LODGE LIFE: 12 Most Iconic National Park Lodges in the U.S. Located at 350 East 3rd Street in Dubuque, entry is affordable. The 1,450-foot high Willis Tower became the worlds tallest building, when it was completed in 1973. April 14, 2021 / Families Love Travel Team / Last Updated August 17, 2021. hisunisex RFID blocking concealed travel pouch islightweight and comes in several colors. Ask any Midwesterner what they associate with Green Bay, Wisconsin, and their answer will likely be the Green Bay Packers. It is a unique rock formation that Native Americans once used as a landmark when they were traveling. But Chicago is probably the most popular. Theres no shortage of fun family-friendly activities in this lake destination. You want to remain hydrated throughout your travels to support your immune system which in turn will be stronger to fight off any germs you will encounter during your travels. No weekend trip would be complete without visiting Chicago's world-class museums, such as the Museum of Science and Industry and the Art Institute of Chicago. And Im from Akron originally (live in Orlando) so Ive gone to Cleveland a bunch. gfp.sd.gov. No matter what youre interested in, Lincoln Nebraska is one of the best places to visit in the Midwest. Additionally, Springfield is where you'll find political landmarks like the Illinois State Capitol and the Illinois Governor's Mansion. We recommend that you call the attractions and restaurants ahead of your visit to confirm current opening times. Rent a boat to explore and access waterfront spots like Lake of the Ozarks State Park, Bridal Cave and various restaurants and resorts. Since 1879, this 364-acre amusement park in Sandusky has been thrilling visitors with its mind-blowing rides. Jazz and barbecue set the city apart, so be sure to decide which restaurants and venues you plan to visit in advance. Constructed by Gary Greff, this whimsical highway is home to the largest scrap metal sculpture in the world the 100-foot tall Geese In Flight. The island is unique in that there are no cars or chain hotels instead, horse-drawn carriages, bed-and-breakfast accommodations and family-owned hotels are the norm so travelers can truly embrace the Lake Michigan destination's small-town charm. Been to Omaha but not Lincoln, loved it! Got Mackinac and Wichita on my list. Festivities aside, April and May are delightful times to visit. Whats more, the island has a host of historical marvels. The Roofless Church, an open-air domed sculpture with no seating, and nearby Harmonie State Park also encourage quiet communion with nature. From crystal clear freshwater beaches to electrifying cities, these states feature an endless array of activities to pique your interest. Wisconsin's capital city is where you'll find the flagship campus of the University of Wisconsin. You will want abackpack or daypackwith you to store snacks, your water bottle, phone, extra clothes, etc.. when hiking Thisfoldable water-resistant backpackwould be great. Situated in eastern Iowa, Cedar Rapids offers a variety of quaint attractions that are bound to keep travelers entertained for a few days. First, there's Mars Cheese Castle, a Wisconsin icon since the 1940s devoted to all things dairy. All Rights Reserved. It is one of the most interesting places to visit in the Midwest. Along with the Hall of Fame, there is also a museum you can tour. Texas is known for being hot, so the best way to avoid the summer heat is to visit during the spring. In the Black Hills National Forest, you can hike, bike, ride horses and go rock climbing, among other activities. Slap's BBQ is tops, with incredible ribs, brisket . Door County is one of the most romantic places to visit in the Midwest. Halfway between Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio's sprawling Amish Country offers travelers divergent paths to sample the rural lifestyle. In fact, its deemed as part of the famous Triple Crown of Motorsport, which consists of 3 of the worlds most prestigious racing events. Matter of fact, it is one of the many popular things to do in Iowa! Seawall and Schoodic will set you back $22 for a walk-in site, plus . This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content. Why Wisconsin Supper Clubs Just Keep Getting Better With Age. Grand Rapids provides an array of attractions suitable for Michigan's second-largest city. The Mackinac Island Lilac Festival promises a second chance at spring. . Indianapolis is often referred to as just Indy and is the capital of Indiana. See the ranch where Theodore Roosevelt lived and worked. The common thread? . Located in south central Wisconsin, this scenic city lures visitors with its lively waterparks and age-friendly attractions. There are many things to do in Overland Park to help you enjoy your Midwest visit to Kansas. Encompassing more than 30 miles of Lake Michigans shoreline, this national park boasts a bevy of natural wonders. If you will be traveling, either by plane or by car to the midwest, here are some tips on how to pack lightly. Plus, Madison provides easy access to multiple hiking trails and features a fun downtown area where you can grab dinner, listen to live music and people watch. Even better, this opulent 28-room home flaunts intricate period pieces, furniture and glassware. What's more, Mackinac Island offers a variety of eateries serving everything from American comfort classics to its famous fudge. Spend a day in Madison's historic downtown, including a tour of Lanier Mansion (pictured), then take a country drive to explore nearby parks, farms and estates. Kansas City's Country Club Plaza which offers an assortment of eateries and stores, and sits within walking distance of a number of hotels is also worth checking out. One has conquered the world of plant-based baking. The arch is now the tallest arch in the world, reaching 623 feet at its top point. About nearest 24 hour convenience storeFind the best Grocery Store near you on Yelp - see all Grocery Store open now.Explore other popular stores near you from over 7 million businesses with over . 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. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Radisson Blu Minneapolis Downtown, Related: Places to Eat in Minneapolis, MN, Related: Best Things to Do in Minneapolis, Isle Royale National Park, mi 49931(906) 482-0984. Located between Michigan's Upper and Lower peninsulas, Mackinac Island beckons to visitors who want to relax and unwind. Lake Tahoe is peeking out of its burrow. With its dramatic rugged terrain, geologic formations and grass prairie, youll feel like youve stepped into another world in this park. Here I am sharing the Midwest with you to entice you to take advantage of all it has to offer! If youre looking for Midwest vacation spots, check out Indianapolis. Lambeau Field and the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame are essential attractions to visit here. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Cedar Point Hotel Breakers, W Superior StChicago, IL 60642(312) 888-7099, Housed inside a restored 1902 factory in River West, this multi-sensory experience makes a romantic night out in Chicago. Completed in 1921, this Moorish Revival structure is decorated with designs and murals that are made from corn. 10562 E 96th St, Fishers, IN. Split into state and federal wildlife refuges, the 33,000-acre preserve welcomes an estimated 300,000 birds every spring and fall. Some of our favorites include the Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis, where tens of thousands of tulips and daffodils burst into bloom each year; The Holden Arboretum in Kirtland, Ohio (pictured), with its lovely 20-acre rhododendron garden; and the University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum in Madison, where crabapples and lilacs steal the show in early May at the Longenecker Horticultural Gardens. Make sure to visit the Old Cowtown Museum, which captures the rowdy spirit of Wichita's early days, and the Wichita Art Museum. And there are actually two waterfalls right next to each other! Best Places to Visit in April in the USA 1. Still, the city offers its own share of noteworthy attractions, including the Olbrich Botanical Gardens, the Henry Vilas Zoo and the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art. If you're ready to see what you've been missing, or revisit some amazing sites, then check out these dog-friendly vacation destinations. Sleep Inn & Suites And Conference Center Downtown, Sleep Inn & Suites Pleasant Hill Des Moine, Metropolitan at The 9, Autograph Collection, La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Peru Starved Rock State Park, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Millersburg, Hotel Phillips Kansas City, Curio Collection By Hilton, 35 Best Places to Visit in August in the USA, 35 Best Places to Visit in July in the USA, 35 Best Places to Visit in June in the USA, 35 Best Places to Visit in May in the USA. Fodor's provides expert travel content worth exploring so you can dream up your next trip. Im Linda. Weeping cherry trees bloom outside Lanier Mansion. In 2018, the arch became a national park and continues to be a popular tourist attraction in Missouri. As the Midwest's largest metropolitan area, the Windy City is a popular option for a weekend getaway. 4750 W 16th StIndianapolis, IN 46222(317) 492-6784. No visit to Cleveland would be complete without visiting the "A Christmas Story" House and Museum, where the popular holiday movie was filmed. From exhilarating roller coasters to costumed characters, these parks offer fun for everyone. The Midwest - Fodor's Go List 2022 Echoing its roots as a utopian community, New Harmony, Indiana, continues to thrive as an ideal destination for reflection and inspiration as spring unfolds. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Sleep Inn & Suites And Conference Center Downtown, Related: Best Things to Do in Indianapolis, 9922 W Front StEmpire, MI 49630(231) 326-4700. One of the most beautiful places in the United States is the endless fields of prairie land in Kansas. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hotel Phillips Kansas City, Curio Collection By Hilton, Related: Best Things to Do in Kansas City. You will also find some of the best hiking in North Dakota! Built originally in 1902, this historical Victorian house is listed on the US National Register of Historic Places. Eat BBQ at the famous Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que in Kansas City. Fun Fact: More than 85 percent of the homes in Galena are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The 18.5-ounce size is perfect for hiking and it fits nicely in the pocket of a backpack. The truth is, you dont have to travel to Alaska, Canada, Norway or Iceland, to catch this striking natural phenomenon. Kansas City straddles the border of Missouri and Kansas, putting the surprisingly trendy city within driving distance of a number of Midwestern destinations. Whats more, its the Western Hemispheres highest man-made monument and the tallest accessible building in Missouri. Even if you're not an artist, pockets of spring's lime-green beauty near the two-block downtown beg for attention. If you want to see untouched prairies, head to the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve. Many of them you can easily walk into and explore. Wichita is a fun and vibrant city in Kansas that has something for everyone to enjoy. This northeastern Ohio city boasts an enviable location on the shores of Lake Erie. Topeka, the state capital of Kansas, is best known for its role in the civil rights movement. From beautiful state and national parks, vibrant cities, and unique museums, there is a place to visit in the Midwest for everyone. Milwaukee's hearty comfort food and eclectic collection of museums and historical sites are sure to appeal to all kinds of weekend visitors. Plus, it offers scores of exciting and cheap nature-based activities. Follow these steps (and allow plenty of time) to get your child a passport. Book your next cruise vacation on one of these floating megaresorts. Visitors tend to check out the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, and other Midwest attractions specific to Indiana. The land was eventually purchased by the state of Missouri and became a State Park. Looking for a fun Midwest vacation for families? Whether youre looking for outdoor adventures, stunning museums, or vibrant cities, there is a Midwestern vacation just for you. Explore the top-rated styles for every type of trip to the beach. Youll find pieces by some of the most famous 20th century American artists, like Georgia OKeefe and Marsden Hartley. You will want to bring your ownrefillable water bottlewith you. Madison 4. Its one of the most popular things to do in St. Louis and Missouri in general. If youre looking to explore one of the most beautiful places in the United States, head to Iowa. Wondering what to do in the Midwest when its raining or cold? Situated in the Lower Peninsula of Michigan, this extraordinary park is famous for its massive sand dunes and beaches. One of the best places to admire Minnesotas fall foliage is in Minnehaha Regional Park. Enjoy a spring festival, explore a wildlife sanctuary, pedal along a country trail. Held traditionally every Memorial Day weekend, this annual event in Speedway, IN is a bucket-list-worthy experience. Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Henry, Autograph Collection, 1 Cedar Point DrSandusky, OH 44870(419) 627-2350. Midwest vacations: Grand Rapids, Michigan. Other local must-sees include the Speedway Motors Museum of American Speed and the Nebraska State Capitol. Kansas is called the Sunflower State because of its acres and acres of sunflower fields. Through its carved granite faces, this sculpture symbolizes the American dream and the ideals of democracy and freedom. Louis, MO 63102(314) 655-1600. While in Wichita, you can learn about Native American culture, among other things. From wineries, lavender fields, covered bridges, and more, there are tons of romantic things to do and see there. In August, it hosts a Corn Festival, and every year the designs outside of the palace are changed. Remember to set aside time for perusing some of the city's top museums, too, including The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and the Arabia Steamboat Museum. Don't miss the National Eagle Center or the whimsical carousel at Lark Toys, two of our top stops in the area. The ruins are of a European-style castle that was built in the early 1900s. Want to see the surreal Aurora Borealis, but dont want to travel far? There is a 6-mile loop trail that can be a bit tricky, but the reward is definitely worth the effort. Craving more activity? See and be seen at these stunning natural wonders. You can also go cherry-picking, tour the shipwreck museum, or explore a lighthouse. It's free December to March. Youll also love the sunset views of the Deer Crossing on this unique highway in the Midwest. The sandstone rock formation is over 800 feet tall and towers over the grassy valley. Discover these empowering women's history destinations selected by the U.S. News travel editors. It is a great tourist attraction in Iowa. Lake Geneva 5. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. It is one of the best things to do in Indianapolis, regardless of which season you visit. Take advantage of the beautiful fall foliage in Minnesota when you plan your family vacation in the Midwest. If youve seen or visited any of these Midwest vacation spots, Id love to hear about it in the comments! You can also satisfy your taste buds with juicy BBQ goodies at joints, like Fiorellas Jack State Barbecue and Arthur Bryants. One of the city's top attractions is the Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site, which includes a small indoor area with exhibits and a handful of outdoor areas, such as a historic playground and a nature trail. Before throngs of summer tourists descend on Lake Superior's northern Wisconsin shore, discover the natural beauty that blossoms everywhere in tiny Bayfield. It has lots of organization to give you peace of mind. Youll find the park in Minot. If you'd rather spend time outdoors, visit the Green Bay Botanical Garden to admire its beautiful blooms and art installations. The university plays a significant part in the city's cultural offerings by way of on-campus sights like Memorial Union, the University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum and the Chazen Museum of Art. It is always important to protect your personal information. Alternatively, you may bike along the beautiful Bear Heritage Trail. Alternatively, animal lovers may drive the 18-mile long Wildlife Loop Road. It's the last month of "prime" tourist season; however, April is when Sri Lanka's monsoon season starts, but it's still a great time to visit, especially towards the beginning of the month. If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This impressive protected area stretches 64 miles along Lake Michigan's coast and sits about 30 miles northwest of Traverse City, providing visitors countless opportunities to camp, hike, sunbathe and more. 1. After, grab a bite to eat at Eastern Market, a massive market that spans six blocks, or catch a game at Comerica Park (where MLB's Detroit Tigers play) or Ford Field (home of the NFL's Detroit Lions). But water parks are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Wisconsin Dells' offerings. You may also experience the Ledge, and see downtown Chicago beneath your own feet through its crystal clear glass. Celebrated annually since 1854, this internationally renowned state fair in Des Moines draws more than a million visitors. Not to mention, fans of spectacle can catch a Cincinnati Reds game at the Great American Ball Park or a show at Cincinnati Music Hall. Head to Forest Park to visit the Saint Louis Art Museum and the Saint Louis Zoo, neither of which charges an entry fee. If you're a race car fan and you're planning to visit at the end of May, you won't want to miss what's known as the "Greatest Spectacle in Racing" the world-renowned Indianapolis 500 at the, Up to 60% Off + Exclusive 5% Guaranteed Priceline Coupon, Up to 50% Off Travel Plans with Top Expedia Promo Code, Discount Travel Plans with 50% Off on Hotels.com bookings, 50% Discount on Getaways with Barcel Resort & Hotels, Booking.com Promo Code Up to 50% Off + Extra 10% Off. Cincinnati's location on the Ohio River makes it easy to reach from other parts of Ohio, plus nearby states like Indiana and Kentucky. 22, 2023, Whether you're looking for an extended vacation or a, Indianapolis beckons sports lovers with its annual IndyCar and NASCAR racing events and professional basketball, football and soccer teams. Breaking up the agricultural areas found throughout America's heartland are small river towns and sprawling metropolitan areas, providing countless destinations for weekend warriors. Unsurprisingly, the Mitchell Corn Palace is the only palace made of corn in the world. The city's Exploration Place (a museum for kids) does an excellent job of educating little ones about a variety of Kansas-focused topics, including local weather, landmarks and airplanes. Drive the 14-mile-long Needles Highway, and see world-class views and Instagrammable narrow tunnels. Another can't-miss attraction is Dubuque's historic Fenelon Place Elevator Company funicular, which offers incredible views of the city and its neighboring states. You can find the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland Ohio. Watch the inductee videos and short films within the museum. In addition, you can venture into its scalloped shoreline and 46 lakes. Twelve states make up America's Midwest, known for its friendly people and rolling fields filled with crops like corn and soybeans. 19. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Ozark Village Resort & Marina. Head to the observation deck on the buildings 103rd floor to indulge in unforgettable views of the area. Additionally, basketball fans. A top-notch botanical garden, museums and vibrant warehouse district draw visitors to Wichita. Within the striking building, youll find an impressive collection of art. This Iowa destination, which sits on the border of Wisconsin and Illinois, appeals to anyone interested in learning more about life along the Mississippi River. One of the most popular is the Weisman Art Museum. Not only does it have freshwater beaches, but it also has hidden escapes and towering bluffs. Exhibits of the museum are spread perfectly over 6 floors, and include costumes, props and instruments used by David Bowie, The Beatles and Elvis. Duluth, Minnesota. Minnehaha Regional Park is close to Minneapolis, and its one of the best things to do in the area. If there is one city you visit in the Midwest it should be Chicago. While most Midwest lilac blooms are gone by late May, thousands of them are bursting with color in June on this nostalgic Michigan island. Aconcealed travel pouch may be one of the most important items you bring along when visiting the Midwest. January 13, 2022 by //byMidwest Explored 6 Comments. There are so many amazing places to visit in the Midwest. The museum is home to a cornucopia of special collections and artifacts from the genres all-time top musicians. If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Americas Best Value Inn Wall, 60 E BroadwayBloomington, MN 55425(952) 883-8800. Take a walking or bus tour for an overview, then learn about Eero Saarinen's modernist style during an in-depth tour of the Miller House and Garden. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Lake View Hotel. Considered one of the nation's top birding spots, Horicon Marsh sits just an hour northeast of Madison. 7 Fresh Places to Eat, Drink, Play and Stay This Winter. Youll be able to reach them using the 6 miles of trails that wind through the woods and rock formations in the park. Plus, the zoo is home to several terrific exhibits, including the Desert Dome. If you plan to explore the entire north-central US, June through September is the best time to visit the Midwest.Hot and humid summers offer excellent road conditions to drive across the region with bonus open-air festivals and events such as Twins Days in Ohio and state fairs in Indiana, Iowa, Ohio, or North Dakota. Then, head off campus to other popular South Bend attractions like the Potawatomi Zoo and the Studebaker National Museum. The world is a weird and wonderful placewe want to show you around. New Harmony has not one but two walking labyrinths, one with a stone grotto at its center and one modeled after a 12th-century original outside Paris. Otherwise, the college's campus is definitely worth strolling through. The latter is surrounded by the Lincoln Memorial Garden & Nature Center, another must-see sight, even if you're not a history buff. So its no wonder why its one of the most popular Midwestern vacation spots. SHARE THIS ARTICLE . Two ferries leave from Michigan and two from Minnesota. But the state also has some beautiful prairies and other natural wonders. Follow the Ohio and Erie Canal into the past-and through an unexpected national park outside Cleveland. Related: This Unique Way to Explore Bayfield Focuses on Wellness and Outdoor Adventure. Jasper, Indiana. The Scioto Mile Promenade, named for the river that bisects Columbus, provides an excellent way to take in both the downtown area and eight parks. Holly Johnson and Erin EvansMarch 1, 2023, Holly Johnson and Erin EvansFeb. You can also spot and touch the charming and huge animals of the fair, including rams, boars and bulls. As the owner and chiropractor at Atlas, I help people heal naturally from the inside-out by removing nerve . Nearby, Veldheer Tulip Gardens draws visitors with its array of 5 million flowers. There are, of course, other noteworthy activities and attractions in Ontonagon. Be sure to venture a few miles northwest of downtown Branson to Silver Dollar City, an 1880s-style theme park with skilled artisans and more than 40 rides. See North Americas biggest cat complex and the worlds largest indoor swamp: the Kingdoms of the Night. History enthusiasts can spend time at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum, which houses approximately 19,000 artifacts related to the 38th president of the United States, or the Grand Rapids Public Museum, which has welcomed visitors since 1854. For outdoorsy adventurers, you may go camping and hiking in Mirror Lake State Park. Corn Palace Every year since 1892, Mitchell artists have decorated this building's facade with corn and other grains. Chicago houses numerous parks, including ones with lakefront beaches or iconic sculptures like "The Bean." Recommended Hotel Nearby: Metropolitan at The 9, Autograph Collection, 2678 E 875th RdOglesby, IL 61348(815) 667-4726. Devil's Lake in Baraboo 3. If youre looking for a romantic Midwestern vacation, you cant go wrong with a trip to Door County. Some people just rent golf carts and tour the golf course situated in the Badlands. Even though many people may associate the Midwest with cold weather, thats not always the case. Camping at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore means you get to wake up to some of the best views in the Midwest. As immigrants began heading west, the Pioneers would also begin using it as a landmark. Related: 8 Spectacular Spring Flower Festivals to Experience Around the Midwest. Detroit offers something for everyone from foodies to sports fans. Travelers can spend the weekend perusing the exhibits at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, attending productions at the Guthrie Theater or getting a dose of local history at sights like the Minnesota State Capitol and the Minnesota History Center. Fort Ouiatenon is another historical park that is built to resemble an 18th-century French fur-trading village. It is a statue that marks sacred ground for Native American peoples where two rivers meet. Additionally, Cleveland features an impressive 18 parks, which comprise more than 24,000 acres of preserved land. Construction started in 1963 and took about two years. Its a great destination for your next family vacation in the Midwest. The best time to visit this museum is in winter when its decorated with over 40 trees and holiday decor. Nebraska's capital is not only home to the University of Nebraska's flagship campus, but it also offers an assortment of notable sights that warrant a weekend visit. Open year round, the speedways museum features a plethora of exhibits showcasing the races history. Throughout the city, youll also find some amazing murals. Stop by Bay Beach Amusement Park to enjoy old-school rides on a budget, or head to the National Railroad Museum to take a ride on a vintage train. Natural wonders, kitschy roadside attractions, historic monuments, abundant wildlife, and impressive parks make the Black Hills of South Dakota a top family road trip destination in the Midwest. Vendors sell peppery bologna sandwiches and buttery pancakes called poffertjes. Walker is a paradise for modern and contemporary art connoisseurs. And, dont forget to visit the Sculptors Studio and walk along the scenic 0.6-mile Presidential Trail.