. The Lakewalk is a good place to start in downtown Duluth, as the 7.3-mile walkway follows the shoreline of Lake Superior.

Anglers can try some of the 16 designated trout streams around Duluth and hire a guide to learn or improve fly fishing techniques. You can spend time on the water with a guided kayak tour along the north and south shores or rent a fat bike or paddleboard.

If you want to take your outdoor adventure up a notch, you can tackle one of Duluth's mountain bike trails with one that fits your skill level. You will want to plan a window of your itinerary to visit Canal Park and watch the ships come in and out of port.

Since the scenery in Duluth is so spectacular, you might want to spend a day driving along the Skyline Parkway , which is a 25-mile Scenic Byway with the best views of the city and Lake Superior. You can make a day of it by stopping to enjoy the overlooks and parks along the way.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Duluth, MN

Highlight: Ranger talks at Mount Rushmore provide additional history and information

A Mount Rushmore vacation in South Dakota is one of the most iconic American holidays for residents and international visitors alike. You could base yourself in Rapid City and make the trip to Mount Rushmore, located less than 20 miles away.

A day trip or several to Mount Rushmore should be planned out to make the most of your time. The national park has over two million visitors a year, and there is a lot to see, so it does require a bit of visitor strategy.

The Mount Rushmore National Memorial surrounded by the Black Hills is the centerpiece of your visit, so it is worth starting at the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center to learn basic background about the monument, its purpose, and preservation.

You can take a self-guided tour of the area or take part in scheduled ranger talks on-site. To avoid large crowds, plan your visit in May, September, or October, and try to arrive before 9:30am or after 3:30pm. Spend the other part of your vacation in Rapid City, where you can experience the history of the Black Hills with a trip on the Black Hills Central Railroad, visit historic sites important to the Native American Culture, or hike in the Black Hills National Forest .

Rapid City has a number of other tourist attractions , including the Museum of Geology and a thriving arts district. Be sure to walk through downtown to see the City of Presidents, and try to identify some of the life-sized bronze statues of U.S. Presidents.

Highlight: The social scene of Cleveland is in the Warehouse District, with dining and entertainment any night of the week.

Ohio's second-largest city, which sits on the shores of Lake Erie, makes for a great Midwest getaway for those who love sports, music, arts, and cities that have repurposed industrial areas into modern public and entertainment spaces.

A visit to Cleveland starts with some of the most notable attractions , like the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame , Cleveland Museum of Art, Great Lakes Science Center , and the Cleveland Botanical Garden.

You are sure to find sporting events happening in town on almost any given week with so many teams that call Cleveland home. From professional sports like the Major League Baseball Cleveland Guardians, National Football League Cleveland Browns, and National Basketball Association Cleveland Cavaliers, be sure to pack your logo gear for the excitement that fills the city on game days.

It is fun to explore Cleveland's diverse ethnic neighborhoods and soak up the culture that defines each. Start at the historic West Side Market , located inside an early 1900s market house, with more than 100 vendors selling meats, cheese, baked goods, and specialty products.

Cleveland has multicultural neighborhoods to visit, like the Clark-Fulton area with a Hispanic and Latino population, Little Italy , or the Broadway-Slavic village . For shopping, go to the historic Arcade Cleveland, and for a night of entertainment, head to the iconic Warehouse District for a variety of restaurants and nightlife.

Highlight: Hidden gems that are worth a stop like the Bobblehead Museum and the Original Cheesehead Factory

Milwaukee is a city that is full of surprises, making it even more exciting to visit for fun or to plan a weekend getaway once you discover all of its hidden highlights. Start your Milwaukee visit with a stroll through downtown and through the RiverWalk District and the Historic Third Ward .

You will find the heart of the social scene in the small eateries and along the streets. Stop by the Milwaukee Public Market , which is one of the most bustling places to visit in the city and where you can find unique goods, from spices to gifts.

Look closely around town at the sides of buildings and pedestrian areas for an abundance of Instagram-worthy public art that makes for a fun and whimsical stroll through town.

Plan to visit the beautiful Milwaukee Art Museum , a notable waterfront landmark on the shores of Lake Michigan. The building itself is an art piece, with a vaulted glass ceiling stretching 90 feet into the air, designed to look like wings.

The Harley-Davidson Museum is another must-visit Milwaukee attraction , with a walk through time of this iconic American brand. See the evolution of Harley-Davidson's more than 100-year history, then stop for a hearty meal at the Motor Restaurant at the museum.

Milwaukee has a number of quirky things to do, too, like the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum , which is worth an hour or two of your time. You've likely heard the term "cheesehead" associated with Milwaukee, even if you do not know much about the city. It refers to the iconic cheesehead hat worn by fans of NFL team the Green Bay Packers.

You can book a factory and production tour of The Original Cheesehead Factory , or just stop by the small storefront to peruse every type of cheesehead merchandise and try on the famous foam hat.

Take advantage of the Milwaukee River, which runs through town, by booking a kayak tour that also encompasses history about the city, or take a river cruise at night to see the artsy and illuminated city scene from a new perspective.

Highlight: The backroads in Amish Country exemplify a slower, peaceful pace of life with laundry on the line

The largest Amish population in the United States is in Ohio, in the northern part of the state, which is one of the most peaceful and memorable Midwest vacations that you can experience. It is one of the best places to visit in Ohio , which is why so many people who live in the state retreat to Amish Country when they need a break from city life.

Holmes County is a great place to base yourself in a quaint bed and breakfast in Millersburg, Charm, Berlin, Walnut Creek, or Sugarcreek.

Take a drive along the backcountry roads and see a slower pace of life as Amish families work in the fields and hang laundry on the line to dry. Take your time, as you will be sharing the road with horses and buggies carrying Amish families to the markets. Amish country is famous for its small shops that sell Amish-made furniture, baskets, and baked goods.

Depending on the time of the year, you can pick apples at local orchards, plan a horse-drawn sleigh ride in the winter on a family-run farm, or simply drive through the many connected villages to admire the Swiss and German influence on this quiet Amish settlement.

One of the most popular things to do in Amish Country is visit Bunker Hill Cheese or one of the many nearby cheese factories that offer tours and tastings. Go hungry because you will have plenty to sample as you experience one of the other delights of Amish Country: the food. Walnut Creek Cheese is a must-visit in Walnut Creek. While it serves as a local grocery store, it is a mecca of bulk food buying opportunities, from spices to cheese for low prices.

The best days to visit Amish country are any day but Sunday, as they strictly observe the day of rest, and nothing is open.

Highlight: The Branson Entertainment District that has over 120 live entertainment shows running for visitors.

Branson, Missouri is probably best known for its abundance of live entertainment. It makes for an exciting getaway and a great family-friendly destination in the heart of the Ozarks, with lots of pet-friendly hotels, so even the dog can come on vacation. Given the diversity of things to do in Branson , from outdoor excursions to live shows and attractions, you can split your time to get a well-rounded experience and flavor of the city.

Branson has more than 100 live entertainment options that cater to all age ranges, from comedy and dinner shows to vocal concerts and guest appearances by world-class musicians.

While the lively center of Branson is one of its main draws, your getaway should include getting outdoors in the Ozark Mountains, which surround the city. There are hundreds of miles of trails to hike, and you can camp under the stars, and fish at Table Rock Lake, Bull Shoals Lake, or Lake Taneycomo.

There are plenty of family-friendly attractions in the Highway 76 Entertainment District and the Silver Dollar City amusement park. Branson is an easy Midwest getaway to customize, with a range of options to fill your itinerary, and lodging in the area from motels and B&Bs to cabins, luxury resorts, and vacation condominiums.

Highlight: Stroll across "Bob," the 3,000-foot pedestrian bridge that connects two states

If your interest is getting away from it all, there is no better way to do that than with a visit to Nebraska, where the charm of stillness is its therapeutic gift. You can base yourself in Omaha, and plan day trips from here or just stay to enjoy the arts, tourist attractions, and hearty food that the city has to offer.

Plan to spend part of your getaway exploring all the things to do in Omaha , starting at the Lauritzen Gardens , which has 100 acres of botanical gardens and dedicated areas like a rose section and Victorian garden.

It makes sense to select a few of the historical sites and museums for some background on the location, like The Durham Museum , located inside Omaha's historic train depot.

You cannot visit Omaha without seeing the 3,000-foot pedestrian bridge just known as "Bob" for the bobbing sensation that you feel while walking across it. Bob is a fun stop because it's a centerpiece in Omaha and connects both Nebraska and Iowa, so you can stand in two states at the same time. Bob definitely offers great photos for social media.

Your getaway would not be complete without taking advantage of the spectacular stargazing that exists in Nebraska. The closest spot is at Zorinsky Lake Park , which has 1,000 acres of woods and low lights and is open year-round for stargazing. Another location is the Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, located just 30 minutes outside Omaha, where you do not even need a telescope to see major constellations in the dark skies outside the city.

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Exploring More of the Midwest: If you want to extend your vacation in any of the midwestern states, you can stay in any of our recommended cities and schedule additional time from there. There are some great places to visit in Ohio and Illinois , with attractions and activities to fill a vacation. If you are looking for some Midwest outdoor experiences, you might enjoy visiting waterfalls in Wisconsin , riding on mountain bike trails in Minnesota , and swimming near some of the great beaches in Michigan .

More on Illinois

BEST Places to Visit in the Midwest for Your Bucket List (2023)

Looking for the best places to visit in the Midwest in 2023? From the top cities to beautiful natural attractions, add these must see places to your Midwest USA bucket list .

Midwest Bucket List: Best Places to Visit in the Midwest

What States are in the Midwest?

The Midwest or the Midwestern United States consists of 12 states in the north central United States: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.

Illinois Bucket List

• Explore Chicago. Maybe I’m biased because it is my hometown, but I consider Chicago the best place to visit in the Midwest. There are a lot of bucket list worthy things to do in Chicago including watching a baseball game at historic Wrigley Field, taking photos of The Bean at Millennium Park, taking an architecture river cruise and more! Read:  3 Days in Chicago: Weekend Itinerary and Best Things to Do in Chicago in the Summer
• Visit Frank Lloyd Wright’s Home and Studio and see homes he designed in Oak Park, a suburb of Chicago.
• Drive the Illinois portion of Route 66 .

• Explore Starved Rock State Park (one of the most popular attractions in Illinois) which has great hikes, stunning sandstone cliffs, canyons and beautiful waterfalls.
• Explore Matthiessen State Park which is less crowded as nearby Starved Rock State Park but just as beautiful with similar natural features such as canyons and beautiful waterfalls.
• Visit Galena, a charming and historic small town.
• Explore Shawnee National Forest in Southern Illinois. Explore the magnificent rock formations, cliffs and trails of Garden of the Gods , the best place to go hiking in Illinois with spectacular views.
• Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site , the largest pre-Columbian settlement north of Mexico and the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Illinois.
• Visit Casey, a charming historic small town which is known for its huge roadside attractions (including 12 certified Guinness World Record World’s Largest attractions ).

Read: Best Things to Do in Illinois for more places to visit in Illinois.

Indiana Bucket List

• Visit the the capital city of Indianapolis.
• Explore Turkey Run State Park, one of the best state parks for hiking.
• Explore Brown County State Park, the largest state park in Indiana and one of the best places to see beautiful fall foliage.
• Visit Indiana Dunes, a national park along the southern shore of Lake Michigan with sandy beaches and tall dunes.

Iowa Bucket List

• See the covered bridges of Madison County .
• Have fun at the Iowa State Fair . The eleven day fair (Aug 10 – 20, 2023) has food, games, rides and competitions, livestock exhibitions, shows, concerts and more.
• Recreate the famous American Gothic painting in front of the original house in Eldon depicted in the painting. Visitors to the American Gothic House are provided with costumes to wear while the staff takes photos in front of the house.
• Experience the Tulip Festival in Pella, Iowa , every May in celebration of Pella’s Dutch heritage.

Kansas Bucket List

• Eat BBQ at the famous Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que  in Kansas City.
• Visit Oz Museum , in the small town of Wamego, which has one of the world’s largest privately owned collections of Oz memorabilia from the classic 1939 movie.
• Visit Monument Rocks to see unique chalk rock formations. It is off the beaten path in the middle of Kansas on private property (but the owners allow visitors).

Michigan Bucket List

• Explore the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore .
• Visit the historic Mackinac Island . The entire Victorian-themed island is listed as a National Historic Landmark and is car-free so visitors can only explore by foot, bicycle or horse drawn carriage.
• See tulips in Holland .
• Attend the National Cherry Festival in Traverse City.
• Explore the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
• Visit Frankenmuth, a cute city which is known for its Bavarian-style architecture. It is also home to the world’s largest christmas store which is open year round.

Minnesota Bucket List

• Visit Minneapolis-St Paul. Don’t miss the Minnehaha Regional Park (and the stunning Minnehaha Falls).
• Visit the Mall of America.
• Explore the beautiful North Shore of Lake Superior .
• Explore Voyageurs National Park , a US national park featuring tall bluffs, rock gardens, islands, bays, and several historic buildings and a great place for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing.

Missouri Bucket List

• Enjoy the view from the top of the Gateway Arch in St. Louis.
• Play at the City Museum , a fun museum filled with miles of tunnels, a full cave system, slides, a circus, a large outdoor climbing space, and a roof with a Ferris Wheel and a bus hanging off its edge.
• Eat some of the best BBQ in the country and explore underrated Kansas City. Read : Weekend in Kansas City: The Perfect Itinerary (According to a Local!)
• Explore charming St. Charles , a colonial town located 30 minutes west of downtown St. Louis, full of antique shops and restaurants.
• See the Chain of Rocks Bridge , a landmark on the Historic Route 66, this bridge connects Illinois and Missouri over the mighty Mississippi River. The middle of the bridge has a unique 22 degree bend at the middle of the crossing.
• Have fun at the Lake of the Ozarks , a popular lake destination features more than 1,100 miles of shoreline and a top destination for boating, swimming, and other water sports (and the inspiration for the popular Netflix series Ozark ).
• Visit Branson.

Nebraska Bucket List

• See Carhedge . This quirky man made attraction built from 38 vintage American cars covered in gray spray paint is a replica of England’s famous Stonehenge.
• Visit Toadstool Geologic Park (referred to as the “badlands of Nebraska”) to see unusual rock formations and fossils.
• See Chimney Rock, an iconic landmark featured on the back of the Nebraska state quarter.  The Rock is a natural geologic formation that rises approximately 300 feet above its surroundings.
• Witness the Annual Sandhill Crane Migration in the spring.
• Visit Scotts Bluff National Monument which is composed of five rock formations and contains multiple bluffs.
• Visit Omaha, Nebraska’s largest city. Some cool things to see and do in Omaha include: shopping the Old Market, Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium and the Durham Museum.
• Visit Lincoln, the State Capitol and Nebraska’s second largest city.

North Dakota Bucket List

• Visit Theodore Roosevelt National Park .
• Visit the International Peace Garden which shares a border with Canada and celebrates the peace shared between the two countries.

Ohio Bucket List

• Visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame museum in Cleveland.
• Explore Hocking Hills State Park and view the beautiful sandstone formations and waterfalls.
• Explore Cuyahoga Valley National Park , the only national park in Ohio, which has waterfalls, hills, trails,  historic homes, bridges, and also a scenic train ride.

South Dakota Bucket List

• See Mount Rushmore National Memorial . This sculpture carved into the granite face of Mount Rushmore features the heads of four U.S. presidents.
• Explore Custer State Park .
• Explore Badlands National Park known for its spires and pinnacles.
• Explore Falls Park , a park full of small waterfalls in Sioux Falls.

Wisconsin Bucket List

• Visit Milwaukee.

• Vacation in Lake Geneva , a lakeside resort city known for its historic mansions built during the Gilded Age. Enjoy activities year round from spending time in the water and the beach in the summer to visiting the ice castles in the winter.
• Explore beautiful Door County .
• Explore the Apostle Islands and the sea caves on Lake Superior.

What are your favorite places to visit in the Midwest?

Need more travel bucket list inspiration? You might enjoy our other travel bucket lists:

• USA Travel Bucket List: 100+ Best Places to Visit
• Best Road Trips in the USA For Your Bucket List
• Ultimate Travel Bucket List: 100 Things to Do Before You Die

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The 13 Most Beautiful Places in the Midwest

PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and the company may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. All prices are accurate upon date of publish. You can learn more about the affiliate process here .

Before we dive into things, it’s important to identify the Midwest. If you want to get technical (why not?), it’s one of four census-designated regions of the United States and covers the northern central part of the country. Specifically, the federal government defines it as the states of Illinois , Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan , Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin—in other words, it spans a lot of gorgeous ground.

OK, now that we got that out of the way, let’s talk about this beautiful and bountiful area. The Midwest has everything from stunning seashores and towering mountains to prairies, glimmering lakes and lush forests. While it’s hard to pick the prettiest spots (because there are just so many options), we love a good challenge. So here it is…the 13 most beautiful places in the Midwest.

9 LITTLE-KNOWN LAKE MICHIGAN BEACHES WHERE CROWDS ARE FEW AND FAR BETWEEN

1. Badlands National Park (south Dakota)

Ancient horses and rhinos once roamed the protected land that we know as Badlands National Park in South Dakota. Today, this sprawling 244,000-acre expanse—which is home to bison, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs and black-footed ferrets—draws millions of visitors who come from near and far for the chance to see the wild, untamed beauty of grasslands, striking layered rock formations and deep canyons. Don’t leave without checking out some of the fascinating fossils discovered in the park.

Explore the hotels near Badlands National Park

2. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (michigan)

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, is one of the most scenic spots in the entire Wolverine State. Sandy beaches, dense forests and crystal-clear lakes make it ideal for all sorts of outdoor recreation, from hiking and cycling to kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. It’s also super relaxing. We certainly wouldn’t fault you for posting up near the sky-high, windswept dunes and just soaking in the serenity-inducing glory of it all.

Explore the hotels near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

3. Voyageurs National Park (minnesota)

Any Midwesterner worth his or her salt has fond memories of visiting Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota. If you haven’t been to this sprawling 218,055-acre, year-round playground of outdoor adventure, it’s high time you rectify that. Advertised as “a park of water, island and horizons,” Voyageurs National Park fully lives up to its promises with a seemingly endless array of rocky outcrops, dramatic cliffs, wetlands, hardwood forests, streams and lakes.

Explore the hotels near Voyageurs National Park

4. Cuyahoga Valley National Park (ohio)

Nestled between Cleveland and Akron, Cuyahoga Valley National Park is quite literally a sight for sore eyes. Or, should we say that it will take your breath away? Either way, both overused expressions fully apply to this absolutely stunning place that’s packed with native plants and animals. The maze-like forests, rolling hills and waterfalls are best explored on foot or by bicycle. Our advice? Follow the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail. If you have time, definitely hop aboard the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad.

Explore the hotels near Cuyahoga Valley National Park

5. Shawnee National Forest (illinois)

When you envision Illinois , Chicago probably pops up first. Way beyond the urban enticements of the Windy City, in the southern part of the state, between the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers, sits an abundance of scenic beauty as far as the eye can see. Yes, clearly, we’re talking about Shawnee National Forest, where Jackson Falls, Garden of the Gods, and the 403-mile multi-use Rim Rock Recreational Trail are just three of the many magnificent sights.

Explore hotels near Shawnee National Forest

6. The Dells (wisconsin)

Fun fact: Wisconsin Dells boasts more family-friendly water parks per capita than anywhere else in the country. (That's not why we picked it for our roundup, just something interesting to note.) It’s the limestone cliffs, caves, arches and columns that really do it for us—one glance at the striated rock formations and you’ll surely agree. The best way to peep all this geological gorgeousness? Rent a kayak or book a boat tour.

Explore hotels in The Dells

7. Scotts Bluff National Monument (nebraska)

Nebraska doesn't always get the tourism credit it deserves with, perhaps, the exception of Scotts Bluff National Monument. Comprising 3,000 acres of ancient land formations and vast prairie lands, this living legend is widely beloved for its rugged beauty. Scotts Bluff, its namesake crown jewel, which towers 800 feet above the North Platte River, was an important landmark for travelers moving westward during the 19th century. Even if you don’t care a lick about history, it’s just super cool to see IRL.

Explore hotels near Scotts Bluff National Monument

8. The Bridges Of Madison County (iowa)

Did you know that Madison County has the largest collection of covered bridges anywhere in the western half of the Mississippi Valley? The sheer architectural stunningness just never seems to end. Every few minutes, there’s another gem that's somehow more impressive than the last. Wondering where to start? The historic 107-foot-long Roseman Covered Bridge, which you might recognize from the 1995 romantic drama flick The Bridges of Madison County, based on the best-selling novel of the same name.

Explore hotels in Madison County

9. Peninsula State Park (wisconsin)

Peninsula State Park in Door County is teeming with natural beauty—towering bluffs, sandy stretches, cedar forests, scenic overlooks and more. Like it’s borderline unfair that one place could possibly pack that many spectacular sights into a 3,776-acre area. Thankfully, it’s set up in such a brilliantly visitor-friendly way that you can really enjoy it all with ease. We’d be remiss not to mention the plentiful opportunities for outdoor recreation. There are a slew of bike trails, plus trout streams, campsites and even an 18-hole golf course.

Explore hotels near Peninsula State Park

10. Lake Of The Ozarks State Park (missouri)


Please forget everything you’ve seen on Jason Bateman’s dark drama television series. OK, great, now envision a picturesque place that’s all about swimming, boating and just all-around waterfront fun. What we’re describing is Lake of the Ozarks State Park. An outdoor paradise in Missouri that’s among the best and most beautiful vacation destinations in the Midwest, it welcomes 2.5 million people each year.

Explore hotels near Lake of the Ozarks State Park

11. Pictured Rocks National Seashore (michigan)

Perched on the shore of Lake Superior, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore overflows with fantastical scenery. If the sandstone cliffs, sheltered beaches, sky-grazing dunes, waterfalls, shimmering lakes and abundant forests aren’t enough to convince you that Pictured Rocks National Seashore deserves at least a few of your hard-earned vacation days, we’d be willing to bed that the hiking, camping , kayaking and wildlife-peeping most certainly will.

Explore hotels near Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

12. Hocking Hills State Park (ohio)

The natural wonders of Hocking Hills State Park never cease to amaze. Located 57 miles from Columbus (though it feels like a world away), this beguiling area brims with forests, cascading falls, caves and gorges. Whether you prefer taking it easy and just going for a leisurely stroll surrounded by breathtaking beauty or tackling more strenuous trails, Hocking Hills State Park is a destination that should be included on any self-respecting Midwest bucket list.

Explore hotels near Hocking Hills State Park

13. Monument Rocks National Landmark (kansas)


Kansas has a diversity of intriguing attractions (way more than most people realize). We legit can’t get enough of Monument Rocks National Landmark in Gove County. Selected as the first landmark in the state by the Department of Interior on October 31, 1968, for reasons that will soon become glaringly obvious, this treasure features a series of chalk pyramids, pinnacles, buttes and spires that attracts photographers and tourists from all over.

Explore hotels near Monument Rocks National Landmark

THE 10 MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACES IN ILLINOIS

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75+ Best Things to Do in the Midwest

Midwest is the best? Yeah? I created this bucket list for people who are looking for some local travel adventure in 2020. I am “stuck” in the suburbs of Chicago quarantining with my family, so what better time to explore my own backyard? I created this bucket list for myself, but figured there were probably other wanderers itching for some adventure as well! Enjoy!

Note: I am from Chicago, so this list is geared towards people traveling from Chicago BUT it can be used by anyone! xo

States in the Midwest: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin – let’s go!

This post may contain affiliate links. If you use my links, I get a small percentage without costing you a thing. Thank you for using my links and supporting my blog! xoxo

Midwest State Parks + Hiking in the Midwest

Black hills national forest – custer, sd.

Distance from Chicago: 14 hours

Why go? Highest Peak in SD + highest peak east of the Rocky Mountains. Good place for camping, fishing, hiking, and motorized travel.

Brown County State Park – Nashville, IN

Distance from Chicago: 3 hour, 40 minutes

Why go? Largest state park in Indiana. The beautiful scenery attracts photographers and artists (most popular in the fall). Close to the popular town of Nashville, ID. Known as “the Little Smokies” because of its similarities to the Smokey Mountains.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park – Brecksville, OH

Distance from Chicago: 5 hours, 53 minutes

Why go? There’s a scenic railroad that goes through the park. Home to 100 beautiful waterfalls. Good place for hiking, biking, and golf in the summer and skiing and sled-riding in the winter.

Devil’s Lake State Park – Baraboo, WI

Distance from Chicago: 2 hours, 50 minutes

Why go? Largest state park in Wisconsin. Nice day trip from Chicago. Close to Madison, WI (super cute city)! Popular spot for overnight camping and rock climbing.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Courtney | Travel Blogger (@courtneytheexplorer) on Apr 10, 2019 at 3:04pm PDT

Hawn State Park – Ste. Genevieve, MO

Distance from Chicago: 6 hours

Why go? Good place for fishing, picnicking, hiking, bird watching and camping. Home to diverse nature and wild life.

Huron-Manistee National Forests – Mesick, MI

Distance from Chicago:

Why go? Home of thousands of lakes and miles of rivers and streams. Popular place for fishing, camping, boating, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing. The Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness is one of the few wilderness areas in the US with vast lake shore dunes ecosystem .

Ice Age National Scenic Trail – Eagle, WI

Distance from Chicago: 3 hours, 23 minutes

Why go? Thousand-mile footpath (great challenge? yeah?) Popular for hiking and snowshoeing. Diverse wildlife. Among the world’s finest examples of how continental glaciation shaped our planet. I’ve never been, but it sounds amazing!

Kanopolis State Park – Marquette, KS

Distance from Chicago: 11 hours

Why go? Situated in the rolling hills, bluffs and woods of the Smoky Hills region of Kanas. Full-service marina and beaches. Perfect for horseback riding, mountain biking and hiking.

Kettle Moraine State Forest – Eagle, WI

Distance from Chicago: 2 hours

Why go? Hilly terrain and glacial landforms. 250 miles of hiking trails. 750 campsites. Home of gorgeous waterfalls. (Waterfalls always pull me in. You too?)

Lebanon Hills Regional Park – Eagan, MN

Why go? Close to Minneapolis (one of my favorite cities in the Midwest)! Contains forests, grasslands, marshes, and wetlands. Popular all year round (especially in the winter for showshoeing, ice skating, ice fishing, hiking, and winter mountain biking). In the summer, you can enjoy kayaking, canoeing, swimming, camping, horseback riding, hiking, and mountain biking.

Matthiessen State Park – Utica, IL

Distance from Chicago: 1 hour, 35 minutes

Why go? Right next door to Starved Rock State Park. I recommend this park as an alternative with less people! Large population of white-tail deer (animals are always a plus for me). Also home to frogs, toads, and salamanders. I’m sold. You?

Mohican State Park – Loudonville, OH

Distance from Chicago: 5 hours, 40 minutes

Why go? Good place for camping, hiking, boating, mountain biking, fishing, and picnicking. You can also go rafting or rent go-karts OR play mini-golf. Wow, lots to see and do.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mark Shutt (@markshuttimages) on Apr 17, 2020 at 11:22am PDT

Palisades State Park – Garretson, SD

Distance from Chicago: 8 hours, 30 minutes

Why go? Features cliffs and rock formations made out of pink Sioux Quartzite that are 1.2 billion years old. Great place for rock climbing and hiking. 37 campgrounds, 6 camper cabins, and a tenting area for overnight stays.

Pikes Peak State Park – Mcgregor, IA

Distance from Chicago: 4 hours, 10 minutes

Why go? One of the most photographed places in Iowa. Known for its beautiful views of the Mississippi River. There are multiple hiking trails, campgrounds, and RV facilities.

Ponca State Park – Ponca, NE

Distance from Chicago: 8 hours, 5 minutes

Why go? Located off the Mississippi River (GORG). 22 miles of hiking and bike trails. Also, swimming, archery range, boating, camping (nice staff), shooting range, cabins, canoeing.

Shawnee State Forest – Herod, IL

Distance from Chicago: 5 hours, 5 minutes

Why go? Only national forest in IL. Home to hardwood trees and a diverse group of plants and wildlife (bears, bald eagle, and venomous SNAKES). Perfect for hiking, trail running, rock climbing, camping, and swimming.

Sheyenne River State Forest – Lisbon, ND

Distance from Chicago: 10 hours, 30 minutes

Why go? Hosts the ONLY waterfall in North Dakota. Known for awesome views and diverse wildlife. Good for hiking, camping, and picnicking.

Starved Rock – Oglesby, IL

Distance from Chicago: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Why go? A great escape from the city. It’s one of the most popular hikes near Chicago. I recommend going during the week if possible (weekends get a little crazy). Filled with waterfalls and beautiful views. Perfect family outing, date, or solo hike (for beginner hikers).

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Courtney | Travel Blogger (@courtneytheexplorer) on Jul 6, 2019 at 9:05am PDT

Superior Hiking Trail – Silver Bay, MN

Distance from Chicago: 7 hours, 35 minutes

Why go? 310-mile long hiking trail ideal for backpacking or day trips. If you’re feeling ambitious, it takes 2-4 weeks to hike the trail. Fee-free camping. Backpacker Magazine named Super Hiking Trail the “Best Trail/Camp/Shelter conditions” and “Best Signage.”

Tahquamenon Falls State Park – Paradise, MI

Distance from Chicago: 7 hours, 25 minutes

Why go? Borders Lake Superior. The center of the park is the Tahquamenon waterfall. You can rent waterboats and canoes for the day!

Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve – Strong City, KS

Distance from Chicago: 9 hours, 50 minutes

Why go? Home to Tallgrass Prairie bison herd. 40-miles of hiking trails. Named one of the 8 Wonders of Kanas (it’s okay to laugh lol).

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sam Jezak (@samjezak_photography) on Jun 28, 2020 at 2:40pm PDT

Tecumseh Trail – Martinsville, ID

Distance from Chicago: 3 hours, 35 minutes

Why go? 42-mile trail. 2-3 day hike. Near Indianapolis, a nice city to check out.

For more information on these hikes, click here .

Best Hikes Near Chicago (Less than 2 hours Away)

• Des Plaines River Trail
• The Lakefront Trail (Chicago, IL)
• Starved Rock State Park (listed above)
• Kankakee River State Park Trail System
• Matthiessen State Park (listed above)
• Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie
• Morton Arboretum
• Ned Brown Forest Preserve
• North Branch Trail
• Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore
• Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve Trail System

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Morton Arboretum (@mortonarb) on Jun 21, 2020 at 5:30am PDT

Cute Small Towns to Visit in the Midwest

My two favorite cute towns in the Midwest are Iowa City, IA and Galena, IL . Personally, I look for artsy fartsy shops, delicious local food, friendly people, and green parks. Iowa City and Galena are both absolute treasures in my book. If you stay in Galena, I recommend booking a bed and breakfast.

• Ephraim, WI
• Lanesboro, MN
• Door County, WI
• Grand Marais, MN
• Iowa City, IA
• Nashville, IN
• New Buffalo, MI
• Spring Green, WI
• Springfield, IL
• Stockholm, WI

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Galena On The Fly (@galenaonthefly) on Jul 4, 2016 at 5:29am PDT

Best Cities in the Midwest

Chicago, il.

Chicago is my favorite city in the world. Yes, I may be biased. Chicago is my home and will always have a special place in my heart. What I love most about Chicago is the diversity. Each neighborhood feels like stepping into a new city (or country). You can eat food from around the world. Food is everything (obviously) and Chicago has THE BEST FOOD .

My favorite neighborhood is Andersonville (LGBTQ+) and Pilsen (Mexican Art Museum + street art). I also recommend renting divvy bikes and riding around the Lake Front Trail .

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Courtney | Travel Blogger (@courtneytheexplorer) on Jun 17, 2020 at 9:10am PDT

Indianapolis, IN

My grandparents say Indianapolis is like Chicago, but better. I highly doubt that, but worth the visit! (lol) Indianapolis is known for the world-renowned Indy 500 race. Indianapolis also has the SECOND most memorials and monuments after Washington DC.

Kanas City, KS

Kanas City is famous for barbecue, jazz and foundations according to Wikipedia. Kanas City is also home to the Kanas City Chiefs. Kanas City seems to have it all.

Milwaukee, WI

I love Milwaukee. It’s super close to Chicago and it has a similar vibe. The food scene is amazing and the people are friendly. I also love the street art and the lake front. 10/10

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Courtney | Travel Blogger (@courtneytheexplorer) on Nov 23, 2018 at 12:06pm PST

Related article: Best Vegan Restaurants in Milwaukee

Minneapolis, MN

Minneapolis is one of those cities where I immediately felt at home. I know I keep repeating myself, but Minneapolis is another city where the food is amazing and the people are even better. It’s known for parks, lakes, and their art scene.

Note: 2020 is maybe not the greatest time to take a trip to Minneapolis. The police brutality and corruption within their police department is inexcusable. I am not promoting travel there at this time. But, it’s on the list for the future.

Madison, WI

Madison is a trendy college town surrounded by beautiful parks and lakes. Madison is named the greenest city in Wisconsin. It’s loaded with shops, delicious restaurants, and nature spots. I highly recommend taking a day trip or weekend trip to Madison.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Madison, Wisconsin (@cityofmadison) on Jun 22, 2020 at 1:07pm PDT

Quad Cities (IA + IL)

I was born and (partly) raised in Davenport, Iowa. People LAUGH when I say I’m from Iowa thinking Iowa is just cornfields. Jokes on you, Iowa is lit. *It’s no Chicago, but there are some gems.*

The Quad Cities is made up of five cities: Davenport, IA, Bettendorf, IA, Rock Island, IL, Moline, IL and East Moline, IL.

• Downtown Davenport (walk along the Mississippi River)
• Davenport Skybridge
• Iowa 80 Truck Stop (the largest truck stop in the world *yes it’s worth the visit*)
• The show American Pickers is located in LeClaire (nearby)
• Museums (Figge Art Museum + Putnam Museum)

St. Louis, MS

I have to be honest and say St. Louis is not my favorite city in the Midwest. But, I included it because I think it’s worth the visit. If anything, you must see the Gateway Arch (and take a picture) and check that off your bucket list. I also recommend checking out the Missouri Botanical Garden and Forest Park for some nature lovin’.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kaila✨Travel✨Lifestyle✨Inspo (@golden_globetrotter) on Dec 16, 2019 at 10:28am PST

Suburbs of Chicago Worth The Visit

Go ahead and ignore this list if you live outside of Illinois. This is for my Chicago/Chicagoland area friends who are feeling the itch to travel, but don’t want to go too far. Note: an adventure can be in your own backyard. I can’t promise Naperville, IL will be like Bali BUT it’s always fun to explore new areas. (lol)

My personal favorite is Evanston. I love the downtown area. It’s super artsy, walkable, good food, and nice people. Blind Faith Cafe is my favorite restaurant in Evanston. They have the best vegan chocolate cake EVER.

• Arlington Heights, IL
• Crystal Lake, IL
• Downer’s Grove, IL
• Evanston, IL
• Highland Park, IL
• Naperville, IL
• Oak Park, IL
• Schaumburg, IL
• St. Charles, IL
• Wilmette, IL
• Woodstock, IL

Pictured below is the Baha’i House of Worship in Wilmette, IL . It’s close to the city and worth the visit! Go on a nice day and read a novel on the grass outside!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Courtney | Travel Blogger (@courtneytheexplorer) on Jun 4, 2019 at 6:20am PDT

Midwest Hidden Treasures

Personally, I love Amish towns. It feels like you’re escaping to a different planet. And most importantly, there’s usually good pie and great people watching. What more could you ask for…?

Two Amish towns:

• Amana Colonies, IA (near Iowa City, IA)
• Arcola/Arthur, IL (1 hour, 30 minutes from Springfield, IL)

Noteworthy Midwest Hidden treasures:

• World’s Largest Catsup Bottle – Collinsville, IL
• World’s Largest Ball of Twine – Cawker City, KS
• National Mustard Museum – Middleton, WI
• The Home Alone House – Winnetka, IL (the best movie ever created)
• BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Sanstha Mandir (Hindu temple) – Bartlett, IL
• Rootbeer Saloon – Alto Pass, IL
• World Records – Casey, IL (World’s largest collection of largest objects HA)
• Olney, IL (home of albino squirrels that are treated like sacred cows….)

View this post on Instagram A post shared by We Are Travel Girls Community (@wearetravelgirls) on Jul 13, 2019 at 4:00am PDT

For more weird treasures (in IL), check out this list .

Bonus: Midwest favorites recommended by you guys:

• Cedar Point – Sandusky, OH (“the roller coaster capital of the world”)
• Stillwater, MN (One of Minnesota’s oldest towns)
• Hudson, WI (Home of Willow River State Park)
• Red Wing, MN (Historic small town)

Do you have any other recommendations or reviews? Comment below to share with others!

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11 Comments

Fantastic list of places to visit!

I mean, my childhood fave the Wisconsin Dells aren’t on here, but it’s a great list nonetheless. The Midwest definitely needs more love!

*adding it to the list!* thanks for your input! 😊

Kooky Loves to Travel

A terrific list of places to visit. I will definitely keep on my mind!

Ellen Miller

Such a comprehensive list! Thanks for sharing 🙂

I’m a Wisconsin girl at heart! Midwest is the Best! 😉

20 Most Charming Towns in the US - Wandering Sunsets

[…] For more Midwest treasures, check out 75+ Things to Do and See in Midwest, USA […]

Linda Wachs

I’m looking for the best route from Indianapolis to South Dakota. We are taking a road trip out west. Our goal is to go to Mount Rushmore, Pikes Peak, Petrified Forrest, Mesa Verde, Red Rock amphitheater, Grand Canyon. We do have a concert scheduled at Red Rock in July. Other than that we are free to go and see!

The Amana Colonies are a fabulous place to visit! But not even close to being an Amish Community.

ID is the abbreviation for Idaho not Indiana, MS is the abbreviation for Mississippi not Missouri

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Top Destination Cities in the Midwest

The center of the United States that stretches from the state of Ohio in the east to the Dakotas, Nebraska, and Kansas to the west is known as the Midwest. The region is further divided into the Great Lakes States (Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Illinois all border one of the Great Lakes) and the Great Plains States (Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Kansas, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Nebraska).

Although much travel in the United States is focused on the cities of the East Coast , West Coast , and the South , the heart of the country contains one of the top destinations in the United States in Chicago; the "Gateway to the West" in St. Louis; the Mall of America, North America's largest shopping mall; automobile and musical history in Detroit; and hundreds of other traditions, foods, and landmarks worth paying a visit. The Midwest is definitely a place to see.

The biggest city in the Midwestern United States and the third most populous city in the nation is Chicago. The population of the city of Chicago is around 2.7 million, while its metropolitan area boasts nearly 10 million residents.

Known as the "Second City," for its traditional rivalry with New York, or the "Windy City," for its legendary chilly weather, Chicago has architecture, art, and festivals galore, making it not only one of the top cities to visit in the Midwest but also one of the top destinations in the USA.

A landmark to see is the Buckingham Fountain, one of many  free Chicago tourist attractions . You can also visit a Chicago museum for free . Summer's milder weather makes it a great time to visit the Windy City, and attracts such as The Art of Dr. Seuss gallery make it a great family-friendly vacation spot.

Chicago is one of America's best cities for music, thanks to the Chicago Blues Festival. It's also a top foodie city, known for deep-dish pizza, Chicago-style hot dogs, a bevy of steakhouses, and even Michelin-starred restaurants.

Sitting on the banks of the Mississippi River, St. Louis has a lot to offer the tourist visiting the Midwest. Riverboat tours, brewery tours such as the Anheuser Busch Brewery , baseball games in the heart of the city with the beloved St. Louis Cardinals, a walking tour of St. Louis' "The Hill"  and a trip to the top of the Gateway Arch —one of the most famous landmarks in the Midwest, as well as in the U.S.A—are all must-do activities in this town known as the "Gateway to the West." 

On the south shore of Lake Erie and one of the main hubs for commerce in the Great Lakes, Cleveland was once one of the most populous cities in the United States. Although it remains a reputation as a transportation and manufacturing center, Cleveland has reinvented itself over the years as a tourist destination, thanks to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum and other developments on the North Coast Harbor. Also check out the Cleveland Museum of Art in the Wade Park District on the east side. Sports are big in Cleveland and the city boasts professional football, basketball, and baseball teams that have all been really successful in recent years. Other top Cleveland attractions  include the Greater Cleveland Aquarium. 

Detroit—Motor City—is known as the home of the Ford Motor Company, which Henry Ford founded in 1903. Detroit's other moniker, Motown, refers to Detroit's soul and R&B musical legacy from the 1960s. Detroit sits across the Detroit River from Windsor (Ontario), Canada, making Detroit a popular first stop in the United States for many Canadians.

Be sure to visit the Henry Ford Museum, as well as the GM Renaissance Center's clustering of skyscrapers and other Detroit landmarks and buildings. 

Minneapolis/St. Paul

Minnesota's Minneapolis/St. Paul area is known as the famous "Twin Cities." This urban area is comprised of Minnesota's largest city (Minneapolis), the capital and second-largest city (St. Paul), and 100s of other townships that have developed around the confluence of the Mississippi, Minnesota, and St. Croix Rivers.

The Twin Cities are known for their lakes, baseball team (check out a Minnesota Twins' game), and Garrison Keillor's old-time radio show "A Prairie Home Companion." The Mall of America, North America's largest shopping mall, located in Bloomington, MN, is accessible by light rail from the cities' centers. Minnesota also has a beautiful Midwestern landscape.

There are lots of  free things to do in Minneapolis and St. Paul , and many good restaurants.

Kansas City

Kansas City is Missouri's largest city. In fact, the city is so large that it straddles two states—Missouri and Kansas. Kansas City is renowned for its fountains—it has approximately 200 of them - as well as a thriving jazz and blues music scene. Kansas City is also known the world over for its style of barbecue. Oceans of Fun is a large water park that is perfect for families, as are Kansas City's public libraries.

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Jul 8, 2019 • 5 min read

Milwaukee might have a reputation as a workaday town – but that's what makes it great © JMKE Photography / Visit Milwaukee

Flyover Country, no more! The Midwestern United States may not be as flashy as their high-profile East or West Coast counterparts, but they prove their vacation value through accessibility, friendly hospitality, surprising attractions, natural beauty and affordability. Here are just a few fantastic Midwest travel ideas you might want to consider for your next heartland getaway.

The music of Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Are you ready to rock? Multi-faceted Milwaukee is home to the world’s largest outdoor music festival, not to mention 88Nine Radio Milwaukee live studio sessions, a notable club scene and the character-rich historic Pabst and Riverside Theaters .

Summerfest blows into town for a two-week stretch each June and July, attracting some 800,000 attendees all told with more than a dozen stages, 800 performers and big-name headliners spanning a gamut of genres.

Music of a different tune, the throaty roar of Harley-Davidson motorcycles is an iconic part of Milwaukee’s cultural soundtrack; catch live musical performances during the Bike Nights summer concert series at the Harley-Davidson Museum .

High fashion in Columbus, Ohio

Ohio’s trendy capital city has emerged in recent years as a formidable fashion hub thanks to its winning combination of cutting-edge design schools, flashy showcase events, chic boutiques and major retail headquarters. Fun fact: Columbus is home to more resident fashion designers (including several Project Runway contestants) than any other city in the United States except New York and Los Angeles.

Populated with high-end retailers, sophisticated restaurants and upscale entertainment venues, the open-air Easton Town Center earns comparisons to Beverly Hills’ Rodeo Drive and Chicago’s Magnificent Mile, while the eclectic Short North Arts District buzzes with fun boutiques and vintage shops to browse.

Sweet life in Traverse City, Michigan

Traverse City’s bread-and-butter crop, sweet and tart cherries pop up at farm stands all across the Up North region through late summer, and in Traverse City Whiskey Co. cocktails, Grand Traverse Pie Company slices of pie; and sweet and savory Cherry Republic products all year long.

Acres of idyllic wineries and orchards dot the rolling hills of the Leelanau and Old Mission peninsulas for breathtaking seasonal scenery perfectly paired with the Caribbean-blue bay waters and gorgeous Lake Michigan vistas from nearby Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

Summer is high season, but the Traverse City area also boasts enviable skiing terrain, fat-tire bike trails and snowmobile routes, making it an attractive destination for winter recreation as well.

Read more on Traverse, Leelanau and Sleeping Bear Dunes

Fly high in Wichita, Kansas

Wichita touts a proud aviation heritage, producing 35 percent of the world’s general aircraft and home to one of just two known airworthy B29s left in the world. The Kansas Aviation Museum educates and entertains with B-47 and B-52 jet bombers on display, flight simulators and interactive exhibits; and the Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum offers a deep dive into the lives of local flight innovators.

Visitors can drive — or fly — in for breakfast, lunch or dinner at the Stearman Field Bar & Grill to enjoy Southern-style fare as private planes take off from and land on a runway just 20 yards away.

Cap off your Wichita trip with a craft beer toast to the city’s high-flying accomplishments at Aero Plains Brewing .

Family fun in Fort Wayne, Indiana

The second-largest city in Indiana brims with year-round family fun. Housed in the historic former City Light and Power Plant, STEM-based Science Central features more than 200 interactive displays and touring exhibits for visitors of all ages to get their hands on.

The ‘aw!’-inspiring Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo wows with live animals across recreated African, Indonesian rainforest and Australian habitats, while the expansive new Promenade Park on the downtown riverfront proposes water activities, a tree canopy trail and an amphitheater for outdoor shows.

After researching your family tree at the Allen County Public Library’s Genealogy Center , feast along the Fall Apple Trail (this is Johnny Appleseed territory, after all), or treat yourself to gourmet truffles, caramels and creams at DeBrand Fine Chocolates any time of the year.

Intellectual pursuits in Iowa City, Iowa

Bookworms, writers and literary types gravitate to Iowa’s original state capital, awarded a UNESCO City of Literature designation in 2008, where the University of Iowa (go Hawkeyes!) hosts the prestigious Iowa Writers’ Workshop residency program – the town is infused with a unique creative energy.

You might spy resulting tomes on the shelves at Prairie Lights Bookstore , famous for its author appearances, in-store readings and expansive inventory. For even more inspiration, read all about 49 different Iowa-connected writers with a leisurely self-guided tour of the ground-level bronze panels that comprise the downtown Literary Walk .

Quirky Casey, Illinois

This tiny town just off I-70 at the halfway point between Indianapolis and St. Louis makes a big impression on pit-stoppers. Populated with a handful of Guinness-certified “World’s Largest” items — wind chimes, a rocking chair, a (working) mailbox, knitting needles, wooden shoes, a pitchfork and a golf tee — along with a whole bunch of other randomly supersized features, including a pencil, a yardstick, a spinning top and an ear of corn, Casey serves up a fantastic free-to-visit collection of photo ops. A local business owner devised the promotion as a way to encourage visitors to pull off the highway and explore the town. Mission accomplished.

Marvelous museums in Kansas City

Straddling the state line where Missouri meets Kansas, the ' City of Fountains ' commemorates history, art and culture with a diverse assembly of museums to discover.

A respected local landmark since the Great Depression, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art displays from an encyclopedic collection that spans more than 34,000 pieces and 5,000 years.

The National WWI Museum and Memorial serves as a moving repository for personal objects, documents and stories of the brave American soldiers who fought in this global conflict, and the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum offers a meaningful multimedia examination of the African-American baseball experience throughout the league’s lifespan from the Civil War era through 1960.

Currently undergoing renovations with plans to reopen in 2020, the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum honors the life and legacy of the only American President to hail from Missouri.

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13 Marvelous Midwest Road Trips (Itinerary Ideas + Tips!)

Of all the regions of the USA, there’s a good chance that (for non-locals) the Midwest is the most surprising–and that alone is an excellent reason to plan a Midwest road trip!

Packed with diverse national and state parks, incredible beaches (yes, beaches!), interesting cities, a seemingly endless array of quaint lighthouses and charming small towns, and so much more, the Midwest is far more than “flyover country”.

Sure, many of the best road trips in the Midwest require a lot of time on the interstate.

And yes, visiting in winter probably isn’t optimal for most first-time visitors.

But, if you’ve never visited the region before, any of these incredible Midwest road trip routes–many of them written by locals–are bound to leave you enchanted.

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We asked several other travel bloggers to share their favorite Midwest USA road trip ideas with us, and they delivered a remarkably diverse set of routes, perfect for everything from weekend getaways to long vacations.

From the wide-open spaces of Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota to the stunning architecture of Chicago to the historic charm of Mackinac Island, there are so many incredible places to visit in the Midwest.

We have offered suggestions for the best hotels in each place but if you are doing this as a true road trip it is really cool to do it in an RV. You can rent incredible RVs and camper vans from Outdoorsy, book here for your next road trip!

Here are some of the best Midwest road trip itineraries to consider for your next vacation!

Table of Contents

Quick Tips for Taking Your Midwest Road Trip

Single-state midwest road trip itineraries, multi-state road trips in the midwest.

Don’t underestimate the driving distances.

The Midwest is an expansive region with lots of wide open spaces, and that can lend itself to drives that are longer than some visitors might expect!

Be sure to check estimated driving times carefully when planning your route, and build in plenty of stops to stretch your legs.

… And also to check out the many quirky roadside attractions in the region, like the Corn Palace in South Dakota or the American Gothic House in Iowa!

If you’re renting a car, shop around.

The best company to rent a car from for your Midwest road trip will likely vary dramatically depending on where and when you’re traveling.

Sometimes large international carriers offer the best prices, sometimes local outfits. Sometimes one company has an excellent base price, but terrible rental requirements.

The best way to find your rental car is to search through  Discover Cars , which will sift through dozens of companies to find the best combination of low prices and reasonable rental terms for your road trip route.

Browse rental cars  for your Midwestern USA road trip today!

Read the rental requirements carefully.

Especially make sure you know how many miles you’ve been allotted (or ideally, if they’re unlimited), if you need to return the car empty or full of fuel, what to do if the car breaks down, and what damages you’re liable for in the event of an accident.

Make sure you pack the right gear.

From safety gear to snacks, a road trip in the Midwest requires bringing the right tools along, whether you’re taking a short vacation, trying out van life, or something in between.

We recommend taking a look at the suggestions on  our road trip packing list  before you go!

Don’t overextend yourself.

Exploring all of the incredible places to visit in the Midwest is a project for a lifetime, not one trip!

As tempting as it is to add on additional driving to stop at just one more waterfall, lighthouse, or small town, make sure that you leave enough time to thoroughly explore each destination rather than spending the entirety of your vacation driving from one spot to the next.

Be prepared to be surprised!

If this is your first trip to the Midwest, there’s a good chance that its diversity and beauty will enchant you in all the best ways.

When exploring the Midwest, beautiful beaches, delicious food, gorgeous fall foliage, incredibly warm people, and dynamic cities–among many other treasures–are just around the corner.

South Dakota State + National Parks Road Trip

From Allison of Eternal Arrival

One of the best Midwest road trips is a loop from Rapid City, South Dakota making stops in its two national parks, as well as Custer State Park!

This is an easy road trip that you can do in as little as 4 days, but you can also make it part of a larger  South Dakota road trip itinerary .

Start in Rapid City to begin your trip and then make your way first to Wall, SD.

This fun little town is a great place to stop at Wall Drug Store for scenic photos in an Old West-feeling setting.

From there, head through Badlands National Park from the Northeast Entrance, taking the 30-mile Badlands Loop Road and stopping at as many overlooks as possible!

Depart via the Pinnacles Entrance and then make your way to Wind Cave National Park.

Wind Cave National Park is beautiful but there must be some advance planning as you need advance reservations to visit Wind Cave.

Book your reservation for one of the 3 tours, ranging from moderate to hard difficulty, on the  NPS website here . 

After visiting Wind Cave, swing up north towards Custer State Park for one of the final stops on this South Dakota tour.

Custer State Park in the Black Hills is home to lots of stunning wildlife, including bison, pronghorn antelope, and elk. Bring your binoculars and a zoom lens!

Finally, drive back to Rapid City to end your road trip.

Driving Distance

Recommended road trip length.

At a minimum, you should spend at least 2 days in Badlands National Park, 1 day in Wind Cave National Park, and 1 day in Custer State Park.

This road trip can be done easily in 4 days, but you can stretch it out to a week and visit other sites like Mt. Rushmore, the Black Hills National Forest, Keystone, and Crazy Horse.

Ohio Road Trip Along Lake Erie’s Coast

From Theresa of Fueled By Wanderlust

One of the Midwest’s best road trips is  driving Ohio’s Lake Erie coast   from Cleveland to Marblehead for gorgeous lake views, beautiful sunsets, and lots of local history.

Beginning in downtown Cleveland, spend a day exploring the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame, Old Arcade, and West Side Market. 

Depart Cleveland the next day via Route 2, with several lakefront parks to your right. 

Edgewater Park and Lakewood Park offer Cleveland skyline views, while Edgewater Park and Huntington Reservation have pretty beaches. 

Continue for thirty minutes towards Lorain, OH, transitioning over to Route 6. 

While being a rust belt city, Lorain also offers a broad beach at Lakeview Park and the charming Lorain Harbor Lighthouse. 

Literature fans may also know it as Toni Morrison’s hometown and the setting of  The Bluest Eye .

Vermilion, the next town over, is a quaint location for an overnight stay. 

Its small downtown has an old-timey feel, with historic storefronts and a soda shop. 

Take a stroll down Main Street for elegant dining at Chez Francois, and to see tiny Vermilion Lighthouse and its adjacent beach.

After leaving Vermilion, continue down Route 6 for a short rural break until you reach Sandusky. 

After consuming Asian fusion food and craft beer at Small City Taphouse, walk 10 minutes to the Maritime Museum of Sandusky. 

This museum features exhibits on the Battle of Lake Erie and Sandusky’s role in the Underground Railroad. 

If you love roller coasters, plan an extra day in Sandusky to catch thrills at Cedar Point.

Finally, drive 30 more minutes to the tip of the Marblehead Peninsula to reach the 200-year-old Marblehead Lighthouse. 

This beauty is the oldest continuously running lighthouse on the Great Lakes.

With no stops,  this drive  takes a little over 2.5 hours. 

However, I recommend slowing down over a long weekend to fully enjoy each stop.

North Dakota Road Trip (Fargo to Theodore Roosevelt National Park)

From Anwar of Beyond My Door

Many people overlook North Dakota, however, the state has a plethora of road trip-worthy sites.

Starting in Fargo, visiting the town that is unfairly characterized by the movie of the same name, visitors can enjoy this hip small city of the north.

Be sure to check out the Plains Arts Museum and the wonderful contemporary, traditional, and folk art of the region.

For those with more time, a quick stop in adjacent Moorhead MN, and the Hjemkomst Center, visitors can connect with the local Scandinavian culture through this incredible boat journey.

From Fargo, head west stopping in Jamestown, to see the old wild west town and the largest buffalo.

Similar to many other big roadside attractions throughout the state.

From here, visitors can detour slightly north and visit interesting Lewis and Clark expedition sites such as Fort Mandan (where Lewis and Clark wintered) and the nearby Knife River Indian Villages known as the birthplace of Sacajawea.

Both can easily be visited on the same day before heading on towards Bismarck.

Bismarck, the capital but smaller and sleepier than Fargo has a cute downtown as well as beautiful nature nearby.

But if you are pressed for time save the nature exploration until you head to  Theodore Roosevelt NP , 2 hours west of the capital.

Named for the 26th president, the park protects North Dakotan Badlands and local flora and fauna such as bison.

The park is divided into two non-connected units and at least 2 days are worth spending in the park.

But if you have very limited time, the South Unit has more diversity of sights.

For those with more time and desire to explore local history, a quick stop at Fort Union Trading Post (90 minutes from the north unit) is worth a look at the fur trade and one of the most important forts in the mid-1800s.

About 550 miles, plus time in the national park. 

This Midwest road trip can be anywhere from 4 to 8+ days.

It’s recommended to spend at least 2 days in Fargo, a day en route to Bismarck, 1-2 days in and around Bismarck, and another 2-3 days in Theodore Roosevelt NP. 

Minnesota’s Iron Range

From Susan of This Big Wild World

Have you heard of Minnesota’s Iron Range ?

Stretching from central Minnesota and north to the border of Canada, the region is home to some of the best mountain biking in the country, excellent hiking, and the pristine wilderness of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area.

This Midwest road trip itinerary starts and ends in Minneapolis, which is a city worth exploring!

Enjoy an afternoon at a Minnesota Twins baseball game or paddling the lakes in the heart of the city. 

Next, head to Crosby which is part of Cuyuna Country. What once were mining pits are now crystal clear lakes surrounded by mountain biking trails for all levels.

Spend a day paddle boarding or kayaking the lakes or cruising the trails. Gear rentals are available in Crosby.

From there, drive to Ely which is a gateway into the Boundary Waters.

This area is among the most beautiful and remote wilderness in the US, best explored by canoe. Find guides and outfitters in Ely for gear and permits.

For hiking, try the Norberg Lake Trail at nearby Bear Head Lake State Park or the Bass Lake Loop Trail. 

Duluth is a harbor town on Lake Superior, offering easy access to popular destinations along Minnesota’s north shore.

Be sure to watch for the big ships entering the harbor near Canal Park, relax on the beach at Park Point, and stop at one of the many breweries in town.

Ursa Minor and Bent Paddle are local favorites!

These destinations are just 2-3 hours apart and have tons to explore.

Spend a minimum of 1 day in each of the 4 destinations for a 4-5 day trip.

Or, take your time and spend up to 3 days in each destination for a 7-10 day road trip.

Badlands National Park Scenic Road Trip

From Theresa of The Local Tourist

At only39 miles, the Badlands Loop State Scenic Byway is a short but mighty road trip in South Dakota. 

Driving through Badlands National Park  is a surreal experience.

You’ll feel like you’re on another planet instead on a road trip in the Midwest USA.

The drive begins in Cactus Flat at Exit 131 off I-90. You’ll know you’re nearing the exit because you’ll begin seeing sand-colored buttes, spires, and cliffs to the south.

After taking the exit, it’s a short distance to enter Badlands National Park.

Before you even get to the Ben Reifel Visitor Center, you’ll see a few overlooks and trailheads.

The visitor center itself is a great place to get your bearings, take a bathroom break, and get something to eat at the restaurant next door.

From there, you’ll continue west through the otherworldly landscape.

In addition to the unique formations, you’re also likely to encounter pronghorn antelope, bighorn sheep, bison, and prairie dogs.

The road ends at Wall, which is a destination in its own right with its famous, or infamous, Wall Drug.

You could drive straight through in about an hour, but what’s the fun in that?

For a more immersive experience, camp at one of the two campgrounds within the park and take some day hikes.

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

From Linda of Midwest Explored

Easily one of the best road trips in the Midwest USA, a drive through Michigan’s upper peninsula is a must-do.

Start one of the best Michigan road trips of them all by crossing Mackinac Bridge into the Upper Peninsula.

If you want, leave your car behind and enjoy all that Mackinac Island has to offer before continuing on.

After all, this island is completely car-free and features top attractions like Fort Mackinac and Arch Rock. 

Next, continue onto the peninsula and check out the natural beauty of Kitch-iti-kipi, an incredible local spring with crystal-clear waters.

Then, hop back on the road and drive to Porcupine Wilderness State Park.

It’s a wonderful area with stellar views of Lake Superior, gorgeous local waterfalls, and 90+ miles of trails that will take you through vast old-growth forests. 

From here, drive until you hit Marquettethe.

It’s known for being the largest city in this UP (Upper Peninsula for all the non-Michiganders out there) and is a great place to explore Presque Isle Park, Sugarloaf Mountain, and Lakenenland Sculpture Park. 

Finally, conclude your road trip at the Pictured Lakes National Lakeshore with its dynamic natural landscape.

Be sure to explore the multicolored Pictured Rocks cliffs, Miners Castle, Chapel Rock sandstone formations, and Twelvemile Beach.

While this road trip isn’t long, taking around 2 hours to drive, plan on devoting between 3 and 5 days to this trip.

You could definitely spend an entire day on Mackinac Island alone!

Mount Rushmore to the Badlands, South Dakota

From Candice of CS Ginger

Mount Rushmore to the Badlands of South Dakota is a fantastic Midwest road trip route.

While there’s a sad story behind the impressive facade of Mount Rushmore, there’s no doubt that visiting the monument and associated museum is an incredible experience.

After visiting Mount Rushmore and touring all it has to offer, you will travel to the Badlands National Park.

Badlands National Park is a very beautiful and unique area.

There are really fun hiking trails in the Badlands , and it is a great place to visit with your family. 

You will be surprised at all the animals the Badlands offer.

You can see big horn sheep, buffalo, and the famous prairie dog area where you will see lots of prairie dogs. You can get very close to the prairie dogs but don’t touch them or get too close!

If you want to stay in the park, you will need to stay at Cedar Pass Lodge in one of their rental cabins. 

There are some hotels and camping options close by, but the Cedar Pass Lodge is the only option if you are looking at staying inside the park.

This is a classic road trip in the Midwest, and a fantastic way to spend a long weekend (or longer!).

About 80 miles.

We recommend spending at least 3 days enjoying this road trip in South Dakota, though 4-5 days would be better if you have more than a long weekend to work with.

Missouri + Southern Illinois Road Trip

From Tori of Tori Pines Travels

When planning a road trip in the Midwest, you won’t want to miss Missouri and Southern Illinois.

The perfect road trip includes a variety of cities filled with activities, nature to explore, and delicious food to eat, and you’ll find plenty of that here.

Start in Kansas City, Missouri where you’ll visit the American Jazz Museum and Money Museum.

For the famous Kansas City BBQ, check out Gates Bar-B-Q and order burnt ends.

Spend two nights here, before continuing east across the state to St. Louis. 

A weekend in St. Louis is the perfect amount of time.

Start at the country’s smallest national park, The Gateway Arch National Park, ride the tram to the top for incredible views over the city.

The free museum teaches the history of St. Louis and its title as the gateway to the west.

That night, visit Busch Field for a Cardinals game with the arch as your backdrop.

For kids, and kids at heart, spend a few hours at the City Museum, the most unique children’s museum you’ll find.

Fill the rest of your time with visits to the free activities, the St. Louis Zoo, St. Louis Art Museum, and Missouri History Museum!

Eat some of St. Louis’s staples, toasted ravioli, St. Louis Style pizza, St. Louis style ribs, and gooey butter cake.

Finish off the road trip by venturing across the river into Illinois to Shawnee National Forest.

The draw here is the Garden of the Gods which features fun dog-friendly hikes and super unique rock formations.

The whole trip should take about 5 to 6 days, and will only require about 6.5 hours of driving.

Great Cities of the Midwest Road Trip Loop

From Lisa of Waves and Cobblestones

Looking for a fun road trip itinerary in the Midwest?   

Making a round trip from Chicago, Illinois to Milwaukee and Madison in Wisconsin will give you a great sampling of museums, architecture, and natural beauty to enjoy.

Start your road trip in Chicago, Illinois. One of the undisputed best experiences here is the architectural river cruise . 

Your vantage point from the river gives you great views of the skyscrapers, and you’ll learn a lot about Chicago’s architecture and history.

Chicago is also home to several fantastic museums, including the famous Art Institute of Chicago.

The Field Museum is the home of Sue, the largest Tyrannosaurus rex specimen ever discovered.

Your next stop is Madison, Wisconsin. This college town is also the capital of Wisconsin. 

The Capitol building is incredible and is free to tour. Be sure to take in the panoramic city views from the observation deck!

One of the  best things to do in Madison   is to visit the Olbrich Botanical Gardens. 

The outdoor areas of the garden are free to visit. Don’t miss the phenomenal Thai pavilion and garden – this is definitely the garden’s highlight!

Continue on to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 

Enjoy local favorites like bratwurst and fried cheese curds (and perhaps a local beer) at Old World 3 rd  Street. 

Then take a stroll along the downtown Riverwalk and enjoy the public art including ‘The Bronz Fonz’.

Spend an afternoon at one of Milwaukee’s museums, such as the world’s only Harley-Davidson Museum. 

Be sure to take a look at the amazing architecture of the Milwaukee Art Museum, with its Burke Brise Soleil ‘wings’.

320 miles round-trip.

Recommend Road Trip Length

This Midwest road trip itinerary will take you about a week since you’ll want to spend a minimum of 2 days in each city. 

Route 66 Road Trip Through the Midwest (Chicago to Oklahoma)

From Kylie of Between England and Iowa

The classic US road trip Route 66 starts in Chicago Illinois and passes through the Midwestern states of Missouri and Kansas before crossing into Oklahoma and continuing west all the way to Los Angeles, California. 

Of course, it’s quicker to travel on the Interstate but the heart of the road trip is to follow the original route across the country.

Travelers could easily spend a couple of days exploring Chicago alone, but it’s at least worthwhile checking out the Route 66 BEGIN sign at E Adams St and S Michigan Ave.

The stretch across Illinois between  Chicago to St Louis   can take upwards of 12 hours, especially if stopping at several of the different points of interest. 

When the Interstate was built, it bypassed all the small towns along the route.

To encourage travelers to come back many of the towns created unique roadside attractions.

Today, you can find a mixture of historic buildings that were part of the original Route 66 as well as the unique attractions from the time after the Interstate was built.

Some highlights between Chicago, IL, and Catoosa, OK include The Gemini Giant (Wilmington, IL), Pontiac, IL, the Chain of Rocks Bridge, IL, Gateway Arch National Park (St. Louis, MO), the World’s Largest Rocking Chair (Fanning, MO), Cars On The Route (Galena, KS) and the Blue Whale (Catoosa, OK).

Approximately 700 miles.

This road trip could be done in around 3 days (overnight stops in St Louis, MO, and Carthage, MO).

However, with the addition of spending time exploring the larger cities of Chicago and St. Louis, it is better to take around 5 or 6 days.

Great Lakes Road Trip in Wisconsin + Michigan

From Jenifer of The Evolista

One of the best Midwestern road trip journeys is a National Lakeshore Road Trip to visit 2 of the best kayaking trips in the US , Apostle Islands National Lakeshore and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is a spectacularly beautiful area in the most northern part of Wisconsin that has a 12-mile stretch of mainland rocky cliffs with sea caves and a chain of 21 islands.

It also has the distinction of having the most lighthouses in the USA.

A kayak tour of the mainland sea caves will take you to the prettiest spots around the reddish sandstone shoreline.

You will cruise through incredible caves in turquoise water and can also hike the Lakeshore Trail through old-growth forest for a different vantage point.

On your way to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, break up the drive with a day at Porcupine Mountains State Park where you’ll find waterfalls, tons of hiking trails, and gorgeous views, especially for fall foliage.

It adds an extra hour of drive time but it’s completely worth it.

When you arrive in Munising, you’ll be treated to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore’s towering multi-colored cliffs, bright blue waters, and hidden caves.

On a kayak tour, you can paddle to Lovers Leap Arch, Chapel Rock, Battleship Row, and sea caves. Or hike the Chapel Loop Trail to get even more incredible views. 

But this place isn’t all about the rocks. Don’t miss Twelvemile Beach for a traditional beach day or enjoy the sunset at Sandpoint beach.

And you’ll also find beautiful waterfalls at Munising Falls and Miner’s Falls. 

This road trip in the Midwest takes approximately 6 hours of driving.

Plan at least 4 days to be able to do daily activities and a week to enjoy at a more leisurely pace.

Kansas City, Omaha + Des Moines Road Trip Loop

From Sage of Everyday Wanderer

There are many things to love about Kansas City — flowing fountains, tree-lined boulevards, and the world’s best barbeque.

So before you head north on this road trip loop through America’s Heartland, be sure you’ve hit all of the highlights in the Chiefs Kingdom. 

Start with the Liberty Memorial. This 217-foot tall limestone tower surrounded by acres of green space honors those who perished in World War I and is home to the only museum dedicated to the Great War.

It’s also one of the best places to view the Kansas City skyline. 

Then head to the Country Club Plaza where you can shop, dine, and admire Spanish-inspired architecture and several of the city’s most renowned fountains.

Then stroll through the sculpture garden, explore the glass maze, and snap a selfie with one of four, oversized badminton shuttlecocks at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.

And you certainly won’t want to leave town without eating your fill of Kansas City barbeque .

The next stop is Nebraska’s biggest city, Omaha, about three hours to the north.

Walk across the Missouri River – a natural border between Nebraska and Iowa – on the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge.

Then enjoy The RiverFront connecting river to Downtown Omaha with lush green space, pet-friendly areas, a sculpture garden, and more.

Fuel up at a cafe or eatery in the Old Market, and don’t miss the world-renowned Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium.

The capital city of Des Moines is about two hours east of Omaha.

Stretch your legs after the drive by wandering through Pappajohn Sculpture Park or strolling through the botanical garden.

Tour the gold-domed capitol building, and learn more about Iowa’s biggest city with an interactive scavenger hunt.

Outdoor enthusiasts will want to hike or bike the Des Moines River Trail, and foodies will want to compare the barbeque at Flying Mango to what they enjoyed in Kansas City.

On the way back to Kansas City, stop in Pella. With its working grain windmill, Dutch bakeries, and thousands of tulips in the spring, you’ll feel as if you’ve been transported to the Netherlands while exploring the middle of America.

580  miles.

We recommend enjoying this Midwest road trip itinerary over the course of a week, in order to allow about 2 days per city.

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About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

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Illinois , Michigan , Ohio , Road Trips , South Dakota , Travel , USA Travel , Wisconsin

Things to Do in the Midwest: 4 Best Midwest Road Trip Ideas

Fun Midwestern Road Trips

Looking for some fun things to do in the Midwest?

We’ve got you covered in this week’s USA road trip series! Fellow travel bloggers bring you some of their favorite places to visit in the Midwest.

From popular Midwest tourist attractions like Mount Rushmore and The Bean to more unique destinations like the House on the Rock, these road trip ideas in the Midwest USA are perfect for family travel, a couples vacation, or even a solo trip!

I just love a road trip! You have so much flexibility to go at your own pace and stop and see what interests YOU the most! We recently completed a super fun road trip from Chicago to Madison, Kohler, and Green Bay Wisconsin and back! We love to travel for sporting events and these Midwest road trip destinations checked off some of my husband’s bucket list items!

In this post you will find some of the best Midwest USA road trip ideas:

• Minnesota to South Dakota Family Road Trip
• Southwest Michigan Road Trip
• Ohio Family Road Trip
• Ohio to Illinois to Wisconsin Road Trip

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Minnesota to South Dakota/Black Hills Family Road Trip from Travel with a Plan

A good old-fashioned family road trip is an absolute ‘must do’ when raising kids.  Not only are you able to spend quality time together, but you are able to see the beautiful countryside in ways that we often overlook nowadays.  Tuck away the technology, arm yourselves with these essential family road trip tips , and settle in for the ride!

An area so jam-packed of exciting family travel opportunities, visitors can spend up to 10 days in the Black Hills and not run out of things to see. We truly believe this is one of the best Midwest vacations out there! Must-do’s include visiting world renown Mount Rushmore National Memorial , awe-inspiring Custer State Park and Needles Highway, and sightseeing throughout Badlands National Park .  

Here is a look at our recent 4-day road trip itinerary from our home state of Minnesota through one of the most scenic regions in our country…the mountainous Black Hills of South Dakota.

Are we there yet? Check out our epic list of 250 road trip questions to keep everyone entertained along the way!

Day 1: Rapid City, South Dakota Day 2: Mount Rushmore & Custer State Park Day 3: Black Hills, South Dakota Day 4: Badlands National Park

Day 1:  Arrive in Rapid, City SD.  Visit the many free family attractions located throughout the city.  South Dakota Air and Space Museum, Storybook Island, and Dinosaur Park will keep your kids entertained for hours.  Finish off the day by visiting either Bear Country U.S.A., a drive-thru wildlife park, or Reptile Gardens, the world’s largest reptile zoo.

Day 2:   Spend the first 2 hours of the morning visiting Mount Rushmore National Memorial in Keystone, SD.  After experiencing the 60-foot high faces of four U.S. presidents intricately carved out of the granite mountainside, spend the rest of the day exploring the wilderness.  Drive through Custer State Park and explore Wildlife Loop Road and Needles Highway.  Be sure to stop at a variety of scenic overlooks and take plenty of iconic photographs.  Watch out for a “buffalo jam” that may be clogging the roadway.

Day 3:  Visit the more ‘quirky’ attractions in the Black Hills that include Cosmos Mystery Area and Historic Deadwood.  Next, take a cave tour at Wind Cave National Park and experience an active fossil dig site at Mammoth Site Museum. This is a good day to further customize your road trip by doing any other fun things that you’ve seen along the way.

Day 4:  Experience Badlands National Park and Spearfish Canyon, two amazingly beautiful examples of Mother Nature at her finest.  Between experiencing the rugged beauty of the Badlands and the majestic waterfalls of Spearfish Canyon you will create family memories to last a lifetime.

We loved this Midwest road trip itinerary because there was literally so much to see and do!  It is no wonder why the Black Hills has served as an unforgettable destination for generations of families as atmosphere and attractions appeal to all different ages.  With several area attractions being free or of minimal cost, a Black Hills road trip provides an affordable alternative for family vacationing. 

Southwest Michigan Road Trip from The Fearless Foreigner

Looking for Midwest road trip ideas? Southwest Michigan is the perfect region for outdoor adventures, inside cultural activities and some great eats. I loved this summer road-trip because there is a huge variety of activities to do, without needing to drive long distances in between each town or city.

Day 1: Saugatauk, Michigan Day 2: Saugatauk, Michigan Day 3: Holland, Michigan Day 4: Dewitt & Laingsburg, Michigan Day 5: Lansing, Michigan

Days 1 & 2: Saugatuck, Michigan – Make your first stop Saugatuck Dunes State Park. Several wooded paths take you to the beachfront. Be warned the water is pretty cold, even in the hottest part of the summer. Before going in the water, you will need to work up a sweat by climbing up the sand dunes. Do not underestimate how hard it is to climb a sand dune!

If you are ready for another hike you must visit Mount Baldhead Park where you can hike and climb up a huge set of stairs to a look-out point. For those of you interested in the history of the area, the Saugatuck Pump House Museum is right next to the park.

You can also wander around Saugatuck. With expensive yachts lining the boardwalk and local shops filling the streets, Saugatuck is the perfect mix of a resort town and quaint Midwest town. Don’t forget to visit one of the chocolate and ice cream shops!

Day 3: Holland, Michigan – Only a short drive away from Saugatuck is Holland. This Dutch themed town includes several Dutch attractions. Nelis’ Dutch Village, Windmill Island Gardens and the De Klomp Wooden Shoe & Delfware Factory are some of the best places to explore in Holland.

Day 4: Dewitt & Laingsburg, Michigan – Before making your way to Sleepy Hollow State Park in Laingsburg, make a stop at Sweetie-Licious Bakery Cafe in Dewitt. You won’t regret a stop at this award-winning bakery.

Day 5: Lansing, Michigan – There are a ton of fun things to do in Lansing . Rent a kayak right in the center of the city and be transported to nature as you kayak along the Grand River. For your cultural fix spend a few hours at the Michigan History Museum. I was really impressed with the exhibits and the way the museum was designed.

What are you waiting for? Plan your Midwest road trip to Southwest Michigan today!

Ohio Family Road Trip: One of the Best Midwest Family Vacations from Mommy Baby Life

Day 1: Columbus, Ohio Day 2: Columbus, Ohio Day 3: Sandusky, Ohio Day 4: Kelley’s Island, Ohio

Day 1 – When you arrive in Columbus, head over to Easton Town Center.  It’s only 15 minutes from the Columbus International Airport and would be great for a laid-back travel day.  It’s an outdoor shopping center with so much to do and the area is still expanding. Depending on the weather, you can explore Legoland or the American Girl Doll Store, catch a movie or let the kids play in a splash area.  Restaurants are all on site as well. My personal favorite, Brio, has wonderful Italian food and a beautiful outside patio. If you have more time on your first day in town, check out these other awesome things to do in Columbus, Ohio .

Day 2 – The next day, you can head to the Columbus Zoo.   It’s a very large place so be sure to pack a cooler for lunch and try to see as much as you can!  There are plenty of interactive experiences for the kids as well as Zoombezi Bay Waterpark during the summer months.

Day 3 – On the third day, take a 2-hour drive north to Sandusky.  Home of Cedar Point, this coastal town has plenty to offer.  Cedar Point is not just for thrill seekers, they have several areas for kids and a petting zoo.  Downtown Sandusky has many great restaurants to offer including Small City Taphouse for Sushi and Barra for mexican.  If you get away from the kids, grab a drink at Mosley’s rooftop bar for an incredible view.

Day 4 – Kelleys Island is a family-friendly island that is only a ferry ride away.  Take the Jet Express passenger ferry out of downtown Sandusky and enjoy boating on Lake Erie!  Rent a golf cart on the island to easily get around. Visit the famous Glacial Grooves or sandy public beach on the north side of the island.  For a more laid-back afternoon, head to the Kelleys Island Winery where there are kids play structures and horseshoes among a shady picnic table area.  Get panoramic views of the lake eating at either The Casino, (not actually a casino,) or Dockers restaurant on the water.

Our family loves a road trip. We also love to save money! If you’re planning a Midwest family road trip, check out these six ways to save money for your next family vacation!

Ohio to Chicago to Wisconsin Road Trip from Travel After Five

Day 1: Chicago, Illinois Day 2: Madison, Wisconsin Day 3: Spring Green, Wisconsin Day 4: Columbus, Ohio

When your best friend comes to visit, what better way to spend time together than a good old fashioned girls trip! She has always has a fascination with weird houses, and one item on her bucket list was to visit the House on the Rock in Spring Green, Wisconsin. We decided to road trip from Columbus, Ohio to see the house! This Midwestern road trip took us four days.

Day 1 : Leaving Columbus, Ohio, drive through Indianapolis, and stay the night in Chicago. The first day in Chicag o, we saw the Chicago billboard, did a birthday lunch cruise on the lake, and walked around to see different Chicago sites. On the top of our list was to see The Bean. If you have time be sure to check out these things to do in The Gold Coast neighborhood like the Navy Pier, Magnificent Mile, and go to the top of the John Hancock Building!

Day 2 : Road trip from Chicago and drive to Madison, WI. While you are in Wisconsin, one must buy cheese! We ended up stopping at the Arena Cheese factory, where we were able to sample and buy some cheese to take home. The House on the Rock itself was a wild experience, and we spent hours just walking around the incredibly creative house.

Day 3 : Visit the House on the Rock, then spend the night back in Chicago.

Day 4 : Drive back to Columbus. On our way home back to Columbus we ended up stopping at the Albanese gummy factory and watched gummies being made. Overall, we had a wild Midwest road trip, and I would absolutely go again. 

If you have more than four days, here are some more awesome ideas for getaway destinations near Chicago that you could easily tack onto this Midwest USA road trip!

Midwestern Travel Ideas & Road Trip Ideas!

Did you have any idea there were so many fun things to do in the Midwest? We believe these are some of the best Midwest vacation ideas out there!

If you’ve been wondering what to do in the Midwest and have already checked all these ideas off your bucket list, then consider some of these super fun attractions in the Midwest:

• Mackinac Island, Michigan – I haven’t been yet, but it’s high on my list to visit when we make it to Michigan!
• Indianapolis, Indiana – a super family friendly destination with the world’s largest children’s museum. Plus who can resist a visit to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, home to the famous Indy 500!
• Minneapolis Minnesota’s Mall of America…I mean come on…there’s an indoor theme park!! Pretty cool!
• Indiana Dunes National Park – our family loves anything involving water and their 15 miles of shoreline along Lake Michigan looks amazing!
• Visit the famous Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri!

Have you taken a Midwestern road trip?

I hope you’re enjoying our USA road trip ideas series. If you’re looking for road trip ideas in other parts of the USA, check out these road trip itineraries:

• 5 Fabulous Southeast USA road trip ideas
• Road trip from Salt Lake City Utah to Yellowstone National Park
• New England Road Trip from Boston
• Ultimate 10 Day California Road Trip Itinerary

As always, if you enjoyed this post please consider saving it to Pinterest or sharing it on social media. Every little bit helps! Thanks y’all!

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125+ Epic Road Trip Captions

Wow! So much good stuff in this post! My husband and I have decided to do more road trips and this has inspired us so much!!! Thanks for sharing your insights with us!

We love a good road trip- you can truly see so many unique destinations.

My youngest asked me the other day why all the pins in our travel map of the Us are all on the west coast or east coast… we have not done much other than Chicago in the midwest – time to change that – thanks for the inspo!!

Ha! I know what you mean…we definitely had a big hole for awhile!!

These really are some great road trip ideas! The Midwest is a fantastic getaway despite being a bit underrated 🙂

I would love to take our kids to Mt. Rushmore and the Badlands. Wonderful itineraries and easy to follow!

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15 Amazing Hidden Gems In The Midwest

March 23, 2021 by //  by  Midwest Explored 1 Comment

Are you looking for interesting and exciting hidden gems in the Midwest?

Then check out this list that is full of unique, fun, and adventurous vacations in the Midwest.

The Midwest is a great place to explore, and as someone who grew up there, I know how varied the activities can be.

On this list, I’ve found things to do in every Midwest state that most people may not know about.

From roadside attractions, abandoned towns and castle ruins, and everything in between, here are some of the best places to visit in the Midwest.

So, lets take a look at 15 amazing hidden gems in the Midwest!

Serpent Mound, Ohio A World Historic Site

In Peebles Ohio you can visit the Serpent Mound World Historic Site.

Serpent Mound is the world’s largest surviving prehistoric effigy mound.

The monument is over 1,300 feet long, in the shape of a serpent, and anywhere from 1,000 to 2,000 years old.

Archeologists are still unsure which Native American nation created this beautiful and moving piece of earthen sculpture.

There are no written records that have been found to indicate who built the mound and why. So it is a fascinating mystery tucked away in this small town in Ohio.

If you are looking for vacations in the Midwest for families that are also educational, then you have got to explore Serpent Mound.

World’s Largest Ball of Twine, Kansas Is One Of The Coolest Hidden Gems In The Midwest

There are several things that are quintessentially American, and roadside attractions are one of those things.

From the 1940’s to the 1960’s, American’s started taking more road trips, and that meant more small towns were trying to find ways to get people to stop there.

Thanks to this new vacation style, the roadside attraction was invented.

Kansas is home to a few of those roadside attractions, including the World’s Largest Ball of Twine.

You can find the World’s Largest Ball of Twine in Cawker Kansas.

This funky roadside attraction is open 24 hours and free to admire.

The ball of twine weighs over 19,000 pounds and is over 8 feet tall.

Every year the small town hosts a twine-a-thon where everyone has the opportunity to add more twine to the massive ball.

If you are looking for a really fun and unique Midwest getaway , consider taking a roadside attraction road trip.

American Gothic House, Iowa

Most people know the iconic American Gothic painting of an older couple standing in front of their white house, pitchfork in hand, with very disinterested looks.

But most people don’t know that the house in the background of the painting is a real house.

The artist of the American Gothic painting, Grant Wood, saw the home while touring the small town of Eldon Iowa, and then returned to Michigan to paint it.

Now, art lovers can experience the now iconic home for themselves at the American Gothic House Center.

There is a visitors center where you can learn about the house, the painting, and the area, that is open three days a week.

If you hope to tour the inside of the house when you visit, you’ll have to check their schedule.

The interior of the home is only open a few times a month, so plan accordingly.

The American Gothic House is truly one of the best hidden gems in the Midwest.

Red Oak II, Missouri To Explore A Rebuilt Small Town

Just off of America’s Route 66 in Missouri is Red Oak II.

Red Oak II is an open air museum of sorts created by the artist Lowell Davis.

Davis grew up in the original Red Oak but returned in the 1970s to find that his beloved hometown had been abandoned almost completely.

In the late 1980’s Davis was living on 18 acres of farmland outside of the original Red Oak, and decided to turn his farmland into an homage to his hometown.

He slowly began buying the buildings from the original town and transplanting them to his property where he dedicated his time to restoring them.

Now visitors can stroll through this vintage ghost town and experience stepping back into a completely different time.

Monon High Bridge, Indiana , A Midwest Hidden Gem

In the small town of Delphi Indiana is the Monon High Bridge, one of the most amazing hidden gems in the Midwest.

The bridge was built in 1891 and is believed to be the second highest bridge in Indiana.

The Monon High Bridge was originally built to carry trains over Deer Creek, but has been abandoned since 1987.

Even though it has been abandoned for so many years, Delphi natives think it’s one of the best places in the Midwest to visit, especially in Indiana.

If you’d like to explore and walk across the Monon High Bridge, you can explore the 10 miles of trails on the Delphi Historic Trails system.

On the trail, you’ll pass architectural gems of the small town of Delphi, as well as the Monon Bridge.

If you’re feeling brave, you can even walk across the bridge, but you do so at your own risk.

Mitchell Corn Palace, South Dakota

If you want to see the world’s only corn palace, then head to Mitchell, South Dakota.

The Mitchel Corn Palace has been the top attraction in the small town of Mitchell, South Dakota since it was built in 1892.

Over the last 100 years, the entertainment venue has grown from a small corn palace to the large building it is today.

Every year in August, The Corn Palace hosts The Corn Palace Festival, where you can enjoy all things corn.

You’ll also want to consider making this a yearly spot for a vacation in the Midwest because the building’s corn murals are changed every year.

The Corn Palace is considered a folk-art wonder of the world and you won’t find anything like it anywhere else.

It’s places like The Corn Palace that make vacations in the Midwest so unique.

Carhenge, Nebraska For A Unique Car Sculpture

The Midwest may not have Stonehenge, but it does have Carhenge.

Carhenge is a quirky sculptural piece on a family farm in Alliance, Nebraska.

This is one of the more unique hidden gems in the Midwest.

Carhenge is an exact replica of the famous Stonehenge and you can visit it year round from dusk to dawn.

On the property are several other car sculptures and even a seasonal gift shop.

This super unique roadside attraction was built in 1987 as a dedication to the Summer solstice by Jim Reinders.

Since then, it has been offering visitors a day spent admiring quirky car sculptural art.

Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland, Michigan

If you are planning a Michigan getaway , consider heading to Frankenmuth Michigan.

Not only will you find a super cute town to explore, but it’s also home to Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland.

Brommer’s Christmas Wonderland is the World’s Largest Christmas Store.

Open year round, it is a massive complex of buildings full to the brim with all things Christmas.

It doesn’t matter what kind of Christmas décor you are looking for, Bronner’s has it.

If you love all things Christmas, then you will love spending hours exploring this massive store.

Frankenmuth is one of the best vacations in the Midwest for families. Your kids are sure to love the Christmas wonderland at Bronner’s, year-round.

Scandinavian Heritage Park, North Dakota

The Midwest was a popular place for immigrants from Scandinavian countries to make a new home.

In North Dakota, you can learn more about those early immigrants at the Scandinavian Heritage Park in North Dakota.

There are building replicas from five different countries: Finland, Iceland, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.

The highlight of the Heritage Park is the full-scale replica Stave Church, which is from Gol Norway.

You can also explore a real Stabbur, admire the 25 foot tall Dala Horse, and even a Danish Windmill.

There are also statues to commemorate important Scandinavian icons, like Hans Christian Anderson and Leif Erikson.

It is so cool that in the Midwest you can explore a place that makes you feel like you are half a world away.

The Ohio Caverns, Ohio To Explore A Cave System

The Ohio Caverns are known as ‘America’s Most Colorful Caverns’.

The Caverns were originally explored from 1897 to 1925, and has been open to the public for almost as long.

While the caverns are privately owned, there have been painstaking steps taken to make sure experiencing the caverns is as close to how they would have been originally experienced as possible.

You can tour the caverns all year long, but the tour hours change depending on what time of year it is.

There are also different types of tours.

For the Natural Wonder Tour, you’ll walk the one mile of cavern that was explored after 1925.

In the Winter, you’ll learn a bit about the history and the geological aspects of the caverns.

There are also tours that focus on just the history of the caverns, just the geology, combination tours, and more.

If you are looking for great vacations in the Midwest for families, then this is a great stop! The caverns are not that far from Amish Country Ohio , which the entire family will enjoy as well!

Enchanted Highway, North Dakota

If you are looking for something fun to do during a road trip or on an afternoon, consider checking out the Enchanted Highway.

The Enchanted Highway is in North Dakota on I-94 and begins at Exit 72 and truly one of the best places to visit in the Midwest.

For 32 miles, you’ll drive towards the town of Regent and get to enjoy massive metal sculptures on the side of the road.

There are several different metal sculptures, like ‘Grasshoppers in the Field’, ‘Fisherman’s Dream’, and ‘Deer Crossing’.

Each of the metal sculptures has a small parking area so that you can get out and enjoy them and take pictures of them closer up. These sculptures can be added to your itinerary and become one of the best vacations in the Midwest for families!

In the town of Regent there is a small gift shop where you can buy trinkets and souvineers from the Enchanted Highway.

It’s a one of a kind hidden gem in the Midwest.

Frank Lloyd Wright Gas Station, Minnesota

Most people know of the famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

He designed several homes around the country and may of them are now open as museums.

But did you know he also designed a gas station? One of the true Midwest hidden gems!

In Cloquet Minnesota you can find the only Frank Lloyd Wright gas station in the world.

It was originally designed in 1927 and intended to be built in Buffalo New York.

Wright finally got to build 30 years later in Cloquet, when he was almost 91.

The gas station is still open and is a functioning gas station that you can visit and buy gas and snacks from.

There is literally no other place in the world where you can fill up your tank at a gas station designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.

That’s what makes it one of the best hidden gems in the Midwest.

The Dells Of The Wisconsin River, Wisconsin , One Of The Best Midwest Getaways

The Dells in Wisconsin is a pretty popular town and is known as The Waterpark Capital of the World.

But while everyone who visits is focused on the man made waterparks, they are missing one of the best things about the area.

The Dells of the Wisconsin River is a state park in the area.

Instead of hitting up a packed waterpark, escape and immerse yourself in the outdoors.

At the State Park you can go kayaking through canyons carved into Cambrian sandstone and formed over 510 million years ago.

Some of these carved cliffs jut out of the river creating an incredibly unique landscape.

Enjoy hiking, kayaking, and exploring the Dells original waterpark. It is certainly one of the coolest vacations in the Midwest for families!

Cairo, Illinois To Explore A Ghost Town

When the steamboat industry was booming, the town of Cairo Illinois was too.

But slowly, with racial unrest and economic shortsightedness, the town began to crumble and people began to leave the once bustling town.

In 2010, only an estimated 2,000 people still lived in the town. At it’s peak, 15,000 people once called Cairo home.

Now, most of the city’s once lively Downtown Business District is boarded up and crumbling.

If you are interested in exploring abandoned spaces, then this small town in the Midwest is perfect for your next vacation in the Midwest.

There are beautiful Victorian Mansions, Art Deco shops, and once stunning Bungalows.

This Midwest hidden gem is a wonderful vacation spot for lovers of history and architecture.

Ha Ha Tonka Castle Ruins, Missouri

With so many great State Parks, the Ha Ha Tonka State Park often gets forgotten when people visit Missouri. But it shouldn’t! It is one of the amazing hidden gems in the Midwest!

It’s full of natural wonders like sink holes, sheer bluffs, caves, and even a natural bridge.

But what makes this state park so unique are the castle ruins.

It’s not often that you go to explore a state park and find the massive ruins of a turn of the century castle.

There are so many fun things to do and explore at Ha Ha Tonka State Park making it one of the best vacations in the Midwest for families.

Packing List For Visiting Midwest Hidden Gems

A  concealed travel pouch may be one of the most important items you bring along when on your vacations in the Midwest. It is always important to protect your personal information.

Read my tips on  how to pack lightly  here if you need packing tips.

This  unisex RFID blocking concealed travel pouch is  lightweight and comes in several colors. It has lots of organization to give you peace of mind.

If you have a pouch already that does not come with the RFID protection, as I do,  these  RFID  sleeves are  the perfect solution.

This configuration comes with enough passport and credit card sleeves that the entire family would be protected. They are slim too, so they will easily fit into your pouch or wallet. 

If you are planning on taking a lot of pictures with your phone you will definitely want to consider an  external charging battery .

This  Anker high-speed phone charging battery  is  the exact one  I carry with me on all of my trips.

It can be used on a variety of phones, not just an iPhone like I have. And wow is it fast!

I like that it holds its charging capabilities for several uses so I do not have to worry about it while out and about, and if I forget to recharge it at night, it will still be good to go the next day.

My daughter gifted me with this  FugeTek selfie stick and tripod   setup for my birthday. I absolutely love it! It is made of lightweight aluminum and so easy to use. It has Bluetooth connectivity and is a breeze to use for group shots or that perfect selfie! 

I was not a fan of packing cubes until I started to use them! This is the  exact set  of packing organizers I use  whenever I travel.

I cannot believe how much they really do help with the organization. If you have not considered packing cubes, I would recommend giving them a try.

Hydration is so important. You want to remain hydrated to support your immune system which in turn will be stronger to fight off any germs you will encounter during your travels. 

You will want to bring your own  refillable water bottle  with you. 

I never leave home on a trip without my  Bobble filtration bottle .  The 18.5-ounce size is perfect for travel and it fits nicely in the pocket of a backpack or your purse.

When filled with water, it is not too heavy to carry. And the charcoal filter ensures fresh clean water whenever you fill the Bobble. You can find  filter replacements here. 

Perhaps you are traveling a long distance and packing space is a premium in your suitcase, or in your car. Then this  set of collapsible silicone foldable water bottles  would work well for you. Would not take up much space at all. 

You will want a  backpack or daypack  with you to store snacks, your water bottle, phone, extra clothes, etc.. This   foldable water-resistant backpack   would be great. 

It is very affordable and is available in many color options for you to choose from. The fact that it folds down into a zippered pouch will make it easy to pack.

Perhaps you need a more substantial backpack for your travel. This  antitheft backpack   has a charging port, is water-resistant, and can comfortably carry up to a 15.6″ laptop.

You will be walking more than usual during your weekend getaways in Ohio. A  sturdy and comfortable pair of walking shoes  are a must-have. These   waterproof all-season shoes   are extremely affordable and yet fashionable. 

Mostly everyone is familiar with the Skechers brand, and these  Air Run high fashion sneakers  come in a lot of colors to match your outfits and are still affordable.

If you are visiting Midwest hidden gems in warmer weather, maybe you want  a pair of sandals  to wear to dinner or to the local cafe, I highly recommend these  Vionics adjustable strap orthotic sandals.

 I have several pairs of Vionics that I bring with me *everywhere* I travel. They are very comfortable and have orthotic footbeds that cradle and support your feet. 

We all need to  protect our eyes  from the sun’s harmful UVA/UVB rays. These  unisex polarized sunglasses   come in a lot of lens colors and frame designs and are extremely affordable too.

If you are fond of the  aviator-style of sunglasses  these polarized aviators may interest you. 

If you are in need of new luggage, this  expandable soft side spinner luggage  is affordable and comes in lots of colors.

If you like hard-sided better, then you may favor this  hard-sided luggage set  better. Both sets come with TSA locks and 8 wheels per piece.

There are so many unique and amazing hidden gems in the Midwest.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this list full of some of my favorite spots to explore.

If you’ve visited any of these unique vacations in the Midwest or plan to, I’d love to hear about it in the comments!

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7 Best Midwest Road Trips in the US

From the Great Lakes to national monuments and roadside kitsch, a road trip is the best way to explore the Midwest.

Flyover country it is not. The Midwest offers a variety of landscapes, ripe for exploration with a classic road trip . From rolling vineyards to lush river valleys, high limestone bluffs to some pretty great lakes, this region of the United States is often overlooked. It's time to change that, so cue up a playlist, pack your favorite snacks, and hit the road on one of these top Midwest road trips, which are sure to highlight the best of America's pulsing, vibrant heartland.

Wisconsin's Great River Road

Start: Prescott, WI End: Kieler, WI Length: 234 miles

The picturesque city of Prescott, situated where the St. Croix River meets the Mississippi River, makes for a great jumping-off point for this road trip. Start at the Great River Road Visitor & Learning Center and drive south along Wisconsin's 250-mile stretch of the National Scenic Byway, which hugs the Mississippi's curves and bluffs. In addition to pretty views, this area of Wisconsin offers unexpected culinary delights in tiny river towns. Bay City's Chef Shack is worth a stop for its lovely back patio and two James Beard Award-nominated chefs at the helm.

Pepin, Wisconsin, located on the widest natural part of the river — the aptly named Lake Pepin — also deserves some attention. There, check out the Harbor View Cafe , which has been impressing visitors since 1980. Meanwhile, fans of the "Little House on the Prairie" books can visit the birthplace of writer Laura Ingalls Wilder , a roughly 10-minute journey inland from Lake Pepin. Continue along the beautiful highway past La Crosse, Wisconsin, then, consider cutting inward to Viroqua, Wisconsin, via State Highway 14. The rolling hills and pastureland of Vernon County are home to the highest concentration of organic farms in the state. Visit the Driftless Cafe , home to another James Beard Award nominee, for the best farm-to-table fare in the region.

Wine lovers should consider hitting some stops on the Great River Road Wine Trail , especially Danzinger Vineyards on the bluff in Alma. Those who prefer a hoppy beverage can stop at the Potosi Brewery near the end of this road trip. The Great River Road stretches beyond Wisconsin, but Kieler is the last stop before it crosses the border and continues on to Iowa's pretty river city of Dubuque. With a total driving time just under five hours, this trip could be done in a day, but most of the attractions are right at the start. A nice way to break it up into a two-day trip is with an overnight stay near the vineyards.

Indiana's Natural Wonders and Small Towns

Start: Indiana Dunes National Park, IN End: Bloomington, IN Length: 288 miles

Begin at the 15,000-acre Indiana Dunes National Park in northwestern Indiana. Situated on Lake Michigan's beautiful southern shore, this area is perfect for birding, beach time, and other activities in nature. From there, drive to the small lake town of Winona Lake to browse the little shops along the waterfront. For an upscale bite, stop into Cerulean , and for more laidback fare, consider the BoatHouse Restaurant . Spend the night two and a half hours south at The Alexander in downtown Indianapolis, both the capital and largest city in the state.

Explore the city using the Canal Walk , visit the acclaimed Indianapolis Children's Museum , scope out some street art , and enjoy a meal at St. Elmo Steak House . For an extra dose of exercise in the city, check out the Monon Rail Trail , a former rail line that stretches from Indy to the northern suburbs. After your time in the capital city, head south to Bloomington, home to Indiana University. This college town offers both a picturesque campus and a walkable downtown area. Continue on to Brown County State Park , the largest in Indiana, which is open for picnicking, hiking, horseback riding, and more.

You'll be on the road for at least five hours on this trip. Considering that you will want a day or two for exploring all Indianapolis has to offer, the trip should be broken up into two legs at least.

Nebraska's Sandhill Journey

Start: Grand Island, NE End: Bayard, NE Length: 335 miles

Begin your journey in Grand Island, an area that truly shines in the spring with the world's largest sandhill crane migration . From there, follow State Highway 2 to Broken Bow, where you can access information on the route at the Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway Visitor Center . Thirsty travelers can imbibe at Kinkaider Brewing Company , which offers a taproom and restaurant in the gateway to the Sandhills.

After indulging responsibly (nominate a designated driver in advance), continue on Highway 2 until you reach the town of Anselmo, where you'll take a slight detour to Victoria Springs State Recreation Area , an oasis known for its healing mineral waters. Here, road-trippers can enjoy activities like paddleboarding, fishing, and picnicking at one of Nebraska's oldest state recreation areas. In the summer season, the park's log cabins make for a fun overnight option and can be reserved up to a year in advance. Pro tip: If you opt for an overnight, be sure to check out the stars without the usual light pollution interference.

End at perhaps the quirkiest attraction on this list, Carhenge , a replica of England's Stonehenge crafted with old cars. Bonus: For those who want a taste of the Oregon Trail, consider a journey to the Chimney Rock National Historic Site in Bayard, less than an hour beyond Alliance.

You'll be on the road for about six hours with this itinerary, with the longest leg being between Anselmo and Alliance. If you take your time at the Sandhills or Victoria Springs, you can break this trip up over two, three, or four days.

Route 66's First Leg

Start: Chicago, IL End: St. Louis, MO Length: 315 miles

Route 66, which runs from Chicago, Illinois , to the Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles, is a classic, and you can explore a portion of it in the Midwest. Start in the Windy City, after enjoying some of its famous deep-dish pizza. Additionally, you may want to stop for a photo op at the corner of Michigan and Adams, where the historic "Begin Route 66" sign stands. Then, head to nearby Wilmington to see one of the famed Muffler Men statues, the Gemini Giant, near the charming Launching Pad restaurant. From Wilmington, it's a roughly two-hour drive to the Illinois capitol of Springfield, where history buffs will want to check out the numerous Abraham Lincoln sites. Highlights include the Lincoln Home , his Presidential Library and Museum , and the Lincoln Tomb .

Next, journey onward to St. Louis. Travelers can stretch their legs at the famous Chain of Rocks Bridge, which has since been turned into part of the Route 66 Bikeway. The bridge is even on the National Register of Historic Places. End your intro to Route 66 in luxe fashion with an overnight stay at the surprisingly affordable Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis , a short walk from Gateway Arch National Park . The property boasts a tasty eatery with a James Beard Award-winning chef as well as a full spa. Plus, it's close to another must-visit St. Louis attraction for kids: the interactive City Museum .

Getting from Chicago to St. Louis takes approximately five hours. History buffs may want to spend the night in Springfield to make the most of the Lincoln-related attractions, but an afternoon may be sufficient to pay your respects to the late American president.

Minnesota's North Shore

Start: Duluth, MN End: Grand Portage, MN Length: 112 miles

This drive follows the scenic State Highway 61 along Lake Superior's stunning, rocky shores. Part of the Arrowhead Region in northeast Minnesota, this drive belongs on any U.S. road trip bucket list. Begin in Duluth, Minnesota, which is famous for its breweries and native Bob Dylan, who was born in the city and raised in nearby Hibbing. Walk along Bob Dylan Way for a glimpse of the folk music legend and his childhood home. Consider sipping some artisan spirits at Vikre Distillery , which offers views of the famed Aerial Lift Bridge . To pay homage to the region's Scandinavian roots, sample Vikre's aquavit , also known as "Norwegian Everclear."

For an overnight stay, consider checking vacation rental options in pretty Two Harbors; this town is an excellent base for exploring Gooseberry Falls , Minnesota's most visited state park, and Split Rock Lighthouse , one of the most photographed spots in the state. Road-trippers should also plan to fill up on pizza at longtime favorite Sven and Ole's in Grand Marais.

The whole drive will only take you about two hours if you go straight through, so you could do it as a busy day trip from Duluth, or take your time to enjoy the lake over the course of two or three days. From roughly May to October, intrepid explorers can consider an extension to Michigan's remote and gorgeous Isle Royale National Park . Daily ferry transport is available from Grand Portage, Minnesota, the scenic end point of this North Shore excursion. The ferry takes about two hours, and if you want to spend the night you can find a room or go camping in Rock Harbor or Windigo.

South Dakota's Monuments and Scenery

Start: Sioux Falls, SD End: Mount Rushmore, SD Length: 513 miles

Begin in the state's largest city, Sioux Falls, with a walk around pretty Falls Park . Then, drive to nearby Mitchell, just over an hour away, to visit the quirky and fun attraction that is The World's Only Corn Palace . You can stop for the views as you pass by Badlands National Park , or continue on through Rapid City — where you can visit the state's oldest-operating brewery, Firehouse Brewing Company , for a cold beverage — to the ever-enchanting kitsch of historic Deadwood . Even though it's super-touristy, everyone should visit at least once.

Additionally, visitors can see some gorgeous waterfalls, hiking paths, and rock ridges in Spearfish Canyon , which is actually more ancient than the better-known Grand Canyon. Also, try the well-awarded brews at Spearfish Brewing Company . For those who want an additional taste of the winding road, consider some time on the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway . From there, go south to the Crazy Horse Memorial in the town of Crazy Horse, which is the biggest mountain carving on Earth and has been under construction for decades.

If the carved faces of Mount Rushmore , South Dakota's most-visited attraction, are your goal, be sure to take your time when driving on a part of the lovely Peter Norbeck National Scenic Byway . Outdoorsy types may also enjoy a visit to Custer State Park , the largest in the state.

With over nine hours of driving time to complete this trip from Sioux Falls, you will need a few days on the road. Rapid City and Deadwood are good options for overnight stays — especially if your trips are Rushmore-oriented — unless you prefer to do some camping in the parks.

Michigan's Peninsula

Start: Sault Sainte Marie, MI End: Leland, MI Length: 222 miles

Begin in the small town of Sault Ste. Marie , perched between Lake Superior and Lake Huron and adjacent to its Canadian sister city of the same name. Be sure to sample the beer at Soo Brewing Company , shortened to Soo Brew by locals. Also check out the "lynchpin of the Great Lakes," the Soo Locks , except from January through March, when they are closed for repairs. Nature lovers may consider a detour, heading westward first to Michigan's second-largest state park, Tahquamenon Falls State Park , which boasts over 50,000 acres of pristine wilderness, including one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi. It will addd about 75 miles to the trip, however.

For an overnight option to break up the drive, stay at the historic Grand Hotel on carless Mackinac Island (Note: Like many of the Island's businesses, the hotel is only open during the island's high season between May and October). Be sure to build in time to try some of this destination's famous fudge, too. The charming island can be accessed via ferry from Mackinaw City (Lower Peninsula) or St. Ignace (Upper Peninsula). After experiencing some of the delights of the Upper Peninsula, cross the one of the world's longest suspension bridges, the Mackinac Bridge, to Michigan's Lower Peninsula, which everyone calls "the mitten" for its shape. Once you cross the bridge, consider a nighttime visit to nearby Headlands International Dark Sky Park , where it's possible to catch a glimpse of the northern lights if you get very lucky with your timing. If not, you'll still enjoy a brilliant display of stars there.

From the preserve, it's just a two-hour winding lakefront drive to Traverse City, known as Michigan's foodie capital, where you should stop and eat at the French-inspired Brasserie Amie . If you have a sweet tooth, cap off your meal with a stop at the wildly popular Grand Traverse Pie Company . End your trip on the gorgeous Leelanau Peninsula , Michigan's answer to Wisconsin's storied Door County. Check out Leland's Fishtown, take the ferry to the Manitou Islands (part of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore ), and imbibe at the wineries on the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail .

Not including times spent on ferries, the total driving time for this trip is just under five hours, but with so much to see plan to have lots of time saved for dilly-dallying. Three to five nights are ideal so you can really enjoy this itinerary that touches three out of the five Great Lakes .

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Vote for your favorite wine festival!

USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards

There's a reason that Dionysus, the Greek god of wine, is often depicted as a partier; wine makes a good festival even better. From full parties to laid-back events, there's a wine festival for everyone. We've teamed up with a panel of experts to find the best wine-centric celebrations throughout the United States. Now, we're asking you to help crown the winner by voting for your favorite once per day until voting ends on Monday, July 22 at noon ET. The winning festivals will be announced on Wednesday, July 31. Read the official Readers' Choice rules . 

There's a reason that Dionysus, the Greek god of wine, is often depicted as a partier; wine makes a good festival even better. From full parties to laid-back events, there's a wine festival for everyone. We've teamed up...   Read More

Best Wine Festival Nominees

Photo courtesy of KJS Photography

Black Vines

Oakland, California

Black Vines is on a mission to connect wine lovers with Black winemakers through the longest-running Black wine festival in the United States. The annual winter festival in California brings together Black winemakers, musicians, artists, and vintners for a day of tastings, food, art, and live entertainment.

Photo courtesy of Luis Esparza

California Wine Festival - Dana Point

Dana Point, California

This two-day festival in Dana Point — the first of four California Wine Festival events held throughout the state each year — offers a tasting of rare and reserve wines at sunset to kick things off before their signature event: the beachside wine festival. The three-hour afternoon affair features hundreds of fine wines alongside culinary delights like shellfish, artisanal charcuterie, and freshly-baked breads.

Photo courtesy of Alina Tyulyu

Charleston Wine + Food

Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston Wine + Food takes place throughout the summer with traditional epicurean experiences, from tastings to fine dining opportunities.  The festival also offers educational classes and hands-on experiences for an immersive festival that offers something for everyone.

Photo courtesy of Walt Disney World Resort

EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival

Orlando, Florida

This multi-month culinary festival at EPCOT is further proof that Disney isn’t only for kids. Families will be thrilled at the foodie offerings and global marketplaces that represent six continents, while adult visitors will delight in the drink-around-the-world experience.

Photo courtesy of Hawaii Food & Wine Festival

Hawaii Food & Wine Festival

Big Island, Maui, and Oahu, Hawaii

An epicurean dream come true, the Hawaii Food & Wine Festival is a culinary celebration of island delights fused with top talent from across the country. There are beachside barbecues, a pickleball tournament, mixology events, and a golf classic that’s usually the first event to sell out, all headlined by world-class chefs!

Photo courtesy of franckreporter / E+

Hudson Valley Wine & Food Festival

Rhinebeck, New York

More than 300 vendors set up at this fall festival in upstate New York. Food trucks, wineries with pop-up tasting rooms, and celebrity chef demonstrations make for an entertaining weekend.  

Photo courtesy of The International Pinot Noir Celebration

International Pinot Noir Celebration

McMinnville, Oregon

Oregon is known throughout the world for its outstanding pinot noirs, and this grape is celebrated each July during the annual International Pinot Noir Celebration. This three-day event includes vineyard tours, winery lunches, special tastings, and numerous seminars.

Photo courtesy of Mark Funkhouser Photography

Key West Food & Wine Festival

Key West, Florida

Escape winter and head to the sunny Florida Keys. This creative festival held in January is the perfect escape for the wintertime blues. Enjoy a series of over 20 unique events that includes chef and winemaker collaborations, as well as waterfront tastings.

Photo courtesy of ViewApart // Getty Images

Lodi Wine Festival

Lodi, California

Often overlooked as a wine destination, Lodi plays host annually to the Lodi Wine Festival on the Lodi Grape Festival grounds, where locals and visitors have been celebrating the grape harvest for over 80 years. This one-day fest offers wine tastings of over 200 varietals from up to 40 wineries.

Photo courtesy of Mila Bridger

Naples Winter Wine Festival

Naples, Florida

Each January, the Naples Winter Wine Festival raises money for local underprivileged and at-risk kids. In addition to a charity wine auction, the festival includes a number of intimate wine dinners around Naples, Florida, where guests can mingle with top chefs and vintners.

Photo courtesy of Tami Wong

San Diego, California

Spread over two days, this San Diego festival focuses on natural wine producers. Nat Diego's aim is to highlight under-the-radar wineries, as well as introduce attendees to the natural wine scene. The event is whimsical and casual, featuring a walk-around tasting and a live DJ.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

New York City Wine & Food Festival

New York City, New York

This annual festival brings oenophiles together in Manhattan and Brooklyn for four days of pours from both renowned producers as well as emerging wineries. There are more than 80 events featuring more than 500 chefs from all over the world.

Photo courtesy of Rose Bowl Stadium

Rose Bowl Rosé Festival

Pasadena, California

Rosé fans won’t want to miss out on this playful festival that takes over the Rose Bowl Stadium field in Pasadena. Attendees can choose from general admission or VIP entry, the latter of which permits access to the field an hour early.  A live DJ spins while more than 40 rosé producers pour up samples.

Photo courtesy of Kaeli Hearn

San Diego Bay Wine + Food Festival

Sandy beaches and sailboats set the scene for this week-long festival in San Diego. Celebrity chefs, top-notch winemakers, mixologists, master sommeliers, brewmasters, and James Beard Award-winning authors join together for a bevy of exciting events.

Photo courtesy of Gabriella Marks

Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta

Santa Fe, New Mexico

This five-day festival each September showcases the culinary and wine culture of Santa Fe. Some 90 wineries from around the nation partner with more than 60 Santa Fe restaurants for cooking demos, wine seminars, luncheons, and dinners, culminating in the Grand Tasting on the grassy lawn of Magers Field in downtown Santa Fe. 

Photo courtesy of World Red Eye

South Beach Wine & Food Festival

Miami Beach, Florida

One of the best-known wine and food fests in the U.S, South Beach Wine & Food Festival has featured some of the country’s most notable chefs (thanks to its Food Network partnership) and winemakers for over 20 years. Enjoy more than 100 events during this four-day fest.

Photo courtesy of Alexander Rubin

Taste of Sonoma

Santa Rosa, California

As one of California's premier wine regions, it’s only natural that Taste of Sonoma would celebrate their renowned producers with a festival. More than 100 wineries are featured in a walk-around wine tasting. To keep the palate fresh, there’s also a beer garden to break up all the vino, as well as curated, complimentary dishes from local food trucks.

Photo courtesy of Aubrie LeGault

Taste Washington

Seattle, Washington

More than 200 Washington state wineries come together to showcase what their state has to offer. True to its name, the weekend-long event provides plenty of opportunities for tasting.  Taste Washington also offers educational seminars, and an experiential dinner series ensures enlightening conversations around food and beverage is around every corner.

Photo courtesy of Chris Baker

Uncorked: San Diego

The day-long Uncorked: San Diego festival evokes the feel of a backyard gathering with your closest friends.  More than 100 wines, sparkling beverages, and even canned cocktails and seltzers are there to be sipped and celebrated.  The casual event offers lawn games and food trucks for a stay-all-day vibe.

Photo courtesy of Zweifel Studios

World of Pinot Noir

Santa Barbara, California

World of Pinot Noir brings together notable winemakers from pinot noir-producing wineries along with chefs, sommeliers, and wine scholars who lead educational wine seminars. Held at the Ritz-Carlton Bacara in Santa Barbara — one of California’s best wine regions — more than 200 wineries participate.

About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards

Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best .

The Experts

Jenny peters.

Jenny Peters – aka Jet Set Jen – is a Los...   Read More

Jenny Peters – aka Jet Set Jen – is a Los Angeles-based freelance journalist, editor and party columnist specializing in travel, entertainment, film, food, wine, fashion and the other good things in life. She is a founding/voting member of the Critics Choice Association, who present the Critics’ Choice Awards every January. Her favorite places to be are on the beach in Southern California playing volleyball, scuba diving with the sharks in warm tropical waters or strolling the streets and soaking in the atmosphere of one of the world's great cities (New Orleans and Florence are her favorites).

Jillian Dara

Jillian is a lifestyle journalist with a focus on...   Read More

Jillian is a lifestyle journalist with a focus on travel, wine, spirits and culture. Growing up in Bermuda, Jillian quickly became comfortable on planes and intrigued by the concept of the unfamiliar. Traveling, eating, and imbibing may be part of the "job" but Jillian truly believes in the whimsical power of a local experience or meeting over a traditional spirit to bond strangers in the most chance of circumstances. Outside of 10Best, Jillian's work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, Decanter, Wine Enthusiast, Forbes, Elite Traveler and Hemispheres.

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Sarah May Grunwald is a wine, food, and travel writer originally from California She is a certified sommelier and former professor of wine. She gardens and keeps bees in the Roman countryside and has seven rescue dogs and three cats. She leads wine and food tours in Rome and the country of Georgia. She co-owns a Tbilisi food and wine tour company called Taste Georgia. Sign up for her Substack newsletter Contadina , and find her on Instagram at @sarahmaygrunwald and @tastegeorgia .

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National Geographic travel guide features Asheville as LGBTQIA+-friendly destination

ASHEVILLE - A new international travel guide identifying safe, entertaining and memorable places for the LGBTQIA+ community and allies includes as one of its locations Asheville, where many local businesses and attractions are revered for inclusivity.

In May, National Geographic's "Out in the World: An LGBTQIA+ (and Friends!) Travel Guide to More Than 100 Destinations Around the World," by veteran travel writers Amy B. Scher and Mark Jason Williams, was released with more than 120 featured global cities and towns.

The authors provide recommendations for places to visit, laws and customs, planning and safety tips and more need-to-know advice.

“We realized there was no book like this on the market that could bring queer travelers and straight travelers and families and friends into the same book,” Scher said.

“Out in the World” mentions local businesses and attractions like Firestorm Bookstore Co-op, Biltmore, Asheville Art Museum, Asheville Pinball Museum, Asheville Rooftop Tours, Bottle Riot and O. Henry’s ― North Carolina’s oldest queer bar ― and a local queer-owned and operated honey retailer, Asheville Bee Charmer.

Jillian Kelly, who founded Asheville Bee Charmer with her life and business partner Kim Allen in 2014, said “Out in the World” is necessary for LGBTQIA+ travelers as it details laws and rights in different countries and communities and addresses safety, security and healthcare access.

“Social climate can be hostile or violate against some LGBTQ individuals so being aware of those conditions helps us to travel,” Kelly said.

More: 10 years of marriage equality in NC: Asheville photo exhibit celebrates historic day

Safe places

Scher and Williams curated a destination list based on places they’ve traveled and by speaking to locals to consider what places felt safe and offered an array of experiences and places in those cities and towns that could enhance the traveler’s trip.

Scher said the comprehensive guide is equally distributed with 50% domestic and 50% international destinations and isn’t exclusive to queer-owned businesses or queer-focused places.

Williams said it was important to include less obvious places, like small towns and places not known to be progressive.

Over the years, the authors said they have noticed more places in the U.S. and abroad becoming more welcoming and outwardly supportive of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Williams said they were looking for travel ideas for trips with their spouses but struggled to find available and prominently featured information.

“It was limited to bars and clubs and hot spots. I’m in my 40s and I want to go antiquing in a cute, small torwn in the Midwest. How do I do that?” Williams said. “When we realized no book would do that, we decided to do our own.”

Asheville on the map

Asheville is the only North Carolina city featured in the travel guide. The authors noted that according to the U.S. Census Bureau, Asheville has 83% more gay and lesbian residents than the national average.

“There are LGBTQ-friendly accommodations, businesses, community events and even the tourism make it well-known that it’s a safe place to travel for the LGBTQ community,” Kelly said.

The travel guide is broken down into categories like “Romantic Rendezvous,” “Boozy Trips and Trails” and “Fun Haunts and Spooky Spirits.”

Asheville landed in the fourth chapter: “Where No One Gets Hangry,” in which 12 Bones Smokehouse and S&W Market food hall vendors, The Hop Ice Cream, Highland Brewing Co., Bun Intended and Farm Dogs are recommended for Asheville visitors and residents.

Scher said it was difficult to narrow down which Asheville dining establishments to feature in the two-page spread, stating there’s enough content for its own book.

“It’s such a great place that has culture and is inclusive and has great dining,” Scher said. “It has some of the things that a big city has but is charming. And since this is one of the best foodie destinations in the U.S. this is how Asheville ended up in this chapter.”

'Out in the World' comes to Asheville

On July 13, Scher will autograph “Out in the World” at a book signing from 2-4 p.m. hosted by The Hop at S&W Market downtown.

Malaprop’s Bookstore & Café, also in the guide, will sell copies of the guide, which sells for $30.

Greg Garrison, co-owner of The Hop with his wife, Ashley, said it’s an honor for the ice cream company to be recommended.

He said many of the Hop's employees at its five locations across Asheville and Black Mountain are of the LGBTQIA+ community. He said that he and Ashley have worked to create an inclusive work environment since becoming the owners in 2008. The Hop opened in 1978.

“It legitimizes the efforts that we’ve put in building a relationship within the LGBTQIA+ community over the last 15 years,” Garrison said. “It feels good to be able to talk about that on a larger scale now that the book has been released.”

He said he hopes the guide will encourage some others in the travel world to consider doing something similar, to offer more resources.

LGBTQIA+ travel tips

Scher said the “Out in the World” is organized by mood and vibes – what a traveler feels like doing instead of where they want to go. She recommends travel guide users write a list of 10 places they want to go and consider the points listed for the destination.

Kelly said she and her partner have used “Out in the World” to make a bucket list of places to visit where they can feel safe as a same-sex couple. It’s helped to provide information about destinations they considered but didn’t know much about before reading the travel guide, referring to it as a personal “Yellow Pages” of places LGBTQIA+ individuals can visit.

“Use it to have fun. We’ve provided some favorites and recommendations but ultimately, we want readers to use this book. … as a basis to find someplace cool and have a little adventure,” Williams said. “Leave yourself open to wherever you might want to go.”

National Geographic's 'Out in the World: An LGBTQIA+ (and Friends!) Travel Guide to More Than 100 Destinations Around the World'

By Amy B. Scher and Mark Jason Williams

Info: For more, visit bookshop.org and follow @natgeobooks, @ambyscher and @markjasonwilliams on Instagram.

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Tiana Kennell is the food and dining reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Email her at [email protected] or follow her on Instagram @PrincessOfPage. Please support this type of journalism with a subscription to the Citizen Times .