summer road trip midwest

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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16 Best Midwest Road Trips – Scenic Routes You Can’t Miss

Posted on Published: May 25, 2020  - Last updated: February 9, 2024

Ahhh, the Midwest. Vast landscapes with beautiful scenery, the ability to connect with nature and fun attractions. One of the best ways to explore the middle of the USA is with a Midwest road trip!

This post may contain affiliate links. For more info, see my  disclosures .

For those of us who live here, we know there’s so much to offer. Our waving grasses with rolling hills make for beautiful, peaceful sunsets. Gorgeous lakes simply begged to be explored.

Our cities each have something unique to offer, and mix that with Midwest charm, it makes for a great place for a road trip!

Midwest road trip ideas

I’ve explored many places across the Midwest, but I haven’t covered it all. So I turned to other experts to help me out to create this list of best Midwest road trips!

Here’s a bunch of Midwest road trip ideas, ranging from 2 days to 10. From outdoorsy to artsy, there’s truly something for everyone in the Midwest!

List of Midwestern States

But before we dive in, let’s clarify the states that cover the Midwest to help you plan your trip:

• Indiana (IN)
• Illinois (IL)
• Missouri (MO)
• Kansas (KS)
• Nebraska (NE)
• South Dakota (SD)
• North Dakota (ND)
• Minnesota (MN)
• Wisconsin (WI)
• Michigan (MI)

Looking for more Midwest adventures? Check out these 16 trails – the best hiking in the Midwest !

Ready to hit the road? Here’s the best Midwest road trips

Black hills, south dakota (a classic).

Recommended trip: 7-10 days

The Black Hills in South Dakota is one of the best places for a road trip in the Midwest.  There is so much to see and do, you could easily spend months here, but for a shorter trip, 7-10 days would be great.

Rapid City is probably the best place to fly in and out of for a Black Hills trip. I would start with a couple of days in Badlands National Park .  Spend the night in Wall, visit Wall Drug and the Badlands from here, then head over to Wind Cave National Park.

Spend a night or 2 in Hot Springs to easily access the park where you can do some hiking, look for bison, and do a cave tour. Make a stop at the Mammoth site while you’re here, too.

Finally, head to Keystone for a few days. This is the perfect base for exploring the Mount Rushmore and Custer State Park area. 

Some of the must-do activities here are visiting Mount Rushmore (of course), driving Iron Mountain Road , driving the Needles Highway, driving the Custer Wildlife Loop Road, hiking Cathedral Spires Trail, and relaxing at Sylvan Lake. If you want a little side trip, you can easily visit Devils Tower in Wyoming, too.  

Recommended by Megan of Red Around the World

Chicago to St. Louis road trip

Recommended trip: 4-6 days

Driving from Chicago, Illinois to St. Louis, Missouri should be on any midwest road trip. This journey is part of Route 66, one of the original highways in the United States. Route 66 was the primary route for people wishing to move west. Opt to spend one day driving this four and a half-hour drive, or break it up and spend the night in Springfield, Illinois.  

For this journey, start in Chicago. Make sure to spend at least 3 days in Chicago. Stay in the centrally located Downtown/River North area. Do not miss the Art Institute of Chicago and the Field Museum.

Grab some pictures at “The Bean” in Millenium Park. Daredevils can opt for “The Edge” experience at the Skydeck or the Tilt Experience at the John Hancock Building. 

In the morning depart Chicago to drive south towards Springfield, the capital of Illinois . Stop by the capitol building and take a free tour of the building.

Visit Abraham Lincoln’s grave at Oak Ridge Cemetery and then visit the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. Grab a custard at Krekel’s before heading onward to St. Louis, Missouri. 

Plan to spend at least 2 days in St. Louis to explore the main sites. Plan to stay in the Downtown area. Ride to the top of the St. Louis Arch at Gateway Arch National Park.

Take a peek into history at the Old Courthouse, where the Dread Scott decision was made. Make sure to eat some delicious BBQ before departing St. Louis.

Recommended by Francesca of Home Room Travel

You might also like: 101 Road Trip Food Ideas: Best Fun and Healthy Snacks You’ll Love

Indianapolis, IN to Boyne City, MI

Recommended trip: 2-3 days

Ready for a fantastic Midwest road trip? Regardless of the time of year, driving from Indianapolis, Indiana to Boyne City, MI is a perfect way to enjoy a long weekend.

Day one, you’ll want to get up early and head to Lansing, MI. It’s about 3.5 hours from Indy, so if you time it right, be sure to stop for lunch at Soup Spoon Cafe – a flight of soup is a fun way to start your mini-vacation. Next, if you have younger kids, head over to the Impression 5 Science Center – they’ll love the full sensory experiences. 

After the museum, finish your drive north and check-in at Boyne Mountain for the night. Enjoy a full day of exploring Boyne Mountain and nearby Boyne City the next day. If it’s winter, hit the slopes for a little skiing or even tubing.

If it’s summertime, enjoy hiking, ziplining, or swimming. Downtown Boyne City is situated right on Lake Charlevoix and the town is full of delicious restaurants such as Cafe Sante and Red Mesa as well as unique local boutiques.

Leave Boyne Mountain, and head over to Petoskey for your final day. Start it off right with amazing bagels and donuts at Johann’s Bakery and then hurry over to the main Kilwins location for a factory tour. Kilwin’s offers free tours Monday – Friday every half-hour from 10 – 4:30, and each one ends with a decadent chocolate treat.

After the tour, spend a little time poking around downtown Petoskey for lunch and to pick up a few Michigan souvenirs before heading back to Indianapolis.

Recommended by Pam of Our Adventure is Everywhere

You might also like: Road Trip with Kids: 15 Essentials to Pack

Central Iowa road trip

We highly recommend taking a road trip through Central Iowa. You’ll pass through  Des Moines , Iowa’s capital and other smaller towns that have some fun and interesting attractions.

Heading east along I-80, your first stop should be the town of Winterset. It’s famous for having the  actual  bridges of Madison County. Six of the original 19 covered bridges in Madison County have been preserved just outside of town. Winterset is also the birthplace of John Wayne. There is a museum dedicated to him, with lots of personal and movie memorabilia.

Continuing east, you reach Des Moines. We love this artsy city! It’s easy to find street art there and downtown has a 4.4-acre sculpture park that is free to the public. There’s also a really lovely botanical garden in Des Moines.

Of course, visiting the Capitol Building is a must. You can do a free self-guided tour and marvel at the building’s incredible architecture.

The next stop on your road trip should be the town of Grinnell. Home to Grinnell College, they have a small but impressive art museum on campus.

Grinnell is also the home of one of eight “jewel-box” banks built by legendary architect Louis Sullivan. He is considered the father of modern American architecture and mentored Frank Lloyd Wright. The bank is beautiful, with large stained-glass windows and pink Tennessee marble floors.

Recommended by Vicky of Buddy The Traveling Monkey

More road trip destinations in the Midwest

St. louis to kansas city.

Recommended trip: 3-5 days

While many people think of Missouri as a fly-over state, it’s full of not-to-be-missed gems, from St. Louis to Kansas City. So why not see some of them in one fell swoop with a 5-day road trip?

Start in St. Louis, a city bursting with historic architecture and a thriving food and cocktail scene. Spend 2 days here, exploring the City Museum, an adult playground/art installation of interactive salvaged architectural objects. Visit Forest Park, one of the country’s largest urban parks and its world-class museums, all boasting free admission. And, of course, the Missouri Botanical Gardens, consistently ranked one of the best in the nation.

At night, eat your way through the exploding culinary landscape, with one of the many restaurants helmed by James Beard nominated chefs, like Vicia or Lona’s Lil’ Eats.

Once you’ve gotten your fill, drive west to Hermann, a tiny town that has several wineries, breweries, and distilleries nestled in its idyllic grassy hills. For just $20, the Hermann Trolley will shuttle you between these establishments all day, so you can responsibly imbibe in as many craft beverages as you please.

After a day here, finish your trip with 2 days in Kansas City, famous for its jazz scene. To get a taste of it yourself, head to the American Jazz Museum during the day and the Green Lady Lounge at night to see some of the world’s best musicians in action. By the end of the trip, you’ll be ecstatic to have discovered some of the Show Me State’s abundant treasures! 

Recommended by Jessica of Uprooted Traveler

Oh, and if you’re planning to rent a car for one of these Midwest road trip routes, be sure to check out the cheap rates on Discover Cars . I usually save 10-30%, which can really add up! Discover Cars searches the top carriers to find the best deal, at no extra cost to you. It’s a win-win! Search cheap rental cars now .

Milwaukee to Wisconsin Dells

One of the best Midwest road trips you can take is exploring the highlights of Wisconsin. The ideal road trip itinerary takes you from Milwaukee to Green Bay and ends in Wisconsin Dells.

Start your road trip in Milwaukee , but you can’t leave without spending at least 2 days in this vibrant city. As a matter of fact, people flood from all over the United States to visit Milwaukee for its food, attractions and history.

Must do’s are the Harley Davidson Museum and the historic Third Ward.  Stay in the iconic Pfister Hotel in downtown.

From here you finally head out to the beautiful North of Wisconsin. Along the Michigan river you’ll cross scenic towns such as Port Washington. When you arrive in Green Bay, get ready to explore this vibrant town located in Door County. 

Some of the best things to do here are visiting the Heritage Hill State Park and watch a game by the legendary Green Bay Packers. Plan at least 1 day to visit the city and all the best things to do in Door County .

From Green Bay you’ll drive to Wisconsin Dells which is famous for its waterparks. However, there is so much more to do here. From shopping to hiking in the Dells or staying overnight in one of the  most romantic cabins in Wisconsin , there will be plenty of options to spend at least 2 days in Wisconsin Dells.

Recommended by Paulina of Paulina on the Road

Southern Minnesota road trip

Eat, relax and have fun in Southern Minnesota! Enjoy a food lovers paradise in Austin, Minnesota. Known for having some of the best Mexican food in the state of Minnesota, Austin is also known for award-winning BBQ sauces, french onion soup and stuffed raspberry french toast.

Want to have a food challenge, then be sure to stop by the Tendermaid. Also, don’t forget to visit the one and only SPAM Museum ! Yes – it’s real and there are nearly 20 restaurants with SPAM on the menu.

Then sit back, relax and enjoy the view in Fairmont, Minnesota . Home to a chain of 5 lakes and 29 parks in city limits, Fairmont provides you that opportunity to become one with nature. Explore lakeside dining, outdoor recreation and an arts and culture scene that is sure to impress .

Next discover how  Germans Have More Fun  in New Ulm! Enjoy a road trip through the MN River Valley National Scenic Byway to the most German city in America.

In New Ulm you can climb 102’ to the top of the ‘Herman the German’ monument. Enjoy a tour/tasting at Schell’s Brewery, MN’s oldest brewery. Shop the unique boutiques in the historic downtown. Hear bells chime at our Glockenspiel. See the 1873 murals in the rathskeller at Turner Hall. 

With so much to do in Southern Minnesota, there’s something for everyone!

Read next: How to Save Money for Travel: Your Vacation Savings Plan

Richmond, IN to Butler County, OH

If you’re looking for a cool trip, head to Indiana and Ohio! Starting off in Richmond, Indiana, visit the Wayne County Historical Museum and the Levi Coffin House. Be sure to hear their amazing story of the Underground Railroad!

Stay at the Starr Loft in Richmond before heading to Ohio. On your way to Ohio’s Lake Erie Islands, take a diversion into Bremen at the Bicycle Museum of America. Then onto the Marblehead Lighthouse in Marblehead, Ohio where this historic lighthouse guided sailors safely since 1822.

That night stay at Port Clinton’s Fairfield Inn & Suites. The next morning, head over to Ohio’s Lake Erie Islands. Take Miller Boat Line’s Ferry to Put-in-Bay where you can ferry your car over to the island.

Visit Perry’s Peace Memorial which honors the War of 1812. Check out the view up the 352-foot tower! The memorial honors those who fought in the Battle of Lake Erie. The next day, on Kellys Island, take a tour in a golf cart to check out natural phenomenons like the Glacial Grooves.

Be sure to hang out for an afternoon in Downtown Sandusky, Ohio . Take a Segway tour, visit Cedar Point Amusement Park, visit the Merry-Go-Round Museum or go parasailing.

Last stop on this road trip is Butler County, Ohio! Enjoy the Donut Trail and tour outdoor art at the Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park.

Recommended by Cindy of Traveling Adventures of a Farm Girl

Related read: Best Midwest Camping Spots

Loess Hills Scenic Byway (Missouri to Iowa)

The Loess Hills Scenic Byway takes its travelers through the most extensive loess (essentially, ancient wind-blown silt deposits) outside a remote region of China! While the byway officially starts at the Iowa state border, the hills themselves run north-south a bit east of the Missouri River, from St. Joseph, Missouri to the Sioux City, Iowa area, passing near Omaha, Nebraska in the middle of the journey.

Each of these cities are destinations in their own right, and combined, they make a road trip full of scenic views and ample entertaining places to stop along the way.  

In St. Joe, Missouri, local museums provide fascinating looks at the history of the Pony Express, the art of Thomas Hart Benton (often depicting loess hills!) and the life of the nefarious Jesse James. Near Mound City, Missouri, visit the Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge to see waterfowl and bald eagles.

The Hitchcock Nature Center near Omaha and the Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center in Sioux City provide more information about the unique geology, flora, and fauna of the Loess Hills along with opportunities for hiking, boating, and more!

For ideal cruising food, try Billy Boy Drive-through just a few miles from the Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center in Soiux City for a burger and a shake! 

Recommended by Lindsay of Siouxland Families

More ideas: Midwest road trips

Minneapolis to omaha.

Recommended trip: 4-5 days

Get a nice mix of cities and wide open spaces on a Midwest road trip from Minneapolis to Omaha. Starting in Minneapolis, you’ll want to spend 1-2 days visiting the lakes, restaurants and of course, checking out the Mall of America .

Visit the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden in downtown and grab an ice cream cone at Izzy’s Ice Cream . The largest mall in North America (Mall of America) is a whole lot more than shopping, too. With an indoor amusement park, it’s the perfect activity for any weather.

Then hit the road! Next stop: Northwestern Iowa. Stop in Estherville, Iowa for a rustic winery , experience an 80-year old swinging bridge or to visit the site of the largest known meteorite seen crashing into North America.

You could stay in Esterville for the night, or head about half an hour west to Lake Okoboji. In Okoboji, Iowa you’ll find shopping, dining and a bunch of water activities , of course! Try the Arnold’s Park Amusement Park or live music after a day on the water.

Next on this Midwest road trip is Sioux City, Iowa. Grab lunch or dinner at the Fourth Street Historic District in downtown Sioux City , catch a show at the Orpheum Theatre or visit Palmer’s Old Tyme Candy Shoppe for a sweet treat before leaving town.

Omaha, Nebraska is the final destination on this Midwest road trip itinerary. You’ll want to spend 1-2 days visiting this fun city. Omaha is known as the silicone prarie, a tech hub that’s family-friendly, yet trendy enough to support a vibrant art scene and plenty of outdoor space.

One of the best things to do in Omaha is to visit the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium , It’s the largest tourist attraction in the state, and regularly competes with the San Diego Zoo as the #1 zoo in the country! It really is that fantastic!

Check out North America’s largest indoor rain forest, feed the giraffes, walk under sharks in the aquarium and watch the animals in the world’s largest indoor desert dome. Tip: be sure to buy your tickets in advance online and arrive early to avoid the crowds as best as you can.

Get a good tour of the city while taking fun photos at the most Instagrammable places in Omaha . Spend some time wandering the Lauritzen Gardens or check out the Fun-Plex Waterpark.

For some mystery check out the Joslyn Castle , and for some history visit the Lewis and Clark Landing. The Old Market in downtown is the perfect spot to grab a bite to eat after a long day touring the city.

Recommended by me! Nikki of She Saves She Travels

Duluth to Grand Marais, Minnesota

Recommended trip: 1-2 days

A Minnesota road trip on Highway 61 between Duluth and Grand Marais will offer you amazing views of Lake Superior, numerous options for a delicious bite to eat, and some can’t miss attractions .

As you leave Duluth, choose the 24-mile scenic route to Two Harbors, and take in the view of Lake Superior along the way. In Two Harbors you can walk along the breakwater to the lighthouse, and watch the ore ships coming and going. Enjoy a local brew at Castle Danger Brewery after doing some shopping in Agate Bay.

Just north of Two Harbors is Betty’s Pies and you don’t want to miss stopping here ! This is a full service restaurant, but they also have a walk up counter where you can order their famous pie. The pie flavors change every day, but you definitely want to try the Great Lakes Fruit Pie . This pie is filled with blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, apples, and rhubarb and it is one of a kind.

It is 11 miles to the next stop, in Castle Danger, but get your camera ready because you’ll be driving through 2 large tunnels, and the exits of both perfectly frame Lake Superior. 

Castle Danger is home to Gooseberry Falls and Split Rock Lighthouse State Parks. You can learn a little history of the area while touring the lighthouse and take a hike down the hillside to dip your toes in the cool Lake Superior water.

Gooseberry Falls State Park has 5 waterfalls that you can hike to, and a very nice visitor center to buy some souvenirs at.

Along the remaining 72 miles to Grand Marais, take the time to stop at a beach or two to hunt for agates. The beaches along the North Shore are loaded with agates and it’s fun to find a few to bring home.  

The city of Grand Marais has a main street full of local shops that ends on the shore of Lake Superior.  The beach is a popular spot to watch the water, and to eat a delicious donut from World’s Best Donuts or maybe you’ll want a slice of thin crust pizza from Sven and Ole’s.  

Grand Marais is also the start of the Gunflint Trail. This is a 57-mile paved roadway that ends in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area near the border of Ontario.

This 110 mile road trip between Duluth and Grand Marais can be made in one day, but why not take your time and really discover the beauty of Lake Superior and the North Shore.

Recommended by Vicki of That Was a First

I-70 Kansas road trip: Abilene to Kansas City

Recommended trip: 2-4 days

Enjoy a wealth of historic, cultural, and recreational activities along Interstate 70 in northern Kansas. Start in Abilene, Kansas with visiting the Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum, and Boyhood Home. Head over to pet Ginger, the greeter at the Greyhound Hall of Fame. Enjoy award-winning fried chicken at the Brookville Hotel.

Next stop along I-70 in Kansas is Junction City, home to Milford Lake and the Fishing Capital of Kansas. Tour Fort Riley’s museums, but prepare for security. Eat Munson-raised, dry-aged beef at Munson’s Prime restaurant, a local favorite. A perfect spot to call it a night is by the lake at Acorns Resort.

Then you’ll hit Manhattan, Kansas. For high adventure, fly zip lines at Wildwood Adventure Park. Afterwards, relax and eat and drink at Liquid Art Winery & Estate!

Slide into Topeka, Kansas where you can dive into history and visit the state capitol and the national historic site where the Supreme Court reversed segregation in Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka . A great way to end the day is with elegance at the Cyrus Hotel.

As you head east on I-70, you’ll get to Lecompton, Kansas. Learn more about where slavery began to die at Constitution Hall State Historic Site and the Territorial Capitol. Then lighten things back up by grabbing a slice of gourmet pie at Aunt Netter’s Cafe. Delicious!

Next up is Lawrence, Kansas and downtown is the place to be! Experience downtown Lawrence during the day or night. See basketball’s original rules at The Cradle of Basketball. And if you’re looking for a brewery, Free State Brewing Co. is Kansas’ first post-prohibition brewery. Stay at in the heart of Lawrence at The Oread.

The final stop on this Northern Kansas road trip before arriving at Kansas City is Leavenworth, Kansas. Visit Fort Leavenworth, or ride antique carousels at C.W. Parker Carousel Museum. A must-try in Leavenworth is the steak house tenderloin at Metropolitan Steakhouse.

Wrapping up the I-70 Kansas road trip is of course, Kansas City! Enjoy the major leagues: sporting Kansas City at Children’s Mercy Park and NASCAR at Kansas Speedway. Eat top-notch barbecue at SLAP’s BBQ. After a great road trip in Kansas, stay in the Chateau Avalon.    

Recommended by Roxie of Roxie on the Road

Midwest road trip: Missouri Route 66

While most people think of a  Route 66  Road Trip as starting in Chicago and ending in Santa Monica, you don’t need to take two weeks and traverse half the country to get in a taste of the Mother Road. Instead, you can pick a portion and explore it in-depth.

Missouri has a great stretch of Route 66 right here in the Midwest. It starts in the northeast crossing over from Illinois into St. Louis and ends at the Oklahoma border after passing through Joplin.

Obviously the most iconic site on Missouri’s portion of Route 66 is the Gateway Arch, which practically welcomes you onto the road. Make sure to tour Meramec Caverns , see the one-room jail in Cuba, and explore the interesting history of Carthage. 

Take advantage of the fun roadside kitsch of the route and get out at as many stops as you can. A real Route 66 road trip means you need to spend a few nights in the state’s retro motels and enjoy some diners and dive bars.

Recommended by Stephanie of Oklahoma Wonders

Driftless Area Scenic Byway (Iowa)

Recommended trip: 1-3 days

Allamakee County is the home to the most scenic byway in the state of Iowa, Driftless Area Scenic Byway. This beautiful scenic byway zigzags its way on hard-surfaced and gravel roads through the high relief, pre-glacial landscape in extreme northeastern Iowa in Allamakee County. 

This byway has been voted most scenic byway in the state of Iowa . It’s 100 miles of amazing! Along the Driftless Area Scenic Byway you will find…

Effigy Mounds National Monument , the 2,526-acre park by the Yellow River has walking trails with modest to extended routes, allowing you to select your route and view a variety of mounds. An accessible boardwalk trail into the wetlands near the visitor center is available for persons of all walking abilities.

Yellow River State Forest was first acquired as a state forest in 1935, the Yellow River State Forest has grown to encompass nearly 9,000 acres of natural beauty.

Great River Road , where you can enjoy 36.2 miles of the Great River Road in Allamakee County. You will discover the best of the Great River Road right here!

Driftless Area Education & Visitor Center , where you’ll see live animals, interpretative displays, 2 viewing decks of the Mississippi River, and a great group educational experience.  Located just south of Lansing.

This Midwest road trip takes your scenic adventure to another level with:

• Wine Tasting – Madigan Winery, Lansing & Empty Nest Winery, Waukon
• Bird Watching
• Beer Tasting – Safe House Saloon in Lansing
• Trout Fishing
• Cheese Curd Tour – WW Homestead Dairy in Waukon
• Shopping – Horsfall’s in Lansing, Paint Creek Gifts in Waterville and City Meat Market inNew Albin

Recommended by Val of Allamakee County

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Triple Nickel Byway (Ohio)

Winding through the southern part of Ohio is the  Triple Nickel  which encompasses parts of State Route 555. If you’ve never been on this scenic, twisting by-way through the hills of Ohio, you need to put it on your bucket list! This is a perfect day trip that takes you from the picturesque town of Zanesville to the history-rich city of Marrietta.  

The Triple Nickel is one of the more challenging roads in Ohio, but you can take in some of the amazing historical sites when you’re in the area. While touring through Morgan County you can see the Big Muskie bucket part of the world’s largest earth-moving machine in Miner’s Memorial Park and Barkhurst Mill Covered Bridge.  

No trip on the Triple Nickel is complete without stopping to eat at the Triple Nickel Diner in Chesterhill. Pro-tip: Make sure to check their website for the hours of operation because they vary with the seasons.  

If you’re looking for a great place to stay while on the route, take a small detour to the  Stockport Mill Inn located in Stockport, Ohio . You’ll be treated to stunning views of the Muskingum River and the operating locks. Dotty, the owner, will treat you like family and feed you amazing comfort foods only found at the Inn.

The Triple Nickel doesn’t disappoint the road tripper looking for a challenge in the Midwest.

Recommended by Brandy of Gleason Family Adventure

Madison to Spring Green, Wisconsin

One of the most exciting small cities in the Midwest is  Madison, Wisconsin . It has a wonderful dining scene and miles of shoreline and bike trails.

A culmination of a college-town and a bustling city, Madison is also home one of America’s most beloved architects: Frank Lloyd Wright. Wright used Madison and its neighborhoods as a canvas, where visitors can see his many designs come to life. Although several of Madison’s Wright-designed houses are private residences, designs like the First Unitarian Meeting Houses and Monona Terrace are must-see spots for any architectural buffs! Both buildings are just a short 10-minute drive away.

If you want to see more of the city’s art scene , visit either the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art or the Chazen Museum of Art! Both museums boast both Wisconsin-based artists, as well as international artists too. Furthermore, admission is free for adults, making this the perfect stop for anyone that loves to travel on a budget. 

While you’re in Madison we also highly recommend grabbing tacos from Matthew Danky and his exciting outpost El Grito Tacqueria.  

From Madison, drive about 40 minutes to the quaint town of New Glarus , Wisconsin. The main attraction here is New Glarus Brewing, one of the most highly regarded breweries by beer snobs across the country so make sure to spend a few hours there. 

New Glarus also has rich Swiss heritage. Explore and find an authentic Swiss bakery or locally made raclette and cheese fondue.

Our last stop is very enjoyable Spring Green, an hour away down winding country roads.  Frank Lloyd Wright spent the better part of his life living and working in Spring Green and maintained a school at Taliesin. Wright’s students designed many unique buildings in and around Spring Green.

Recommended by Nick of Road Goat

16 best Midwest road trips

Well there you have it! I hope you’ve found some inspiration on which route you’ll take on your upcoming Midwest road trip! Midwest states have a lot to offer for any type of road trip you’re looking for!

Comment below on which you’re considering – or which route surprised you most!

You might also like: Best Hiking in the Midwest – 16 Cool Hikes You’ll Love Denver to Moab Road Trip: 16 Scenic Stops You Gotta See to Believe 27 Awesome Things to Do in Sandusky, Ohio You Can’t Miss Perfect Colorado Itinerary: 22 Road Trip Stops You Need to See Miami to Key West Road Trip: 22 Stops Along the Way 26 Best Places to Visit in October in the US

Planning to rent a car for one of these scenic routes? Check out the cheap rental car rates on my favorite site. I save up to 30%, which is awesome!

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Saturday 25th of September 2021

Awesome. I'm wanting to take a scenic drive from Kansas to Ohio, off the beaten path. What are your recommendations?

Sunday 26th of September 2021

Where in Kansas and Ohio? I've spent time in Kansas City and St. Louis which may be along the way, but aren't necessarily off the beaten path. Perhaps a bit more southern, I've heard the Mark Twain National Forest and Shawnee National Forest are both gorgeous! Otherwise I've recently spent time in Sandusky Ohio, Put-in-Bay Ohio and the Lake Erie area. I'm sorry, I'm not sure I have a whole lot of suggestions for that specific route since I haven't personally done it. Best of luck on your road trip!

Alice Peace

Wednesday 27th of January 2021

Thank you for this! A road-trip in the States is definitely on the cards in the future.

Yay! How fun, Alice. I'm crossing my fingers it's soon!

Pamela Foester

Tuesday 12th of January 2021

I love exploring the Midwest, thanks for sharing.

You're so welcome, Pamela!

Tuesday 25th of August 2020

You missed a Gem of the Midwest. Part of the Driftless region on NE Iowa you need to check out the town of Decorah and the area around it. River bluffs, water falls, bike trails, 3 award winning breweries, big Scandinavian culture and museum.

Wednesday 26th of August 2020

Great suggestion! I've heard of Decorah but have never been!

Christa Ellis

Tuesday 9th of June 2020

I love that you included the Levi Coffin House. I have a post about it on my blog. Levi Coffin was a distant cousin to me through his grandmother Prudence Beals/Bales.

Friday 12th of June 2020

Oh very cool! What a small world, Christa! My pleasure to feature it. :)

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15 Fun Midwest Road Trips For Your Bucket List

March 25, 2021 by //  by  Midwest Explored 1 Comment

Looking for fun Midwest Road Trips to explore? Then take a look at this list full of the best Midwest road trips.

I was born and raised in the Midwest and I know there is so much to enjoy about each state.

That’s why I’ve found a unique and fun road trip in the Midwest for each Midwestern state.

On these road trips you’ll drive down the iconic Route 66, sample the best restaurants in Nebraska, admire natural wonders, and explore famous ghost towns.

So here are 15 fun Midwest road trips for your bucket list!

Route 66 Through Illinois For History Lovers

• Bloomington
• Collinsville

You’ll start your Midwest road trip through Illinois’ portion of Route 66 in Chicago.

Make sure to grab a picture of the iconic Route 66 sign in Chicago that marks the start of the famous highway.

From there, you’ll pass through Joliet and head into Bloomington. You’ll want to check out the Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum.

Head out of Bloomington towards Litchfield. On the way, you’ll pass through some amazing kitschy road side attractions and unique food stands.

In Litchfield, grab something to eat at the iconic Doc’s Soda Fountain before experiencing the Sky View Drive-in Theater.

You’ll finish your trip in Collinsville where you should consider stopping at the Rabbit Ranch as you end your journey on the iconic Route 66.

Natural Wonders Of Iowa Road Trip

• Dunnings Spring Park
• Effigy Mounds National Monument
• Maquoketa Caves State Park
• Wildcat Den State Park

For your Midwest road trip through Iowa’s natural wonders, you’ll start at Dunning’s Springs Park.

Dunning’s Springs Park is home to one of the best waterfalls in Iowa .

From there, head to Effigy Mounds National Monument. This national monument is home to over 200 effigy mounds created by Native Americans from 20 different Nations.

Next, you’ll make your way to Maquoketa Caves State Park.

Maquoketa Caves State Park is over 300 acres and has the most caves of any Iowa State Park.

Many of them you can walk through and hike out to see.

End your trip at Wildcat Den State Park. It is a beautiful park known for it’s massive rock features.

You can take hikes and admire the ‘Devil’s Punch Bowl’, ‘Fat Man’s Squeeze’, and ‘Steamboat Rock’.

Post-Rock Scenic Byway, Kansas

• Limestone Native American Posts
• Wilson Lake
• The Garden of Eden

The Post Rock Scenic Byway is a stretch of byway in Kansas that is 18 miles long.

It winds through the Smoky Hills and is named for the unique limestone rock posts Native American’s used to build their fences, homes, and other structures.

Along the route, you’ll be able to admire these unique limestone Native American posts. Four of them have had faces carved into them by California artist, Fred Whitman.

One of the main parts of the byway is the area surrounding Wilson Lake.

There are several scenic stops you can take to admire Wilson Lake, or you can get out and explore and hike near the lake.

The scenic byway ends in the town of Lucas, which is home to the famous ‘Garden of Eden’.

The ‘Garden of Eden’ is a National Historic Place that features over 150 folk art statues.

S.P. Dinsmoor was a Civil War veteran who created the folk art statues in the late 1800s.

Dinsmoor and his art made Lucas an artists town and it is now home to several different artist collectives and unique galleries.

It is the perfect stopping point for your road trip in the Midwest.

Ghost Towns Of Missouri For A Spooky Road Trip

• Possum Trot
• Georgia City

For those looking for a spookier adventure, consider a road trip in the Midwest full of Missouri ghost towns.

You’ll start your road trip in Arlington, a once lively town on Route 66. Arlington was established in the 1860s but was abandoned less than 100 years later.

Just south of Arlington is Bloodland. The oddly named town became obsolete in the 1940s, but a few buildings still remain.

From Bloodland you’ll head to the town of Possum Trot. All that remains of the former town is a church and a home that have long stood abandoned.

Finish your trip in Georgia City. The only thing left of this once hopping town is the cemetery. Many of the town’s original residents are burried there.

A drive through the ghost towns of Missouri is sure to make for an interesting Midwest road trip.

The Ohio River Scenic Byway, Indiana

The Ohio River Scenic Byway runs in three states, with 300 miles running through Indiana.

There are three historic towns you’ll pass through that offer charming experiences in each.

Begin your road trip in Vevay, named the 4th Coolest Small Town in America, and for good reason. There you can visit a casino, have a delicious meal, and even go zip-lining.

From Vevay you’ll continue down the scenic byway to the charming town of Madison. You’ll be able to sample locally made cider, go hiking, and enjoy small town charm.

Finish your Ohio River Scenic Byway road trip in the small town of Newburgh.

In Newburgh, walk the Riverwalk, grab a bite to eat, and explore unique shops.

Small Towns Of Minnesota Road Trip

• Taylors Falls

There are so many cute small towns in Minnesota that it makes for the perfect Midwest road trip.

You’ll start your trip in Ely, which is home to one of the best waterfalls in Minnesota , the Kawishiwi Falls.

From there, head to Pipestone, which is home to the Pipestone National Monument. At the National Monument you’ll be able to hike and learn more about Native American history.

After you leave Pipestone, continue on to Winona. Winona is perfect for a romantic getaway if you are a couple that enjoys festivals.

The small town of Winona is known for it’s frequent and unique festivals. So no matter what time of year you visit, you’ll probably get to enjoy one.

End you’re small towns road trip in Taylors Falls.

It’s the perfect place to end your trip because you’ll be able to decompress and enjoy the great outdoors.

Lighthouses Of Michigan Road Trip For Coastal Fun

• Big Red Lighthouse
• Big Sable Point Lighthouse
• Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse
• Fort Gratiot Point Light Station

Start your exploration of Michigan’s lighthouses at the famous Big Red Lighthouse in Holland. Holland is great for a weekend getaway in Michigan , so consider spending a little time enjoying the town while you’re there.

From there, travel North to the Big Sable Point Lighthouse.

The Big Sable Point Lighthouse is in Ludington, which is also where you can find one of the best beaches in Michigan .

Next, you’ll stop at the Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse, one of the best lighthouses in Michigan , which is on Mackinac Island.

Mackinac Island is another great place to explore, so plan to spend some time to tour both the lighthouse and the nearby area.

End your trip at Michigan’s first lighthouse, the Fort Gratiot Point Light Station.

It first opened in 1825 and is a popular lighthouse for tourist visits, so plan enough time there to get the full experience. The lighthouses of Michigan road trip in the Midwest is a great way to experience Michigan coastal life.

Old Red/Old Ten Scenic Byway, North Dakota

• Assumption Abbey

If you’re looking for Midwest road trips that explore the hidden parts of Midwestern States, then consider traveling down the Old Red/Old Ten Scenic Byway in North Dakota.

The best part about this road trip is that it is mostly full of beautiful scenic views of North Dakota.

As you drive along, you’ll come into the small town of Taylor. Taylor is known for it’s yearly horse festivals.

If you stop by during one of those festivals, you’re in for a real treat.

Next you’ll pass into Richardton, which is home to the beautiful Assumption Abbey.

While you’re there, make sure you take the time to tour this stunning abbey that is seemingly in the middle of nowhere.

As you finish you’re road trip, you’ll find Salem Sue.

Salem Sue is the World’s Largest Holstein Cow fiberglass sculpture. It was built in 1974 using $40,000 in donations from local farmers and residents.

It is a unique way to end your Midwestern travel through scenic North Dakota.

Ohio Waterfalls Midwest Road Trip s

• Mohican State Park
• Brandywine Falls
• Lanterman’s Falls
• Hocking Hills State Park

Most of Ohio’s best waterfalls can be found in state parks, so start your road trip in Mohican State Park.

At Mohican State Park there are two waterfalls you can see. The Big and Little Lyons Falls, both of which flow over deep sandstone gorges.

Next head to Cuyahoga National Park to admire the Brandywine Falls, home to one of the best waterfalls in Ohio .

The falls are a popular spot to visit and cascade down into the river over 65 feet. The hike to view them is fairly easy, so it’s a great stop on any waterfall Midwest road trips.

Continue on to Lanternman’s Falls, which is actually in Youngstown Ohio’s metro park.

Make sure while you’re there you take the time to explore and enjoy the best things to do in Youngstown Ohio .

End your trip at one of my favorite spots, Hocking Hills State Park.

Hocking Hills State Park has some of the best hiking trails in Ohio , and a lot of them lead you to one of the three waterfalls there.

Exploring Ohio’s waterfalls is a great way to see some of the most beautiful spots in my home state.

State Parks of Wisconsin Midwwest Road Trip For Outdoor Adventures

• Peninsula State Park
• Copper Falls State Park
• Pattison State Park
• Devil’s Lake State Park

There are tons of State Parks in Wisconsin, but for this road trip, I have found some of the best ones for you to explore.

Begin your journey at Peninsula State Park. It is the state’s second most popular park and has a mix of challenging and easy hikes, so there is something for everyone.

If you are up for the challenge, hike the 2 mile Eagle Trail to admire breathtaking limestone cliffs.

Continue your trip to Copper Falls State Park.

Copper Falls State Park is home to one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Wisconsin , but not the only state park on this trip to have waterfalls.

From Copper Falls, head to Pattinson State Park.

Pattinson State Park is home to Wisconsin’s biggest waterfall, Big Manitou Falls. The hike is fairly easy to view it, so I definitely suggest taking the time to do the hike.

Finish your Midwest road trip in Devil’s Lake State Park.

This State Park is known for its many unique rock formations and this has made it one of Wisconsin’s most popular State Parks.

When you plan this road trip, make sure to give yourself plenty of time to explore all the State Parks and what they have to offer.

Michigan’s Covered Bridges Trail

• Fallasburg Covered Bridge
• Ada Covered Bridge
• Langley Covered Bridge Historic Site
• Holz-Brucke Bridge

Michigan has its own Covered Bridges Trail and its a great way to explore Michigan. You’ll start your trip in Lowell at the Fallasburg Covered Bridge.

Fallasburg is one of the only four covered bridges in Michigan that is still open to vehicle traffic.

Tourists have been coming to view this 100 foot covered bridge since it was built in 1871.

Right by the Fallasburg bridge is the Ada Covered Bridge.

The Ada Covered Bridge is only open to foot traffic and takes you across the Thornapple River onto Bronson Street in Ada.

From there, you’ll travel to the Langley Covered Bridge, which is the longest wooden covered bridge in Michigan.

End your tour of Michigan’s covered bridges in the cute Michigan small town of Frankenmuth.

Frankenmuth is home to the Holz-Brucke Bridge which was actually built in 1980.

It may be a newer covered bridge, but it is absolutely worth a stop on your Midwest road trip!

Best Restaurants A Midwest Road Trip Through Nebraska For Foodies

• The Chocolate Bar, Grand Island
• The Mixing Bowl, Gering
• Sehnert’s Bakery, McCook
• Shirley’s Diner, Omaha
• UNL Dairy Store, Lincoln

Nebraska is full of amazing restaurants, so start in Grand Island and The Chocolate Bar. The stand out on this bakery’s menu is their Old Fashioned Chocolate Cake, but you’ll love anything you order.

Next head to Gering and sample German classics with a bit of Midwestern flair at The Mixing Bowl.

The Mixing Bowl is open for breakfast and lunch and the locals absolutely love it, so you know it’s going to be good.

After breakfast or lunch at The Mixing Bowl, head to Sehnert’s Bakery in McCook for a delicious pastry, a gourmet sandwich, or a cup of espresso.

For dinner, you can’t beat Shirley’s Diner in Omaha.

Shirley’s is a family owned and operated classic 1950s style diner. You’ll get to enjoy Nebraska favorites to the sounds of good old fashioned Rock N Roll.

End your foodie Midwest road trip at the UNL Dairy Store for a sweet treat.

UNL Dairy Store offers ice cream that is handmade by local university students as well as other sweet dairy treats.

It is a perfect way to end one of the most unique Midwest road trips in Nebraska.

Haunted South Dakota Midwest Road Trip

• Mount Marty College
• Gitchi Manitou
• Scotty Phillip Cemetery
• Historic Fairmont Hotel

South Dakota is home to some well known haunted location, making it the perfect place to have a haunted road trip.

Start your haunted road trip at Mount Marty College.

Mount Marty College has been home to ghost tales ever since the death of a maintenance worker in 1936. Residents in Whitby Hall report apparitions, scratchings, and strange noises.

From there head to Gitchi Manitou for some newer haunting rumors.

Gitchi Manitou is where six Sioux Falls teens were reportedly murdered in the 1970s while camping and now local legend says the teens haunt the area.

Your next stop is the Scotty Philip Cemetery.

Its no surprise that an old cemetery would have rumors of being haunted. The cemetery has a sad story of a father surviving his five children, and now locals believe he haunts the grounds mourning his children.

End your haunted road trip at the famous Historic Fairmont Hotel in Deadwood South Dakota.

Ghost tours are offered daily or if you’re brave, you can spend the night and wait for an opportunity to experience the ghostly happenings yourself.

This will definitely be one of the most interesting Midwest road trips you can take!

Roadsides Attractions Of Illinois For A Kitschy Midwest Road Trip

• Superman Square, Metropolis
• Brook’s Catsup Bottle, Collinsville
• The Gemini Giant, Wilmington
• De Immigrant Windmill, Fulton

Illinois has some great hidden gems in the Midwest , like kitschy roadside attractions, and a lot of them are on the famous Route 66. So you can combine this road trip with my Route 66 one!

Begin your kitschy road trip in Metropolis where you can admire the Superman Square. Metropolis claims to be the home of the iconic super hero, and takes that very seriously.

From there, head to Collinsville where you can view the World’s Largest Catsup Bottle, the Brook’s Catsup Bottle.

At one time, it was the water tower for the town, but now it is a fun kitschy roadside attraction.

Next, head to the Launching Pad restaurant in Wilmington.

Outside of the restaurant stands a large Mid Century statue known as the Gemini Giant. Its a really fun spot to grab a bite to eat and a fun selfie!

Finish your kitschy road trip by viewing the De Immigrant Windmill in Fulton.

The De Immigrant Windmill was originally constructed in the Netherlands but now stands proudly in this cute Illinois town.

Natural Wonders of Missouri Road Trip

• Clifty Creek Natural Bridge
• Johnson Shut-ins
• Elephant Rock State Park
• Grand Gulf State Park

Missouri is the perfect state for Midwest road trips that focus on natural wonders, because it has plenty!

I suggest starting your road trip at the Clifty Creek Natural Bridge.

You’ll have to take a 2.5 mile hike, but at the end you’ll get great views of the natural rock bridge.

From there, head to the Johnson Shut-ins.

The Johnson Shut-ins are volcanic rock that are stuck in the East Fork of the Black River. They make for a great way to spend a hot summer day, because you can go swimming in the area.

Continue to Elephant Rock State Park to see it’s namesake, the Elephant Rock.

The rock formation was created with 1.5 billion-year-old granite that you can now climb and admire.

Finish your journey through Missouri’s natural wonders at the Grand Gulf State Park.

Locals refer to Grand Gulf as the “Little Grand Canyon” and was formed by a collapsed cave system. It’s a great way to end your Midwestern travels.

Packing List For Your Midwest Road Trips

If you will be traveling, either by plane or by car to the Midwest, here are some  tips on how to pack lightly.

A  concealed travel pouch  may be one of the most important items you bring along when taking Midwest road trips. It is always important to protect your personal information. Identity thieves are everywhere.

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

You can place it under your hiking clothes next to your body to carry your ID safely.

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 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 taking selfies when staying in one of the best Airbnbs in Illinois.

Hydration is so important when traveling. 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. 

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 hiking and it fits nicely in the pocket of a backpack.

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.. when hiking 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.

No matter which of these Midwest road trips you decide to do, you’re guaranteed to have a good time. They all offer a unique and fun way to explore the Midwest.

Have you been on any of these road trips or ones like them? If you haven’t, which one do you want to take first?

I’d love to hear about your Midwestern travels 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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The best road trip stops and routes in the Midwest

From the Great Lakes to local cuisine, this central region offers endless opportunities for every kind of roadtripper

Where can you find grasslands, fossils, sand dunes, and a Stonehenge replica made out of cars? The Midwest, that’s where. Lakeside shorelines are home to summer vacation communities, while heavy snowfall turns mountains into popular skiing and snowboarding destinations. And in the shoulder seasons, springtime blooms and fall foliage turn the landscapes into picture-perfect road trip routes. The Midwest is also home to the beginning section of Route 66 , a can’t-miss for dedicated roadtrippers.

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Best Midwestern road trips by state

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A summer road trip guide to Wisconsin’s Door County, the Cape Cod of the Midwest

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Reynold’s Pasty Shop has been feeding northern Milwaukee for six decades

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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.

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Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

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Door County, Wisconsin

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The 8 Best Road Trips to Take in the Midwest

Hit the road and discover the Midwest! From Great Lakes and rivers to rolling hills, wide-open plains and lush forests, there’s plenty of ground to cover. Whether you’re up for a long weekend road trip or a short Sunday drive, set a course for the middle section of the United States and get out there to explore some of the most diverse scenic terrains in the country. Here are eight Midwestern journeys of varying lengths and distances worth considering.

Illinois’s Route 66 Heritage Project

Heritage Corridor Convention and Visitors Center

Without a doubt, Route 66 holds undisputed rank as the most iconic stretch of road in the United States. Brimming with Americana culture, the stories of the Mother Road come alive via the initial leg that starts in Chicago and runs 300 miles across Illinois to St. Louis. Start the journey by snapping a selfie in front of the "Begin Route 66" sign across from the Art Institute of Chicago, then journey west to lunch in Willowbrook at Del Rhea's Chicken Basket. Next up, pay your respects to Jake and Elwood at the Joliet Correctional Center before passing through Pontiac, where you'll find the Route 66 Hall of Fame Museum. Keep your eyes peeled for quirky roadside fixtures like the oversized Muffler Men statues and smiley-face water tower in Atlanta before arriving in Springfield, the Land of Lincoln. From there, it's just a hop, skip, and a jump to charming Litchfield and the picturesque Chain of Rocks pedestrian bridge that crosses over the Mississippi River into Missouri. Feeling ambitious? You can always extend the trip and get your kicks by continuing to the route's terminus in Santa Monica, California.

Ohio’s Hocking Hills Scenic Byway

ExploreHockingHills.com 

Nestled into the foothills of greater Appalachia, southeastern Ohio’s Hocking Hills region lies just 40 miles south of Columbus. A lasting product of the Ice Age, Adena mound builders and Native American tribes, this land features rolling terrain, Blackhand sandstone gorges, rock ledges and cliffs, recessed caves, and photogenic waterfalls. The 26-mile byway that runs along State Route 374 winds through a beautiful cross-section of nature to appreciate (watch out for unexpected deer crossings). Stop and stretch your legs on a handful of state park hiking trails, kayak on one of several bucolic lakes, or rent a cozy cabin and stay a few days for a closer exploration of the area. 

Minnesota’s North Shore Scenic Byway

Explore Minnesota 

Chart a course for Duluth, where you can embark upon a memorable 145-mile journey that skirts along the edge of Lake Superior up to Grand Portage at the Canadian border. You’ll want to take your time to take in the gorgeous North Shore views, particularly during the fall when the foliage lights up in magical seasonal hues. Photo opportunities along the byway include towering bluffs that frame rushing rivers and streams underneath, rugged hiking paths and bike trails, lighthouses, and the magnificent Lutsen Mountains ski paradise. Plan to pit stop and enjoy a breather, a self-guided waterfalls tour and a picnic lunch at Gooseberry Falls State Park.

South Dakota’s Badlands Loop Scenic Byway

Travel South Dakota 

Anyone who’s ever made the patriotic pilgrimage to Mount Rushmore comes away impressed by the otherworldly Badlands geography, a transformative scope of grassy stretches and startling rock buttes, mounds, and peaks. Throughout the 39-mile SD Highway 240 journey between Wall and Cactus Flat across Badlands National Park, 16 designated overlooks provide opportunities to stop and marvel at the surreal views. If you choose to stop and hike, keep your eyes peeled for appearances by the indigenous wildlife—buffalo, prairie dogs, mule deer, and antelope, to name just a few. The Minuteman Missile Visitor Center and the Ben Reifel Visitor Center are great spots to load up on helpful maps and advice. 

Iowa’s Covered Bridges Scenic Byway

Travel Iowa 

“The Bridges of Madison County” celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2020, making this year the perfect time to plan a road trip to Iowa. Spanning 82 miles through a peaceful rural farming landscape, the Covered Bridges Scenic Byway guides adventurers past a number of the sites commemorated in the film. The county’s collection of historic bridges dates back to construction between 1870 and 1884, all celebrated during an annual festival each October. For those who believe in ghosts, Roseman Bridge (featured prominently in the movie) is rumored to be haunted. Keep the cinematic theme going with a visit to Winterset, John Wayne’s birthplace anchored by a friendly town square full of mom-and-pop shops and restaurants.

Wisconsin’s Door County Coastal Byway

Destination Door County 

With 66 miles of road to cover and discover, the Door County Byway wows with waterfront views both up and down the eastern Wisconsin peninsula. Kick off the trip in Sturgeon Bay heading north up State Highway 57 skirting Lake Michigan to Gils Rock at the tip, then looping back down south along the Niagara Escarpment bluffs of State Highway 42 on the Green Bay side to come full circle at the starting point. County parks, state parks, lighthouses, charming towns and villages all merit stopping to explore; keep your tank full and your spirits high by feasting on cherries, Door County’s signature crop, at cute local eateries and diners.

Kansas’s Flint Hills Scenic Byway

Credit: Kansas State Tourism 

Craving wide open spaces? The Flint Hills Byway clocks in at a quick 48 miles in length, but you’ll want to allow a full day to stop and experience the historic sites, vistas, and small towns as you go. Billing itself as the gateway to the tallgrass prairie, the byway offers expansive panoramic views of the Great Plains. The Kaw, Osage, and other Native American tribes populated this land centuries ago, leaving indelible footprints and impressions that still resonate today. Starting from Council Grove, the byway follows K-177 south past the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve and over the Cottonwood River to Cassoday.

Michigan’s Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Credit: Amy Lynch 

The route may be just 7.4 miles long, but the views of Lake Michigan you’ll discover on the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive loop make it all worthwhile. Lush forest falls away to reveal breathtaking vantage points of the vivid blue water from way up high as you make your way along the twisting, turning tour, part of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park. Keep the glow going with a jaunt up M-22 through lovely Glen Arbor and Leland’s historic Fishtown village, then cross the peninsula to Sutton’s Bay and travel down the west arm of the Grand Traverse Bay coastline to Traverse City. 

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Amazing 10-Day Midwest Road Trip Itinerary

by Maggie McKneely | May 21, 2021 | Nebraska , North Dakota , South Dakota , Travel , USA , Wyoming | 13 comments

Last Updated on April 19, 2024 by Maggie McKneely

The United States’ Midwest region is full of hidden gems. This 10-day Midwest road trip itinerary will take you off the beaten path to some truly extraordinary sites!

*This post contains affiliate links. That just means that if you happen to click on one of those links and end up making a purchase, I make a small commission (and you will have made my day!)

Midwest Roadtrip Itinerary

I’ll be honest: the Midwest has never been on my travel bucket list. And my guess is, it likely isn’t on yours either. The state of Nebraska is so well aware of its status as the least-visited state in the nation that its self-deprecating slogan is “Nebraska: honestly, it’s not for everyone.”

I’m not kidding, that’s their slogan ^^

But when COVID shut down international traveling, my family decided to instead check off some states we hadn’t been to yet via a road trip: Nebraska, Wyoming, North and South Dakota, Iowa, and Minnesota. What we discovered was that yes, those states ARE full of cornfields and endless miles of cattle ranches. But they are also rich with hidden gems I’d never heard of.

In the course of 10 days, we visited 8 national parks and monuments, did several surprisingly cool hikes, discovered fantastic restaurants, and saw countless bison, antelope, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and even one pheasant. By the end of the trip, I was wondering why the Midwest HADN’T been on my list before.

So if you’re looking for a true Americana road trip full of off-the-beaten-path locations, this Midwest road trip itinerary is for you.

Table of Contents

Tips for Visiting the Midwest

Transportation.

I designed this itinerary as a road trip, i.e. you have your own rental car. You COULD explore the Midwest via train or bus, but it will be harder to visit some of the more obscure locations if you do that.

To rent a car in the US, you must have a valid driver’s license. If you don’t have an American license, consider getting an international driver’s license, which will allow you to rent and drive a car without hassle worldwide. My favorite site for finding car rentals is RentalCars.com . It’s easy to use, and they triage offers from all of the various rental car companies to find you the best deal.

And if you do opt for renting a car, make sure you have all of these road trip  essentials !

*Pro tip: avoid renting a car at the airport. Rental places in the same city, but just not at the airport, are significantly cheaper.

Personally, I prefer Airbnb’s and boutique-type places rather than hotels, and my family doesn’t camp. However, I did find it difficult to find quality Airbnb’s in this area. We ended up staying in hotels most of the time because they offered the best value. My favorite site for finding hotel deals is booking.com .

10-Day Midwest Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1: omaha, ne.

My family flew into Omaha, Nebraska picked up our rental car, and kicked off our Midwest road trip from there!

Omaha’s Bob Kerrey Bridge

Omaha isn’t the state’s capital, but it is Nebraska’s biggest city, so it has enough to keep you entertained for a day.

Things to do in Omaha:

• At 3,000ft long, this cool bit of architecture is one of the longest pedestrian bridges in the world. It crosses the Missouri River over the state line into Iowa (so you can check that state off too!).
• The Old Market is an area of downtown Omaha packed with adorable restaurants, bakeries, and shops. It’s styled like a renovated Western town and is definitely worth wandering through.
• We were here in March, so nothing was blooming, but from pictures, it looks like it’s beautiful at other times of the year!
• I mean, you are in OMAHA, after all – the home of Omaha steaks and generally regarded as the steak capital of the world. There are dozens of options to choose from, from high-end, night-on-the-town types of places to more budget-friendly, neighborhood staple spots. We ended up at Brother Sebastian’s , which is one of Omaha’s oldest steakhouses, but I don’t really think you can go wrong with wherever you choose.
• Check out the Best Steakhouses in Omaha

On the Bob Kerrey Bridge (and checking off another state!)

Where to stay in Omaha:

Omaha is obviously a large city, so you’re not short on options. If you stay downtown near the Old Market, you’ll be within walking distance of the Bob Kerry bridge, as well as many fun restaurants and shops. We ended up at the lovely Hyatt Place .

Day 2: Lincoln, NE

The next morning, pack and drive a whopping one hour to the next destination on this Midwest road trip itinerary: Lincoln, Nebraska. Lincoln is Nebraska’s surprisingly charming capital city.

Things to do in Lincoln:

• Visiting state capitols isn’t just for political nerds like me – they’re always so interesting and can teach you so much about a state! And Nebraska’s state capitol in particular is beautiful. The interior is covered in intricate, colorful mosaics, and the top of the tower offers a great view of the city.
• Free tours are offered regularly Monday-Friday between 9 am – 4 pm. Go here for details.

Doors to the Nebraska Senate chamber

• Like Omaha’s Lauritzen Gardens, we were here at the wrong time of year. In March, there’s nothing to see. But the gardens are listed as one of National Geographic’s top 300 must-see gardens in the US, so check them out if you’re there when everything is in bloom! Plus, admission is free.
• Once upon a time (i.e. the 1860s), Lincoln’s historic Haymarket district was where wagons, equipment, and hay were sold from the local warehouses. Today, those warehouses have been renovated into cute shops, art galleries, nightclubs, and trendy restaurants, as well as the state’s first microbrewery.

In front of the state capitol building!

Where to stay in Lincoln, NE:

Again, another big city with a decent amount of hotel options. The Marriot Cornhusker is located in an old, historic building in the center of downtown but is incredibly inexpensive – I would absolutely stay there again if I ever return to Lincoln!

Day 3: Scottsbluff, NE (and stops along the way!)

Day 3 of this Midwest road trip is a long driving day – you’re going all the way from Lincoln, on the east side of Nebraska, to Scottsbluff on the west, a solid 6-7 hours. Fortunately, there are some places to check out along the way to break up the drive.

Nebraska may be famous for endless cornfields, but in the springtime, it’s also home to 80% of the world’s population of Sandhill Cranes . And just two hours west of Lincoln, Kearney, NE is known as the capital city of Sandhill Cranes. For any bird lover, this is a chance to get to see one of nature’s great wildlife migrations.

There are designated viewing areas near Kearney (you can go here for details on them), but I’m going to let you in on a tidbit we learned on our trip: you can see the cranes everywhere along the interstate. And I mean everywhere . Once we were within 10 miles of Kearney, practically every empty field had a flock of cranes in it.

In fact, the only field that didn’t have a crane was the one by the designated viewing station that we stopped at to try and take pictures (as if the cranes knew where the humans expected them to be and purposely avoided that spot). So….take that for what’s it worth. Just be sure to stop somewhere because they are beautiful birds and this is one of the few places on earth you can see them.

My shoddy attempt at photographing the uncooperative cranes – if you squint, you can see the gray stalks among the yellow stalks….lol

Next stop : Chimney Rock, 3.5 hours west of Kearney. Due to its distinctive shape, and the fact that it can be seen jutting out of the prairie for miles around, Chimney Rock was an important landmark for pioneers heading west on the wagon trails.

Posing with Chimney Rock

At the site today, in addition to the rock, there’s a small but worthwhile museum that teaches about life on the Oregon, Morman, and California trails. The interactive exhibit is based off of the Oregon Trail video game – so for all of my fellow 90s kids, it’s a great bit of nostalgia! Go here for hours and ticket information.

Ah yes, reliving all of those times I died on the virtual Oregon Trail

The last stop of the day is Scotts Bluff National Monument . Like Chimney Rock, Scotts Bluff, an 800ft monolith that towers over the surrounding flatland, served as an important landmark for generations of Native Americans and pioneers. Today visitors can drive or hike to the top of the bluff, explore a number of other trails in the park, and learn about life on the frontier at the visitor’s center.

Hiking up Saddle Rock Trail to the summit of Scotts Bluff was a highlight of our trip (and the moment I realized Nebraska actually has really cool hiking trails!), so be sure to include it on your Midwest road trip Itinerary.

Scotts Bluff

Where to stay

Spend the night in the small town of nearby Scottsbluff. There aren’t many lodging options in this part of the state. We stayed at the Arcadia Hotel – it looks like a motel from the outside, but the staff were very friendly and the accommodations were clean and comfortable.

Day 4: Toadstools, Crazy Horse, Mt. Rushmore, Needles Highway

The fourth day of the Midwest road trip is a collection of cool rock formations. Rocks that look like mushrooms, rocks carved into faces, rocks that stick straight up out of the Black Hills – I know we don’t usually think of rocks as cool, but I promise, these are cool.

There’s an easy, one-mile loop through the park that takes you through, up, and over some of the formations. It’s very enjoyable and won’t take you long, so don’t skip it if you go! Admission is free in the off-season and only $3 in the summer months. Go here for all the details.

After you finish exploring Toadstool Park, it’s time to check out the next state on this Midwest road trip itinerary: South Dakota.

Another two hours north of the toadstools is the second stop of the day, Crazy Horse Memorial . The Crazy Horse sculpture has been under construction since 1948 and is still nowhere near completion. Whenever it is finally finished, it will be the second-largest sculpture in the world.

Since its inception, the project has been managed almost exclusively by one family; Korczak Ziolkowski was commissioned by Henry Standing Bear, a Lakota elder at the time, to design and construct the sculpture. Ziolkowski dedicated the rest of his life to the project, leading construction until his death in 1982, and since then it has been continuously handed down to the latest generation of the Ziolkowski family. The memorial is still operated entirely through private funding.

What the finished sculpture will look like vs. the current sculpture in the background

The site today includes the sculpture (obviously), but also several museums, an educational film, and the sculptor’s original studio. Admission is on the pricier side at $30 per car (and that doesn’t include the separate bus ride to the base of the mountain), but if you watch the film and tour the sculptor’s studio, the visit is well worth it. For all prices and hours, go here .

Just a few miles up the road South Dakota’s much more famous mountain carving: Mt. Rushmore. No Midwest road trip itinerary, or USA bucket list , would be complete without a stop to see America’s granite presidents!

A visit here doesn’t take too long, but don’t miss out on the museum or visitor’s center. The ingeniousness it took to complete this sculpture in just 15 years with no human casualties is fascinating to learn about. Mt. Rushmore is the exact opposite of an obscure, unusual place to visit, but I absolutely loved it. It’s patriotic, and a testament to what human ingenuity and hard work can achieve.

We visited Mt. Rushmore on a Monday in March, so it wasn’t too crowded. But this is one of the most visited national park sites in the country and has a triple-decker parking garage with several ticket lines that are evidence of huge crowds in the summer. So if you can avoid it during peak times and months, you’ll probably be glad you did. For hours and admissions information, click here. 

If you are visiting April-October, your last item of the day should be a drive down Needles Highway . Unfortunately, I didn’t realize that it closes for the winter, and it was still closed when we were in March. But my mistake is your gain: now you know that if you want to see South Dakota’s Needles (and you do!!), don’t show up in the winter!

*Other day 4 itinerary notes:

• Depending on your schedule, you could visit Carhenge (instead of stones, it’s a circle made of….cars) on your way to Toadstool Park. It’ll take you an hour out of your way, but when else will you be in that part of Nebraska? I had it on my original itinerary, but we had to get to South Dakota at a certain time.
• Jewel Cave National Monument is not far from Mt. Rushmore and, unlike Wind Cave, doesn’t require a full day. However, it was closed for an elevator renovation for most of 2020 and was still closed when we were there in March 2021. Otherwise, it would have been on my day 4 agenda.

Where to Stay:

The Black Hills region is very tourist-friendly, with plenty of campsites and hotels to choose from. But it is seasonal; there is more to pick from in the summer than the winter months. We ended up in the town of Keystone, which is literally 5 minutes from Mt. Rushmore, at the Roosevelt Inn .

Day 5: Wind Cave National Park

I had never heard of Wind Cave National Park before this trip, but wow wow wow what an incredibly underrated place. Most of day 5 of this Midwest road trip itinerary is dedicated to this lesser-known park.

Going on a Cave Tour:

Wind Cave was the first cave in the world to become a national park and for good reason. It has 154 miles of passageways within just one square mile, making it the most complex cave in the world. It’s also one of the only caves in the world that, instead of stalactites and stalagmites, has a formation called “boxwork.” Wind Cave is an extremely unusual and incredible place, and a visit to the national park is not complete without going inside of the cave itself.

Wind Cave’s “boxwork”

The tricky thing is actually landing a cave tour. The only way to see the cave is to go on a guided tour, and only a limited number of guests are allowed on each tour. Tickets are only sold onsite on the day of the tour , and they sell it out very quickly. Originally, we had planned on going to Wind Cave the same day as Mt. Rushmore, thinking if we got there a couple of hours before the time of the cave tour we wanted, we’d be fine. WRONG. We showed up and were told tickets had sold out shortly after the park had opened. And this was during the off-season.

So to make sure you get to go on a cave tour, be in line at the visitor’s center when it opens . There are several different options of tours with varying different lengths and difficulties. We chose the Fairgrounds Tour, which is technically the most strenuous with 450 stairs. But the ranger took lots of breaks to tell us about the cave, so it was manageable. The other two main tours, Garden of Eden and Natural Entrance, are shorter and less strenuous but visit different parts of the cave. For prices and tour schedules, go here .

Other things to do at Wind Cave besides the cave:

If you get your tickets when the park opened, you’re going to have at least several hours to kill before you go on your tour. But the good news is, Wind Cave National Park is much more than just the cave – it also has 33,970 acres of protected prairie and forests.

There are over 30 miles of hiking trails to choose from. Some of those trails really get you up close and personal with the wildlife – we did the Cold Brook Canyon trail, which went straight through a prairie dog town! There’s also a loop road that’s perfect for wildlife watching. And there is plenty of wildlife to watch – in addition to hordes of prairie dogs, the park is home to bison, elk, antelope, coyotes, and black-footed ferrets.

Wind Cave’s expansive prairie

After you’re finished at Wind Cave, it’s time to drive 2 hours to a new state – Wyoming.

Where to Stay

We found an adorable Airbnb about an hour from Devils Tower, right on the banks of a lake. There are also several campgrounds in the area. But Devils Tower is pretty remote and hotels are in short supply.

Day 6: Devils Tower, WY

Day 6 of this Midwest road trip itinerary is a little more leisurely than the previous days, so feel free to sleep in a little bit and relax before packing up and heading to one of the world’s strangest rock formations: Devils Tower.

The otherworldly monolith has long stoked man’s imagination. Thanks to Close Encounters of the Third Kind , many modern-day people associate Devils Tower with glowing UFOs and aliens. For the local native Americans, it has been considered a sacred site for centuries, with various origin stories and myths surrounding it. The first white explorers to the area found it to be a source of fascination worth studying for scientific purposes. So it’s no wonder that the US government recognized the importance of conserving an area so incredibly unique, and so in 1906, Devils Tower became the United State’s very first national monument.

Obviously, you don’t HAVE to get up close and personal to the tower to see it – it juts nearly 1200 ft straight up from the nearby Belle Fourche River and can be seen from miles away. But if you’re already in that part of Wyoming…why wouldn’t you go to the park? Take the short one-mile walk around the entire circumference of the tower. You can climb over some of the boulders at its base, squint through a telescope to see an old ladder on its side, and read about the history of the early ranchers and Native Americans in the area. And you may or may not see an alien too.

For all hours and admissions info, go here.

Once you’re finished exploring Devils Tower, it’s time to drive back to South Dakota (yes, there’s still more to see there!). It’s only 2 hours to Rapid City, you’re next stop, so take your time. You can drive through Spearfish Canyon, an extremely scenic drive through the northern Black Hills. The towns of Deadwood and Lead are also famous mining and gambling towns – my family didn’t check them because I couldn’t find anything worth exploring (and we don’t do casinos), but other people enjoy them and you might too.

The next location on the itinerary is Badlands National Park. It’s an hour away from Rapid City , but seeing as there’s almost nothing around the park itself, it seemed smarter to stay a couple of nights in Rapid City (unless you’re camping, then you may feel differently). We stayed in a fabulous AirBnB (it was our favorite lodging of the whole week!), but there are also plenty of options. It’s the only place on the itinerary you’ll spend two nights.

Day 7: Badlands National Park

If you’re a farmer or rancher, I suppose these really would be “bad lands”- miles and miles of sheer hills, deep crevasses, and no vegetation. But for any lover of earth’s wild places, Badlands National Park is a playground. Day 7 is dedicated to exploring this underrated natural wonder.

But first, on your way to the park, make a stop at Wall Drug Store (you can’t miss it, there are about 60 billboards for it between Rapid City and the Badlands). My dad being a pharmacist, this was a must-stop place on our itinerary, but it’s worth seeing what all the fuss is about.

When it opened in 1931, the owners struggled to turn a profit, since Wall, South Dakota, was essentially in the middle of nowhere. So they started advertising free ice water to weary travelers and, surprisingly, the gimmick worked. Now it’s a bustling road stop where visitors can shop, get homemade donuts, take pictures with the giant jackalope and, yes, get free ice water – a true American success story.

Next, time to start exploring the Badlands! The park is phenomenal, but it isn’t very large – the entire North Unit of the park can be done in one full day without having to rush or feeling like you had to skip something major.

Things to do in Badlands National Park

• The loop road connects the east and west entrances of the north unit and takes 1-2 hours to do. There are many overlooks along the way and is the best way to see the wide variety of landscapes within the park
• This is an unpaved out-and-back road that goes further west than the Loop Road. This is the best place to see wildlife – we saw dozens of bison and bighorn sheep and several prairie dog towns along this road. And this section of the badlands looks drastically different from the more famous part on the east side.
• The Door Trail  takes hikers through an opening in the wall and out onto the badlands shelf itself. The trail is marked by white wooden stakes. It’s a lot of fun and sort of a “make your own adventure” so long as you can always see one of the white stakes. It’s only 0.75 miles; the park lists it as strenuous and I have no idea why – it’s entirely flat and not long, and difficult to get completely lost. But it is the only trail that gets you close to the canyon.

End of the Door Trail

• The  Window Trail is less a hike and more a short walk to an overlook. It’s a boardwalk that, after 0.25 miles, ends at a natural window in the wall.
• Of the three hikes, the Notch Trail was my favorite (it was actually one of the more purely fun hikes I’ve ever done!). It’s only 1.5 miles, and while the park lists it as moderate to strenuous, I’d say it’s moderate at most. It’s level the entire way – the twist is the log ladder you have to climb up to the cliff. Then hikers follow along a narrow cliff shelf before eventually coming out at a “notch” in the wall.

The Notch Trail’s log ladder

Go here for hours and admissions info for Badlands National Park.

Day 8: Theodore Roosevelt National Park

I’ll admit that, while not the longest driving day, day 8 includes the most boring stretch of road on this Midwest road trip itinerary: the 4 hours between Rapid City, SD and the North Dakota border. Good heavens, my whole family wished we’d had an IV drip of coffee in the car the morning we did that drive. But, it was worth it. Because at the end of it is Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

The park was once the western summer getaway for the then-future President Roosevelt. He built a ranch here and managed a sizeable bison herd for several summers before his political career took off. In the late 1800s, this area was as desolate and remote as it gets (one of the reasons TR found it so appealing). Today, though a highway runs past the entrance gate, that hasn’t really changed. Tucked into the remote northwestern corner of the already remote state of North Dakota, Theodore Roosevelt National Park doesn’t get many visitors. But that just means you’ll likely have this park all to yourself (or at least, you’ll only have to share it with the bison herds!).

Technically, Theodore Roosevelt National Park is North Dakota’s version of the badlands, but it looks drastically different from the badlands of its southern neighbor. Here, the buttes are less a desolate moonscape and more a verdantly green river valley. There are more options for hiking, camping, and fishing.

The park is separated into three different units: the most popular and largest is the South Unit; 80 miles north is the smaller North Unit. In between, and only accessible to hikers is the Elkhorn Ranch Unit. You could explore the South and North unit in one day, but you might prefer to do the South on Day 8 and the North Unit on the morning of Day 9 (that’s what we did). The North Unit is about 2 hours from the South Unit.

River Bend Overlook

* We did not get to do all of the things in the South Unit I had planned on because a wildfire sprang up near the park entrance while we were in the park…so we had to leave. It was quite the adventure! But I can only give limited advice on some of the hikes because of that.

* We also did not get to do all of the hikes because of the bison. This park has So. Many. Bison. There are warning signs everywhere saying “don’t get close to the bison!!!” So when you see that a particularly large bison herd has decided to explore the same hiking trail you were going to go on, you decide that they can have it. Arguing with an aggressive, 2000 lb cow with horns just seems like a bad idea.

Things to do in Theodore Roosevelt National Park

• Loop Drive : The 48 miles scenic drive is a great way to see the park’s many landscapes and wildlife. It takes about 2 hours, not including any stops you make along the way.
• Roosevelt’s Maltese Cross Cabin : This was TR’s first home in the Dakota Badlands. It’s located just behind the South Unit visitor center.
• Wind Canyon Trail : This is a short, 30-minute trail with stunning views of the Little Missouri River. This was my favorite of the South Unit trails we did.
• Buck Hill Trail : Buck Hill is the highest point in the park. This trail is steep but short and offers a stunning vista from the top of the butte.
• Coal Vein Trail:  I’m including this as a trail that you can SKIP. It’s advertised as a way to learn about the effects of coal vein fires on the landscape, but it has no informational plaques. Instead, it’s a boring walk with no views.
• Loop Drive : Yes, the north unit also has a loop drive. This one takes an hour and a half and is just as scenic as the one in the south.
• Caprock Coulee Trail : This is a very pleasant meandering 1.5-mile trail that follows a creek bed in between several buttes.
• River Bend Overlook : This is the most famous vista in the park, so you don’t want to miss it. The CCC built a log Pavillion for people visiting this specific overlook before the area was even a national park, and that building remains to this day.

The South Unit’s entrance is in the tourist town of Medora, ND. There might be a hotel or two in the summer, but I didn’t find anything in the off-season. Instead, we stayed in Dickinson , 30 minutes east of the park. That’s also a more convenient location if you end up starting the next day by going to the North Unit.

Day 9: Knife River Indian Villages and Bismarck, ND

Day 9 will either start with you visiting the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park (which is what we did, since our day 8 got cut short by the wildfire), OR you can begin the drive to Bismarck – North Dakota’s capital city.

On the way, make a stop at Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site , which is about 1.5 hours from Dickinson. I had, admittedly, only included this on my own itinerary because I was stretching to find things to do in North Dakota (no offense, North Dakota). But Knife River ended up being a really fascinating place!

Once upon a time, several different Indian tribes had earth lodge villages along this stretch of the Knife River. These earth lodges could house between 10 and 20 people, along with their horses and other livestock. Today, you can see the shallow depressions in the ground made from the earth lodges.

A replica of an earthlodge

Me, exploring said earth lodge

The site is open from sunrise to – sunset year-round and is free.

After Knife River, head to Bismarck, just an hour south.

Things to do in Bismarck (*NOTE: We didn’t get to do any of these because of COVID).

• North Dakota State Capitol: during non-COVID times, there are regularly scheduled free tours. Go here for the times.
• Former Governor’s mansion : This was the governor’s residence from 1893 to 1960. Admission is free, but hours are limited.
• North Dakota Heritage Center and State Museum: The reviews make this sound like a pretty cool museum, considering the state’s geologic and Native American history.

Being the state capital, Bismarck has lots of commercial hotel options. But it’s a very industrial city with few boutique or AirBnB-type places. We stayed at a Country Inn and Suites , and it absolutely served its purpose!

Day 10: Fargo, ND (and more!)

The last day of this Midwest road trip itinerary features MORE bison and the adorable town of Fargo.

I can’t say the National Buffalo Museum was on my bucket. And my guess is that it isn’t on yours either. Or the world’s largest bison statue, for that matter. But like Knife River Indian Villages, I put things on my itinerary to fill up time. And like Knife River, I was pleasantly surprised by this first stop of the day, just an hour east of Bismarck.

The National Buffalo Museum is, well, all about bison (I know, what a shock). But I didn’t realize just how much I didn’t know about the history of American bison. Once upon a time, millions of bison roamed across the great plains. By the early 1900s, they had been hunted to almost extinction – there were estimates that only 400 of them remained. At that point, a few enterprising ranchers began work to protect the remaining population and that grew into a movement to save America’s greatest mammal.

Albino bison are extremely rare; White Cloud was a member of the museum’s herd until she passed away of old age in 2016

The museum was created as both a legacy of that movement and as a way to continue advocating for the preservation of the bison. It’s small but packed with interesting information. There are exhibits about prehistoric bison, a film on the preservation movement, and interactive exhibits for kiddos. The museum also maintains its own bison herd. They were in their “winter pasture” when we visited, so we didn’t see them, but we got our real-life bison fill at several other places on this trip.

I have always wondered!

And then just down the street is the world’s largest bison statue. Which, why not, since you’re already there?

World’s largest buffalo

Drive one more hour east to the town of Fargo, North Dakota. Fargo is the state’s most populous city and, thanks to things like the TV show  Fargo, is likely the only ND city you’ve ever heard of (it was for me!). It’s also my favorite city on this itinerary.

Things to do in Fargo:

• Main Street: Fargo’s downtown district has lots of trendy shops and some very excellent restaurants.
• Riverside parks: Both Fargo and its neighbor city, Moorhead, MN, have a lovely river walk on each bank of the Red River. Along this river walk are a series of recreational and historic parks. If the weather is nice, definitely check these out!
• Visit the Stave Church: One of the parks on the Minnesota side has an exact replica of the stave church in Vik, Norway. It’s free to walk around the church, but there is an admission to tour it and the nearby Hjemkomst Center.
• Plains Art Museum : This is North Dakota’s largest art museum, so if you don’t feel like you got enough art and culture on this trip, be sure to stop in.

Hopperstad Stave Church

Phew!!! And THAT is how you spend 10 days running around the Midwest. There’s so much to see and do; this is a jam-packed Midwest road trip itinerary and it still doesn’t include everything that you COULD do. But it hits the highlights, it’s not too rushed, and showcases just how much the middle of the country has to offer.

And for fun, here’s a map of all the mileage covered on this itinerary:

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Related posts:

13 Comments

Such a great itinerary! I haven’t been to any cities in the mid-west but would definitely do this road trip. Wind Cave looks especially awesome.

wind cave national park looks SO COOL! i’d love to visit this national park

I’ve never been to any mid-west states but I’ve always wanted to visit Badlands National Park, and I’ve heard great things about Roosevelt National Park too. I’m kind of interested in seeing Mount Rushmore as well. Looks like soon fun things to see here and I do love a good road trip, so maybe this is the year people should be exploring the places they never really thought about before

Love this itinerary! I’ve done a portion of this trip before, but there are spots I missed. I’d like to explore more of North Dakota and Fargo sounds super cool.

This is such a great list of locations. We love traveling around the Midwest and have been to many of these and look forward to visiting several of the others.

Whew! You sure saw a lot of the Midwest. This post is such a good reminder of how much the Midwest does have to offer. As a northern Minnesota girl, I’m definitely guilty of overlooking what states like, ahem, Nebraska have to offer!

We drove from Toronto to Vancouver and chose to drive through the U.S. We chose that route largely because we hoped that the midwest road trip would be more interesting in the U.S. We were glad we too found so many interesting spots along the way. I must admit we missed many of the cities along the way but should plan a return to see those sights too. We will definitely plan to visit the Scotts Bluff National Monument on a return trip. Good to know it was the highlight of your trip and had many good hiking trails. And how fun to visit Toadstool Geological Park! We sure enjoyed the pie selection when we stopped at Wall Drug Store. Next time we will plan a slower trip for sure.

Loved reading this, Maggie as it was a trip down memory lane to when we undertook a similar road trip – except that you spent much longer in Nebraska than we did! I thought the Crazy Horse Memorial was really interesting. Wonder if they will ever finish it? We were quite lucky and managed to get spaces on the Wind Cave tour too. So much to do in this area! Devil’s Tower is amazing too – though I always think of the film. I didn’t quite “get” Wall Drug and why it was actually on the map, so thanks for explaining. Great post!

What an incredible journey with stunning landscapes. I didn’t know Nebraska was the least-visited state, but that kind of makes me want to go! Scotts Bluff looks incredible, and so does the boxwork in Wind Cave! That looks like a really cool place, and I’m surprised this is the first I’m learning about it!

That was a lovely post on Midwest road trip.Mount Rush more is in my bucket list! Loved the Buffalo museum and the earth lodges!

What an itinerary and 10-day road trip! It sounds like you a found a couple of hidden gems and surprises along the way, like Scott’s Bluff and Wall Drug for your dad. It must feel good to check a few more states off your list! And most importantly have these memories with your parents.

Road trips are fun, we did a 17 days road trip through Europe so I can relate to your post very well. Never been to US so this is tempting me. I like the halts you made through the way. The image of the world’s largest bison statue is stunning! Seeing an albino bison for the first time. Great post.

There are so many great stops along your road trip itinerary! It’s really making me want to plan one in the states this summer (if I’m able to get there). Thanks for the great ideas!

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I’m Maggie, a 30-something politico from Washington, DC, who always has one foot off the ground, looking for adventure. I work full-time in the Swamp, but use travel as a way to stay sane! Read on for my crazy stories from the road, and tips to help you in your own travels! Learn more about me

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Beaches, Breweries, and Bison: 9 Road Trips That Show Off the Best of the Midwest

These road-trip itineraries through the heartland offer lakefront beaches, farm-fresh cuisine, and state parks filled with history and wildlife..

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The gorgeous scenery on the shores of Lake Superior is punctuated by worthwhile stopping points like Grand Marais Lighthouse.

Photo by Craig Hinton/Shutterstock

Comprising 12 states that include the Great Lakes, scenic state parks, and an array of world-class cities like Chicago, Minneapolis, and Kansas City, the Midwest is one of the most exciting road-trip regions in the United States. And while any time of year is a good season to explore America’s Heartland, summer offers some of the best adventures, thanks to prized hikes and trails, top-down temps, and beckoning beaches. From waterfalls and winding rivers to award-winning dining and drinking, drives in this region offer it all. Here are some of the best Midwest road trips to take right now.

Get your road-trip cherries at Friske.

Courtesy of Friske Farm Market

Traverse City to Charlevoix, Michigan

• Distance: 50 miles
• Start: Traverse City, Michigan
• End: Charlevoix, Michigan

Take US-31 north from Traverse City and watch the route evolve from bay views to farms, forests, and countryside. Stop at Friske Farm Market along the way for souvenir shopping and cherry picking (prime during summer months), then hit Bier , an art gallery featuring local works alongside an onsite brewery. Situated on three lakes, Charlevoix is a must for water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding, not to mention its vibrant local arts and dining scene (read: freshly caught fish aplenty). Upon arrival, check into Hotel Earl , which was originally built in 1959 by lauded local architect Earl Young and redesigned in 2019. Come happy hour, head to Stafford’s Weathervane for epic lakefront views and fresh-catch options

When you make the trek back to Traverse City, don’t miss the chance to enjoy a burger at Oakwood Proper Burgers or dine at Farm Club , a farm, restaurant, brewery, bakery, and marketplace, where nearly everything is locally grown. The menu features updated takes on Midwestern classics, like cheese curd grits polenta, seared walleye, and beer-vinegar-pickled egg and rye.

Elkhart Lake offers appealing canoeing opportunities.

Courtesy of Travel Wisconsin

Chicago to Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin

• Distance: 163 miles
• Start: Chicago, Illinois
• End: Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin

Rev your engines in Chicago and head due north, passing several of the city’s prettiest suburbs on the way. (For an early break, consider tea at Lake Forest’s legendary Deer Path Inn , set among sprawling green parks and lakefront landmarks.) An hour past Milwaukee, you’ll find Kohler, a town in Sheboygan County that’s home to Kohler Company manufacturing and the American Club Resort Hotel at Destination Kohler , a five-star resort boasting seven restaurants, two golf courses, and a state-of-the-art spa. If you’re seeking a bit of quiet seclusion, consider booking one of the property’s five cabins, which include full kitchens, firepits, and ample outdoor space.

Continue your travels by driving 20 miles northwest to Elkhart Lake, a waterfront village with serious hospitality. The Osthoff Resort is situated on more than 500 feet of pristine sandy shoreline and is a go-to for lakefront activities such as kayaking, paddleboating, and hydro-biking.

When evening rolls around, head downtown to the Paddock Club for seasonal small plates, like burrata with smashed peas and shaved asparagus or Calabrese cauliflower, followed by cocktails at the racing-themed Stop-Inn Tavern at Siebkens Resort. Rise early the next day for a hike around LaBudde Creek State Wildlife Area or a relaxing treatment at Osthoff’s Aspira Spa .

The Lake Shore Resort on Lake Michigan is only three miles from downtown Saugatuck.

Courtesy of Lake Shore Resort

Indianapolis, Indiana, to Saugatuck, Michigan

• Distance: 225 miles
• Start: Indianapolis, Indiana
• End: Saugatuck, Michigan

Indianapolis is a destination in its own right, so linger at the start and try lunch at the James Beard Award–nominated Milktooth , a modern-day diner with options like carrot cake waffles, sweet potato latkes, and hot honey chicken wings. Then hit US-31 for a few adventures—the first at Grissom Air Museum (75 miles north of Indy), which houses Cold War–era aircraft, and the next at Lake Manitou , about 30 miles north of there.

Once at the beach town of Saugatuck, check in at the Lake Shore Resort , then head to Oval Beach, considered one of the nation’s best for its low-key vibes and stellar sunsets. Saugatuck is known best for its waterfront charm, but don’t overlook its farm-to-table dining and bustling arts community. In addition to Saugatuck Center for the Arts , it’s home to the celebrated Ox-Bow School of Art and Artists’ Residency , where you can join in a workshop or shop in the gallery.

Those looking to continue a chilled-out itinerary can enjoy Wicks Park Gazebo Music in the Park before dinner at one of the town’s top restaurants; try Bowdie’s Chophouse , for wedge salads and shrimp cocktail, or Salt of the Earth in nearby Fennville, which also hosts live Americana and roots music. Come morning, buy a pick-me-up from Pennyroyal Café and Provisions , where chef Melissa Corey offers hearty fare like Johnnycakes and smoked whitefish croissant sandwiches.

The harbor town of Grand Marais is a good place to stretch your legs.

Courtesy of Dillon Austin/Unsplash

Duluth to Grand Portage State Park, Minnesota

• Distance: 150 miles
• Start: Duluth, Minnesota
• End: Grand Portage State Park, Minnesota

This 150-mile route departs from the increasingly cool port city of Duluth , which overlooks the pristine waters of Lake Superior and is known for its iconic Aerial Lift Bridge. At just under three hours each direction, the trip can be done as a day trip or you can linger longer to make a weekend out of it. From Duluth, hop on MN-61 north, hugging the lakeshore and stopping in charming harbor towns like Grand Marais and dramatic wilderness areas like Tettegouche State Park .

Your destination is Grand Portage State Park , right along the Canadian border. The park is home to Minnesota’s tallest waterfall, hiking trails, and wildlife like eagles, moose, and otters. It’s also the only state park in Minnesota located on tribal land, and in the welcome center, you can learn about the culture and history of the Grand Portage band of the Ojibwe. Nearby, stop into Grand Portage National Monument , a reconstructed 18th-century fur trading post with a museum about Anishinaabe culture.

Back in Duluth, unwind at Canal Park Brewing Company before checking into Enger Lofts Hotel & Marketplace , a stylish boutique hotel in a restored 1800s furniture warehouse. At mealtime, consider At Sara’s Table Chester Creek Cafe , where comfort food gets a modern makeover with dishes like duck pastrami salad or seared smoked provolone. For something more old-school, try the 110-year-old Pickwick Restaurant & Pub , which has been named an America’s Classic by the James Beard Foundation.

Lake Geneva’s Gilded Age mansions, like Stone Manor, have earned it comparisons to Newport.

Photo by lito_lakwatsero/Shutterstock

Chicago to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

• Distance: 83 miles
• End: Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

For a Midwest road-trip destination that’s just a hop, skip, and a jump away from a big city, try a drive to Lake Geneva, less than 100 miles north of Chicago. Take I-94 north and stop in Kenosha, only 28 miles out from your destination, for some of the state’s most prized souvenirs: cheese curds and a six-pack from one of the city’s many breweries, including Rustic Road Brewing Company .

Once you arrive in Lake Geneva, you’ll see why it’s been nicknamed “the Newport of the West": Its shores are lined with Gilded Age mansions where wealthy Chicago industrialists and their families used to spend summers. Check into the Grand Geneva , a 358-room resort with everything you’d need for a weekend of winding down, from golf and tennis to a full-service spa. Post up in one of its spacious villas before checking out the on-site options for dinner, such as prime cuts and seafood at Geneva ChopHouse , or venture to Hunt Club Steakhouse , the fine-dining venue at Geneva National Resort & Club , a 1,600-acre property on nearby Lake Como.

Make a detour to Badlands National Park, where the wildlife is almost as impressive as the dramatic rock formations.

Courtesy of Intricate Explorer/Unsplash

Sioux Falls to Spearfish, South Dakota

• Distance: 390 miles
• Start: Sioux Falls, South Dakota
• End: Spearfish, South Dakota

Start this road trip in South Dakota’s largest city with such Sioux Falls staples as the SculptureWalk , the world’s largest annual exhibition of public sculptures, and stock up with macarons (in unique flavors like puppy chow and snickerdoodle) from CH Pâtisserie , which is led by Top Chef: Just Desserts winner Chris Hanmer.

Head out driving west along I-90, and in Mitchell, stop at the World’s Only Corn Palace , a site showcasing the proud harvest of South Dakota farmers. The Moorish revival building has been going strong since the 1890s, and its exterior walls are decorated with murals made of corn. About 200 miles farther on your journey, you’ll come across Badlands National Park , where you can cruise the South Unit’s perimeter for views of its iconic rock formations, while also keeping an eye open for the area’s abundant wildlife, from bison to bighorn sheep.

Back on I-90, fuel up on maple-flavored doughnuts from Wall Drug , an institution since 1931 made famous for its decades of roadside hospitality and much-advertised “free ice water.” Finish your drive in Spearfish, where you can enjoy a Pile O’Dirt Porter or 11th Hour IPA at Crow Peak Brewing before kicking back at Spearfish Canyon Lodge for a well-deserved rest.

Cave Point Country Park is one of the many impossibly scenic stretches of lakefront in Door County.

Photo by Nejdet Duzen/Shutterstock

Green Bay to Door County, Wisconsin

• Distance: 43 miles
• Start: Green Bay, Wisconsin
• End: Door County, Wisconsin

Situated on a peninsula between Green Bay and Lake Michigan, Door County has become a Midwesterner’s must-see for its sprawling shoreline, scenic state parks ( Peninsula State Park , Newport State Park ), and burgeoning food and drink scene. From Green Bay, hop on WI-57 north for lakefront views, then meander on country roads with appealing food and farm stops like Renard’s Cheese , which uses milk from small family dairy farms in Door and Kewaunee counties.

In the town of Ephraim, stay overnight at the Hillside Waterfront Hotel , where five suites and two cottages await, along with the longest porch in the county (lemonade, anyone?). Come morning, take the ferry to Washington Island to explore myriad treasures, including Schoolhouse Beach and Fragrant Isle , a 30,000-plant lavender farm with a French-inspired café.

Among Columbus, Indiana’s most impressive modern landmarks is the North Christian Church, designed by Eero Saarinen.

Photo by Ted Alexander Somerville/Shutterstock

Indianapolis to New Harmony, Indiana

• Distance: 215 miles
• Start: Indianapolis, Indianapolis
• End: New Harmony, Indianapolis

Did you know that Indiana has some of the most distinctive and underrated modern architecture in the United States? Begin your journey in Indianapolis and drive south along I-65 for about 50 minutes, until you reach the town of Columbus.

Beginning in the 1950s, businessman J. Irwin Miller offered to pay the architect fees for public buildings around town. The patronage led to buildings by legends like Eliel (father) and Eero (son) Saarinen, I.M. Pei, Richard Meier, and César Pelli, earning the town the nickname “Athens on the Prairie.” Today, seven of those buildings are designated National Historic Landmarks , and the city offers a two-hour guided shuttle tour of some of the highlights. Among the landmark buildings is Miller’s own 1953 midcentury-modern residence , which features architecture by Eero Saarinen, interiors by Alexander Girard, and landscape design by Dan Kiley.

Continue driving southwest along I-69 toward New Harmony, a small town that was home to two utopian communities between 1814 and 1927; they left behind a number of 19th-century vernacular structures that, lovingly preserved, now form the New Harmony Historic District. But New Harmony isn’t stuck in the past: After marrying a descendant of one of the utopian leaders and town founders, oil heiress Jane Blaffer Owen commissioned a slew of architecture and public art projects, including the Athenaeum by Pritzker Prize–winner Richard Meier and Philip Johnson’s Roofless Church .

Cleveland’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, designed by I. M. Pei, makes for a fine first stop on this music-themed itinerary.

Photo by BorisVetshev/Shutterstock

Cleveland to Chicago

Distance: 450 miles Start: Cleveland, Ohio Finish: Chicago, Illinois

The shores of the Great Lakes and the Rust Belt cities along them have been the site of some major musical innovation. Begin this music-themed road trip in Cleveland, the home of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame , which has a new exhibit honoring 2023 inductees like Missy Elliott, Willie Nelson, Chaka Khan, and Rage Against the Machine. If you’ve ever wondered how the city earned the honor of hosting the I.M. Pei–designed museum, it’s because of DJ Alan Freed, who promoted the new genre and broke down racial barriers in music in the 1950s. Honor his legacy with a visit to his jukebox-shaped grave in Lake View Cemetery .

Drive westward along I-90, cutting north at Toledo toward Detroit , where the Motown Museum is set to undergo a multi-million-dollar renovation and expansion. The museum incorporates Hitsville U.S.A., the record label’s first headquarters, in a white house on West Grand Boulevard that founder Berry Gordy bought in 1959. Enjoy a meal at the Black-owned Waffle Cafe at 18685 Livernois Avenue and see the Motown mural on its exterior wall by artist Fel’le , featuring the likenesses of Smokey Robinson, the Temptations, the Supremes, and others.

Continue westward through Michigan, and blow into the Windy City. Chicago is associated with so many forms of music, including blues, gospel, and modern jazz, but Gen X-ers and elder Millennials will love it for its contribution to the indie rock scene of the past three decades. See who’s playing at the Empty Bottle , Lincoln Hall , Riviera Theatre , or the Metro . Or for something a little more classic, end your night at the Green Mill Cocktail Lounge , a bebop and free jazz club that’s been going so long that Al Capone used to be a regular.

While not Chicago’s most luxurious stay, Hotel Versey is steeped in rock history; it used to be nicknamed the Rock and Roll Days Inn and has welcomed Gregg Allman, Nirvana, Radiohead, and more. Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love dyed their hair in the bathtubs here, and Sheryl Crow rollerbladed through the lobby. (Don’t do that, it’s not allowed.)

With additional reporting by Nicholas DeRenzo. This story was originally published in 2021; it was most recently updated with new information on May 21, 2024.

The 7 Best Midwest Road Trips

02/04/2021 by Emily Becker 4 Comments

The Midwest is known for a few things: ranch dressing (yep, even on pizza!), cornfields, and super friendly people. If you haven’t thought about taking a road trip in the Midwest, our top 7 midwest road trip picks will have you packing up your vehicle for your next adventure:

Table of Contents

7. Chicago to St. Louis Along Route 66

Both of these Midwestern cities are stellar destinations in themselves, but there is plenty to see in between while driving along the original Route 66 (now I-55).

• Chicago: You cannot start your trips in Chi-town without going on a boat architecture tour or at least spending part of your day exploring the Art Institute of Chicago.
• Starved Rock State Park : In the small town of Utica, you can find hiking trails that lead to canyons and waterfalls. The park is beautiful all year round (yes, even in the winter when the waterfalls freeze!), but the best time to go is in the fall when the leaves are changing color.
• Pontiac, Illinois: Home to the Route-66 Association of Illinois Hall of Fame and Museum , this town is full of Route-66 memorabilia and murals. Make sure to take a picture with the World’s Largest Covered Wagon while you’re there!
• Springfield, Illinois: If you want to break up the 4 1/2 hour drive, this is an excellent overnight stop. As Illinois capital, Springfield is home to plenty of historic sites, including the home of Abraham Lincoln during his prime years.

6. Davenport, Iowa to Omaha, Nebraska

Take Interstate 80 from Davenport to Omaha and you’re sure to find plenty of hidden gems. Ever wondered where the world’s largest truck stop is? Yep, it’s in Iowa, right on I-80!

• Maquoketa Caves : Before getting too far west, a short detour will take you to Maquoketa Caves State Park, home to a 1,100 foot “dancehall cave ” and a 17-ton “balanced rock”.
• McIntosh Woods State Park : Visitors can “glamp” in a yurt right on Clear Lake. Make sure to reserve your yurt ahead of time, as they are very popular and book fast!
• High Trestle Trail: 28-miles of trails to explore, along with some impressive bridges.
• Lover’s Leap Swinging Bridge: An 8-story high bridge which has some great views.
• Historic Park Inn: The last Frank Lloyd Wright hotel in the world–a great stop for architecture enthusiasts.

5. St. Louis to Kansas City, Missouri

St. Louis is a Midwestern hub of art and culture in itself, making it a great launching point for an epic Missouri road trip.

• City Museum in St. Louis : Check out this art installation-meets-adult playground that is made of salvaged architectural objects.
• Lake of the Ozarks : This is a region of Missouri full of hiking trails, ponds, and lakefront fun. Go on a cave tour and see the impressive limestone formations or simply spend a day on the lake basking in the sun.
• Columbia : Make sure to stop at Rockbridge Memorial State Park and Finger Lakes State Park for hiking, biking, and more outdoor fun. Looking to stay indoors? Spend an afternoon at the Columbia Art League checking out the local art or even taking a class.
• Kansas City : Don’t miss out on the legendary jazz scene by first checking out the American Jazz Museum and maybe even catching a live show in the evening. Can you think of a better way to close out this epic road trip?

4. The Black Hills in South Dakota

This classic road trip is really one for the books. It’s recommended to take at least 7-10 days to drive through The Black Hills in South Dakota, simply because there is so much to see.

• Badlands National Park : Drive the scenic 39-mile loop, which boasts 16 amazing overlooks. The park itself has plenty to do and see, making it the perfect place to start your trip.
• Wind Cave National Park : Adventurous souls can explore what unique rock formations lie within the caves .
• Hot Springs, South Dakota : Ten minutes away from Wind Cave you can find not only some awesome hot spring attractions but also one of the world’s greatest fossil treasures, a mammoth sinkhole .
• Mt. Rushmore : A bucket-list road trip stop , along with the Crazy Horse Memorial. A short 0.6-mile hike will take you closer to the president’s faces, but a more rare site is the overlook on SD-244 where you can see Washington’s profile.

Check out our full South Dakota road trip itinerary here!

3. Milwaukee to Wisconsin Dells

Ah, Wisconsin. The land of cheese curds, Blue Moon beer, and ultra-enthusiastic football fans. Sounds like the perfect place to kick off a road trip, right?

• Milwaukee : This city is known for having some of the best breweries in the country, so if you’re a beer-enthusiast make sure to check out Lakefront for a tour. The city is also home to the oldest bowling alley in the United States and a haunted concert hall that is a must-visit for music fans.
• Madison : Experience its many lakes–you can even take a tour to learn more about how organizations are working to keep them clean!
• Eugster’s Farm Market : If you want to get a taste of the best produce that Wisconsin has to offer, head 15 minutes south of Madison to Eugster’s. The market isn’t open in the winter, but does have produce available in the spring, summer and fall.
• The House on the Rock : Located in Spring Green, this is an eclectic maze-like interactive museum with surprises at every turn.
• Wisconsin Dells : Take a tour either by house and carriage , boat , or the famous Wisconsin “ ducks “.
• Devil’s Lake State Park : Get out for an epic hike or go kayaking and canoeing at Mirror Lake State Park , which is close by.
• International Crane Foundation: Check out the cranes and learn more about conservation efforts in the area.

2. Michigan – The Mitten to the UP

Michigan is brimming with outdoor activities and hidden gems. From as far south as the Indiana border to as far north as the Canadian border, you can find a wealth of natural wonders and eclectic small towns that make Michigan a magical road trip destination.

• New Buffalo: Close enough to Chicago to be convenient for city-dwellers but far enough to feel like another world, this town is minutes away from Warren Dunes State Park and has a neat European Farmer’s Market that locals love.
• Sleeping Bear Dunes: Located right outside beautiful Traverse City, spend a day (or two!) hiking any one of the trails at Sleeping Bear.
• Ocqueoc Falls: Before you head to the Upper Peninsula, consider resting for the night at Ocqueoc Falls State Forest Campground where picturesque waterfalls await you.
• Canyon Falls: Known as Michigan’s own version of the Grand Canyon, this breathtaking waterfall is situated south of L’Anse, off US 41 in the Upper Peninsula.
• Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore: The Upper Peninsula has plenty of natural wonders to explore, including the various scenic sites at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

1. Minnesota’s North Shore

Northern Minnesota is a treasure trove of natural beauty. This quick road trip will take you along the shore of Lake Superior on Minnesota State Highway 61.

• Tettegouche State Park : Located near Silver Bay is the picturesque Tettegouche State Park , which boasts stellar waterfalls, hiking, rock climbing, and year-round camping.
• Split Rock Lighthouse: A must-see location famous for its history , Split Rock is another North Shore destination that showcases the beauty of Lake Superior.
• Palisade Head : Just an hour north of Duluth, you’ll find this 932-foot high cliff towering over Lake Superior which attracts plenty of site seers as well as rock climbers.
• Gunflint Trail National Scenic Byway: If you want to take a detour and extend your trip a bit longer, consider taking this scenic route . It’ll take you through the Superior National Forest where you can find short offshoots that lead to campgrounds, lakes, and places to canoe.

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Whether you’re from the Midwest or have been curious about traveling there, we hope this list inspires the road tripper in you to get out and explore. Who knows, maybe you’ll discover your new favorite hiking trail, camping spot, or quirky small town!

About Emily Becker

Emily Becker is a digital nomad based in Costa Rica. She's been traveling on and off since 2014 and has visited 15 countries—planning to tick many more off her bucket list. In addition to writing for BMTM, she works as a copywriter and project manager.

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Kristin says

02/04/2021 at 10:32 am

The image on #4, The Black Hills in South Dakota, looks like the Crazy Horse Memorial, but the caption asks if we can see Washington’s profile… I could be wrong, as I haven’t been to Rushmore or the Crazy Horse Memorial, but just in case I’m not, I figure that something you might want to fix (and then you can delete my comment and no one will be the wiser…)

In other news, thanks for this article! I got a new car a few months ago, a Rav4 Hybrid, and I’m excited to take it on some road trips once the weather warms up some. There is lots of info on beautiful places to visit out west, but as an east coaster, I love seeing articles that are a little closer to home. (Best East Coast Road Trips soon??)

02/05/2021 at 3:46 pm

Thanks for the suggestion! We can definitely get some east coast road trip posts up 🙂

02/04/2021 at 8:39 pm

Although I’m from Germany this sparkled my wanderlust for some road trips in the Midwest. I guess I’d go for the Route 66 from Chicago to St. Louis, that sounds really amazing 🙂 Looking forward to travel to the US when it’s possible again..

02/05/2021 at 3:45 pm

I hope you get to come back soon!

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The Best Midwest National Park Road Trips

Slow driving routes through 'flyover country'.

Sarah Bence

• In this guide
• Rocky Mountain road trip
• Utah's national parks
• Grand Canyon loop
• California road trips
• Skyline & Blue Ridge Parkway
• Western North Carolina
• West Virginia To Shenandoah NP
• Great Smoky Mountains
• NC's Outer Banks
• White Mountains & Falls
• Coastal Maine's Route-1
• Fall foliage
• Lakes Michigan & Superior
• South Dakota
• Chicago to the Ozarks
• Renting an RV

The Midwest US is often unfairly labeled “flyover country” but those who fly over middle America don't know what they're missing.

From the Great Lakes, the rugged Badlands, some fairly bizarre Americana roadside attractions (think: a giant Paul Bunyon statue holding a hot dog along the historic route 66), and yes some cornfields too. Here are three long distance road trips that showcase the true beauty of the Midwest.

Summer is the most popular time to road trip the Midwest, with hot (sometimes muggy) July and August days ideal for taking a dip in any of the Great Lakes, although you'll have to contend with crowds at some of the major national parks and monuments. The shoulder seasons in late spring or early fall bring milder weather and smaller crowds. If you time it right, fall foliage in the Midwest can be astounding. The peak colour period alters by latitude, and is affected by that year's rainfall and the previous winter, so plan accordingly.

Be aware that weather in the Midwest can be unpredictable. In South Dakota and northern Michigan and Wisconsin it has been known to snow as late as May and as early as October. Most people will want to avoid a winter road trip, due to potentially unsafe driving conditions and some park closures.

In this section:

Chicago To The Ozarks Road Trip

This one-way route takes you through three Midwestern states: Illinois, Missouri, and Arkansas…

South Dakota & Badlands National Park Road Trip

This figure-of-eight route takes you on an epic road trip through South Dakota’s national parks, forests, and monuments…

Lake Michigan & Lake Superior Circle Road Trip

The Midwest’s five Great Lakes make up the largest freshwater system in the world…

Renting An RV For An Epic Road Trip

About the author.

Sarah Bence is a travel journalist based in her home state of Michigan, after living in the UK for three and a half years. She writes for Lonely Planet, Fodor's, Roadtrippers Magazine, Business Insider, and more.

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12 Epic Midwest Family Road Trips

From gorgeous state parks to charming towns and bustling cities, there’s nothing quite as nostalgic as driving through the American Midwest .

While most travelers to the USA usually target its bustling cities and gorgeous coasts the Midwest still remains pretty overlooked on most visitors’ radar. Still, this gorgeous region of America is definitely worth exploring, especially for those yearning for an epic road trip filled with excitement, majestic vistas, and spots that give you that back-in-time feeling.

From roads that will have you driving through haunted places in Missouri to chasing waterfalls across Ohio, here are a few of the most epic Midwest road trips that need to be on your radar!

12 Epic Midwest Road Trips

1. chicago to st. louis on route 66, 2. st. louis to kansas city, 3. sault sainte marie to leland michigan road trip, 4. iowa nature adventure, 5. missouri ghost town trail, 6. west virginia midland trail, 7. milwaukee to the wisconsin dells, 8. iowa great river road, 9. post-rock scenic byway in kansas, 10. old red-old ten scenic byway in north dakota, 11. black hills & badlands in south dakota, 12. ohio waterfall road trip.

• More to know before hitting the road in the Midwest

On the lookout for the ultimate Midwest road trip? Look no further than the classic Route 66 from Chicago, Illinois to St. Louis, Missouri, which is also known as “The Mother Road”.

Route 66 actually starts in Chicago and runs all the way to Santa Monica on the West Coast, but if you don’t want to go the entire way, focusing on the Midwest part of the road trip is enough to experience some of the best it has to offer.

Simply put, there is probably no road trip in the entire USA that is as full of classic Americana as the so-called “King of All Roads”. The Midwest portion between Chicago and St. Louis doesn’t slack when it comes to old-fashioned diners, classic service stations, family owned-cafes, cornfields, sleepy towns, and tons of kitschy landmarks.

Start in Chicago, where you can see all the city highlights like the Sears Tower and the Buckingham Fountain before heading to the corner of Michigan Ave. and E. Adams Street, where you’ll find the iconic “Route 66 Starts Here” sign!

Continue onwards to Lyons and check out the Hoffman Tower. Next, head to Joliet and take some time to visit the Joliet Area Historical Museum before hopping back into the car. Along the way, make a stop in the town of Bloomington, where you can stretch your legs by visiting the emblematic Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum.

Other unique sights and landmarks you’ll find along the way are the Railsplitter Covered Wagon and the Watermelon Lincoln Monument in Lincoln, the World’s Largest Ketchup Bottle, the Our Lady of the Highway Shrine, the Soulsby Service Station, and so much more!

Once you catch a glimpse of St. Louis Arch, you’ll know the journey is over, but even then, you’ll still find plenty of incredible things to do in St. Louis to make parting a lil’ easier. For a quintessential Midwest experience (and a great excuse to toast the end of this Midwest road trip), don’t miss out on sipping a few beers at the iconic Anheuser-Busch Brewery.

Starting in St. Louis and ending in Kansas City, this route will take you through some of the most culture-filled cities and quintessential wild terrain in the southern part of the Midwest.

Start off in St. Louis, where you can spend the day checking out the iconic Gateway Arch over the Mississippi River and a couple of unique museums. From here, head to the Lake of the Ozarks , where you’ll get to bask in some serious lakeside fun with gorgeous views all over.

The city of Columbia is next on the itinerary, where you’ll get to choose from a ton of different activities ranging from outdoor adventures at the nearby Finger Lakes State Park to an afternoon spent checking out local works of art at the Columbia Art League .

Cap off your Kansas road trip touring Kansas City’s numerous memorials and statues. Then, change the mood at the American Jazz Museum and take a stroll through Kansas City’s 18th & Vine Historic Jazz District to finish one of the best Midwest road trips with a bang!

Driving from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to the Lower Peninsula is a jaw-dropping experience and one of the best drives in the Midwest. Starting in Sault Sainte Marie and ending in Leland, it’s hard to beat the majestic wilderness that you’ll get to gawk at the entire way.

Begin in Sault Sainte Marie, a sleepy town perched between Lake Superior and Lake Huron, an ideal lake vacation spot in the Midwest!

From there, head to Tahquamenon Falls State Park for a chance to spend a few hours gazing at striking waterfalls before heading to St. Ignace to hop on the ferry to Mackinac Island. After exploring the island, get ready to cross the Mackinac Bridge to Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, which is commonly dubbed “the mitten” because of its shape.

A must-visit spot in this area of the Midwest is the Headlands International Dark Sky Park for an unforgettable night of stargazing. If you get lucky, you might even get a glimpse of the northern lights!

After a night spent gawking at the stars, you’ll likely feel a bit hungry, so next on your itinerary is Traverse City, which is considered the foodie capital of Michigan! After gorging on as many dishes as you can, head over to Leland where you can explore Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore to end this epic Midwest road trip.

Bonus detour: If you have the time, make a small detour by driving the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail , where you’ll get to try the local wines at various estates. Can you think of a better way to close out this marvelous road trip?!

Longer to spend in Michigan? Check out some of the best beach towns along the Michigan coast , or our complete collection of scenic driving routes in Michigan

Even though the state of Iowa is often overlooked on most Midwest road trips, the Hawkeye State is actually a place that brims with natural gems if you just know where to look!

Start at Decorah’s Ice Cave , an ice cave you can explore in just a few minutes but acts as a super epic way to begin this Midwest road trip. From there, head over to Dunning’s Springs Park, where you’ll find a striking 200-feet waterfall hidden amid a charming forest.

Next on the itinerary is Effigy Mounds National Monument , which homes over 200 effigy mounds created by Native Americans centuries ago. Although American Indian ceremonial mounds can be found in several locations, Effigy Mounds National Monument harbors many that are shaped like animals!

Another natural highlight deserving a spot in your Iowa road trip is Maquoketa Caves State Park . Here, you can hike and explore tons of caves scattered throughout. Finish your trip at Wildcat Den State Park , where nature and history make a perfect mix that will allow you to hike to stunning geological formations on sandstone bluffs and learn about Iowa’s past at the Pine Creek Grist Mill.

If you’re a fan of the paranormal, this Missouri Ghost Town Road Trip is sure to please.

This unique scenic road trip will have you exploring some of the most haunted places in Missouri, some of which flourished when Route 66 was opened in 1926 and later abandoned when the interstates were built, and Route 66 was rerouted.

The first stop in this spooky Midwest road trip is Arlington , which was a thriving resort town back in the 1860s before it was forgotten and left to deteriorate. The town of Bloodland is next, which was abandoned during World War II and wiped out from the map, leaving only a church bell. Rumor has it that angry displaced residents have haunted the area ever since!

If you’re feeling brave, continue on I-44 until you find the only remains of Possum Trot, a church and a house that sit quietly eight miles southwest of Nixa, where ghost sightings have been reported time after time.

From here, head west to Monark Springs , a small town that was abandoned after a typhoid outbreak in the 1950s. Finally, end your spooky road trip in Georgia City, where the cemetery is all that remains from the once-prosperous town that thrived in the 1860s.

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Winding through rolling hills, dreamy forests, cascading waterfalls, and idyllic lakes, this scenic byway will take you from one end of West Virginia to the opposite, all while giving you plenty of opportunities to stop and park your car to go on a hike, see plenty of historic sites, and more.

Moreover, there are plenty of farmlands and small towns scattered all over that provide that old country charm. Hico, Ansted, Gauley Bridge, and Mt. Carbons are only some of the spots where you can stop and stretch your legs a bit, grab a bite, or spend the night before hopping back on your car and turning the music back on – preferably John Denver!

This is one of the best Midwest road trips for discovering the highlights of Wisconsin, taking you from Milwaukee to Green Bay and ending in the stunning Wisconsin Dells, one of the best family vacation spots in the Midwest .

Take in the highlights of Milwaukee from the food and breweries to its history and gallereis – don’t forget the Harey-Davidson Museum before hitting the road.

Following Lake Michigan to Green Bay you’ll pass through scenic towns such as Port Washington. Make sure to stop in at the Heritage Hill State Historical Park – and maybe catch a Green Bay Packers game?

The Wisconsin Dells await next – the kids will no doubt have their wishlist for “ the Waterpark Capital of the World “, but there are plenty of other outdoor adventures to enjoy. Make some time for a scenic boat tour and try one of the many wineries, breweries and distilleries.

Devil’s Lake State Park is the perfect way to finish your Wisconsin Road Trip.

The Iowa portion of the Great River Road follows the great Mississippi River from Iowa’s northern to southern borders. Another classic Midwest road trip, this route will take you past beautiful landscapes such as farmlands, forests, and sheer bluffs where tons of eagles soar up high.

Along the way, you’ll also find many charming river towns with friendly people and interesting sites worth checking out. Think Al Capone’s hideout – the Julien Hotel in Dubuque – or Le Claire’s famous vintage shops, including the one featured in American Pickers!

Other points of interest along the Iowa Great River Road are Pikes Peak, the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium , Eagle Point Park, and the Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens.

The Post Rock Scenic Byway is a stretch of byway in Kansas that winds through the Smoky Hills and Wilson Lake.

Even though it’s only 18 miles long, this route doesn’t slack in beautiful vistas and amazing points of interest. As a fun fact, the Post Rock Scenic Byway was named after the limestone rock posts used by Native Americans to build their homes and fences back in the day, some of which you can still admire today!

An important part of the Post-Rock Scenic Byway surrounds Lake Wilson, with many options for scenic stops and trails available for hiking in case you want to linger a while. At the end of the road trip, you’ll also get the chance to explore Lucas, an artistic small town that harbors several galleries and the well-known Garden of Eden, which features more than 150 statues!

Check out even more incredible Kansas scenic driving routes and byways over here

Running parallel to Interstate 94, the Old Red Trail will show you some of the best North Dakota has to offer, ranging from charming farm scenery to clear blue skies, vintage eateries, and quaint little shops filled with treasures to be found. This road is all about taking your time, driving slowly, and enjoying a ride that will make you feel as though you traveled back in time!

Once you pass Hebron, be on the lookout for the Richardton and Schnell Recreation Area , a 2,000-acre nature preserve where you can hit a few hiking trails in order to explore North Dakota’s unraveled nature. Other must-stops are Assumption Abbey in Richardton and Salem Sue, a giant Holstein Cow fiberglass sculpture.

This family road trip includes some of the most iconic landmarks of the Midwest, and some of the most scenic drives.

A classic South Dakota road trip will see you start in Rapid City before traversing the incredible scenery and rugged beauty of Badlands National Park . Make sure to stop in at Wall Drug before venturing west to the Mammoth Site in Hot Springs.

Wind Cave National Park will be your next South Dakota stop. Explore one of the country’s oldest national parks with its fascinating and complex cave system.

Mount Rushmore, along with Crazy Horse Memorial are undoubtedly going to be your next stops. You can see the Presidents’ heads up close on the 0.6-mile Presidential Trail, a short trail walk, or seek out the overlook on SD-244 to see Washington’s profile from a distance. Come on a summer’s evening to witness “Legends in Light” laser light show on the Crazy Horse Memorial.

Make sure to finish your trip with the Peter Norbek Scenic Byway to experience the Cathedral Spires of Custer State Park, often regarded as one of the country’s best scenic byways.

Last but not least, no trip to the Midwest is complete without exploring the stunning waterfalls of Ohio. The Ohio Waterfall Road Trip is the perfect route to take in order to explore the best of them!

Most of Ohio’s finest waterfalls can be found inside state parks, many of which you’ll get the chance to stop at as you drive this Midwest road trip. The Mohican State Park is a must-do stop where you’ll get the chance to see two falls, Big and Little Lyon Falls.

Next on the itinerary, head over to Cuyahoga National Park , where aside from getting plenty of incredible hiking ops, you’ll also get to see the striking 65-feet tall Brandywine Falls. You’ll find the best colors and climate in the fall.

To end your scenic drive in Ohio , drive over to Hocking Hills State Park , which harbors three gorgeous falls and a hiking trail that is commonly ranked as the best in the entire of Ohio!

We hope this list of the most epic Midwest road trips inspired you to grab your car keys, play some Johnny Cash tunes, and hit the road!

More To Know Before Hitting The Road In The Midwest

• Be careful of your time zones traveling through the Midwest! Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky , and Indiana follow Eastern time, whereas Wisconsin, Illinois, the Dakotas, Iowa, Kansas, and Missouri are in Central.
• Never forget an important road trip essential again! Download our family road trip checklist to help you pack for your next big adventure.

Which of these Midwest road trips catch your eye the most? I’d love to know which ones you’re most excited to drive, so let me know all about your plans in the comment section below!

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Exploring America’s Heartland one scenic drive at a time

Who says the midwest is flyover country.

Ready to hit the road? Don’t miss this action-packed anthology highlighting the best road trips in the Midwest. Explore storied highways and byways, including Route 66, the Great River Road, Ohio River Scenic Byway, Lincoln Highway, and many, many more.

Written by Midwesterners who are passionate about their home states, Midwest Road Trip Adventures, 2nd Edition , brings the excitement, history, and beauty of the heartland of America to life.

You’ll discover historic lighthouses along the shores of Lake Erie in Ohio, canyons in Kansas, crystal clear springs in Michigan, Underground Railroad history in Illinois, Mount Rushmore in South Dakota, and authentic fish boils in Wisconsin’s Door County.

Movie fans will want to visit the ballpark from A League of Their Own in Indiana or tour Iowa covered bridges showcased in The Bridges of Madison County .

You’ll drive along the world’s largest freshwater lake in Minnesota, learn about North America’s largest powwow in Nebraska, stay in a wagon wheel motel in Missouri, and drive an enchanted highway in North Dakota.

These twelve states will surprise and astound you.

At over 400 pages,  Midwest Road Trip Adventures, 2nd Edition , is bigger and better than ever.

New: basic maps help you decide which trips to add to your itinerary.

With over fifty scenic drives, you’re bound to find the perfect adventure. Get your copy and start planning your next road trip to remember today.

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12 Best Road Trips in the Midwest

The midwest portion of the u.s. is often called flyover country, but make no mistake, this region is gorgeous from the ground — and that means a lot of great rving opportunities..

• 1.1 1. Duluth to Grand Portage State Park, Minnesota
• 1.2 2. Badlands to Black Hills, South Dakota
• 1.3 3. Route 66, Illinois
• 1.4 4. Milwaukee to the Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
• 1.5 5. Flint Hills, Kansas
• 1.6 6. Parke County, Indiana
• 1.7 7. Historic Hills Scenic Byway, Iowa
• 1.8 8. U.S. 12 Heritage Trail, Michigan
• 1.9 9. The Ozarks, Missouri
• 1.10 10. Minnesota River Valley Scenic Byway
• 1.11 11. Antique Alley, Indiana
• 1.12 12. Lake Superior Circle Tour
• 1.13 Ready to Plan an RV Trip? Here's the tool we use:

Miles of sun-kissed farmland and crystal clear lakes frame the view out your windshield while some of the slower scenic routes — from the rolling Flint Hills of Kansas and Ozark mountains in Missouri to the tranquil covered hedges of Indiana and thundering waterfalls in Minnesota — can be seen just off the exit ramp.

No matter if it's a week-long journey around the rocky shores of Lake Superior or a quick day trip to a local state park, the United States' middle corridor has plenty to offer outdoors enthusiasts and backyard explorers alike. Here, some of the best Midwest road trips to get your wheels turning, thanks, in part, to the folks at BestLife.com .

1. Duluth to Grand Portage State Park, Minnesota

Start : Duluth, Minnesota

End : Grand Portage State Park, Minnesota

Distance : 145 miles

From Duluth, drive Highway 61 alongside the rocky beach of America's largest Great Lake, Lake Superior. The trip up Minnesota's North Shore is short — just under 150 miles — but there's plenty to see. If it's summer, explore the beaches with black sands (Black Beach) and pink pebbles (Iona's Beach), or pull over at Gooseberry Falls State Park  to take a dip in the pool at the base of a spectacular  waterfall  or hike the 18 miles of trails. There are several other panoramas along the way, including your last stop at  Grand Portage State Park by Canada's border — as well as gorgeous views via a two-mile gondola ride in Lutsen. 

2. Badlands to Black Hills, South Dakota

Start : Badlands, South Dakota

End : Black Hills, South Dakota

Distance : 130 miles

The Badlands has an otherworldly feel to it thanks to its multicolored peaks and vast volcanic rock landscape. Go slow and take your time meandering down the 40-mile scenic byway (SD 240), especially during dusk when the national park turns molten gold and dusty pink. From here, continue on to Rapid City for an overnight before exploring the  Black Hills National Forest the next day. This 1.2 million-acre region is home to some of America's must-see sites, such as Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial. Further north beyond Sturgis, Bear Butte State Park  is a beautiful place for a hike, and a sacred spot for Native Americans.

3. Route 66, Illinois

Start : Chicago, Illinois

End : Collinsville, Illinois

Distance : 300 miles

Route 66 is one of the quintessential American road trips, and no chapter of it is so charming — and underrated — as its path through Illinois, where there's enough retro kitsch to give you Instagram content for days. The Mother Road begins at the Route 66 sign on E. Jackson Boulevard in Chicago. You'll meander 300 miles south to St. Louis, passing 1940s diners, antique stores, gas stations, and drive-in movie theaters straight out of a vintage advertisement. Pro tip: Keep an eye out for the almost 30-foot-tall Gemini Giant  in Wilmington, Illinois.

4. Milwaukee to the Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

Start : Milwaukee, Wisconsin

End : Wisconsin Dells

Distance : 121 miles

Kick off the journey in Milwaukee, Wisconsin's brewing capital, where you can tour the  MillerCoors Brewery  and  Pabst Mansion , the former 19th-century home of Pabst Brewing founder Captain Frederick Pabst. Then, three hours northwest, the Waterpark Capital of the World is the perfect family-friendly getaway. A few of the  Wisconsin Dells  parks merit superlatives: America's largest outdoor  water park  (Noah's Ark), America's largest resort water park (Wilderness Waterpark Resort), and America's largest wave pool (also at Wilderness Waterpark Resort) lie along your route. However, the outdoors activities in the area make it an autumn and spring destination, too: Be sure to stop by the  Wisconsin Deer Park , where kids can feed Wasa crackers to free-roaming deer. Be sure to check out this previous Off the Beaten Path report on the Dells from RV Lifestyle. 

5. Flint Hills, Kansas

Start : Flint Hills, Kansas

End : Wichita, Kansas

Distance : 190 miles

The 190-mile trip through the endless undulations of the Flint Hills is a spectacular sight almost any time of year, though spring and fall show the area's colors at their best. Soak up the scenery at the 11,000-acre Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve  outside of Strong City, or take a detour on Rte. 901 to visit the 8,600-acre  Konza Prairie research preserve . Head another two hours south to arrive in Wichita, Kansas' largest city that features craft breweries, a Frank Lloyd Wright house museum, and striking street art in the Douglas Design District.

6. Parke County, Indiana

Start : Tangier, Indiana

End : Bridgeton, Indiana

Distance : 55 miles

Indiana's Parke County winds through 31 covered bridges, making it a spectacularly scenic drive — especially in October, when the Covered Bridge Festival draws local artisans, craftspeople, and farmers to showcase their produce and goods during peak fall foliage. Make sure to look out for the horse-drawn carriages frequently spotted in the countryside as well as the 19th-century general stores, mills, and log cabins in small towns like Mansfield and Bridgeton. 

7. Historic Hills Scenic Byway, Iowa

Start : Moravia, Iowa

End : Donnellson, Iowa

Distance : 110 miles

This route is full of historic sites, including Iowa's oldest courthouse and the state's only Civil War battlefield. But this area of Iowa also boasts three state parks, including a resort state park. It's worth taking a couple of days to drive the 110 miles of the highway, since there's so much to do, from fishing on the River Water trail and canoeing in the Lacey-Keosauqua State Park  to checking out the 100-plus Amish and Mennonite businesses around Drakesville and Bloomsfield.

8. U.S. 12 Heritage Trail, Michigan

Start : New Buffalo, Michigan

End : Detroit, Michigan

Distance : 180 miles

For one of the Midwest's quirkier road trips, consider the US 12 Heritage Trail , a.k.a. “Michigan's Largest Garage Sale.” Admittedly, this one takes some timing — the sale happens over a long weekend in August each year — but it's worth clearing your calendar for. Over three days, vendors line a 180-mile stretch of highway from New Buffalo to Detroit selling everything from antiques to homegrown vegetables. And no, the “heritage trail” distinction has nothing to do with Americans' love of a good bargain: It refers to the ancient Native American  trail the highway now covers (even further back, it was a part of a mastodon corridor, which drew the indigenous people who hunted them).

9. The Ozarks, Missouri

Start : Sullivan, Missouri

End : Lake Ozark, Missouri

Distance : 310 miles

With about 310 miles of routes and eye-popping side trips, Missouri's beautiful Ozark mountains, forests, and lakes offer up a bounty of natural attractions. Explore the  Onondaga Caves , the remnants of a sea that once covered the region, camp in the 1.5-million acre  Mark Twain National Forest , or bear witness to history at the  Indian Trail Conservation Area , which includes a stretch of the Trail of Tears. Be sure to check out this previous RV Lifestyle Off the Beaten Path report on Missiouri's caves. 

10. Minnesota River Valley Scenic Byway

Start : Blakely, Minnesota

End : Ortonville, Minnesota

Distance : 287 miles

This 287-mile trip is a highlight reel of Minnesota's rivers and waterfronts. You can see it from behind the steering wheel, or make a pitstop and hike the trails in the six state parks that intercept  the byway . The area has a rich history as homeland to the Dakota people, whose name for the area is “Mni Sóta Maḳoce” (“the land where the water reflects the sky”); learn about their traditions and history at the  Lower Sioux Agency . There are also farm museums, historical homes, and Minnesota's oldest brewery,  August Schell Brewing Company .

11. Antique Alley, Indiana

Start : Richmond, Indiana

End : Knightstown or Portland, Indiana

Distance : 80 miles

T he so-called  “Antique Alley” of eastern Indiana is an 80-mile loop where more than 1,200 antique dealers have set up shop. The Historic Richmond Depot District, a thriving neighborhood in Richmond with some great restaurants, is worth an afternoon lunch stop before setting out to shop. Choose from two different trails: Trail one takes you from Richmond west to Knightstown via the Historic National Road U.S. 40, then back to your starting point on SR 38. The star attraction: Cambridge City, with two blocks of shops including 13 antique stores. The other trail takes you north from Richmond to Portland on US 27, with 25 antiques shops dotting the roadside.

12. Lake Superior Circle Tour

End : Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan

Distance : 1,300 miles

If you have some time, take the long way around Lake Superior on the Circle Tour , a 1,300-mile stretch of stunning shoreline in Wisconsin, Ontario, Minnesota, and Michigan. Mid-June is a great time to catch festivals before summer's peak tourist season begins, but if don't mind cooler temps, late September is ideal for seeing the leaves change. If you can't make the entire tour, any of the individual state segments merit a vacation of their own, as you can see in the video we did below for Superior's Wisconsin and Minnesota north shore. 

Ready to Plan an RV Trip? Here's the tool we use:

Planning an RV Trip has never been easier than with  RV TripW izard . It is a comprehensive tool that Jennifer and I use whenever we are planning a trip. It works seamlessly with all our devices and gives us access to the info we need on where to stop, what camping is nearby and what we should do in an area.

Best of all, you can try it for free to see how it will fit into your trip planning process.

Published on 2020-01-12

Mike Wendland is a multiple Emmy-award-winning Journalist, Podcaster, YouTuber, and Blogger, who has traveled with his wife, Jennifer, all over North America in an RV, sharing adventures and reviewing RV, Camping, Outdoor, Travel and Tech Gear for the past 12 years. They are leading industry experts in RV living and have written 18 travel books.

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The 17 best road trips from Chicago

Need a change of scenery? Load up the car and embark on one of the best road trips from Chicago.

No coast? No problem. Chicago can sometimes feel like a Midwest oasis, but there's plenty to see just a scenic road trip away. With summer quickly approaching, you can spend a few weekends sipping bourbon in Louisville, hiking  in Eau Claire or sunbathing in Door County. So if you're not sure where to start, check out our list of unique nearby destinations , load up the car, turn up "Life is a Highway" and hit the road—one of these routes from Chicago could quickly become your preferred weekend getaway . 

RECOMMENDED: The best day trips from Chicago

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Best road trips from Chicago

1.  St Louis, MO

Driving time from Chicago:  Four and a half hours

While beer, blues and BBQ are likely on the top of your St Louis bucket list (and rightfuly so), there's a lot more to discover in the Gateway to the West—like custard from Ted Drewes and a walk around Forest Park. There's also a ton to see on the five-hour drive from Chicago: Stop off in Springfield to see attractions like the Illinois State Capitol, or in Atlanta, IL to take a photo with Paul Bunyon holding a massive hotdog. 

2.  Eau Claire, WI

Driving time from Chicago:  Five hours

Folks head to the Chippewa Valley in northern Wisconsin for its rolling hills and colorful foliage (plus plenty of beer and cheese to smuggle back to Chicago), but there are some worthy sights along the road as well. Snap a selfie with Pinkie the Elephant in DeForest, WI and sample cranberry-flavored everything at the Wisconsin Cranberry Discovery Center   in Warrens, WI. Once you're in Eau Claire, trade in the car for a kayak:  Riverside Bike & Skate   in downtown Eau Claire rents canoes and kayaks and has shuttles that will drive you upstream so you can hit the Chippewa River. 

3.  Traverse City, MI

The charming resort town of Traverse City, located at Michigan’s northern tip, offers plenty to do for nature enthusiasts. Clinch Park and Bryant Park have gorgeous, popular beaches while the more remote Haserot and North Bar Lake beaches offer the chance for a secluded getaway. You’re also within a stones throw of the coastal M-22, one of the most scenic drives in America, as well photo-ops at the Grand Traverse and Little Sable lighthouses. 

4.  Detroit, MI

Driving time from Chicago:  Four and a half hours

Despite what Blackhawks fans may chant, there is plenty about Detroit that doesn’t suck. You could easily spend a day or two on art alone, thanks to world-class museums like the Detroit Institute of Arts and the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit ; powerful, immersive public art like the Heidelberg Project and colorful, whimsical folk art like Hamtramck Disneyland . Enjoy a leisurely morning browsing at Eastern Market showcasing dozens of artisan food producers, makers and crafters, and then check out the tempting restaurant and bar options nearby. On the way home, stop in neighboring Dearborn, home to the largest and most diverse Arab community in the U.S., for delicious food at spots like Al-Ameer , Sheeba and Shatila Bakery . 

5.  Galena, IL

Driving time from Chicago : Three hours

At the top of many Chicagoans city escape must-visit list is Galena, Illinois. This charming town just under three hours from the city is known for its history, 19th-century architecture and resorts. There are hundreds of unique and antique shops in the city center to add some vintage pizzazz to your living room. History buffs can head over to the  Ulysses S. Grant Home  to tour the city’s proudest attraction. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, stop into  Log Cabin Steakhouse , which has been in operation since 1937. During the third weekend of June, tourists and locals alike gather for the annual  Great Galena Balloon Race .

6.  Door County, WI

The road trip doesn't end when you reach Door County; There's plenty to navigate by car as you wander the series of small towns located on a beautiful 75-mile peninsula surrounded by Lake Michigan and Green Bay. There are also 53 public beaches, five state parks, and 300 miles of shoreline so get ready to put some miles on your car. Need a pit stop? Milwaukee is a little less than half way. 

7.  Louisville, KY

Kentucky’s largest city, located just across the Ohio River from southern Indiana, is steeped in bourbon and long on charm. The home of the old fashioned and mint julep embraces its role as the gateway to Bourbon Country. The city now has over 10 tourable distilleries, including   Evan Williams,   Angel’s Envy   and  Old Forester . If bourbon and honkytonk aren't for you, downtown Louisville has an incredible art scene and is booming with independent businesses and charming shops. 

Discover the best things to do in Louisville

8.  Madison, WI

Driving time from Chicago: Three hours

Sure the Midwest loves its college towns, but Madison's proximity to five surrounding lakes make it one of the more of the scenic ones. The abundance of waterways make kayaking, rafting and canoeing especially popular—you can book them directly through Madison Boats . For those averse to using their sea legs, there's the 16-acre Olbrich Botanical Gardens for all ages or the National Mustard Museum (yes, you read that correctly). It wouldn't be a trip to Wisconsin without trying blocks and blocks of cheese, so make sure to stop by the "Capital of Cheese" known as Fromagination in downtown Madison. 

9.  Cincinnati, OH

If Skyline Chili is not your bag, don’t worry—there’s a whole lot more to the Queen City than its most famous tourist foodstuff. Cincy has been undergoing a major glow-up over the past decade or so, from the ever-evolving Smale Riverfront Park, which offers lots to do and gorgeous views of the skyline and the Ohio River to the revitalization of the historic Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. There, you'll find a number of must-visit spots, including the popular Rhinegeist Brewery, the vibrant Findlay Market , the stunning Music Hall and Washington Park , which sports a sweet playground and community events throughout the year. Plus, the Cincinnati Zoo is one of the best in the country, and the only place you can see Internet icon Fiona the Hippo in person. That in itself is worth the trip.

10.  Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, IL

Driving time from Chicago:  Six hours

Not going to make it to Napa this year? Opt for the just-as-beautiful Shawnee Hills Wine Trail instead. The 3 5-mile scenic drive meanders through Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois and features over 10  award-winning wineries in cute towns like Cobden, Alto Pass, and Pomona. If you need more than wine to prompt a trip, there's plenty of nature in the vicinity and the nearby town of Murphysboro is home to some of the finest BBQ in the Midwest at 17th Street Barbecue . 

11.  Bloomington, IN

Driving time from Chicago:  Four hours

This cozy college town offers some big-city amenities, but it's the surrounding hills, forests and lakes that make it special. A short itinerary could look like: Hike the Deam Wilderness trails ; s ee the Morgan-Monroe State Forest wildflowers; admire the Cedar Bluffs Nature Preserve limestone bluffs; g o fishing at the reservoir lakes. Just don't forget to leave room for a meal at  Feast Market & Cellar , a family-owned kitchen with a lovely corner porch where everything is made from scratch daily. 

12.  Saugatuck, MI

Driving time from Chicago:  Two and a half hours

This dreamy lakeside town (and next-door neighbor Douglas) has long been a favorite of Chicagoans looking to spend time on the water, whether it’s a boat on the Kalamazoo River or a relaxing day on one of the area’s six clean, inviting beaches. From hiking the Saugatuck Dunes to window shopping on Butler Street to enjoying dinner and drinks alfresco, there are many ways to get some much-needed fresh air here. It’s also one of the Midwest’s best queer-friendly vacation destinations, home to more than 100 LGBTQ-owned and friendly businesses. 

13.  Ann Arbor, MI

Driving time from Chicago:  Four hours

If you'd rather stick to less-crowded cities, skip Detroit and opt for Ann Arbor instead. Foodies and beer nerds will love this low-key vacation spot for its plethora of good restaurants and breweries. Home to the renowned University of Michigan, this city’s quaint downtown is full of unique shops, spots to eat and so much more (make sure Blank Slate Creamery is on your list). 

14.  Toledo, OH

The road from Chicago to Ohio is filled with worthwhile attractions, including Indiana Dunes State Park and the Hall of Heroes Super Hero Museum in Elkhart, Indiana. Once you arrive in Toledo, you'll be greeted with picturesque churches, wild urban parks, a trendy jazz culture and plenty of microbreweries to keep you busy. Just outside the city you'll also find fall-harvest overload in the way of apple and pumpkin farms where you can pick your own fruits and veggies and gorge on baked treats.

15.  Shipshewana, IN

Driving time from Chicago:  Two hours

OK, just hear us out. The heart of Indiana Amish country is a great option for a convenient road trip perfect for families, history buffs and, most of all, antiquers. The Shipshewana Trading Place Flea Market is a bargain-hunter’s dream—the largest flea market in the Midwest, with lively auctions Wednesday mornings. After a morning of browsing and bargaining, you’ll work up an appetite for some Amish home cooking, which you can even sample in a  literal Amish home . For outdoorsy types, nearby Mongo offers canoe and kayak rentals for a relaxing day on the water. 

16.  Des Moines, IA

Driving time from Chicago: Five hours

There's a surprising amount to explore over a weekend in Des Moines, from more than 20 breweries in the metro area to the six-mile Art Route , which showcases 87 public art pieces from sculptures to murals. But what really makes Des Moines worth visiting are its summer events, like the eclectic 80/35 music festival, and, of course, the festive juggernaut that is the Iowa State Fair , where you can get 69 different food-on-a-stick creations (nice). When you're heading back on I-80, don't miss the World's Largest Truck Stop in Walcott, truly a site to behold.

17.  Columbus, IN

Driving time from Chicago : Three and a half hours

In the heart of Southern Indiana, Columbus is an unexpected center for boundary-pushing architecture—in fact, the American Institute of Architects ranked the city sixth in the nation for architectural innovation. Roughly 70 different constructions sprinkled around the city and county make this city an architectural wonder. Take an  Architectural Highlights Tour  of more than 30 of Columbus' structures and learn how this city became the state's award-winning arts and design destination. Make another pit stop of striking constructions with a stroll through Mill Race Park , an 85-acre riverfront park near the city's center. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, stop by  Columbus Bar , the oldest bar and restaurant in town.

Need more travel inspiration?

The best weekend getaways from Chicago for families

Take a break from the city and find family-friendly activities throughout the Midwest on these weekend getaways.

The best places to go camping near Chicago

• Things to do

Make a quick escape and spend a few nights amidst nature. 

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• Around the Midwest

40 Amazing Experiences for Midwest Summer Water Getaways

Tree Meinch is a lifelong travel enthusiast who cannot resist a new experience. For a story, they have chased sled dogs across the frozen Boundary Waters of Minnesota, met farmers along Uganda's Nile River, and joined Indigenous beekeepers within Mexico's Riviera Maya jungle. They previously spent time as the travel editor for Midwest Living and the features editor at Discover magazine. As a freelancer and Spanish speaker, they now channel their expertise in travel and science communication into all types of storytelling projects. When not stuck to a computer, they can be found freediving, bartending or road tripping somewhere new.

A bucket-list guide to the most Midwest ways to float in, swim through and chill out by a lake, river or creek. Summer is here. Drink it up.

Michigan and Ohio: Ferry to an Island

Charlevoix, Michigan: A two-hour ferry ride from Charlevoix brings you to Beaver Island —54 square miles that remain largely undeveloped, inhabited by foxes, migrating cranes and, naturally, beavers. In town, you'll find a few hotels and shops, a working lighthouse, sand beaches and all the fresh whitefish you can eat.

Marblehead, Catawba, Sandusky, Ohio: Leave your cares (and maybe your car) behind on a getaway to the Lake Erie shore. Kelleys Island and Put-In-Bay are the marquee names in a cluster of Lake Erie isles west of Cleveland. Highlights include beaches, a state park, a towering war memorial, small resorts—and a lifestyle that moves at a golf-cart pace.

Mackinaw City and St. Ignace, Michigan: Everything you've heard about Mackinac Island is true: The fudge. The gingerbread architecture. The carriages. And, yes, the hordes of tourists. (Escape the bustle after you've departed your ferry from Mackinaw City or St. Ignace, and get big Lake Huron views on an 8-mile bike ride or hike around the island.)

Lake Superior: Take The Plunge

Sunshine turns Lake Superior a tempting blue-green, but the Caribbean this is not. Most years, the lake's surface temp maxes out around 65 degrees. Roll up your cuffs and let the surf lick your toes, or leap in for an unforgettable baptism in the world's largest body of fresh water. Good jumping-off spots for your Lake Superior adventure include Duluth , Minnesota; Bayfield , Wisconsin; and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

Minnesota: Go to The Source

Park Rapids: The Mississippi River cuts through our nation's heart—a 2,300-some-mile artery of commerce and culture. Hero of literature and song. Life-giving and life-taking. Where it flexes its muscle, the river stretches miles wide. But at the headwaters in Itasca State Park, the Mississippi spills from a serene Minnesota lake as a slim channel, shallow, clear and cold. To avoid tourists, come early. In the quiet of a new day, you can cross the infant river on stepping stones, alone with your thoughts, save for an occasional chortling loon.

South Dakota: See an Urban Waterfall

Sioux Falls: At Falls Park— a highlight of South Dakota's largest city —7,400 gallons of water cascade over gorgeous pink Sioux quartzite boulders every second.

Fish come in all sizes, and all spirits too. Little bluegills hang out under docks, their curiosity piqued by nothing more than a bit of hot dog on a child's hook. Walleye lurk deep in cold waters and fight back with Melvillean furor. Trout play coy, chasing feathered flies that flit on the surface of rippling streams. Catfish just seem dopey. But big or small, easy or tough, in a pond or on a Great Lake, catching them always follows the same arc. The bait. The wait. The tug on the line. The leap of the heart. The reeling in—a timeless battle of survival and will, energy coursing between two species along a single taut filament, the victor never a guarantee.

Minnesota: (Re)Visit Highway 61

Duluth to Canada: Made famous by native son Bob Dylan, Minnesota's North Shore Scenic Drive is thick with gems . Historic Split Rock Lighthouse. Rocky beaches. Family-run smokehouses. And so very many waterfalls, plunging through pristine woods, out to Lake Superior.

Indiana: Stroll an Ancient Reef

Clarksville: Time travel 390 million years back at Falls of the Ohio State Park, where amateur paleontologists can hunt for 600-plus different types of Devonian fossils on rock beds washed clean by the Ohio River. Some creatures are as big as a bus, others tinier than a pencil tip.

Illinois and Nebraska: Pick Up a Paddle

With the right attitude, any kayak trip is an adventure. But these three rivers are truly one of a kind.

Valentine, Nebraska: The Niobrara National Scenic River offers days' worth of calm paddling in the scenic Sandhills, with countless spots to pull off and hike (including to Nebraska's tallest waterfall, Smith Falls).

Cypress, Illinois: Ancient cypress trees rise from the swampy Cache River Wetlands, part of a state-run natural area you'll want to explore on a southern Illinois getaway . Hushed and eerily beautiful, it's the northernmost marsh of its kind in the U.S.

Chicago: For a new perspective on the Windy City, join a guided float down the Chicago River and get an architecture lesson in the shadows of glittering skyscrapers.

Wisconsin: Eat Fish by The Fire

Door County: Six ingredients make up a Door County fish boil: whitefish, water, potatoes, salt, butter and lemon. Well, seven, if you count the kerosene, splashed on the open fire for the grand finale.

Wisconsin: Explore a Sea Cave

Bayfield: Apostle Islands National Lakeshore encompasses 12 miles of rugged Lake Superior coast and most of a 22-island archipelago. You can take a narrated cruise from Bayfield, gateway to the Apostle Islands, but the real thrill is guiding a kayak through caves carved over millennia by the water.

Michigan: Meet Mac

Opened in 1957, the Mackinac Bridge stretches for 5 miles between Mackinaw City and St. Ignace, spanning the point where lakes Michigan and Huron kiss. As many as 30,000 people come each Labor Day to hike across it. If you're there another day of the year, you might be driving from Lower Peninsula destinations like Traverse City or Petoskey to the towns and parks of the Upper Peninsula .

Missouri: Row, Row, Row A Boat

St. Louis: Hey, Bridget Jones fans. You know that scene where Bridge and Daniel recite bawdy limericks in a rowboat on a gauzy afternoon? That could be you, in Forest Park, drifting with your sweetie around the 1904 World's Fair-era Grand Basin. Parasol recommended.

Great Lakes States: Comb a Beach

No promise of a message in a bottle, but freshwater waves polish and deliver treasure, same as any salt sea. Keep your eyes down to find fossil-freckled Petoskey stones by Lake Michigan, agate along Lake Superior or colorful glass on any Great Lakes shore in Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin.

Minnesota and Michigan: Camp With a Moose

Ely, Minnesota: A moose sighting up north is a rite of passage. Just about the best odds are at dawn and dusk in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, a million-acre patchwork of lakes and forest along the Canada border.

Michigan: More than 2,000 moose roam Isle Royale National Park, a cluster of 450-plus islands in Lake Superior accessible only by air or water. See moose feeding at inland lakes and beaver ponds, or cooling off in the forest shade. (Always be sure to maintain a safe distance from a moose and follow other safe-viewing guidelines .)

Wisconsin: Let It All Slide

Wisconsin Dells: Every once in a while, a gushy marketing nickname is actually correct. Case in point: the Waterpark Capital of the World. Swoosh around every flume the Dells throw at you, then line up (with a zillion other families) to do it again.

Ohio: Look Back—And Forward

Cincinnati: For slaves in the antebellum South, the Ohio River marked the boundary of freedom. With its meditation labyrinth, Black Brigade Monument to volunteer soldiers, and zany all-ages toys, free Smale Riverfront Park cleverly invites both play and reflection. Rock on riverfront porch-swing benches and take in the view—then take in the rest of what Cincinnati has to offer .

Kick Back in a Tube

Philosophical question: If a summer passes without floating downriver in a big inflated donut tethered to your friends—and to a tube you've rented just to carry the cooler—have you really summered at all?

Indiana and Michigan: Scale a Sandy Ridge

Lake Michigan's epic dunes are living mountains—shaped by wind, stitched together by plant roots and subtly changed each time we walk upon them.

Portage, Indiana: Some 50 miles of trails crisscross Indiana Dunes National Park's diverse and fragile ecosystem. Look for Chicago from the Dune Succession Trail at West Beach.

Empire, Michigan: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, northwest of Traverse City , stretches for 35 achingly gorgeous miles; the highest dune drops 450 feet into the cerulean abyss of Lake Michigan.

Nebraska: Go Tanking

Some water sports are, you know, sports. Others are acts of pure sloth. Enter tanking, a uniquely Nebraskan pastime of floating down a river in a cattle tank. No oar. No pole. No motor. In fact, no steering, acceleration or propulsion of any kind. (Though some outfitters rig tanks with bench seats and tables for playing cards or holding drinks.) You can hitch a tank most anywhere in the state, but the Calamus, Middle Loup and Cedar rivers are hot spots.

Visit Chicago

That's it. Just go to Chicago and feel how water courses through the Windy City's veins. Zip down Lake Shore Drive, flanked by high-rises and Lake Michigan. (Or rent a bike to ride on the parallel trail.) Watch bridges lift for sailboats along the revived Chicago River. (Or see it happen from the inside out at the Bridgehouse Museum .) Join the party on Oak Street Beach. (Or escape it on 12th Street Beach.) Wade in Crown Fountain , where glowing portraits "spit" on gleeful kids. (Or stay dry watching Buckingham Fountain's regular light and water shows.) Take to the sky on Navy Pier's Ferris wheel for a 360-degree view of how water shapes this town. (Or get a four-state vista from the Willis Tower .) We could go on—but you're probably already there.

Michigan: Hunt for a Shipwreck

Alpena: Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary protects a swath of Lake Huron known as Shipwreck Alley . Peer into the depths of maritime history on a glass-bottom boat tour.

Iowa: Cruise Like a Victorian

LeClaire: Sure, it's a little old-school, but the Riverboat Twilight is one of the Mississippi's most memorable rides, with stops in historic towns, narrated sightseeing and pitch-perfect live banjo music on deck.

Michigan: Cruise Colored Cliffs

Munising to Grand Marais: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshor e gets its name from striking sandstone cliffs streaked by minerals. It's especially lovely at sunset. See the Lake Superior lakeshore by tour boat or kayak, or explore the forested shoreline to hike to beaches and waterfalls.

Picnic on a Pontoon

All hail the minivan of the not-so-high seas. Comfy. Roomy. Trusty. (Aerodynamics are so overrated.) Head out early, stop for a swim, snack on potato chips—and when the sun sets, put on home.

Great Lakes States: Climb to a Lighthouse lookout

Hundreds of lighthouses ring the Great Lakes, many open seasonally for visitors ( some even for overnight guests ). Get ready for a steep climb up spiral steps to see sweeping lake vistas—and hear or read tales about lighthouse keepers' solitary lives. Find your happy lighthouse spot in Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Ohio, Minnesota or Indiana.

Missouri: Love a Lily Pond

St. Louis: Starting in July, giant water lilies bloom in the reflecting pools of the Missouri Botanical Garden. The plants—which can grow as fast as an inch an hour—have leaf spans of up to six feet. If St. Louis isn't on your summer itinerary, most Midwest botanical gardens boast one or more lakes or ponds that might show off aquatic plants, fountains or waterfalls.

South Dakota: Escape into a Canyon

Spearfish: Home to some of the best scenery in the Black Hills, the Spearfish Canyon gorge holds cliffs, waterfalls and forests, easily accessible from the 22-mile Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway.

Kansas: Sail on a Prairie Wind

Cheney: Unfettered by hills or trees, breezes roll into mighty winds outside Wichita , making Cheney State Park and Reservoir one of the most unlikely big-time sailing destinations in the United States.

Minnesota: Vacation in a Houseboat

International Falls: At Voyageurs National Park , a maze of waterways carries boaters into boreal forest where the namesake fur trappers once reigned. Rented houseboats are a popular choice for multiday trips in the 340-square-mile park.

Michigan: Raft Across a Spring

Manistique: At Palms Book State Park , ride on a hand-cranked raft across Kitch-iti-kipi, the state's largest freshwater spring, gushing more than 10,000 gallons per minute. You'll be mesmerized by swirling clouds of sand and ancient tree trunks.

Minnesota: Go for a Gondola Ride

Stillwater: Former Boundary Waters guide John Kerschbaum traded canoe paddling for cruising on Gondola Romantica in 2000 (after shipping an authentic vessel from Venice to Minnesota). He's been crooning to lovers on the St. Croix ever since, one of the many charms of Stillwater .

Wisconsin: Get a Million-Dollar View

Lake Geneva: The famously clear Geneva Lake is ringed by resorts, vacation homes and 19th-century mansions. Excursions on Lake Geneva Cruise Line offer close-up views of the Victorian mansions around the spring-fed lake, while more than 25 miles of lakeshore walking paths run through the manicured grounds of estates, most still privately owned.

Minnesota: Watch History Rise

Duluth: Gawk at the 135-foot-tall Aerial Lift Bridge as it rises more than 20 times each day for sailboats and skyscraper-length ships traveling between Lake Superior and Duluth Harbor. The first version of the unusual bridge was completed in 1905, and a remodeled bridge opened in 1930.

Kansas: See Fire and Water

Wichita: At the confluence of the Big and Little Arkansas rivers, Keeper of the Plains honors local Native American tribes. At 9 p.m. in the summer, flames from the fire drums illuminate the river. Another way to experience the statue: sunset or sunrise views from a kayak.

Wisconsin: Cheer for water-skiers

Minocqua : The Min-Aqua Bats Water Ski Show lures visitors three nights a week throughout the summer to the lakeside vacation hub of Minocqua . Started in 1950, the show bills itself as the oldest continual amateur waterski show in the U.S.

Michigan: Explore an Island Park

Detroit: The 900-acre Belle Isle Park in the Detroit River delivers a lineup of next-to-nature moments. Its free aquarium features more than 1,000 fish; also see a marble lighthouse, beach, conservatory (slated to reopen in 2024 after renovations) and maritime museum.

Nebraska: Play on the Prairie

Lake McConaughy: Sailing, parasailing, fishing and kiteboarding are all popular on Lake McConaughy, Nebraska's largest lake (near the Colorado border). The 100-mile shoreline is perfect for camping —spots fill quickly.

Michigan: Do the Docks

Leland: A walk down the docks in Fishtown —one of the few unmodernized fishing villages on the Great Lakes— reveals weathered shanties that house both a working waterfront as well as cafes and boutiques. See it on a day trip from Traverse City.

Illinois: Discover a Mule's Pace

LaSalle: It's slow going on a replica 19 th -century mule-pulled canal boat, but that's the point of a journey on the Illinois & Michigan Canal. Period guides will even give you a lesson in mule-tending.

Indiana: Float Underground

Corydon: Descend 110 feet into a drippy cavern and board a boat to explore Indiana's longest cave, with a 35-foot waterfall, blind cave crayfish and rimstone dams. Also at Indiana Caverns Family Adventure Park: the Deep Darkness tour, four hours of splashing, kayaking, climbing and crawling.

Splash in a Creek

You probably don't need to go much beyond your neighborhood to find a creek . Get your trusty Tevas wet as you step from stone to stone and see where the journey leads. Look for minnows, dragonflies and tadpoles, and take a few deep breaths while you listen to the calming sound of water tumbling over rocks.

Take the ultimate summer road trip through the Midwest

The heartland of America captures the hearts of those from all over the country, journeying you through the wondrous green plains that vibrantly illustrate its fertile creations and settlements traced back to the late 1800s. The Midwest boasts superb agricultural sightings, urban cities with diverse populations from all over the world, and a collection of humble towns—from farming oases to communities rooted in the American Rust Belt—that create a unified culture of home-grown American identity.

In this guide, we take you through the Midwest states of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota, highlighting all of the region’s must-sees and a few lesser-known hidden gems along the way. For a summer of camping, fishing, a tour of the Great Lakes, and stopping in some cool cities along the way, here are the Midwest’s top travel destinations!

With its shamrock plains of rolling hills and immaculate skylines, Ohio is a family-friendly state that should not be missed on your drives across the Midwest. From amusement parks and sports to four major rivers and endless natural landscapes, the Buckeye State has much to enjoy for every type of trip.

• Cleveland: A classic American city filled with museums, parks, a thriving music scene, and sports arenas for basketball and football enthusiasts, spend your mornings exploring local markets selling fresh produce and artisan crafts and your evenings embarking on foodie adventures in the city's several restaurants that proceed a vibrant nightlife.
• Cuyahoga Valley National Park: While the 65-foot Brandywine Waterfall is the park's main attraction, over 125 trails, water activities along the river, and horseback riding are additional reasons to spend a few days exploring this national treasure.
• Hocking Hills State Park: A beloved year-round destination, Hocking Hills shines in the summer with its campgrounds providing direct access to alluring waterfalls, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
• Put-In-Bay: A jewel of Lake Erie, Put-In-Bay, comes alive in summer with cultural festivals, historical sites like Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial, wineries, train tours, and lots of water activities.
• Cincinnati: With colorful murals in its downtown area, a bustling public market, baseball, zoos, botanical gardens, and the charming Fountain Square, Cincinnati is a lively pit stop for road trippers seeking a mix of urban and natural attractions.

Don't skip Indiana on your Midwest road trip. The Hoosier State brims with outdoor adventures, unique state parks, and towns—large and small—that uncover special subcultures in American history.

• Indiana Dunes National Park: Nestled along Lake Michigan's sandy shores, swimming, birdwatching, and fishing amidst varying terrain are some of the few activities to do at Indiana Dunes National Park.
• Indianapolis: Explore the capital's most-visited attractions like the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the underground passages at City Market, Monument Circle, and the freshly trimmed pavements of White River State Park.
• Brown County State Park: A haven for outdoor enthusiasts, this park is made for afternoons of fishing, hiking, boating, and biking against a backdrop of endless greenery.
• Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial: Journey back to the early days of America at the childhood home of the 16th president, Abraham Lincoln.
• Amish Country: Discover one of the United States' largest Amish communities in Shipshewana and Middlebury, where rural compounds, general stores, and mindful eateries showcase the spirit of simple living and religious freedom.

From the dense neighborhoods of Chicago to the state's rustic towns, Illinois delivers near-infinite attractions, even beyond its quintessential Windy City.

• Chicago: A must-visit on any Midwest road trip, Chicago is a cultural hub featuring world-class museums, fine dining, iconic sports teams, skyscrapers, and a rich tapestry of blended communities that have shaped American culture for decades.
• Starved Rock State Park: Explore over ten miles of trails leading to picturesque waterfalls and spectacular hiking routes, gifting a refreshing escape from urban life.
• Lincoln’s New Salem: Reconstructed in Menard County, this village retraces the footsteps of Abraham Lincoln during his young adult years as a boatman and soldier.
• Ulysses S. Grant Home and State Historic Site: History enthusiasts will appreciate touring the former residence of President Ulysses S. Grant in Galena, where he continued his successful presidential campaign.
• Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site: Experience a significant slice of Native American history at Cahokia Mounds, home to the largest indigenous city north of Mexico and the towering Monks Mound.

If reconnecting with nature is your trip's purpose, Michigan is the state to visit. Home to several majestic state and national parks, Michigan claims ownership of four of the five Great Lakes—Superior, Michigan, Huron, and Erie—making it the state to visit for beaches, boating, canoeing, and so much more!

• Tahquamenon Falls State Park: Kayak along the Tahquamenon River and feel the breeze of Michigan's largest waterfall. This park also has fishing, camping, and scenic strolls showcasing the state's natural beauty.
• Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore: The first national lakeshore in the United States, Pictured Rocks excels in breathtaking views of Lake Superior and a range of outdoor activities.
• Mackinac Island: Satisfy your sweet tooth with Mackinac Island’s world-famous fudge, take a carriage ride, and admire the 19th-century Victorian architecture in one of Michigan’s top tourist destinations.
• Isle Royale National Park: Accessible only by boat, this car-free island in Lake Superior is a tranquil retreat of wildlife, forests, and serene islets.
• Traverse City: Nestled near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Traverse City's white freshwater beaches and famous National Cherry Festival are just a few reasons to visit this vivacious city.

Cheese and farmlands have transformed Wisconsin into one of the Midwest’s favorite all-American states. Explore its German and Scandinavian roots, unique heritage sites, and some of the country's prettiest vistas.

• Apostle Islands National Lakeshore: Spanning 21 islands across Lake Superior, Apostle Islands is stellar for kayaking around red sandstone caves and notable lighthouses.
• Milwaukee: Summers in Brew City are a Midwest highlight, featuring cultural events like German Fest, outdoor concerts, festivals, and many dining, shopping, and nightlife options.
• Cave of the Mounds: Known as the “jewel box” of American caves, this limestone cave boasts rich mineral deposits and stunning speleothem formations.
• Door County: Discover the nature of Door County, home to five state parks, over 300 miles of shoreline, orchards, and peaceful retreats.
• Warrens: Known as the Cranberry Capital of Wisconsin, Warrens is a vibrant town where you can explore cranberry bogs, attend Cranberry Blossom Day in June, and end the summer at the world’s largest cranberry festival in September!

Summers in Minnesota come alive with outdoor sports, the Minnesota State Fair, the nation’s largest shopping mall, and a rich Native American heritage. With its woodlands, lakes, waterfalls, and plains, Minnesota is a nature lover’s paradise.

• Voyageurs National Park: Sitting at the Canadian border, Voyageurs National Park features island and lake views, lush forests, and superior waters for fishing.
• Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness: Abundant recreational activities await in the Superior National Forest, including camping, hiking, and scenic overlooks of lakes, beaches, and hills.
• Minneapolis: A beloved Midwest city, Minneapolis is loved for its busy nightlife, top arts and music scenes, and geological attractions like the Minnehaha Falls.
• Split Rock Lighthouse State Park: This park, overlooking Lake Superior, boasts picturesque lighthouses and has some of Minnesota’s best hiking and camping spots.
• Duluth: Situated on the shores of Lake Superior, the charming port city of Duluth gives visitors gorgeous views of watchful lighthouses and lakeside dining experiences.

Tips for traveling through the Midwest

• Watch out for tornadoes: The Midwest is notorious for its tornadoes, which happen during the summer months. Check weather conditions regularly, and in the case of a tornado, shelter in low-elevation locations.
• Have the correct permits: Hiking, fishing, and kayaking in some of the Midwest’s parks, rivers, and lakes may require state permits. For outdoor enthusiasts, know state regulations and rules before participating in any activities.
• Get a park pass: Many state and national parks offer annual pass programs, granting you unlimited visits to America’s most famous parks.
• Follow the rules of the road (and state) : While driving is obvious to most, remember that states have varying traffic regulations, such as wearing headphones while driving, traveling in high-occupancy vehicles, and mobile phone usage. Learn the state laws on your Midwest itinerary through official government websites and traffic apps.

Embarking on a road trip through Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota is an ambitious endeavor, but it’s a vacation you won’t soon forget. There is something for everyone in the Midwest, so pack your bags and make your plans because the open road awaits.

No matter where the road takes you, make sure you and everyone in your vehicle wears a seat belt. Buckling up saves lives!

5 of the Best Upper Midwest Road Trips

December 23, 2020   14 Comments »

Home » Blog » Travel » Transportation » 5 of the Best Upper Midwest Road Trips

July 10, 2018 14 Comments »

In an effort to bring you some new voices on Ottsworld, here is a guest post from blogger and road trip expert Kristi. She not only writes about road trips she’s taken (and she’s taken a lot!), she’ll also help you plan yours down to every detail! I was excited to have her write about Midwest road trips since it’s a region near and dear to my heart and often gets overlooked! All opinions and experiences expressed here are hers. –Sherry

I am a solo mom of three grown children and have lived in Minnesota or Wisconsin my entire life. I love road trips and discovering the beauty and wonders all around us, especially areas off the beaten path. I’ve traveled all around the wondrous United States and Canada, but I’ve spent many summers (and winters!) exploring an area less traveled known as ‘The Upper Midwest’.

The Upper Midwest is home to some of the most beautiful and scenic areas of the United States. Made up the states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Iowa, North & South Dakota, and Illinois, it is often overlooked by many travelers, leading to some of the most peaceful Midwest road trips you can find.

The region is diverse in its landscape and has some of the most unique geological features in the world. It includes many of the Great Lakes, the Great Plains, as well as the Missouri and Mississippi River. Steeped in history and culture, picking just five ‘best road trips’ is difficult indeed! Curious? Read on!

Table of Contents Minnesota – North Shore Where to stop on the North Shore Wisconsin – Door County Scenic Byway Where to stop in Door County Iowa – Loess Hills Scenic Byway Where to stop on Loess Hills Scenic Byway Upper Peninsula Michigan – Keweenaw Peninsula Where to stop in the UP Great River Road Upper Midwest Roadtrip Where to stop on the Great River Road Don’t leave without this road trip gear

Table of Contents

5 Best Midwest Road Trips

Minnesota – the north shore.

Minnesota, known for its lakes, the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul, and the birthplace of the Mississippi River, is where we’ll start this Midwest road trip. Minnesota’s North Shore, which starts in Duluth and follows the Lake Superior coastline to the border of Canada, is designated as an “ All-American Road ”.

The North Shore offers rock and sandy beaches of the ever-changing and unpredictable Lake Superior , the largest of the Great Lakes, providing opportunities for kayaking, boating, and fishing. It also includes vast woodlands with hiking & biking trails, rivers and waterfalls, camping, wildflowers, wildlife, historical sites, and quaint communities.

Where to Stop on the North Shore

There are many places along the North Shore where you can spend time and explore for a week or more. This post just highlights just a few of the ‘must-see’ destinations:

• Stroll the Duluth lake walk
• Watch the over 100-yr-old Aerial Lift Bridge in action
• Enjoy a craft brew at Canal Park Brewing Company
• Try Homemade Chicken & Wild Rice Soup at the legendary Grandma’s Saloon & Grill
• Mile 30 – enjoy homemade pies from the iconic Betty’s Pies
• Mile 40 – get up close and personal with the amazing falls at Gooseberry Falls State Park
• Mile 91 – visit Lutsen Resort , with alpine skiing & snowboarding (largest in the Midwest), hiking, fishing, kayaking, and one of the best agate beaches on Lake Superior!
• Mile 110 – Stop and eat some of the best fresh lake trout and whitefish at Dockside Fish Market . This family run business is near the base of the Gunflint Trail . With 55 miles of remote wilderness, where you may even spot a moose, it is a worthy side trip on your adventure.
• Mile 124 – take the mile-long hike and 200 steps to visit the infamous Devil’s Kettle Falls , featuring half a river that disappears into the underground. The mystery of what happens to the river has supposedly been ‘solved’ , but it’s still a unique phenomenon to witness.
• Mile 150 – view Minnesota’s highest waterfall in Grand Portage State Park right at the Canadian border. The falls required a nine-mile portage from the river to Lake Superior named “Grand Portage”.

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Wisconsin – Door County Coastal Byway

Wisconsin is known for its cheese, beer, forests and lakes, Harley-Davidson, The Fonz from Happy Days, The Ringling Brothers, and Frank Lloyd Wright and is next on our list. The Door County Peninsula has 300 miles of shoreline where you can watch the sunrise and the sunset over the water without leaving the county!

Door County is home to cherry orchards, art galleries, wineries, 5 state parks, 11 historic lighthouses, and 19 quaint communities. Taking a Midwest road trip to experience this county should be on your bucket list!

Where to Stop on Door County Coastal Byway

A vacation here can easily last a week or two – we will touch on some ‘must do’ highlights! Going clockwise, Hwy 42 to Hwy 57:

• Mile 0 – start in Sturgeon Bay , a historic town with a strategic shipping corridor and known for its shipbuilding, music, and diverse food scene. It also has some of the best bass fishing in the world, so book a charter at Hooked Up Sport Fishing Charters for a great time!
• Mile 26.2 – visit Peninsula State Park . Peninsula State Park is 3,776-acres of wooded trails, campsites, historical landmarks, and even a golfcourse! It includes miles of bicycle and hiking trails, high bluffs and sandy beaches with 8 miles of shoreline.
• Mile 30.5 – experience a Fish Boil at Old Post Office Restaurant in Ephraim, an entertaining event featuring fresh caught fish, potatoes onions, and a huge cauldron over an open fire. As the oil from the fish rises to the top, kerosene is added to the flames causing the “boil over” to signal the food is done!
• Mile 34.3 – check out the goats on the roof of Al Johnson’s, and then go inside to enjoy lingonberries and Swedish pancakes!
• Mile 44.7 – enjoy the best cherry pie in the county at Bea’s Ho-Made Products . Door County was once the largest producer of cherries in the world and cherries remain an important part of the Door County experience.
• Mile 46 – hop on the ferry to Washington Island and ride a bicycle around a 15 mile loop to experience the largest of 30 islands in Door County
• Mile 69 – walk across a causeway to go up the Cana Island Lighthouse and get a birds eye view. You can visit all 10 of Door County lighthouses.
• Mile 78 – stop at Cave Point County Park and watch (or participate!) swimmers jump off limestone shelves into the cool waters of Lake Michigan. Take the trail to discover a rocky beach filled with stacks of rocks from visitors past.

Iowa – Loess Hills Scenic Byway

Iowa is known for its rolling plains and cornfields. Rich in tradition and agriculture, its cities serve as significant manufacturing and technology hubs. Often mistaken as being flat, Iowa is generally rolling, including steep hills and valleys in the driftless region of the state.

The Loess Hills Scenic Byway along western Iowa is a National Scenic Byway following a unique land formation made up of windblown soil from the ice age 15 miles wide and about 200 miles long from Sioux City, IA to St Joseph, MO. Only China has higher loess hills than Iowa.

With over 220 miles and many excursions and connections, there is much this area has to offer for a road trip. Remember what you’re appreciating here, and you won’t be disappointed.

Where to Stop on the Loess Scenic Byway

We will focus on just a few highlights here starting from the north in Akron, IA and taking Hwy 12 South:

• Mile 23 – stop and visit the Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center , an interactive museum with indoor and outdoor exhibits and trails. They also have live birds of prey.
• Mile 30 – experience the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center , a 20,000 square foot cultural complex, commemorating the Lewis & Clark expedition that followed the Missouri River
• Mile 100 – Murray Hill Scenic Overlook is a must-see stop and offers a panoramic view of the Missouri River Valley. There’s a parking lot and a steep climb to the overlook.
• Mile 116 – don’t miss the Loess Hills Lavender Farm , enjoy the smells and sample the many products.
• Mile 126 – step back in time and enjoy a milkshake at Penny’s Diner with decent food and excellent service!
• Mile 185 – you’ll have to try Yeya’s Scratch Kitchen for great made from scratch comfort food and tex-mex! Locally owned and operated, you can’t go wrong here.
• Mile 205 – get out and hike the trails at Waubonsie State Park . Named for a chief of the Potawatomi tribe. Enjoy the 7 miles of foot trails wind along ridges and down into gorges and valleys.

Upper Peninsula Michigan – Keweenaw Peninsula

For this post, we’re going to explore Upper Peninsula Michigan, separated from lower Michigan by Lake Michigan, the Straits of Mackinac, and Lake Huron. The UP is known for its wilderness, mining history, and lumber.

The Keweenaw Peninsula is the northern most part and is known as ‘Copper Country’. It is a road less traveled, with a lot to offer nature & history buffs.

Where to Stop on the Upper Peninsula

You can easily spend a week-long vacation here, but we will only focus on some highlights starting in Ontonagon and heading north.

• Mile 0 – start with a hearty, homestyle breakfast at Lynn’s North Country Café in Ontonagon. Simple food with excellent service that makes you feel you’re right at home.
• Mile 63 – Stop at Keweenaw National Historical Park Visitors Center and get your map of the area. The park is made up of many sites, tours, and museums. Make sure you tour a mine or two, visit the many museums , and explore some hiking trails .
• Mile 63 – Eat like a local and order some of the best pasties at Toni’s Country Kitchen across the Hwy in Laurium. Pasties are meat & veggie filled pastries that are hand-held or served with gravy. It’s a UP tradition!
• Mile 69 – don’t miss the Wood’n Spoon where you can get wild Thimbleberry Jam. Thimbleberries are like raspberries and blackberries, but are unique to UP Michigan.
• Mile 81 – stroll the historical community of Central Mine , the site of one of Keweenaw’s most successful mines. The visitor center and gardens are a must see on your visit
• Mile 99 – Fort Wilkins Historic State Park is at the northern most point and well worth your visit. The restored 1844 army military outpost is amazing, and the trails and lighthouse give you great views of Lake Superior.
• Mile 97 – head back to Copper Harbor and take a 3-hour boatride to Isle Royale National Park , a rugged, isolated island with no roads and one hotel. Hike or kayak to explore the island or take a multi-day backpacking adventure!

Great River Road – Upper Midwest Road Trip

The Great River Road National Scenic Byway   follows the course of America’s most iconic river, The Mississippi River, from Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico in Louisiana. Established in 1938, the byway is a network of roadways well marked by road signs with a riverboat pilot’s wheel designating which roads are part of the official route.

The Great River Road is America’s oldest and longest National Scenic Byway. With over 3,000 miles, it can take 36 hours to drive it from beginning to end without stopping.

Where to Stop on the Great River Road

For this post, we will cover some ‘must see’ highlights in Iowa, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. Starting where it starts – Minnesota.

• Mile 0 – walk across the headwaters of the Mississippi River and hike the trails at Itasca State Park . The Wilderness Drive Loop and Mary Gibbs Headwaters Center are not to be missed.
• Mile 273 – hike the trails and see the house where Charles Lindbergh grew up at Charles Lindbergh State Park , right on the Mississippi River.
• Mile 377 – Get up early for Al’s Breakfast for the best breakfast in Minneapolis in a diner crammed into a former alleyway. Featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives .
• Mile 547 – take the short hike to the overlook and be treated to a panoramic view of the Mississippi River at Great River Bluffs State Park .
• Continue crossing over to Wisconsin at La Crescent, MN and into La Crosse.
• Mile 624 – enjoy a hamburger or two from Pete’s Hamburger Stand in Prairie du Chien. Serving up their unique style since 1908. While in town, also check out Stark’s Sport Shop – an icon to the area featuring taxidermy, hunting, fishing, and liquor – all in one store.
• Mile 673 – tour the Potosi Brewing Company and sample its quality craft beers. Founded in 1852 and home to the National Brewery Museum, it’s a must-see spot in Wisconsin.
• Mile 695 – Crossing over into Dubuque, IA, stretch your legs & ride the Fenelon Place Elevator – the world’s shortest, steepest scenic railway
• Mile 792 – refresh yourself with a sundae or old-fashioned soda at Lagomarcino’s Confectionery in Davenport – an authentic soda fountain with homemade ice cream.

Check out one of my favorite Midwest Road Trips

One of my favorite and unique road trips I’ve taken in the Midwest is in North Dakota along the Enchanted Highway to see the world’s largest metal sculptures! Seven massive sculptures placed out in pastures of rolling hills in the middle of nowhere – don’t miss it!

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I hope you enjoyed these upper Midwest road trip itineraries and get a chance to try them out for yourself! Have you been on any of these? Share your experiences in the comments below!

If you want to hear more about the Upper Midwest or road trips like these, check us out at Road Trippers R Us !

As always, thanks for reading!

Kristi, aka The Trippy Tripster

Meet the Author

Kristi is a fun-loving mother of three who enjoys traveling and taking road trips to fully experience life. She loves to seek out local eateries, off the beaten path hidden gems, and the best way to experience the most popular destinations. She shares her experiences to help others take the more scenic route and discover the beauty and adventures all around us. Read more about her journey and the places she’s uncovered at her blog and website at Road Trippers R Us .

You can follow Kristi’s road trip adventures at: Facebook Page | Instagram | Pinterest

Disclosure:

This post contains some affiliate links. if you choose to purchase items through these links, i will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you . these commissions help reduce the costs of running this site, 14 responses to "5 of the best upper midwest road trips".

By Kristi July 13, 2018 - 9:43 am

Thanks for this post. I might have to make this our next road trip. I can’t believe I never heard of the Great River Scenic Byway. I can easily catch that in NOLA. I probably was on it and didn’t realize it. P.S. – I love the spelling of your name.

By ngetriip.com July 14, 2018 - 12:53 am

You are so inspiring mom! Hope someday I can road traveling like you 🙂

By Kesari July 17, 2018 - 10:38 am

This was a really interesting post, thanks for sharing your travel experience.

By Kristi July 30, 2018 - 7:29 pm

Thanks! I love the spelling of your name as well!! 🙂 Let me know if you’d like any help planning your trip. I’d love to help!

By Kristi July 30, 2018 - 7:32 pm

Hi Kesari! Thanks! You really don’t have to wait until ‘some day’ – you can start right in your own back yard! 🙂 You’d be amazed at what you can find within a day’s drive from where you are. Let me know if you’d like any help!

By Aaron July 31, 2018 - 12:35 pm

Minnesota and Michigan never really caught my attention, but they just may be what I’m looking for, Thanks!

By Hannah September 17, 2018 - 1:38 pm

These pictures look amazing! Thanks for sharing them with us.

By Megan September 25, 2018 - 3:42 pm

All these places look amazing, I can’t wait to visit them all someday.

By Kristi September 28, 2018 - 10:21 am

Thanks for reading! Let me know how I can help you plan an amazing trip!

By Lauren October 20, 2018 - 6:20 am

Hi Kesari! Thanks! You really don’t have to wait until ‘some day’ – you can start right in your own back yard! ? You’d be amazed at what you can find within a day’s drive from where you are. Let me know if you’d like any help!

By Lauren October 20, 2018 - 6:21 am

Hi Kesari! Thanks! You really don’t have to wait until ‘some day’ – you can start right in your own back yard! ? You’d be amazed at what you can find within a day’s drive from where you are. Let me know if you’d like any help,thank you for sharing travel experience.

By TJ Medi May 10, 2019 - 2:59 pm

Hi Kristi. I was just trying to plan a road trip somewhere in the upper Midwest and this looks just amazing. How many days did you need to cover everything you mentioned?

By annette rector August 11, 2019 - 8:53 pm

mackinaw island – You got to see ir to believe it maybe you forgot it or its a future trip- horses buggies and the Grand Hotel. We can’t overlook what some call the greatest resort in the world- An island off shores of upper Michigan. everyone should see it at least once in a lifetime.

By Sherry August 22, 2019 - 9:46 am

Thanks for the recommendation!

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Who is Sherry Ott?

I'm Sherry, a corporate cube dweller turned nomadic traveler. I travel to off-the-beaten-path destinations to bring you unique travel experiences and photography. But it's not just about travel, it's also about life experiences of a middle age wanderer.

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• Best Midwest Summer Road Trips for Champaign-Urbana Families

May 24, 2024 By From The Editors

Road Trip! We love Champaign-Urbana but there’s a great big world out there to explore with your family

Summer is a fun time to hit the road with your kids, so we offer some new ideas on where to go this year.

Having fun in Champaign-Urbana in the summer isn’t hard to do. But summer is an ideal time to travel — aside from dodging orange construction barrels — and road trips that won’t break your piggy bank are highly valued. So we’re offering our list of ideas for summer road trips from Champaign-Urbana.

RELATED: Looking for ideas closer to home? We have a long list of day trips — destinations that do not require an overnight stay!

Road trips within two hours of Champaign-Urbana

We often refer to these as “day trips,” for which we have an entire (LONG) list of ideas near Champaign-Urbana. Check out that list here.

Decatur (45 minutes) A trip to Decatur might offer more for you to do than you expect. One of our favorites is the Scovill Zoo , which is free on Thursdays all summer and has the best goat petting zoo you will ever find. After your visit, you might cool off at the Children’s Museum of Illinois , which is located close to the zoo. We hear that the Ropes Course at Overlook Adventure Park is worth a visit but we’ve yet to try it. Don’t forget to eat at Krekel’s on your visit to Decatur!

Bloomington-Normal (one hour) This easy drive on I-74 can bring you to a day of fun including the Children’s Discovery Museum , Miller Park Zoo, an awesome splash pad at Miller Park, Sugar Grove Nature Center/ Imagination Grove (just outside of Bloomington-Normal) and Iron Coyote Challenge Park/Ninja Gym . There are plenty of great dining options in the Bloomington-Normal area; Ancho and Agave wins as far as adults are concerned, and kids can always find something there, too. If you miss now-closed Destihl in downtown Champaign, you’ll be happy to hear there is still one in Bloomington-Normal. Many C-U families stop by Crumbl, while we wait for our very own to open.

Peoria (one hour, 15 minutes) You may not realize just how much Peoria has to offer your family for a quick road trip. If Touch-A-Truck day is your child’s favorite day ever, plan to visit the Caterpillar Visitors Center . You can also find the Peoria Zoo in the parking lot adjacent to the Peoria PlayHouse Children’s Museum , which ends up being a whole lot of excitement, especially if you have younger children. Free entertainment includes a visit to the East Peoria Bass Pro Shop and our favorite place to eat is Blue Duck BBQ .

Springfield (one hour, 30 minutes) There’s so much for your family to do in Springfield, we have a whole post for you to plan your trip. Of course you will get your fill of all things Abraham Lincoln, but there’s more to the area than that. Springfield is also the home of the Illinois State Fair each August, so you may want to plan ahead if your trip involves an overnight stay during that time of year.

Indianapolis (two hours) Coming in just under two hours, Indianapolis is the closest “big city” to C-U. The “big ticket” attractions are The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis and the Indianapolis Zoo . Think *all day* for a trip to either of these places. Indy is the perfect destination for a short overnight road trip that will provide countless opportunities for things to do and eat.

Road trips 2-4 hours from Champaign-Urbana

Chicago (two hours, 15 minutes) The variety of things to do in Chicago is truly endless. Walk around Navy Pier, play at Maggie Daley Park, stroll the free Lincoln Park Zoo and so much more. Or venture out to the suburbs and just spend a day shopping and eating. Parents, you can drop your kids ages 4-10 in a supervised play area at IKEA for an hour while you shop alone. Everyone will love it! Check out what we think are the best things to do in Chicago by clicking here .

St. Louis (two hours, 45 minutes) St. Louis is just the best when it comes to big city free activities . It’s hard to believe but the St. Louis Zoo is a free zoo, and as long as you’re willing to walk a short distance, you can park for free in the beautiful Forest Park area. Be prepared to spend an entire day at this large zoo. Another free family favorite is the St. Louis Science Center , which you won’t want to miss if you have dinosaur fans in your family. Regardless of whether you want to take the tram ride to the top of the Gateway Arch, you can check out the Museum at the Gateway Arch for free. Tickets are required for the tram ride and can be purchased online . And while not free, the City Museum is another popular choice. But be prepared — you may lose your children in its sea of climbing structures and slides. Read all about planning a family visit to St Louis.

Rockford (two hours, 45 minutes) Rockford offers some of the big city perks without actually having to navigate a big city. Visit the Discovery Center Museum for some indoor fun, or head out to the largest outdoor waterpark in Illinois, Hurricane Harbor Rockford (previously Magic Waters). With plenty of lodging options, this makes a great stop along the way up to Wisconsin Dells or other road trip destinations in Wisconsin, Iowa or Minnesota.

Gurnee (three hours) With Great Wolf Lodge in proximity to Six Flags Great America and nearby Gurnee Mills Shopping Center, you can fill several days in Gurnee. We hear it’s worth it to buy a season pass to Six Flags Great America if you’re going to go even two days, so while it’s not an inexpensive trip, you certainly can pack in a lot depending on how many days you have.

Madison, Wis. (three hours, 30 minutes)

The standout here is the free Henry Vilas Zoo , but there are more family friendly activities you can enjoy along the lakes in this part of Wisconsin. Another great stop on the way to Wisconsin Dells , Madison is a fun place to be your ultimate destination or a stop along the way.

Holland, Mich. (three hours, 45 minutes) Michigan beaches, quaint downtown area to stroll, gorgeous hikes and more await in Holland. You’ll feel like you’ve traveled much farther than a few hours when you road trip here.

Cincinnati (three hours, 45 minutes) Did you know Cincinnati is less than four hours from Champaign-Urbana? Another close-ish “big city” to add to your family’s list to visit. The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens will impress you with all of its up-close animal encounters. The city itself is nestled along the Ohio River, so stroll the riverfront to find places to eat and play. Nearby Kings Island in Mason, Ohio, is one of the nation’s great amusement parks (The Brady Bunch even shot an episode there!) And don’t forget there’s another Great Wolf Lodge located in the area.

Santa Claus, Ind. (three hours, 45 minutes) You may hear of friends in Champaign-Urbana that drive over to Holiday World to find a huge outdoor waterpark and thrill rides in the theme park. Camping is a popular option for families that trek to Santa Claus but you can find lodging nearby if camping isn’t your thing.

Road trips more than four hours from Champaign-Urbana

Wisconsin Dells (four hours, 30 minutes) Without a doubt, you’ve heard us talk about Wisconsin Dells before. The Dells are the top family friendly Midwest road trip destination, and whether you want to stay on site at a waterpark resort or venture out to choose from any of the hundreds (literally) activities located in this fun zone of a town, your kids will be begging to return to the Dells every year.

Traverse City, Michigan (seven hours) A bit of a longer drive, you’ll get all the best of Michigan if you navigate far enough north. The Traverse City area is loaded with outdoor recreation opportunities, most notably the Sleeping Bear Dunes a short drive from Traverse City. There are great hikes, water sports aplenty and beautiful scenery all throughout the area. This is also where you can find Michigan wine country and tons of great food.

Gatlinburg, Tenn. (eight hours) Gatlinburg is nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains. Think Dells-type activities plus ample hiking, rafting and outdoor opportunities with the mountains as the setting for the whole trip. It’s close enough you can drive it easily in a day, or break it up with a stay in Cincinnati or somewhere else along the way.

Some ideas on trips you can take with your family:

• Top 10 Things to Know: Children’s Museum of Illinois in Decatur
• 31+ Unique Summer Day Trips from Champaign-Urbana
• Midwest Indoor Waterparks Within a Few Hours of Champaign-Urbana
• Road Trip: Visiting Winter Realms at Lake Geneva, Wis.
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StarTribune

6 essential new midwest travel experiences for summer 2024.

Minnesotans are already accustomed to supersized attractions — and travel ties to Nordic heritage. So an invasion of towering trolls should fit right in with this summer's lineup of road-trip enticements.

Vacationers this year can also steam themselves in a sauna floating on a lake, hop a new train to Chicago, plunge down the new tallest water slide in America, and find more places to stay and play from Duluth to the Brainerd Lakes.

Here's a look at what's up in the summer of 2024.

Troll takeover of Detroit Lakes

Danish artist Thomas Dambo is building six giant trolls out of wood and recycled pallets in the parks and woods around Detroit Lakes, Minn. They will add to Dambo's global installation of more than 120 trolls, which can be found in 18 states. They sit cross-legged at the Philadelphia Zoo, peek around trees in Washington state, and even lounge on a beach in Singapore, each with its own personality and narrative.

"In the old stories, trolls are the creatures that live in the forest, and they represent nature," said Dambo, who considers himself a recycling artist and activist. "They are the unspoken voice of the plants and animals."

He keeps his work family-friendly with a whimsical feel and imaginative touches, but also with a message about reducing waste. The Minnesota installation — his largest in the U.S. — will also include his tallest troll yet, at 36 feet.

With the help of more than 250 volunteers, the trolls are expected to be finished by mid-June, when people can visit downtown Detroit Lakes to get the first clues for an interactive experience. Locations will stretch between Fargo and Perham, Minn., as the story leads to additional trolls that can be purposely tricky to find.

"It's a big, free, outdoor, recycled fairy tale to go out and explore," Dambo said. Updates will be available through the nonprofit Project 412 ( project412mn.org/trolls-dl ).

New lodging and fun in Duluth's Lincoln Park

Fans of Duluth – especially those looking for good food and local drink — will have more places to spend the night in the city's increasingly popular Lincoln Park Craft District.

The Duluth Press Building, originally financed by "Buffalo Bill" Cody for his sister to run a printing press in 1894, has been renovated by the owners of Duluth Grill into eight one- and two-bedroom suites that are pet-friendly and have full kitchens ( duluthpressbuilding.com ).

Most guests will be tempted, though, by the dozens of eateries popping up along the Superior Street corridor, including OMC Smokehouse, Corktown Deli & Brews, and Burger Paradox.

Zenith Basecamp, described as "indoor glamping" or hostel-style lodging, also is expected to open by late summer. It will feature private dog-friendly rooms, a communal lounge, cocktail bar and easy access to guided activities through Zenith Adventure ( zenithbasecamp.com ).

The new accommodations join newish ventures blending residential apartments with vacation rentals: Lincoln Park Boutique Hotel, which opened in 2022, and Enger Lofts Hotel and Marketplace, which rents 15 rooms in a renovated warehouse.

Also new this summer: Visitors can buy a Duluth Passport to get three attractions — Great Lakes Aquarium, North Shore Scenic Railroad and the William A. Irvin lake freighter — for the price of two ( duluthpassport.com ).

A new train to new Chicago attractions (and the Dells)

Amtrak service between St. Paul and Chicago is not new. But there are three advantages to the new Borealis train over the long-running Empire Builder on the same track: fare, speed and reliability.

We're seeing one-way fares as low as $41-$50 or $98-$108 for business-class seats, although private rooms are not available on the new train. At seven hours and 24 minutes from St. Paul's Union Depot to Chicago's Union Station, Borealis shaves about 30 minutes off the Empire Builder's travel time. And since Borealis isn't coming all the way from Seattle or Portland, passengers can count on fewer delays ( amtrak.com/borealis-train ).

It's a good time for a long weekend in Chicago. At the Field Museum, the " Unseen Oceans " exhibit lets you "pilot" a submersible in a lifelike underwater environment, while the rare Chicago Archaeopteryx fossil reveals the link between dinosaurs and birds. The Navy Pier's new Flyover experience virtually thrills riders with a view of the city from above. And at the Chicago History Museum, " City on Fire: Chicago 1871 ″ immerses visitors (not literally, we hope) in the historic blaze. (Reserved tickets for all are a must.)

You say Chicago is too far? Amtrak also stops in Red Wing and Winona, Minn., plus La Crosse, Wis., Milwaukee and Wisconsin Dells, where the new tallest water slide in America, the 145-foot Rise of Icarus , is now open at Mount Olympus theme park.

Glamp sites double on North Shore

North Shore Camping Co. has doubled its number of platform tents to 30, following their popularity after opening in 2023 near Beaver Bay, Minn.

Tucked into the hillside across Hwy. 61 from Cove Point Lodge, the glamping tents include beds, potbelly stoves and basics for campfire cooking, plus a shared shower and bathroom building, campfire programs, naturalist activities and barrel saunas.

Bonus: Glamping guests may use the pool at Cove Point Lodge and access the Lake Superior shoreline there. Bikes can be rented for the nearby Split Rock Wilds mountain bike trails or to ride the paved Gitchi-Gami State Trail to Split Rock Lighthouse and Gooseberry Falls state parks ( northshorecampingco.com ).

Saunas are floating now

If the thought of jumping into Lake Superior makes your teeth chatter, the key is to warm up first. Cedar + Stone Nordic Sauna opened in late 2023 on a barge docked at Duluth's Pier B. Up to 10 guests can get hot and steamy before taking the cold plunge into the Great Lake ( cedarandstonesauna.com ).

Sisu + Löyly, which has saunas in Grand Marais and Lutsen, also claims the country's first public floating sauna, a trend that originated in Norway. Reserve its sauna for up to six people floating at the dock of Skyport Lodge on Grand Marais' Devil Track Lake, through summer and early fall ( sisuandloyly.com ).

Brainerd area ups its resort and golf game

Quarterdeck Resort, a Gull Lake resort that opened in 1957, has completed a major makeover and expansion. It modernized its 18-room lodge and restaurant with a new exterior and contemporary menus, renovated six five-bedroom lake houses, and added the QD Social, a central recreational and entertainment area. The new gathering place includes a year-round heated outdoor pool, a 20-person sauna, outdoor fire tables, an indoor fireplace, large-screen TVs and games.

For larger get-togethers, the resort also built six lake lofts with five to six bedrooms each. Sixteen new woodsmoke cabins have two- to three-bedroom units ( quarterdeckresort.com ).

Meanwhile, Minnesota golf legend Tom Lehman has helped Cragun's Resort with its $15 million renovation and expansion of its Legacy courses, adding to the Brainerd Lakes Area's wealth of golf courses.

In addition to the Dutch 18, a 7,000-yard par-70 course with white sand bunkers, the Lehman 18 leads golfers through a 1,000-acre sanctuary that winds around Stephens Lake and natural wetlands and features stacked-sod bunkers. By next year, another nine holes will be added to the Dutch 18 course ( craguns.com ).

Star Tribune travel editor Simon Peter Groebner contributed to this story.

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Fill your summer with 113 things to do in Iowa, from RAGBRAI and fair concerts to festivals

The Des Moines Register has gathered some of the best 2024 vacation ideas, free activities, things to see and fun things to do in Des Moines and around Iowa this summer. 

There are plenty of fun things to do with the family from Adventureland to the Iowa Children’s Museum. Or you could have some fun discovering the outdoors with beautiful parks to see, stunning gardens, bridges to cross, cool caves and ways to cool off in the water. Already on a road trip? Stop by these novelty things to see on your way.  

If you're looking for something less nature-involved, there's food and drinks to be had all around Iowa, not to mention some good shopping. There's tons of festivals, concerts, and ways to get connected with arts, culture and even history. We didn't forget about our sports fanatics, either, with baseball games galore and the 51st annual RAGBRAI.

Take a look: 

Caves to explore 

1. maquoketa caves state park.

Along six miles of trails see Dancehall Cave, Shinbone Cave and Hernando’s Hideaway. Stop at the interpretive center to learn about the history of the park and geology of cave formations.

2. Wapsipinicon State Park

Located on the edge of Anamosa, take a hike on the multi-use trails and explore Ice Cave and the bowl-shaped Horse Thief Cave.

Cool bridges to cross

3. swinging bridge park.

Take a walk across this swinging bridge known as Lover’s Leap in Columbus Junction. The bridge crosses over a large ravine and spans 262 feet.

4. High Trestle Trail Bridge  

Enjoy the sculpture on the bridge as well as the views of the Des Moines River valley as you bike or walk the half-mile of trail that is 13 stories high. Located west of Madrid, this bridge is a beauty by day or at night, when it is lit a bright neon blue. 

5. Covered Bridges of Madison County

Take a drive through Madison County to find all six covered bridges in the area. For a fee, you can take a personal guided tour to learn more about the history of the bridges.

Stunning gardens

6. dubuque arboretum & botanical gardens.

Open from 7 a.m. to dusk 365 days a year, the Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Garden offers something to see in every season. Explore the conifer and deciduous tree collections or one of the many gardens. Enjoy Music In the Gardens on Sunday nights throughout the summer.

7. Central Gardens of North Iowa  

More than 20 themed gardens make up the Central Gardens of North Iowa, located in Clear Lake. Introduce kids to a variety of gardening experiences on Fridays throughout the summer in the Bee Happy Discovery Garden. The gardens are open from May 31 to Oct. 31.

8. Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

Full of natural beauty, enjoy the plants both inside the conservatory and in the outdoor gardens. Grab a bite to eat at Trellis Cafe after strolling the grounds.  

Discover Iowa's great outdoors 

9. neal smith national wildlife refuge  .

Located outside of Prairie City, the wildlife refuge has walking and biking trails winding through the natural Iowa habitat and a driving tour where you may spot bison and elk. 

10. Sleep Under the Stars at Chimney Rock Campground  

Go camping and explore the Upper Iowa River by canoe or kayak to experience the beauty of the bluffs, cliffs, eagles and other wildlife near Cresco. 

11. Visit the highest spot in Iowa 

Hawkeye Point in Osceola County is Iowa’s highest point at 1,670 feet above sea level. Take in the views from the observation deck or wander through the historical farming displays. 

12. Decorah’s Trout Run Trail 

Bike, walk or run along the 12 miles of paved Trout Run Trail to see the sights in Decorah. Stop by the Decorah Fish Hatchery and enjoy the art along the trail. 

13. Mines of Spain

This recreation center south of Dubuque is made up of 1,437 acres of wooded and prairie land. Before heading out for a hike, stop to visit the exhibits at the EB Lyons Interpretive Center. 

14. Wildcat Den State Park

Sandstone bluffs and natural formations like “Steamboat Rock” and the “Devil’s Punch Bowl” can be seen along the hiking trails at Wildcat Den State Park.

15. Wander Women Midwest  

Meet new people while heading out together during one of Wander Women Midwest’s many events. Sign up for a camping 101 class, backpacking adventure or a trip to a national park.

16. Effigy Mounds National Monument  

Located in Harpers Ferry, Effigy Mounds National Monument features more than 200 known prehistoric mounds. Take a guided tour with a park ranger to learn more about these Native American-made mounds. 

Pretty parks 

17. bellevue state park  .

See spectacular views of the Mississippi River, enjoy the butterfly garden and look for bald eagles while you enjoy one of the park’s trails in Bellevue. 

18. Jester Park Nature Center  

Learn about wetlands, prairies, woodlands and the habitat of Iowa in the interactive exhibits. Make sure to drive by the Elk and Bison Educational Plaza during your visit to Granger.  

19. Nathaniel Hamlin Museum & Park  

Hike or view the elk year-round at this park in Audubon County. From Memorial Day through September you can also visit the museum buildings to learn about the settlement of the area.   

20. Springbrook State Park

Fish, swim or kayak at the 14-acre lake at Springbrook State Park. There are also 12 miles of trails to explore the timber and prairies.

21. Whiterock Conservancy

Night owls can bring a telescope and enjoy the night sky at Whiterock Conservancy. You’ll find some of the darkest skies in Iowa — many nights the Milky Way can be seen with the naked eye.

22. Kenue Park  

Play disc golf, explore the Pollinator Paradise or the Dickenson County Nature Center while visiting this park in Okoboji.

Fun on the water  

23. gray’s lake park.

Go for a leisurely walk around the lake, rent a canoe or kayak, or take a swim at the beach at this park located just south of downtown Des Moines. 

24. Elkader Whitewater Park

Go whitewater kayaking, boogie boarding or tubing in Elkader. The course consists of three water features including the Gobbler Wave. The river access includes a handicap accessible walking path to the river’s edge.

25. Ski Bellevue Water Ski Show

See the only water-ski show team in Iowa that performs on the Mississippi River. Shows are free, family-friendly and are held on varying dates from June through August in Bellevue. 

26. Go sailing 

Rent a pontoon boat on one of Iowa’s 34 natural lakes and enjoy a day on the water. Fish, relax and take in the scenery and don’t forget your sunscreen.

27. Splash at a water park 

Many towns in Iowa have their own outdoor aquatic parks with waterslides, lazy rivers and more. In the Des Moines area, try out the aquatic parks in Altoona , Ankeny , Clive or West Des Moines .  

28. Tour the Mississippi River by boat 

Take a day trip on the largest non-gaming riverboat and enjoy the sights along the Mississippi River with Celebration River Cruises .  

29. Make it a weekend in  Okoboji  

The Iowa Great Lakes provide entertainment for everyone. Spend time on the water boating, parasailing, water skiing or fishing. If you prefer to stay on land, you can enjoy the shopping, golf and museums in the area. 

30. Float down the Iowa River 

Go tubing down the Iowa River (most floats last three to five hours) at Iowa Rock-n-Row Adventures , then relax at the campsite for the night in Eldora. 

31. Go fishing 

Get your fishing license and relax along the shores of an Iowa lake or pond. Try Rock Creek State Park in Kellogg, Lake Anita State Park in Anita or Lake Macbride State Park in Solon. 

32. Splash and play at  Raccoon River Park  

Enjoy the beach, playground or go fishing off the pier at this West Des Moines park. 

Family fun 

33. ride the legend at arnolds park  .

Enjoy the beauty of the Lake Okoboji and the thrills of the amusement park rides at Arnolds Park. Take a ride on the Legend Roller Coaster , the nation’s 13th-oldest wooden coaster. 

34. Find fun and games at Smash Park 

Eat, drink and play at Smash Park in West Des Moines. Enjoy the arcade or play some pickleball, bocce ball or shuffleboard on the patio. 

35. See some wildlife at Blank Park Zoo  

See giraffes, rhinoceros, lions, tigers and more at Des Moines' zoo. For a more in-depth visit, schedule a behind the scenes tour with zoo staff.

36. See Iowa by train 

Choose from a variety of tours in Boone via  Scenic Valley Railroad , which offers a basic excursion, dinner, lunch or picnic train. Enjoy the scenery while you take a ride on the rails.

37. Go gaming  

One Sunday a month Up-Down opens its doors to families from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Enjoy Skee-Ball, pinball and more than 60 arcade games.

38. See movies outdoors 

Take in a double features at the Voy 61 Drive In Theatre located south of Maquoketa. Before the movie, kids can play on the swing set, take a train ride or play some tetherball.

39. Let’s all go to Adventureland  

Adventureland is celebrating 50 years in business this year. Take a ride on the refurbished Underground, the world’s only indoor wooden roller coaster.

40. Iowa Children’s Museum

Located in Coral Ridge Mall in Coralville, the Iowa Children’s Museum is a place for kids to play and learn at the same time. Each exhibit relates to at least one of their five educational initiatives: arts & culture, financial literacy, healthy kids, school readiness and STEM.

41. Feel the need for speed at the  Hamilton County Speedway

Spend a Friday night enjoying dirt track racing at one of the oldest dirt tracks in the United States, located in Webster City.

42. Get interactive at  LaunchPAD Museum

Located in Sioux City, children can learn about agriculture, explore different careers or create their own puppet show in the performing arts area.

43. Take a ride on the Heritage Carousel of Des Moines 

Opening on May 25 for the 2024 season, take a ride on the Heritage Carousel of Des Moines. After your ride, visit the Union Park playground.  

History buffs 

44. buddy holly crash site and surf ballroom and museum .

Get a music history lesson at the Surf Ballroom and Museum in Clear Lake, then make the short drive north of town to the farm field where Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, J.P. “the Big Bopper” Richardson and pilot Roger Peterson were killed in a plane crash in 1959. 

45. National Hobo Museum

Open for the season after Memorial Day, the National Hobo Museum in Britt features a collection of American hobo artifacts, photographs paintings and more. Visit Aug. 8-10 to experience the Britt Hobo Days celebrations.

46. Living History Farms  

Learn what life was like on a 1700 Ioway American Indian farm, 1850 pioneer farm and 1900 horse-powered farm. Walk through the town of Walnut Hill (set in 1876) and visit the general store, blacksmith and the milliner. Find it in Urbandale. 

47. Iowa Aviation Museum  

Located in Greenfield, the museum showcases the history of flight in Iowa and visitors can enjoy looking at the vintage aircraft on display. 

48. National Farm Toy Museum  

See how farming has changed through the years and learn about the history of tractors. The museum features toys, exhibits and displays and is located in Dyersville. 

49. Jesse James Historical Site  

Drive just west of Adair and take your picture in front of a locomotive wheel that marks the site where Jesse James staged his first robbery of a moving train in 1873.  

50. Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum  

Learn about the life and legacy of the only president from Iowa while you tour the museum. Hoover’s birthplace cottage and grave are also located on the grounds in West Branch. New for 2024 is a temporary exhibit commemorating what would be the 150th birthdays of both Herbert and Lou Henry Hoover.

51. The Shrine of the Grotto of the Redemption  

Located in West Bend, nine separate grottos each depict a scene from the life of Christ. The grotto contains one of the largest collections of precious gems and gemstones found anywhere in one location.  

52. Villages of Van Buren  

Visitors can enjoy southern Iowa hospitality in the 12 villages that make up the Villages of Van Buren. While you’re there, check out the Bentonsport Historic Bridge, Douds Depot in Douds, or one of the antique and specialty shops in the area. 

53. The Ice House Museum

Cool off from the summer heat with a visit to the Ice House Museum in Cedar Falls. The museum shares the story of ice harvesting and is located in an original ice house. 

54. Union Pacific Railroad Museum  

This free museum in Council Bluffs is full of interactive exhibits for all ages. Learn how the transcontinental railroad was built and all about rail travel in the United States. 

55. Forest Park Museum and Arboretum

Learn about the history of Dallas County, check out the log cabin and one-room schoolhouse on the grounds or enjoy a stroll through the Forest Park Museum and Arboretum in Perry.

56. Bily Clocks Museum and Antonin Dvorak Exhibit

Head to Spillville to admire the hand-carved clocks made by the Bily brothers. Visit the Antonin Dvorak exhibit on the second floor of the building where the Czech composer spent the summer of 1893 with his family. 

57. Pioneer Heritage Museum  

This museum located in Marengo is a half block of structures including a log cabin built in 1856, an 1890s farmhouse and a 1938 fire truck.

58. Brucemore Mansion

Built in 1886, Brucemore Mansion in Cedar Rapids is part of a 26-acre estate. Tour the mansion and learn about the Brucemore family before exploring the gardens.

59. Stockman House  

Fans of architect Frank Lloyd Wright can admire his work by visiting the Stockman House in Mason City. Admission is $10 and tours can be scheduled online.

60. Laura Ingalls Wilder Park and Museum  

When Laura Ingalls was 9 years old, her family moved to Burr Oak to manage the Masters Hotel. Take a guided tour of the hotel to learn about Wilder’s life there and then wander along the banks of the Silver Creek. Enjoy the Lara Days Celebration, including a parade and live entertainment June 21-23.

Arts and culture opportunities 

61. shakespeare on the lawn.

Bring a blanket and picnic and enjoy an outdoor performance of Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream" July 17-21 at the Salisbury House in Des Moines.

62. 'American Gothic' house  

Take your picture in front of the house that inspired Grant Wood’s iconic painting. While there, stop at the visitor center to learn more about the artist in Eldon. 

63. Iowa Quilt Museum  

Open year-round in Winterset, the Iowa Quilt Museum features new exhibits four times a year. From June 18 to Sept. 15 you can enjoy the 51 fiber art pieces that encompass the exhibit "Threads of Life: Portraits and Pets Woven in Fabric."

64. Meskwaki Annual Powwow

Experience Native arts and crafts, traditional dancing and singing and more at the Meskwaki Annual Powwow Aug. 8-11 held on the only Indian Settlement in Iowa. 

65. Des Moines Arts Festival

From June 28-30 in Western Gateway Park in Des Moines, find the next piece of art for your home. Spend time enjoying the performance art, interactive art, music, food and other activities the festival has to offer. Headliners St. Paul & The Broken Bones, The Marshall Tucker Band, Sunny War, and The Deslondes perform.

66. National Mississippi River Museum  

Learn about America’s waterways in this museum located on Dubuque’s Riverwalk. See what kind of animals live in the Mississippi River and take part in the interactive exhibits. The exhibit River of Innovation features a 19th-century belt-driven machine shop. 

67. Des Moines Storytellers Project  

Listen as Iowans tell true, first-person stories centered around a common theme. The theme is “Travel” on June 18 at Hoyt Sherman Place in Des Moines.

68. Pappajohn Sculpture Park  

Bring a picnic and enjoy the art spread across 4.4 acres in downtown Des Moines. If you want to learn more about the art, guided tours are available by request online . 

69. National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library  

View 75 works by Alphonse Mucha in the Petrik Gallery of the museum until Sept. 1. Mucha is a Czech painter, illustrator and graphic artist known for his influence during the Art Nouveau period.

70. Iowa Arts Festival

Located in downtown Iowa City, the Iowa Arts Festival features more than 100 local and national artists, food vendors and activities for kids. It will be held June 7-9. 

The wild world of sports 

71. take in a baseball game .

Enjoy a day (or night) at the ballpark at any one of Iowa’s professional baseball teams. Watch the Clinton LumberKings , the Cedar Rapids Kernels , the Burlington Bees , the Sioux City Explorers , the Quad Cities River Bandits in Davenport or the Iowa Cubs in Des Moines. 

72. Go ziplining 

Sky Tours at YMCA Union Park Camp in Dubuque offers nine ziplines on a two-hour guided tour of Union Park. Book a tour online .  

73. RAGBRAI

Enjoy biking across Iowa during the 51st annual RAGBRAI. From July 20-27, bicyclists will ride 424 miles from Glenwood to Burlington during the Register’s Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa. 

74. ’Field of Dreams’ in Dyersville 

Open year-round, the “Field of Dreams” movie site gives fans a chance to walk around the field or get tickets for a tour of the house in Dyersville.

75. Hit the links

At the Airport National Golf Course in Cedar Rapids you can play a full round of golf, practice at the driving range or work on your putting at the Waterfall National miniature golf course.

76. Climb Iowa

Located in Grimes and the East Village in Des Moines, Climb Iowa offers indoor climbing experiences for everyone. It’s the perfect activity for a rainy summer day in Iowa. 

77. All Iowa Lawn Tennis Club  

Play tennis on a lawn tennis court that was built on a family farm outside Charles City in 2003. Reservations are required. 

78. Join a team

Check with your city's parks and recreation department to see what sports are offered. Many cities offer slow-pitch softball, sand volleyball and kickball leagues. 

Festivals for everyone 

79. national balloon classic  .

From July 26 to Aug. 3, the sky will be filled with balloons in Indianola. Enjoy morning and evening flights, the Nite Glow, live music and more.

80. Adel Sweet Corn Festival  

The 45th annual Sweet Corn Festival in Adel takes place on Aug. 10. There is a 5K run, parade, vendors and free sweet corn. 

81. Sturgis Falls Celebration

Enjoy children’s activities, live music, a parade and more in Cedar Falls during the annual Sturgis Falls Celebration June 28-30.

82. Iowa’s Championship Rodeo

From July 30 to Aug. 3, head to Sidney for PRCA saddlebronc riding, steer wrestling and mutton busting.

83. Vinton Boomtown

Don’t miss the fireworks put on by the Iowa Pyrotechnic Association at the Benton County Fairgrounds on Aug. 24.

84. Nordic Fest

Head to Decorah July 25-27 for Nordic Fest to celebrate Scandinavian culture and food. Enjoy the parade, arts and crafts center and fireworks.

85. Cajun Fest Boil & Brew

Enjoy southern food and entertainment at the Cajun Fest Boil & Brew June 22 at Cowles Commons in Des Moines. General admission tickets include all-you-can-eat crawfish.

Music and festivals 

86. entertainment at the iowa state fair.

Celebrate the best Iowa has to offer at the Iowa State Fair Aug. 8-18 in Des Moines. This year’s grandstand entertainment includes Motley Crue, The Avett Brothers, Ne-Yo, Jelly Roll, Greta Van Fleet, Thomas Rhett, Brett Young, and more. 

87. Backbone Bluegrass Festival

Enjoy a weekend of bluegrass music in Strawberry Point July 26-28. This year’s musicians include Blue Grass Express, The Kenastons and the Mark Hembree Band.

88. Saturday in the Park

Enjoy a day of free music July 1 in Sioux City. The 2024 lineup includes Nikki Lane, Del Water Gap and Bleachers.

89. The Ruckus  

This country music festival moves from Guthrie Center to Adventureland Park in Altoona for 2024. Enjoy two days of music from Chris Young, Jake Owen and more on June 7-8. Tickets include admission to Adventureland theme park and Adventure Bay water park.

90. 80/35 Music Festival  

Killer Mike and OK Go are the 2024 headliners for 80/35. This year the two-day event will be held at Water Works Park in Des Moines and camping will be allowed for the first time.

91. Lauridsen Amphitheater  

Listen to live music throughout the summer with the Field Daze Music Series at Lauridsen Amphitheater in Des Moines’ Water Works Park. Robert Plant and Alison Krauss play June 11, REO Speedwagon with Night Ranger take the stage June 21, and Brantley Gilbert will be there July 11, among others.

92. Hinterland Music Festival  

Head to the Avenue of the Saints Amphitheater in St. Charles for three days of music, Aug. 2-4. The lineup includes more than 20 artists. Headliners for 2024 are Hozier, Vampire Weekend and Noah Kahan.

93. Des Moines Metro Opera

Enjoy performances of “The Barber of Seville," "Salome," “American Apollo" and more during the Des Moines Metro Opera’s summer festival season in Indianola.

94. Iowa City Jazz Festival

July 5 through 7 head to downtown Iowa City for a weekend of jazz music, art, food and fireworks.

95. Tunes In Town

Head to Lincoln Park in DeWitt on Tuesday nights from June through August for live music and food vendors.

Eat and drink your way through Iowa 

96. enjoy a craft beer .

Across Iowa you can find numerous craft breweries. Try a flight of local beers at Toppling Goliath in Decorah, Big Grove Brewery in Solon, Iowa City, Cedar Rapids and Des Moines or Confluence Brewin g Co. in Des Moines. 

97. Satisfy your sweet tooth 

Snookies Malt Shop is a favorite summertime stop for people in the Beaverdale neighborhood in Des Moines. Get a cone, float, or shake and treat your furry friend to a puppy cone while you’re there.  

98. World Food & Music Festival

Head to the Western Gateway Park in Des Moines Aug. 23-25 to try food from around the world, wine and craft beers. Stay for the cooking demonstrations and live music. 

99. Wells Visitor Center and Ice Cream Parlor

Located in Le Mars, the Wells Visitor Center gives fans of ice cream a chance to learn about how the sweet treat gets from the farm to your spoon with the virtual production line. After that, make sure to grab a sweet snack at the Ice Cream Parlor. 

100. Pick your own berries 

Spend a morning or afternoon picking strawberries, raspberries or blackberries. Days and times vary depending on the weather each year, and it’s best to call ahead. A list of U-Pick farms in Iowa is online at visitiowafar ms.org . 

101. Farmers markets 

Support local farmers, producers and artists at your local farmers’ market. In central Iowa visit Valley Junction Farmers’ Market in West Des Moines on Thursday evenings or the Downtown Des Moines Farmers’ Market on Saturday mornings.  

Shopping extravaganza 

102. shop ’til you drop .

Spend a day at the Outlets of Des Moines in Altoona and shop at some of your favorite brand name stores such as the Coach Outlet, Express Factory, J.Crew Factory, Nike Factory Store and Vera Bradley. 

103. Iowa’s Antique City

Head to Walnut for some shopping at antique stores and specialty shops. The Barn Mall, constructed in 1894, features more than 30 vendors with an entire floor filled with vintage chairs. The Granary Antique Mall has two levels of treasures that range from furniture to pottery. 

104. A Very Vintage Market

Downtown Burlington hosts A Very Vintage Market on July 20. Find antique and vintage items, architectural salvage and handcrafted goods.

105. Do some picking in LeClaire  

Antique Archeology , the shop made famous on “American Pickers,” gives fans a look at some of the treasures Mike Wolfe picked across America. 

106. Historic Valley Junction

Find specialty shops, boutiques, art galleries and antique shops in this West Des Moines shopping area centered in an historic railroad district.

107. Village of East Davenport

This historic Mississippi River neighborhood in Davenport is brimming with shopping, art and cafés, such as Lagomarcino’s , a family owned chocolate shop since 1908.

Novelty, the largest and shortest things 

108. world’s largest truck stop.

When you’re traveling along Interstate 80 in eastern Iowa, stop for gas at the World’s Largest Truck Stop in Walcott. Shop, eat and stretch your legs before you hop back in the car.  

109. World’s Largest Popcorn Ball

Find out what a 9,370-pound popcorn ball looks like in Sac City. While you’re there, visit the Sac County Freedom Rock on East Main Street. 

110. Fenelon Place Elevator

Ride what is described as the world’s shortest, steepest scenic railway. It takes visitors from Fourth Street in Dubuque up 189 feet to Fenelon Place and affords views of three states and the Mississippi River. 

111. Matchstick Marvels

Thousands of matchsticks make up models, including the Mars 2020 Rover Perseverance, Notre Dame Cathedral, the U.S. Capitol and a display based on the movie "Back to the Future." The museum is located in Gladbrook and is open from 1 to 5 p.m. daily through Nov. 30.

112. White Pole Road  

Take a 26-mile drive between Adair and Dexter along White Pole Road. There are more than 500 painted white poles along the route that was once known as the Great White Way. 

113. Snake Alley  

Located in Burlington, Snake Alley has been designated “Unbelievably Crooked” by Ripley’s Believe It or Not. Visit on Father’s Day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and enjoy art, music and food during the Snake Alley Art Fair. 

Heather Torpy is a freelance writer in Des Moines.

Chick-fil-A announces seasonal menu items for summer 2024

(Gray News) – A new sandwich will make its summertime debut at Chick-fil-A next month.

The Maple Pepper Bacon Sandwich combines the flavors of sweet maple syrup with a gentle heat and backyard grill flavor.

The seasonal entrée is made with a lemon herb chicken breast, topped with pepper jack cheese, lettuce and bacon tossed in a brown sugar and pepper blend, topped with sweet and spicy pickles.

“We are always looking for ways to make unique twists to our entrée selection and the Maple Pepper Bacon Sandwich is a delicious spin on the Chick-fil-A flavors our guests know and love,” Chick-fil-A’s Allison Duncan said in a statement .

The restaurant’s Peach Milkshake is also returning for its 15th year.

“For me – and many of our guests – Chick-fil-A’s Peach Milkshake signals the arrival of summer,” chef Christy Cook said. “The Summer is all about time spent outside, eating good food with family and friends, and we think this is the perfect pairing to enjoy during those long, hot days.”

Both seasonal items will be available starting June 10 for a limited time, while supplies last.

Copyright 2024 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.

Carbone’s Pizza announces closure of its Rochester location

Driver has life threatening injuries after three-wheel motorcycle hits “road closed” sign in Goodhue County

Olmsted County rollover crash leads to DWI arrest

FOUND: Missing kayaker from Winneshiek County found

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Ready for a road trip? Take one of these 10 Instagram-worthy drives

Celebrate national road trip day with a look at the 10 most-tagged road trips on instagram, according to betway..

Expert provides tips for driving in extreme heat

Driving during the summer months poses some unique dangers to vehicles and passengers, but keeping you and others safe all comes down to preparation.

Happy National Road Trip Day! Yes, it has its own day – the Friday before the long Memorial Day weekend. To celebrate, let’s plan your next road adventure. 

Betway crunched the numbers to find the top 10 most Instagrammable road trips across the U.S. and Canada . It counted the number of hashtags for popular routes.

1. Route 66

Route 66 was the crowd favorite, racking up 2.2 million posts. The iconic American gem crosses seven states with more than 2,400 miles of asphalt. Betway recommends 3-weeks to travel from Santa Monica , California and the Pacific Ocean to Chicago's shores of Lake Michigan.

John Steinbeck called U.S. Highway 66, "the Mother Road" in his book "The Grapes of Wrath." It is also known as the "Main Street of America." For almost half a century, it was one of the country's major thoroughfares, according to the Federal Highway Administration . 

DRIVE INTO SUMMER PREPARED: 5 THINGS TO KNOW WHEN YOU HIT THE ROAD

File: "3000 Miles of Hospitality" vintage post card across Route 66. From the shores of the Great Lakes to the orange groves of California, the transcontinental highways traverse regions rich in scenic interest. New Mexico with its mesas and pueblos, its ancient cliff-dwellings and old Spanish missions. Arizona with its Grand Canyon, Painted Desert, Petrified Forest and colorful Indian Country. 

(Rykoff Collection/CORBIS / Getty Images)

Nat King Cole can take you on an audio trip in "Get Your Kicks on Route 66." A 1960s TV show actually followed three fictional men as they spent time on 66.

The route originally connected "barren lands" in the Plains to the Midwest and the West . It linked hundreds of rural communities that hosted the farmers transporting grain and produce, according to the FHWA. By the '30s, it became a trucking route. 

Today, souvenir shops, restaurants, antique stores, old-time filling stations and various landmarks serve as the backdrop for Instagram pictures.

HOT WHEELS: HOW TO PREPARE YOUR CAR FOR SUMMER TRAVEL

File: Orange Alien on Main Street in pickup truck, Seligman on historic Route 66, Arizona.

(Joe Sohm/Visions of America/Universal Images Group / FOX Weather)

2. Florida Keys

If the surf, sun and sand are more your style, you are not alone. The trip from Miami to Key West garnered 2.1 million posts. The BBC has called the 120 miles of Route 1 connecting mainland Florida to the string of main islands of the Keys the "floating highway" because so much of it is over water.

TOP 10 NATIONAL PARKS TO VISIT THIS SUMMER AND THE WEATHER YOU CAN EXPECT

File: The Keys gets a reputation for eccentric residents and visitors. Divers participating in the Lower Keys Underwater Music Festival pretend to play musical instruments underwater July 8, 2000, off the Florida Keys.

(BILL KEOUGH/AFP / Getty Images)

Britannica.com calls the Overseas Highway one of the longest over-water roads in the world. It takes you over 42 bridges, including the famed Seven Mile Bridge. The area attracts wildlife lovers, snorklers, beach bums and writers like Ernest Hemingway. A handful of lookalikes flock to Key West in July to celebrate the annual Hemingway Days.

3. Canadian Rockies

FILE: The Milky Way over glacier-fed Lake Louise and Victoria Glacier in Banff National Park, Alberta. The Scutum Starcloud is just above and setting over Victoria Glacier, accompanied by star clusters in Serpens and Ophiuchus. Some airglow tints the sky above the mountains green and magenta. 

(Alan Dyer/VW Pics/Universal Images Group / Getty Images)

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The Canadian Rockies cover several routes to choose from that twist through icy granite peaks and crystal clear lakes. A favorite on many travel sites is Icefields Parkway, which RoadsLessTraveled.us calls the "quintessential Canadian Rockies Scenic Drive." The drive is so popular that it ranked No. 7 on this list as well.

Drive along the 150 miles of "Canada's most dramatic Rocky Mountain scenery," the site continued. It even calls the road that twists past Lake Louise in Banff, one of the world's top scenic drives.

4. Blue Ridge Parkway

File: At certain times of day the mountains do look blue. This is Brevard, North Carolina near Asheville. 

(Education Images/Universal Images Group / Getty Images)

GREAT SMOKEY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK OFFERS UNIQUE EXPERIENCES MAKING IT AMERICA'S MOST VISITED NATIONAL PARK

The National Park Service calls the Blue Ridge Parkway, "America's Favorite Drive."

"A Blue Ridge Parkway experience is unlike any other: a slow-paced and relaxing drive revealing stunning long-range vistas and close-up views of the rugged mountains and pastoral landscapes of the Appalachian Highlands," wrote the NPS. "The Parkway meanders for 469 miles, protecting a diversity of plants and animals, and providing opportunities for enjoying all that makes this region of the country so special."

It connects Shenandoah National Park near Waynesboro, Virginia, with Great Smokey Mountains National Park near Cherokee , North Carolina.

5. Acadia National Park Loop

File: Rolling cloud cover sweeps over the top of Bar Island as seen from the summit of Cadillac Mountain Tuesday, June 28, 2016. 

( Gabe Souza/Portland Portland Press Herald / Getty Images)

7 WEATHER EXTREMES EXPERIENCED AT NATIONAL PARKS

The 27-mile loop winds through forests, mountains, lakes and shorelines in Acadia National Park . In the summer , there is even a shuttle which you can hop off and on to explore picnic areas, scenic overlooks and trails. Fall is also a popular time to visit as the park glows with fall foliage colors.

Top 10 most Instagrammable road trips in the US and Canada

Here are the top 10 routes:

• National Parks
• Transportation
• North Carolina

5 Awesome US Northwest Summer Road Trip Ideas

We love visiting the northern states in the summer. It is still warm but usually not scorching hot which is the perfect weather we look for in an adventure road trip where we will be out hiking and exploring!

Here are our 5 recommended Northwest US Summer Road Trip Ideas:

Table of Contents

Northwest Road Trip 1: Yellowstone – Glacier

If you haven’t visited Yellowstone or Glacier this is the trip you will want to take and is our top recommended Northwest Road Trip.

5 Days In Yellowstone

Day 1 in Yellowstone:

• Stop 1: West Yellowstone Visitor Center
• Drive: Firehole Canyon Drive
• Stop 2: Fountain Paint Pots Nature Trail
• Stop 3: Grand Prismatic
• Stop 4: Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook
• Stop 5: Biscuit Basin Trail
• Stop 6: Old Faithful Inn and Visitors Center
• Stop 7: Old Faithful
• Stop 8: Old Faithful Geyser Trail
• Stop 9: Kepler Cascades
• Stop 10: Lone Star Geyser Basin

Day 2 in Yellowstone:

• Stop 1: Artist Paintpots Trail
• Stop 2: Visitor Center and Fort in Mammoth
• Stop 3: Roosevelt Arch
• Stop 4: Yellowstone Hot Springs
• Stop 5: Boiling River Hike and Swim*
• Stop 6: Mammoth Hot Springs Lower Terraces
• Stop 7: Mammoth Hot Springs Upper Terraces
• Stop 8: Hike Bunsen Peak (optional)

Day 3 in Yellowstone:

• Stop 1: Grand Canyon of Yellowstone – South Rim
• Stop 2: Artist Point
• Stop 3: Brink of the Lower Falls Hike
• Scenic Drive: Hayden Valley
• Stop 4: Mud Volcano
• Stop 5: LeHardy Rapids
• Stop 6: Hayden Valley Wildlife

Day 4 in Yellowstone:

• Stop 1: Fishing Bridge Visitor Center and Museum
• Stop 2: Fishing Bridge Store
• Optional Activity 1: Hike Storm Point
• Optional Activity 2: Boating on Yellowstone Lake
• Stop 3: Yellowstone Lake Beach – Sand Point
• Scenic Drive: Sylvan Pass
• Stop 4: Lake Lodge for Sunset

Day 5 in Yellowstone:

• Stop 1: Tower Roosevelt Waterfall Hike
• Stop 2: Calcite Springs Overlook
• Stop 3: Specimen Ridge
• Stop 4: Roosevelt Lodge (Lunch)
• Scenic Drive: Blacktail Plateau Drive
• Stop 5: Hellroaring Suspension Bridge Hike
• Stop 6: Lamar Valley for Wildlife at Sunset
• Optional: Cowboy Cookout (plus Horseback Riding or Stagecoach Ride)

Bonus options in Yellowstone:

• Lamar Valley
• Hike Mount Washburn
• Lamar Valley Wildlife Tour
• Lake Yellowstone Kayak Tour
• Visit the town of West Yellowstone
• Bike the Basin

Feeling overwhelmed by all the awesomeness that is Yellowstone?! We get it! The park is huge and there is so much to see and do. We have visited the park over 6 different times and have put together 1, 3 and 7 day guides to help you plan your ultimate trip to Yellowstone:

3 Days In Glacier National Park

Day 1 in Glacier National

• Start West Glacier (West Entrance)
• Stop 1: Agpar Visitor Center
• Stop 2: Lake McDonald Lodge
• Stop 3: Trail of the Cedars Trailhead
• Stop 4: Driving the Going-to-the-Sun Road
• Stop 5: Logans Pass Visitor Center and Hidden Lake Overlook Trail
• Stop 6: Jackson’s Glacier
• Stop 7: St. Mary Falls Trailhead
• (extra stop if you have time/energy for another hike)
• Stop 8: Wild Goose Island Overlook
• DINNER St. Mary Village
• END St. Mary Lodge & Resort (East Entrance)

Day 2 in Glacier National Park

• Start at St. Mary Lodge & Resort (East Entrance)
• Stop 1: Grinnell Glacier Hike (Including Shuttle Boat)
• Lunch: Many Glacier Hotel
• Stop 2: Josephine Lake Horseback Riding
• Stop 2B: Apikuni Waterfall Hike (ALTERNATIVE OPTION)
• Dinner: Nell’s at Swiftcurrent Restaurant
• Dessert: Soft serve huckleberry ice cream in Swiftcurrent General Store
• End at St. Mary Lodge & Resort (East Entrance)

Day 3 in Glacier National Park

• Start at: St. Mary Lodge (East Entrance)
• Stop 1: St. Mary Falls Hike (if you didn’t do it on day 1)
• Stop 2: Going-to-the-Sun Road
• Lunch: Picnic lunch at pull-out
• Stop 3: Highline Trail Hike
• Stop 4: Lake McDonald Beach
• Dinner: Great Northern Bar & Grill
• End at West Glacier (West Entrance)

Planning a trip to Glacier? We put together a series of digital guides that take the guesswork out of planning. Stop-by-stop itineraries for making the most of 1, 3 or 7 days in Glacier National Park including where to stay, where to eat, what hikes to take and the best driving routes.

We’ve even included links for you to book your stays and buy your park passes. Everything you need in one convenient digital guide. Just download and go!

If you want to extend your trip you could look to add Grand Teton’s National Park on to your trip. It is located south of Yellowstone so you could do this order: Grand Tetons – Yellowstone – Glacier or the opposite way: Glacier – Yellowstone – Grand Tetons.

Northwest Road Trip 2: Montana Road Trip

Day 1 in Bozeman, Montana (this is also where you can fly into)

• Hotel: Lewis and Clark Motel
• Stop 1: Bozeman Hot Springs
• Dinner in Bozeman (multiple options)

Day 2 in Bozeman, Montana

• Stop 1: Museum of the Rockies
• Stop 2: American Computer And Robotics
• Stop 3: Rock Climbing with Montana Alpine Guides

Day 3: Bozeman to Livingston, Montana

• Stop 1: Float, Fish or Both on the Yellowstone River
• Stop 2: Yellowstone Gateway Museum
• Dinner: Mint Bar and Grill
• Hotel: Travelodge

Day 4: Livingston To Red Lodge, Montana

• Breakfast: The Other Cafe
• Stop 1: Rent an UTV from Red Lodge Power Sports
• Stop 2: Clay Class at Red Lodge Clay Center
• Stop 3: Golfing at Red Lodge Mountain
• Stop 4: Walk Around Downtown
• Hotel: The Pollard Hotel

Day 5: Red Lodge to Cooke City

• Breakfast: The Pollard Hotel
• Stop 1: Horseback Riding with Elk River Outfitters
• Stop 2: Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary
• Stop 3: Drive: The Bear Tooth Highway
• Dinner: Miners Saloon
• Hotel: Soda Butte Lodge

Day 6: Cooke City, MT into Yellowstone To Gardiner, MT

• Breakfast: Pilots Perk
• Stop 1: Cooke City – Visitor Center
• Stop 2: Head into Yellowstone National Park
• Stop 3: Tower Roosevelt Area – Towers Fall Hike
• Lunch: Roosevelt Lodge
• Stop 4: Hike Mount Washburn
• Stop 5: Stagecoach or Horseback Riding
• Stay: Sunny Slope House

Day 7: Yellowstone Wildlife Tour and Hot Springs

• Stop 1: Yellowstone Wild Tour (full day tour)
• Stop 2: Yellowstone Hot Springs

Day 8: Explore More Of Yellowstone

• Stop 1: Roosevelt Arch
• Stop 2: Hike Bunsen Peak
• Stop 3: Visitor Center and Fort in Mammoth Hot Springs
• Stop 4: Mammoth Terraces
• Added Stay and Activity: Sage Lodge and Chico Hot Springs

Day 9: Drive to West Yellowstone

Stop 1: Canyon Area of Yellowstone Stop 2: Lookout: Artist Point Stop 3: Hike Uncle Tom’s Trail Stop 4: IMax Show on Yellowstone Hotel: Kelly Inn

Day 10: Explore West Yellowstone and YNP

• Stop 1: Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center
• Stop 2: Museum of the Yellowstone
• 1st Stop: Grand Prismatic
• 2nd Stop: Overlook Hike
• 3rd Stop: Old Faithful and Old Faithful Geysers hike
• 4th Stop West Thumb
• Hotel: Kelly Inn

Day 11: Biking and Yellowstone Lake

• Stop 1: Rent Bikes at Free Wheel And Heel
• Fishing Bridge Visitor Center and the Beach
• Hike: Storm Point

You can click here for full details on this road trip!

Northwest Road Trip 3 – Oregon Coast Road Trip

Stop 1: Southern Oregon Coast

• Humbug Mountain State Park
• Coquille Point
• Jerry’s Rogue Jets

Where To Stay: Coast Haven

Stop 2: Mid Oregon Coast

• Play at the Sand Dunes
• Rent ATV’s
• Yahacts town and Yahacts Brewery
• Thor’s Well
• Tide Pools – to right of Thors well
• Cape Perpetua Visitor Center
• Hobbit Beach Trail
• Newport to go crabbing!

Where To Stay: Overleaf Lodge and Spa

Stop 3: Northern Oregon Coast

• Indian Beach – Tide Pools
• Ecola Viewpoint and Ecola State Park and Crescent Beach
• Cannon Beach
• Goonies House
• Buoys Brewery
• Astoria Brewing Company
• Fort Stevens State Park

Where To Stay: Rivertide Suites Hotel.

Click here to get all the details for this trip.

Northwest Road Trip 4 – Central Oregon

Stop 1: Bend, Oregon

You could stay here for a full week or stay for a couple days and pick and choose what you would like to do.

• Float the Deschutes River
• Newberry National Volcanic Monument
• Obsidian Flow Trail
• Lava River Tube
• Paulina Falls
• The High Desert Museum
• Farmers Market
• Music In The Park
• The Last Blockbuster
• Dakotas Brick Shop
• Smith Rock State Park
• Steelhead Falls
• Rent Bikes for the Deschutes River Trail
• Cascades Lake Scenic Drive
• Alpine Lakes
• Tumalo Mountain Trail
• Tumalo State Park
• La Pine Natural Slides
• Paulina Lake Hot Spring
• SunRiver Brewery
• Deschutes Brewery
• Legend Cider
• Silver Moon brewery
• Immersion Brewery
• Bend Brewing Company
• Worthy Brewery
• Tumalo Cider

Here is the full post on Bend Oregon: 23 Fun Things To Do In Bend Oregon [Plus where to stay]

Stop 2: McKenzie River Area

• 242 Scenic Byway
• Proxy Falls Trail
• Dee Wright Observatory
• Belknap Hot Springs
• Waterfall Loop – Sahalie and Koosah

Here is our full post on the McKenzie River Area: Mckenzie River Oregon: Epic 3 Day Itinerary

Stop 3: Portland, Oregon

Day 1 in Portland:

• Breakfast: Slappy Cakes for breakfast, where you can make your own pancakes at the table
• Stop 1: Oregon Museum of Science and Industry
• Lunch: Kachka – Enjoy authentic Russian cuisine for lunch
• Stop 2: Pips and Bounce Ping Pong 12-6pm summer happy hour
• Dinner: Bollywood Theatre – Indian Cuisine the whole family will love
• Dessert: Salt and Straw Ice Cream – Take a walk on the wild side with these off the wall hand made ice creams

Day 2 in Portland:

• Breakfast: Voodoo Doughnut and Blue Star Donuts if you want to compare them.
• Stop 1: Rose Garden – Take in the huge variety of beautiful roses
• Stop 2:  Portland Japanese Garden
• Stop 3: Portland Children’s Museum
• Lunch: Little Bird Bistro
• Stop 4:   Portland Art Museum
• Dinner: Mediterranean Exploration Company OR Eat at Living Room Theatre while you enjoy a show! 

Day 3 in Portland:

• Breakfast: Pip’s original for donut and chai
• Stop 1: Portland Saturday Market – 11 – 4:30pm
• Stop 2: Waterfront Trail
• Lunch: Afuri – Get some Ramen and Dumplings
• Stop 3: Powells Used Book Store
• Dinner: Pok Pok Thai – Take the kids to experience Thai Flavor at Pok Pok Thai
• Stop 4: Oaks Park roller skating open skate: 7-9:30

Click here to see the whole post: 32 Epic Things To Do In Portland With Kids [Itinerary Included]

** You should add in a stop at the Columbia River Gorge area to see some of the amazing Oregon Waterfalls!

Stop 4: Hood River Fruit Loop Trail

This would be a 1 day adventure!

• 1st stop – Ground Espresso Bar and Cafe
• 2nd stop – Apple Valley Country Store For Scones And Breakfast
• 3rd stop – The Old Trunk – U-pick 10am
• 4th stop – Montavon’s Berries – U-pick And A Harvest Host
• 5th Stop – Mt. View Orchards, Cider And Winery
• 6th Stop – Draper Girls Cider To Grab A Growler
• 7th Stop – Stave and Stone Wine Estates
• 8th Stop – Lavender Farm Hood River Lavender
• 9th stop – Fox Tail Cider
• 10th stop – Double Mountain Brewery For Dinner

Click here to see the whole post: 10 Amazing Stops On The Hood River Fruit Loop [Map Included]

Northwest Road Trip 5 – Washington State

Stop 1: Olympic National Park

• Arrive: Hoh Rainforest Area (make sure to arrive first thing in the morning so you have the day to explore the Hoh Rainforest)
• Stay: Hoh Rainforest
• Explore: The Olympic Coast (Ruby, Kalaloch and Rialto Beach)
• Where to Stay: Forks area
• What To Do: Explore Sol Duc Falls area, do hikes, hang out at Lake Crescent and enjoy the area
• Stay:  Sol Duc Hot Springs  area
• What To Do: Explore Hurricane Ridge
• Stay: Hurricane Ridge area

You can also add on a stop in Port Townsend!

Click here to see the full post: 12 Fun and Exciting Things To Do In Olympic National Park

Stop 2: Seattle Washington

Check out this post from my friend that lives in Seattle on what to do there: Weekend In Seattle

Stop 3: North Cascades National Park

We would recommend spending 2-3 days here and picking from the following list:

• Cascadian Farm Farm Stand
• North Cascades Visitor Center
• Gorge Creek Falls Overlook Trail
• Video Of North Cascades
• Diablo Lake Overlook
• Ross Lake Overlook
• Blue Lake Trail
• North Cascades Highway
• Washington Pass Overlook
• Skagit General Store
• Skagit Information Center and Train
• Sahale Glacier Trail (Cascade Pass)

You can see the full post here: 17 Amazing Things To Do In North Cascades National Park

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