Hit the Road: Epic Midwest Road Trips You've Gotta Try

Miami Herald

18 hours ago

Ready to plan your next great American road trip? Skip the usual and hit the heartland! The Midwest is packed with jaw-dropping natural beauty, quirky roadside stops, and vibrant cities that don't get nearly enough love.
Use Chicago, St. Louis, or Detroit as your launchpad, then head toward epic sand dunes, storybook islands, or even a Christmas-themed amusement park (yes, in the summer!). Whether you're in the mood for hiking, history, or just a really good slice of pie, the Midwest delivers.
This state-by-state guide will show you the best vacation spots across America's middle - from Ohio's hidden gems to South Dakota's wide-open wonders. Let's roll!I
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Oak Park, Illinois
Best known as the home of Frank Lloyd Wright, Oak Park is the first suburb west of Chicago and easy to get to via the Green Line on Chicago's famous elevated train system. (It seems like just about every movie filmed in Chicago has at least one scene that takes place beneath the L tracks!)
Stop at the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio, then take the walking tour of the Wright-designed homes in the surrounding neighborhood.
Read More: How to Road Trip with a Baby – A Survival Guide for Parents
Great River Road Scenic Byway
More than 2,000 miles long, the Great River Road Scenic Byway runs along the Mississippi River through 10 states and hundreds of historic river towns.
That includes 33 miles from Hartford to Grafton, Illinois, where the road is known as the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway. This drive is particularly beautiful in the fall when the trees turn vibrant shades of red, orange and yellow.
Read More: How to Plan an Epic Family Road Trip in 6 Easy Steps
Starved Rock State Park
This lovely state park is about 90 minutes west of Chicago. It's a mecca for hikers and nature lovers. Trails wind along the gorgeous steep sandstone cliffs that line the Illinois River.
During the spring and early summer, it's easy to find waterfalls along the hiking trails. You can camp there or spring for a stay at the Starved Rock Lodge.
Indianapolis, Indiana
This Midwest town is one of our favorites. It's small enough to feel manageable, even to people who aren't used to urban hustle and bustle, but big enough to offer plenty of fun.
Start at Indianapolis' White River State Park. Located right in the center of the city, it's home to the Indianapolis Zoo, a minor league baseball stadium, the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, the Indiana State Museum (check tickets) and the NCAA Headquarters and Hall of Champions, with lots of fun hands-on play for tweens and teens. Indy locals consider the river one of the city's hidden gems.
Indianapolis is also home our hands-down, absolute favorite kids' museum, the Indianapolis Children's Museum. It's a must-stop destination for dino-loving families. Get a tickets pass to eight main attractions of Indianapolis. And then visit Indy Island, one of Indiana's best indoor waterparks.
The city neighborhoods of this Midwest vacation spot are connected via biking trails that wind through its cultural districts.
SheBuysTravel Tip: If you have a membership to a local museum or zoo, check to see whether it is a member of a reciprocity group before you head off on your family vacation. It could mean free entrance to museums and zoos during your trip as well! There are groups for science museums, zoos and cultural institutions.
Santa Claus, Indiana / Holiday World
It's Christmastime year-round in Santa Claus, Indiana. Write a letter to Santa at the post office, or spend the day at the super family friendly theme park, Holiday World.
Who doesn't love an entire theme park themed to Christmas?
Des Moines
Let the kids run off some road trip energy at Des Moines Pappajohn Sculpture Park. This park is located off of Grand Avenue and showcases more than 25 sculptures spread over more than 4 acres. Metered parking is readily available nearby.
Not only is this a great photo spot that teens will love for the Insta, but it's got a hill in it that kids can't resist rolling down over and over. Who said fun can't be free!?
Dubuque
Located where Wisconsin, Illinois and Iowa meet, Dubuque lets you tick off three states on your Midwest road trip.
While there is plenty to do in Dubuque, including an arboretum, aquarium and caves to explore, we highly recommend checking out the Fenelon Place Elevator (also called the Fourth Street Elevator). Technically a funicular, this elevator has been called the shortest, steepest scenic railway ride. You sit in a cable car for the ascent. Once you're at the top, you'll have a spectacular view of the Mississippi River and three states.
Elk Horn
How often do you have the opportunity to feel like you're visiting another country without leaving the Midwest? Elk Horn, Iowa, is home to the Museum of Danish America.
If you have older kids, let them roam the grounds and explore the museum. For kids under 12, the better stop is going to be the Danish Windmill. You'll get some fun family photos and get to check out a working windmill. Originally built in Nørre Snede, Denmark in 1848, the windmill was brought to the United States in pieces and rebuilt by a team of volunteers in 1976. The site also has a village replica, tiny chapel and gift shop full of fun items and things to eat.
Kimballton
This town of fewer than 500 people is another great stop to explore Danish heritage in Iowa. Kimballton is home to Hans Christian Andersen's The Little Mermaid & Sculpture Gardens. This small park based around a fountain features a replica of the Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen, Denmark. There are 8 more bronze sculptures representing stories by Andersen. Nasreen's kids loved seeing these and talking about the original stories they were based on. It's a good, quick stop for the whole family.
SheBuysTravel Tip: There's a small playground nearby, so allow time for the kids to play.
Quad Cities
The Quad Cities include Bettendorf and Davenport in Iowa and Moline and Rock Island in Illinois. Tractor-loving kids (and adults) will require a visit to the free John Deere Pavilion in Moline. The Putnam Science Museum in Davenport is also a must-do. The whole family will demand home-made ice cream from Lagomarcino's. Choose to stop at the downtown location, open since 1908.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Get some exercise by renting bikes and riding the path along the Mississippi River.
Mitchell
There's just one reason to stop in Mitchell on an I-90 road trip across Iowa: The Corn Palace. This kitschy stop has been operating since 1892 and is exactly what it sounds like: a reason to get people to pull off the highway and visit Mitchell. Every year, artists decorate the outside of the building with 325,000 ears of corn. A visit is free, but bring your wallet. The kids will want to buy some of the corn-y souvenirs and treats.
Winterset, Iowa
Winterset is the home of legendary actor John Wayne, has a super fun sculpture park, and fun, family-friendly railroad attractions. Central Iowa is also the inspiration for The Bridges of Madison County.
Kansas City, Kansas
The College Basketball Experience in Kansas City is a slam dunk for families. But our favorite thing to do in KC is the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures, where it's virtually guaranteed you'll hear someone say, "Oh, I used to have that toy!"
Read More: Best Hotels in Salina, Kansas: The Little Town that Could!
Whether you're visiting gorgeous beach towns on Lake Huron, spending the winter with sled dogs in Traverse City, touring the state capitol in Lansing or looking for the Northern Lights in Petoskey, there are so many delightful towns to visit in both the lower and upper peninsulas of Michigan. The state also offers a few unique Midwest vacation spots for your Midwest road trip.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Looking to visit both Wisconsin and Michigan in one trip? Make the travel more fun by crossing Lake Michigan on the SS Badger car ferry!
Detroit, Michigan
If you haven't been to Detroit lately, you haven't been to Detroit. It is a city on the rise. Plan to spend a day at the beautiful Belle Isle Park, home to one of the oldest aquariums in North America. It's small and free and well worth a look to show the kids how aquariums have changed over the years.
The Detroit Historical Society, a small but exceedingly well done museum, showcases the history of the town the automakers built. The Detroit Art Institute across the street is a world-class art museum with impressive special events.
And don't miss a chance to eat a burger and fries at HopCat!
Holland, Michigan
Holland, Michigan may be the closest thing you can get to the Netherlands without traveling to Europe. A large, authentic Dutch windmill is perhaps the highlight of a stop in this Midwest vacation spot but there also are Dutch restaurants, architecture tours, and even wooden shoe carving shows. If you visit in May, you'll be treated to the Tulip Time Festival, too!
Mackinac Island, Michigan
This no-cars-allowed island between Michigan's upper and lower peninsulas is probably the most famous Midwest vacation spot on our list.
Mackinac Island is home to the United States' second-ever National Park. Mackinac Island National Park is 70 acres of forests, incredible rock formations, wildlife and beautiful water features, as well as historical and cultural landmarks. And it's a wonderful place to explore on bicycles because you don't have to dodge cars!
Before you go, practice saying the name. It's pronounced Mack-i-naw even though it's spelled Mackinac. And it's definitely worth a visit, even if you can only spend one day on Mackinac Island.
Saugatuck/Douglas, Michigan
Long the playground of wealthy Chicagoans looking to beat the city heat each summer, there is a wealth of fun outdoors things to do in Saugatuck and neighboring Douglas. Topping that list is a visit to Oval Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches on Lake Michigan.
It's no wonder this small town has been named the "Best Beach Town in the Midwest" by Midwest Living magazine.
Traverse City, Michigan
This foodie town sits on the banks of Grand Traverse Bay and is the gateway to Sleeping Bear Dunes(check out available tours), one of the most beautiful beaches anywhere in the world. Really.
Feed your hungry teens anything cherry — from cherry jam to cherry burgers.
Duluth, Minnesota
Duluth, like many of the Great Lakes towns on this Midwest family vacations list, offers lots of outdoor activities for families. It is also home to Great Lakes Aquarium, the only freshwater aquarium in the US.
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Home to the Mall of America (which may be reason enough to visit), Minneapolis and its sister city, St. Paul, have so much to offer visitors. Explore the largest mall in the US, or enjoy a number of theater performances.
Hike to Minnehaha Falls or explore miles of nature trails along the Mississippi River. It's also one of the most affordable family vacations in the Midwest, with lots of free things to do with kids.
Branson, Missouri
Branson, Missouri, is a fun and affordable vacation destination with beautiful lakes and mountains as well as fun shows and theme parks.
Silver Dollar City is a family-friendly park themed to an old mining town. Choose from more than 40 rides and live entertainment.
Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri
'The Strip' at Lake of the Ozarks offers your typical tourist fare: gift shops, arts and crafts, fudge and candy factories and the like. But it's the beautiful lake (with more than 50 marinas), a collection of golf courses, horseback trails, boat tours through caverns and tours of mansions (both current and historic) that makes this a worthy Midwest vacation spot that will keep you busy for as long as you want to stay.
St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis is one of our favorite Midwest getaway spots. Less than 6 hours from Cincinnati, Chicago, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Des Moines, Milwaukee, Louisville, Nashville, Tulsa and Memphis, it may be the most centrally located destination on this list.
You'll want to visit the Gateway Arch, of course, but plan to spend some time at Forest Park. It's larger than New York's Central Park and home to a free zoo and a number of free museums. There's also the Anheuser-Busch Brewery and Grant's Farm and the eclectic, one-of-a-kind City Museum.
There's a really fun and trendy waterfront area (Laclede's Landing), plus an aquarium and lots of stuff for sports lovers, including taking in a Cardinals game at Busch Stadium.
St. Charles, Missouri
Just a half hour's drive from St. Louis is charming and historic St. Charles.
Celebrate car culture with a stop at Fast Lane Classic Cars to ogle the 200 classic and muscle cars on display. Or forget about your car for a while and hop on board the St. Charles Trolley to ride the 30 minute loop around town. Download the app to track where the trolley is so you'll know how long you'll need to wait for a ride. The best part? It's free!
Omaha, Nebraska
Omaha as a must-do for foodies. It is one of the nicest, cleanest and most hospitable family vacation spots in the Midwest – especially in the spring when the weather is perfect.
Don't miss the opportunity in Omaha for your kids to stand in two states at once! Check Omaha experiences here. Even though it was pouring rain, SheBuysTravel contributor Nasreen Stump said her kiddos still thought it was one of the coolest things they did on their Midwest road trip.
There is plenty of parking on the Omaha side of the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge. You can walk to the middle of the bridge and straddle the state line between Nebraska and Iowa. Activities for kids exist on both sides of the bridge.
Cincinnati, Ohio
Like the other large cities on this list, Cincinnati offers far too many attractions to really cover here. World-class museums, one of the best zoos in the country, several professional sports teams and a vast history are only a handful of the reasons to visit the Queen City.
Check out the best nightlife options in Cincinnati and these fun free things to do in Cincinnati.
Cleveland, Ohio
The most famous attraction in Cleveland, Ohio is probably the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. Even my kids, who didn't know half of the artists, found plenty of interesting things to see and do.
Don't miss a stop at the fun hands-on Great Lakes Science Center next door. Save a few bucks by buying the combo ticket admission to both the hall of fame and science center.
While you're in Cleveland, you should also check out the beautifully revitalized Little Italy neighborhood or catch a Cavaliers game.
Hocking Hills, Ohio
Travel less than an hour from Columbus, Ohio's capital city, and you'll find yourself at the beginning of Appalachia.
Hocking Hills State Park has some of the area's best hiking for families. We've taken young kids there on paved trails and spent time on more difficult hikes with older kids and adults. For adventure seekers, there's zip lining.
This Midwest vacation spot is also home to caves, waterfalls and cultural and historic attractions. Small lakes offer boating (pontoon and human-powered craft such as kayaks or canoes only) and water sports.
Sandusky/Lake Erie Shore, Ohio
Sandusky, Ohio, is home to Cedar Point Amusement Park, which bills itself as the Roller Coaster Capital of the World. We agree. It's where we took our kids to teach them to love roller coasters! Start with the smaller, tamer coasters and work your way up the Top Thrill Dragster — a steel coaster that reaches speeds of 120 mph as it shoots you straight up, then crawls over the top to wind straight back down, all in 17 seconds.
There are also four indoor waterpark resorts and beautiful beaches along Lake Erie. From Sandusky, take a ferry to Kelleys Island or South Bass Island's Put-in-Bay. On these Lake Erie islands, take a cave tour, go fishing or climb the Marblehead Lighthouse in Port Clinton for spectacular views.
Warren County, Ohio
You can also take a scenic train ride to Lebanon, the county seat of Warren County – 'Ohio's Largest Playground.' Here you'll find a charming downtown area with some of the country's best antiques shopping.
You can even dine – or stay overnight – at the Historic Golden Lamb Inn & Restaurant. Opened in 1803, the Golden Lamb has hosted 12 US presidents and dozens of other US and world dignitaries.
Driving through South Dakota is THE iconic Midwest road trip. Start with a stop in Wall, South Dakota, to gawk at the incredibly touristy Wall Drug, wind through the breathtaking Badlands National Park, see Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills, pay your respects to Crazy Horse, then watch the buffalo roam at Custer State Park.
Consider staying in Rapid City. It's centrally located to all of the South Dakota attractions.
Badlands National Park
Take the Badlands Loop Road (Highway 240) and stop often to ogle the Instagrammable rock formations, steep canyons and towering spires of Badlands National Park. Watch for bison, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs and other protected wildlife.
Mount Rushmore
Look up President Washington's nose (really!) as you hike around Mount Rushmore. That's the national park where the busts of four presidents — George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln — are carved into the side of the Black Hills Mountains. This Midwest vacation spot draws more than 3 million visitors every year.
Custer State Park
You can hike, fish and be wowed by Needles Highway here. But the biggest reason to visit Custer State Park is the chance to stop the car and watch the herd of 1,300 grazing buffalo on the Wildlife Loop.
Crazy Horse Monument
Unlike the other South Dakota attractions, Crazy Horse is a private endeavor run by a nonprofit. The project was started by Korczak Ziolkowski in 1948. It's still far from finished.
Madison, Wisconsin
Madison is the capital of Wisconsin and it's a rockin' college town. Take the free tour of the beautiful capitol building, then walk across the street to browse through the (also free) Wisconsin Veterans Museum.
On Saturdays from April to November, the capital is circled with a huge farmers' market selling everything from veggies to the must-try Wisconsin cheese curds. (You know they're fresh if they squeak when you bite into them.)
Here's our list of the best things to do in Madison, including eating some of Wisconsin's famous cheese curds. Never skip the cheese curds!
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Milwaukee, Wisconsin combines a beautiful beach on Lake Michigan with the hustle and bustle of an urban center. Visit the world-class Milwaukee Art Museum and take the little ones to the Betty Brinn Children's Museum and school-age kids to Discovery World.
Motorcycle fans can visit Harley-Davidson Museum, and Milwaukee visitors can take part in several festivals throughout the year – including Summerfest, one of the world's largest music festivals.
Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin
About an hour north of Milwaukee, Elkhart Lake is a lovely, serene family vacation spot in the Midwest. Several hotels nestle along the shores of the lake, where the calm water tends to be much warmer than Lake Michigan. We love the beautiful Osthoff Resort which has a number of wonderful restaurants. Race fans will want to plan a visit to RaceAmerica to watch a race or take a track driving course.
Green Bay, Wisconsin
Green Bay is best known as the home of the powerhouse Green Bay Packers American football team, which is celebrated at the team's Titletown complex.
But Green Bay also is the gateway to Door County. Known as the Cape Cod of the Midwest, Door County is famous for its small towns along the bay and its fish boils.
Wisconsin Dells
Wisconsin Dells calls itself the 'water park capital of the world.' While we love the giant indoor Kalahari Waterpark any time and the giant outdoor Noah's Ark waterpark in the summertime, there's much more to do there than just water slides.
Much like a visit to Branson, Missouri, or Gatlinburg, Tennessee, you'll find a plethora of go-kart tracks, live dinner shows and boat tours. Don't miss a ride on the famous Duck Boats! Away from the hustle and bustle of those tourist destinations though, you'll also find plenty of water sports and hiking in the Dells' three nearby state parks.
Editor's Note: This is an updated version of a post written by Jennifer Kaufman.
Q: What is the best time of year to take a Midwest road trip?
A: The best time to take a Midwest road trip is during the summer months (June-August) when the weather is warm and the attractions are open. However, if you're interested in fall foliage, consider visiting in September or October.
Q: How long should I plan for a Midwest road trip?
A: It depends on how many stops you want to make and how much time you have. For a comprehensive Midwest road trip, plan for at least 2-3 weeks. However, if you're short on time, you can still hit some of the highlights in a week or less.
Q: What are some must-see attractions on a Midwest road trip?
A: Some must-see attractions on a Midwest road trip include Mount Rushmore, the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, the Mackinac Bridge in Michigan, and the Wisconsin Dells.
Q: Is it safe to travel to the Midwest?
A: Yes, the Midwest is generally a safe place to travel. However, as with any destination, it's important to exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings.
Q: What are some budget-friendly options for a Midwest road trip?
A: Some budget-friendly options for a Midwest road trip include camping instead of staying in hotels, packing your own food instead of eating out, and visiting free attractions like state parks and museums.
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