And don't leave without a taste of the city's rich music heritage. But Cleveland also offers a world-class orchestra, a stunningart museum and revitalized historic neighborhoods such as Little Italy, where dainty cookies and authentic cannoli line the bakery cases. Backpacking trips in the Upper Midwest: the Superior Hiking Trail. I was born and raised in the Midwest and its one of my favorite regions to explore. 9462 Shore Rd, Fish Creek, WI 54212, USA. this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. Every pocket of this 10,000-acre region feels like a different sort of beauty. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. The Scotts Bluff National Monument is one of the top attractions in Nebraska. The Midwest is known for a few things: ranch dressing (yep, even on pizza! Within the city, you can tour museums, art galleries, and historical sites. The state's largest city has way more to offer than its famed jazz and barbecue, but those are good places to start. Yes, I am very excited about this new way (for me) to save and enjoy a more local experience. Kansas is called the Sunflower State because of its acres and acres of sunflower fields. Perched on the shores of three rivers, it also serves as a junction of brew culture, outdoor adventure and German heritage. Advertising. It has lots of organization to give you peace of mind. We like it because it isn't a typical vacation place for people to go. It was originally built in 1892 and for over 100 years it has been welcoming visitors. Related: Enjoy a River Cruise, World-Class Theater and Fine Dining in Chicago. Lafayette is one of the coolest Midwest vacation spots for history lovers. Meanwhile, Wind Cave, one of America's oldest national parks, has one of the world's longest and most complex cave systems. Lower Michigan One of the coolest things to do in Missouri is to see the ruins in Ha Ha Tonka State Park. Find serenity at a lake resort and make waves at one of these top Midwest lake destinations. When you visit Door County, you get a twofera down-to-earth Midwestern feel combined with a low-key luxury dining and shopping scene. Affordability. In addition to informational displays, there are also historically accurate buildings. Wrapping up my nearly two-week-long road trip across the Midwest, I ended my journey in Indiana, where I visited the Madam Walker Legacy Center, named after Madam C.J. A Pair of Flower Farmers Sows a New BeginningTwicein Madison County, Iowa. It is always important to protect your personal information. Can't-Miss Midwest Vacation Spots in South Dakota. But be careful, as many are best suited for experienced spelunkers to explore. Bike around the island, once a national park, or opt for a kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding excursion with Great Turtle Kayak Tours. Drive 32 miles south on US-61 to explore more than a dozen caves at Maquoketa Caves State Park, then unwind at the elegant Hotel Julien Dubuque, a former Al Capone hideout. Deals end: 13 Jul, 2023 . Other highlights includeThe Exploration Place,Wichita Art Museumand theOld Cowtown Museum, a re-created town with covered wagon rides and sarsaparilla tastings. Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. A giant Paul Bunyan statue greets visitors by name at Paul Bunyan Land, a kitschy amusement park that's entertained families since the 1950s. Then thisset of collapsible silicone foldable water bottleswould work well for you as well. Its the perfect place for an adventurous excursion when youre looking for places to visit in the Midwest. Passionate about covering the intersection of travel, diversity, and culture, she has been traveling full-time since 2021. Inside, youll find exhibits on all the inductees to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame over the years. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from Qualifying Purchases. I was also able to see firsthand the meaning of "reach as you climb" come to fruition when I stopped at Dtroit Is the New Black, a retail space featuring Black designers and creatives. Required fields are marked *. New Rose Varieties for Frills, Fragrance and Victorian Charm. Get our two-day Sioux Falls trip guide. Construction started in 1963 and took about two years. Her work has appeared in a variety of print and digital outlets, including. Related: Where to Find the Most Picturesque Lighthouses in the Midwest. With so many demands as a Black woman, from career to relationships, taking a moment to ground myself in the present has taught me to navigate my days from a place of peace. Credit (Getty Images) View as article. An architectural marvel on its own, this institution organizes an annual "Wings Over the Platte" exhibit that changes every year, but always pays homage to the birds. hisunisex RFID blocking concealed travel pouch islightweight and comes in several colors. There are museums, the best restaurants, shops, and more to explore. From the Great Lakes to national monuments and roadside kitsch, a road trip is the best way to explore the Midwest. No matter what youre interested in, there is bound to be a perfect place to visit for your next Midwest vacation. The Best Midwest Spa and Wellness Getaways to Melt Your Stress Away. (Personally, we love the African Klipspringer, which look like toy-size deer.) The area encompasses 70 miles of quaint beach towns on the Lake Michigan coastline, and it's a getaway in its own right. Known as the "crown jewel of Michigan" or "pearl of the Great Lakes," Mackinac Island offers a nostalgic feel since no cars are allowed here. All Rights Reserved. Identity thieves are everywhere. In warmer months, hike otherworldly rock formations at the Badlands; follow sandy trails along mountainous dunes in Michigan; paddle through shoreline caves in Wisconsin; float along cool, clear waters in Missouri; and bike through a green oasis in Ohio. All major brands. Its importance in American history earned it the title of a National Monument. In SF, book your stay in the center of it all at HI San Francisco Downtown . In August, it hosts a Corn Festival, and every year the designs outside of the palace are changed. Hopping into my car, I headed to my next stop: Detroit. 1. Web Visit website. Tamales are a project, but many handseven tiny onesmake lighter work. No matter what youre interested in, there is something in Indianapolis to entertain you. Though its daytime activities, like guided paddling excursions and hiking tips, are lovely, the 218,000-acre park shines as an after-dark destination. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. You cant go wrong spending time at one of the most beautiful places in the United States. Travel makes the heart grow fonder, and these romantic Midwest destinations are certain to bring the two of you closer together. As I drove back to my hometown of Columbus, Ohio, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for my road trip, all the places I had seen, and the people I met along the way. All along the peninsula, roadside cherry stands, state parks and small towns keep visitors coming back. Nearby, the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium includes an immersion theater and 12 big aquariums full of river creatures. The larger of the Twin Cities does everything on a grand scale. It was one of the few times I traveled back to Chicago since my graduation. The changing leaves draw thousands of visitors every year to admire them on peaceful hikes. Best Prices. Check out some of our favorite Midwest places to escape for the weekendfor entertainment, outdoor fun or just plain relaxing. In a far-flung corner of northwest Nebraska, guests come for an experience that unfolds over milesa story about a fragile ecosystem and the tough woman trying to preserve it. There are many unique hidden gems in the Midwest that make for awesome Midwestern vacations. Victorian buildings house unique shops, galleries and restaurants in a two-block area called Cable Car Square. New Rose Varieties for Frills, Fragrance and Victorian Charm. Youll find the park in Minot. Be My Travel Muse. Here's How Our Short List of Budget Destinations for Solo Travelers is Determined We look at the following four criteria. The longest stretch on my road trip was five hours to Wisconsin. Sterling Morton. Wichita is a fun and vibrant city in Kansas that has something for everyone to enjoy. 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. Maui, Hawaii While Maui is more of a 'long weekend' option, the island has so much natural beauty and myriad of activities, it's worth the effort to get to. Framed by northwest Illinois hills, the business district's century-old buildings now house more than 90 shops filled with antiques, home accessories and art. If youre looking for Midwestern vacations for families that are full of fun things to do in Kansas, I suggest Wichita. If you're looking for eclectic, look no further than the City Museum, home to an Enchanted Caves area where kids and adults crawl through the nooks and crannies of a former shoe factory. The Black Hills area in South Dakota, where many of the more prominent tourist attractions can be found, is best accessible from Rapid City. As a Black woman, I . Winding through five states before heading toward its southern terminus, the Great River Road is designated a National Scenic Byway and All-American Road. 18 Epic Midwest Weekend Getaways Home 18 Epic Midwest Weekend Getaways May 4, 2022 by // by Midwest Explored 9 Comments Affiliate Links Are you looking for the best Midwest weekend getaways? The land was eventually purchased by the state of Missouri and became a State Park. In the sweet Indiana town of Winona Lake, restored cottages house shops while boats ply a peaceful canal. There are tons and tons of things to do in Indianapolis! Looking for a fun Midwest vacation for families? The fall colors are particularly striking in this Minnesota park. Nevertheless, I covered five cities in roughly a week and a half. Take a Day Trip to Charming Winona Lake, IndianaJust 2.5 Hours from Chicago and Indy. Within Ha Ha Tonka State Park youll find some beautiful castle ruins. Midwest Explored Privacy Policy:https://midwestexplored.com/privacy-policy/, 16 Best Things To Do in Madison WI You ShouldntMiss. A Pair of Flower Farmers Sows a New BeginningTwicein Madison County, Iowa. An Indiana pro shares her growing tips and recommendations. While in Wichita, you can learn about Native American culture, among other things. Jazz clubs and theaters keep the party going into the night. this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. It's easy to see why this beautiful spot is the #1 destination vacation spot in Michigan and brings in visitors from all over the world. Just outside the 468 campsites at this Door County park are a golf course, beach, lighthouse, bike trails and high bluffs that are part of the Niagara Escarpment. I toured the museum with founding director Clayborn Benson III, who shared some hyperlocal history about African Americans who settled in Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Dells is still the water park capital of the world, a zany place where kids race go-karts through the belly of a Trojan horse. But Chicago is probably the most popular. One of the best cities in the U.S., according to Travel + Leisure 's 2022 World's Best Awards, Chicago is a must-visit Midwestern destination . It was my first time in the city, and I learned a lot about the unsung heroes who pushed our country forward. So its no wonder why its one of the most popular Midwestern vacation spots. When you pack your bags for this Lake Michigan harbor town, include your sense of adventure. At Prophetstown State Park youll be able to explore a unique living history museum. If you love waterparks, there are 13 Wisconsin Dells waterparks for your to explore! Another beautiful island to visit this fall is Mackinaw Island (and Mackinaw City). Cycle Path and Paddle in Crosby rents bikes and kayaks for travelers eager to explore Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area. It is one of the most interesting places to visit in the Midwest. Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. These bright, healthy saladswith veggies, fruits, hearty grains and moreare gorgeous enough to star at your dinner table or a picnic spread. Lively experienceswine-country tours by bike, pub crawls by water and summer camp for grown-upscolor escapes. Pioneer Park is 668 acres of tall prairie grass, streams, trails, wetlands, and woodlands. In a far-flung corner of northwest Nebraska, guests come for an experience that unfolds over milesa story about a fragile ecosystem and the tough woman trying to preserve it. When I reflect on my past trips, I see that one, in particular, ignited in me the confidence to travel solo: a road trip across the Midwest. Politicians and 4-H'ers find plenty to do in Des Moines, home to both the gold-capped capitol (free guided tours available) and state fair (attracting more than 1 million visitors each year). And you'll talk for years about the luxury and service you encounter at Sundara Inn and Spa. And who can blame them? There are a few beaches in the area where you can relax with your significant other. There are many fantastic weekend getaways in the Midwest from big cities to small towns to national parks. Seven years ago, I left the country for the first time for a two-week study abroad trip to Dublin, Ireland. I never had that much time on the road by myself. So make sure you check their calendar of events before you plan your trip. Its one of the most popular things to do in St. Louis and Missouri in general. "It's the perfect trip to take the grandkids on during summer vacation," Piper tells us. Solo travelers seeking green space will appreciate the city's proximity to nature. When it comes to solo travel, the Midwest can satisfy just about every vacation craving imaginable. Ride up The Gateway Archin a Jetsons-like pod for 30-mile views. From Brit's, it's a short walk to Target Field, where baseball fans cheer on the Minnesota Twins while savoring local fare like polish sausages from Kramarczuk's. In the sweet Indiana town of Winona Lake, restored cottages house shops while boats ply a peaceful canal. Check out the fine art collection, and then head to the funky Third Ward district for gallery hopping. San Francisco, CA. Youll need to reserve tickets in advance, and there are often none available if you wait too long. Places to Play The 11 best golf trips that offer the most bang for your buck By Drew Powell September 06, 2022 Much like weddings or school reunions, buddies trips offer golfers a chance to. At about this time, I had been on the road for roughly one week. At the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, I reflected on the past and was simultaneously hit with the current future for Black Americans. Tucked in the northwestern corner of Illinois just 10 minutes from Iowa and Wisconsin, Galena is a former mining town that's become the state's most nostalgic tourism destination. 17 Romantic Getaways in MichiganCouples Will Love - Midwest Explored, 15 Best Things To Do In Michigan City IN You Shouldn't Miss - Midwest Explored, 15 Small Towns in Iowa You Must Visit - Midwest Explored, 15 Best Places To Go Camping In Illinois - Midwest Explored, https://midwestexplored.com/privacy-policy/. Head to downtown's Nicollet Mall, a 12-block pedestrian thoroughfare that balances big-city feel with eclectic hidden gems like Brit's Pub (with lawn bowling on the roof). Formerly the Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Indianapolis, it now serves as a boutique hotel only a 20-minute drive from the speedway. Save Lonely Planet Editors Sep 25, 2020 4 min read Chicago has one of the most striking skylines in the Midwest Ron and Patty Thomas/Getty Images In the Midwest, you'll find friendly small towns as well as urban sprawls. Mackinac Island is extremely charming. I was born and raised in the Midwest. Unwind among 72 tree-filled acres at Arbor Lodge State Historical Park, which contains J. From a record-breaking wildlife migration in the Great Plains to the majesty of the region's national parks to can't-miss events, here's our list of quintessential Midwest trips everyone should experience at least once. Old-timey blooms are back in vogueand none more so than roses. This area of the United States is very underrated, and often passed over when it comes to vacation destinations or corporate events. The Ultimate Solo Travel Packing List and Essential Tips 15 Affordable Weekend Getaways Around the U.S. 10 Best East Coast Road Trips for History, Beaches, and Seafood Life's better at the lake, especially in the Midwest. Built specifically for river use, the state-of-the-art Viking Mississippi sets sail in Minnesota, nestled on the banks of the mighty Mississippi, and continues through the heartland before concluding in New Orleans, Louisiana. Katy Spratte Joyce is a freelance food, business, and travel writer based in Omaha, Nebraska. I've been wanting to travel to the mid-west for a few years now and would like to stay somewhere with beautiful scenery. Shutterstock. That includes Elvis Presley, Prince, Janis Joplin, and Pink Floyd. You can find the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland Ohio. Interactive museums, zoos, parks, sculpture gardens, aquariums and sports experiences give tiny travelers a glimpse of the world around them and let their imaginations soar. You can only reach the island via ferry or plane. Though nature is the main attraction, the local chefs give the Appalachian gorges a run for their money. Old-timey blooms are back in vogueand none more so than roses. . In fact, the park has the largest concentration of caves in Iowa. Rotating exhibits keep the content fresh, and famous artifacts like Johnny Cash's touring bus and Prince's guitar from the Purple Rain tour draw interest to the permanent galleries. Kansas is known more for its tornadoes than its fall colors, and not without reason -- you can usually expect more yellows and browns than oranges and reds, as it's usually pretty dry. Hocking Hills State Park encompasses some of the best scenery, including Ash Cave, a rock shelf that soars 90 feet above the trail. As I toured the former, I felt as if I had been transported back in time, standing where musical pioneers created history. Dinner, live music anda shoreline stroll under lit torches are all part of the package duringseasonal sunset cruises with Dells Boat Tours. If youre looking to explore one of the most beautiful places in the United States, head to Iowa. Adventure Travel Long Trails Trips by National Park Trips by State Backpacker Trips Trips These 5 Midwest Backpacking Trips Reveal Mountains, Forests, and Solitude (and Maybe a Corn Field) From lakeshore rambles to mountain peaks, these trails showcase the very best of the midwest. With its towering sandstone cliffs, carpets of wildflowers and hemlock forestscapes, this enchanting corner of Ohio caters to outdoor enthusiasts. Your next family vacation in the Midwest can be full of fun waterparks, fall foliage, or spring blooms. But as with most trips, I discovered things that only the road could reveal. We love to hike and be in the wilderness. Stop by The Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls for an eyebrow-raising steak, JimBo's for homemade pizza in a biker bar and Hocking Hills Moonshine distillery for a stiff drink that tastes like Granny Smith apples. As I enjoyed wine tasting and a tour of the fields, I saw that communities were thriving through innovative people who were creating solutions for a new future even amid trying times. And Im from Akron originally (live in Orlando) so Ive gone to Cleveland a bunch. My time in Cleveland would not have been complete without a visit to Chateau Hough, an urban winery located in the city's Hough neighborhood. Bakeries, bookshops, and delis line the narrow brick streets of the European-style, 19th-century German Village. Hit up Chicago's legendary foodie scene, take a walking tour of its local street art, shop at more than 460 stores on the Magnificent Mile, glimpse historic architecture on a 90-minute river cruise, or sip a cocktail watching the steel-framed skyline sunset in a tower observation deck. Related: A Two-Day Getaway to Hocking Hills. Unsurprisingly, the Mitchell Corn Palace is the only palace made of corn in the world. Or watch the Minnesota Twins play at Target Field, one of the Midwest's newest MLB parks. If there is one city you visit in the Midwest it should be Chicago. Midwestern getaways everyone should experience at least once. From unique museums, amazing restaurants, and pretty parks there is so much to choose from! Related: Experience Milwaukee's Cool Beer Culture, Festivals and Art Scene on Your Next Visit. I was 21 years old. Scenic fall drives lead to showstopping Midwest foliage. But not . The ruins are of a European-style castle that was built in the early 1900s. As a Black woman, I was inspired to take a road trip after learning about the "The Negro Motorist Green Book," which was published between 1936 and 1967. Within the park, there are 13 caves that you can explore. Admission to the museum is free, which is another reason its so popular. You will also find some of the best hiking in North Dakota! [Read: The Best Destinations for Solo Travel for Women (Plus Tips).] Family activities and fall color star in the hometown of Arbor Day founder J. But Chicago is probably the most popular. Grill Your Biggest, Best Burger Yet with Chicago Chef Erick Williams, The James Beard Award winner dishes on eating out, honoring roots and upping your burger game. 11. The world's only Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is located in downtown Cleveland, Ohio. The museum, which has been opened for more than 30 years, is currently the only institution in the state with a keen focus on preserving African American history in Wisconsin. This migration is one of the largest of any kind in North America, and the largest crane migration on the planet,making it a must-see in the Midwest. Mount Rushmore, Black Hills, South Dakota Watching the sunrise from different parts of the globe has now become a hallmark in my travel routine; it starts my day in thankfulness and gratitude. 27 Best Weekend Getaways in the Midwest | U.S. News Travel Protect Your Trip Search, compare and buy the best travel insurance for the lowest price Best Weekend Getaways in the. In 2018, the arch became a national park and continues to be a popular tourist attraction in Missouri. I was not shocked, nor surprised. The National Lakeshore is absolutely beautiful and definitely worth a visit when youre in Michigan. 5 Travel Tips for Seniors Traveling Alone See the World on Your Terms Age is Just a Number You might feel like you're getting older, but that means you're wiser and have more freedom too! As a result, these immigrants left a lasting impact on the culture of North Dakota. During my time here, I ate at Black-owned restaurants like Sauce the City, Cleveland Cold Brew, and The Vegan Doughnut Company. Exhibits at the American Jazz Museum tap KC's musical heritage. Youll find the city all lit up, with ice skating rinks, massive Christmas decorations and illuminated trees. Mackinac Island is one of the prettiest islands in Michigan and even the Midwest. ), A Designer Turned Her Childhood Friend's Home into a Masterful Mash-Up of '70s and '80s Decor Hits. There are plenty of cool things to do in Illinois and the states waterfalls are one of the coolest places to visit in the Midwest. But pride extends to cultural destinations, too. One of the best small towns in Michigan, Mackinac Island also earned the top spot in T+L's 2022 World's Best Awards for best continental islands in the U.S. Perhaps you'd prefer a balance of outdoor adventure and city fun. Chicago brims with cosmopolitan luxuries, and solo visitors can revel in a chock-full itinerary and still not run out of things to do. Its a great destination for your next family vacation in the Midwest. One of the most popular attractions in Lincoln is Pioneer Park. Heading here for a weekend? Biggest Selection. It has more theater seats per capita than any city outside New York, it has the largest mall in America, and its miles of trails trace the second-longest river in America-the Mississippi. It is a statue that marks sacred ground for Native American peoples where two rivers meet. Getty Images/Johner RF. Some of the coolest stuff hides just beyond the downtown district of Ohio's capital city. The Midwest is full of amazing vibrant cities to explore. Bison, prairie dogs, elk and other creatures roam near (and often cross!) ThisAnker high-speed phone charging batteryisthe exact oneI carry with me on all of my trips. With each destination, I arrived at a new version of myself. Updated on 06/10/20 Hit the road and discover the Midwest! Next, I drove down to Chicago. On a perfect autumn day, wispy clouds streak across a cerulean canvas. (Hint: Theres a fried egg and bacon involved. Ready to hit the road? But it also holds a refined side. Sweden's safe, accessible cities are ideal for solo-traveling women. I am a single 25 year old woman living in Connecticut. For instance, youll be able to tour an authentic Sigdal home or the Gol Stave Church. Visiting the Kansas prairies is one of the most unique things to do in Kansas in the Midwest and Kansas. Sundara nestles within a 26-acre pine forest; ameditation trail feels about as far from a water park as you could imagine. To observe the natural beauty of the cranes in another way, visit the Stuhr Museum in Grand Island. Some of the best stops along the journey can be found in the Midwest, including the headwaters, Twin Cities, Lake Pepin, Dubuque, and St. Louis. Consider checking out the Crane Trust for its overnight VIP experience, complete with heated bird blinds. Come nightfall, quiet sets in again over the water, but laughter and conversation ring out from the edge of every cove. The 100-step climb to the top of Cana Island Lighthouse in Bailey's Harbor rewards visitors with some of the best views of Lake Michigan's Door County shoreline.

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