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Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
12 breathtaking landmarks to visit in Illinois and Middle America
From golden plains to stunning caves and cliffs, the central portion of the United States offers landmarks and natural landscapes that deserve to be on anyone's summer travel list. This is part of a new USA TODAY network project showcasing breathtaking – and perhaps, underappreciated – views throughout the United States. These are some of the most beautiful landmarks, scenic vistas and hidden gems you can truly treasure throughout the nation. Here are a few of our favorites across Middle America: Known for its magnificent St. Peter sandstone rock formations, Starved Rock State Park near Oglesby in LaSalle County offers many scenic hiking and horseback riding trails, plus opportunities for fishing and boating along the Illinois River. Dating to 1911, Starved Rock State Park is known for its steep sandstone canyons formed by glacial meltwater. Several, including the St. Louis, French and Wildcat canyons, have waterfalls. — Rockford Register Star MORE DETAILS Presented by Rockford Register Star With sand between your toes, Lake Michigan gently lapping at its southern shore, and a striking diversity of birds and plants, Indiana Dunes National Park is one of only two national parks in the Hoosier State. Dedicated as a national park in 2019, this 15-mile stretch of sandy beaches, rising dunes and wildlife-filled marshes is unlike anything else in Indiana. The 2,182-acre park highlights sand dunes formed over thousands of years, rising 200 feet above the lake. — Cory Havens, South Bend Tribune Plan some daytrips: Six summer road trips: Most Treasured Views in Illinois and how to see them MORE DETAILS Presented by Indy Star Buy reprints: Purchase select prints of the Indiana Dunes and other Most Treasured Views Ever since Charles City native Robert James Waller released 'The Bridges of Madison County,' the nation became enthralled with the romantic bridges outside Winterset, Iowa, that formed the backdrop for the book. A tenderly romantic movie with Meryl Streep and Clint Eastwood came out in 1995, and the bridges became almost a character in the story, forming the places Eastwood's character, National Geographic photojournalist Robert Kincaid, shot. But the bridges, six in total, came about long before the romantic tale. The bridges are free to visit. Find more information at — Susan Stapleton, Des Moines Register MORE DETAILS Presented by Des Moines Register Buy reprints: Purchase select prints of the Bridges of Madison County and other Most Treasured Views Imagine more than 14,500 square miles of tallgrass prairie that almost dissects Kansas from north to south. Flint Hills' windblown grasses range from vibrant green to burnt gold depending on the time of year. Much of the land still resembles how it looked when settlers first crossed more than 200 years ago. Each year, the burning season lights up the evening and night sky with brilliant orange as fires snake across the land, burning the old and dead grasses, renewing them in the spring. — Tim Hrenchir, Topeka Capital-Journal Arch Rock is the most famous rock formation on Mackinac Island. The limestone rock forms an arch that is more than 50 feet wide. According to the Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau, it's believed to be about 4,000 years old and hollowed out by splashing waves when water levels were much higher. While the formation is stable, don't wait a lifetime to see it. It's predicted that erosion from wind and water will probably cause it to fall down one day. — Tanya Wildt, Detroit Free Press MORE DETAILS Presented by Detroit Free Press Buy reprints: Purchase select prints of the Arch Rock and other Most Treasured Views Split Rock Lighthouse, on the far northeast corner of Minnesota, provides a breathtaking view of Lake Superior. Having helped boats transport crews and materials safely across the lake's rough waters for more than 50 years, the lighthouse became an icon and serves as a beacon to all and a witness to innovation. The idea for a lighthouse was imagined because of almost 30 shipwrecks near its coast in 1905. — Alice Mannette, St. Cloud Times Ha Ha Tonka State Park offers a mix of history and interesting geologic features, including sinkholes, steep cliffs, karst topography, caves, a natural bridge, and a spring. The ruins of a stone castle built in the early 1900s remain a popular draw. It is positioned at a spot with views of the spring and the Lake of the Ozarks. The park is on the Niangua arm of the Lake of the Ozarks near Camdenton. The park is free to enter. There are miles of hiking trails with different intensity levels, caves, birds and other wildlife to experience. Boating, fishing and swimming are also possible. The place is popular with amateur photographers. — Claudette Riley, Springfield News-Leader MORE DETAILS Presented by Springfield News-Leader Buy reprints: Purchase select prints of Ha Ha Tonka State Park and other Most Treasured Views Chimney Rock towers over its surroundings, standing more than 300 feet above the flatlands of western Nebraska. Visible for miles, it served as a significant landmark for emigrants during the westward expansion of the U.S., and it is mentioned in more emigrant diaries than any other landmark on the Oregon Trail. It was designated a national historic site on Aug. 9, 1956. Today, there is a visitor center nearby, along with miles of walking trails. — Chris Mueller, Des Moines Register For many visitors, viewing Painted Canyon from a nearby visitor center's overlook is their first glimpse of North Dakota's badlands. It's also the site of one of the most popular hiking trails in Theodore Roosevelt National Park. This mile-long path winds through juniper and wildflowers, then takes travelers down into the canyon itself, which is named for its vivid layers. Be warned, though: Every step down into the canyon is a step back up on the way out. — Chris Mueller, USA TODAY network Hocking Hills spans over 10,000 acres and includes cliffs, waterfalls and gorges in its vast space in southeastern Ohio. By exploring the hiking trails that lead you to caves and unique rock formations, every visitor can experience nature the way it was meant to be seen. With multiple trails to choose from, visitors can spend an entire day, weekend or vacation seeing every inch of the state park. — Columbus Dispatch MORE DETAILS Presented by Columbus Dispatch With both the haunting vastness of fictional planet Arrakis in the 'Dune' films and the fiery, jagged landscape of real planet Mars, Badlands National Park is indeed transcendental. Visitors are intimidated by the chaotic, 244,000 acres of crater-like vistas, but the national park is very family-friendly and a grandiose memory for all. The must-do Badlands Loop State Scenic Highway is a nice and slow two-hour tour of an earth that seems to have frozen mid-eruption millions of years ago. The rust-orange layers of ancient rock and soil look just as hot to the touch. Visit for details. — Angela George, Sioux Falls Argus-Leader MORE DETAILS Presented by Sioux Falls Argus-Leader The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore boasts a 12-mile Lake Superior shoreline and nearly two dozen islands. It's also home to the largest collection of lighthouses in the National Parks system. In short, it's every outdoor lover's dream. The Islands also have deep connections to Ojibwe culture. The Apostle Islands are located on the northern portion of the Bayfield Peninsula. — Cailey Gleeson, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel MORE DETAILS Presented by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Why these Midwest scenic spots belong on your travel bucket list
USA Today
10-06-2025
- USA Today
Hidden gems and stunning views: 12 breathtaking landmarks to visit in Middle America
Hidden gems and stunning views: 12 breathtaking landmarks to visit in Middle America These are the Most Treasured Views in the central U.S. From golden plains to stunning caves and cliffs, the central portion of the United States offers landmarks and natural landscapes that deserve to be on anyone's summer travel list. This is part of a new USA TODAY network project showcasing breathtaking – and perhaps, underappreciated – views throughout the United States. These are some of the most beautiful landmarks, scenic vistas and hidden gems you can truly treasure throughout the nation. Here are a few of our favorites across Middle America: Starved Rock State Park, Illinois Known for its magnificent St. Peter sandstone rock formations, Starved Rock State Park near Oglesby in LaSalle County offers many scenic hiking and horseback riding trails, plus opportunities for fishing and boating along the Illinois River. Dating to 1911, Starved Rock State Park is known for its steep sandstone canyons formed by glacial meltwater. Several, including the St. Louis, French and Wildcat canyons, have waterfalls. — Rockford Register Star Indiana Dunes National Park, Indiana With sand between your toes, Lake Michigan gently lapping at its southern shore, and a striking diversity of birds and plants, Indiana Dunes National Park is one of only two national parks in the Hoosier State. Dedicated as a national park in 2019, this 15-mile stretch of sandy beaches, rising dunes and wildlife-filled marshes is unlike anything else in Indiana. The 2,182-acre park highlights sand dunes formed over thousands of years, rising 200 feet above the lake. — Cory Havens, South Bend Tribune Buy reprints: Purchase select prints of the Indiana Dunes and other Most Treasured Views Bridges of Madison County, Iowa Ever since Charles City native Robert James Waller released 'The Bridges of Madison County,' the nation became enthralled with the romantic bridges outside Winterset, Iowa, that formed the backdrop for the book. A tenderly romantic movie with Meryl Streep and Clint Eastwood came out in 1995, and the bridges became almost a character in the story, forming the places Eastwood's character, National Geographic photojournalist Robert Kincaid, shot. But the bridges, six in total, came about long before the romantic tale. The bridges are free to visit. Find more information at — Susan Stapleton, Des Moines Register Buy reprints: Purchase select prints of the Bridges of Madison County and other Most Treasured Views Flint Hills, Kansas Imagine more than 14,500 square miles of tallgrass prairie that almost dissects Kansas from north to south. Flint Hills' windblown grasses range from vibrant green to burnt gold depending on the time of year. Much of the land still resembles how it looked when settlers first crossed more than 200 years ago. Each year, the burning season lights up the evening and night sky with brilliant orange as fires snake across the land, burning the old and dead grasses, renewing them in the spring. — Tim Hrenchir, Topeka Capital-Journal Arch Rock, Michigan Arch Rock is the most famous rock formation on Mackinac Island. The limestone rock forms an arch that is more than 50 feet wide. According to the Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau, it's believed to be about 4,000 years old and hollowed out by splashing waves when water levels were much higher. While the formation is stable, don't wait a lifetime to see it. It's predicted that erosion from wind and water will probably cause it to fall down one day. — Tanya Wildt, Detroit Free Press Buy reprints: Purchase select prints of the Arch Rock and other Most Treasured Views Split Rock Lighthouse, Minnesota Split Rock Lighthouse, on the far northeast corner of Minnesota, provides a breathtaking view of Lake Superior. Having helped boats transport crews and materials safely across the lake's rough waters for more than 50 years, the lighthouse became an icon and serves as a beacon to all and a witness to innovation. The idea for a lighthouse was imagined because of almost 30 shipwrecks near its coast in 1905. — Alice Mannette, St. Cloud Times Ha Ha Tonka State Park, Missouri Ha Ha Tonka State Park offers a mix of history and interesting geologic features, including sinkholes, steep cliffs, karst topography, caves, a natural bridge, and a spring. The ruins of a stone castle built in the early 1900s remain a popular draw. It is positioned at a spot with views of the spring and the Lake of the Ozarks. The park is on the Niangua arm of the Lake of the Ozarks near Camdenton. The park is free to enter. There are miles of hiking trails with different intensity levels, caves, birds and other wildlife to experience. Boating, fishing and swimming are also possible. The place is popular with amateur photographers. — Claudette Riley, Springfield News-Leader Buy reprints: Purchase select prints of Ha Ha Tonka State Park and other Most Treasured Views Chimney Rock, Nebraska Chimney Rock towers over its surroundings, standing more than 300 feet above the flatlands of western Nebraska. Visible for miles, it served as a significant landmark for emigrants during the westward expansion of the U.S., and it is mentioned in more emigrant diaries than any other landmark on the Oregon Trail. It was designated a national historic site on Aug. 9, 1956. Today, there is a visitor center nearby, along with miles of walking trails. — Chris Mueller, Des Moines Register Painted Canyon, North Dakota For many visitors, viewing Painted Canyon from a nearby visitor center's overlook is their first glimpse of North Dakota's badlands. It's also the site of one of the most popular hiking trails in Theodore Roosevelt National Park. This mile-long path winds through juniper and wildflowers, then takes travelers down into the canyon itself, which is named for its vivid layers. Be warned, though: Every step down into the canyon is a step back up on the way out. — Chris Mueller, USA TODAY network Hocking Hills State Park, Ohio Hocking Hills spans over 10,000 acres and includes cliffs, waterfalls and gorges in its vast space in southeastern Ohio. By exploring the hiking trails that lead you to caves and unique rock formations, every visitor can experience nature the way it was meant to be seen. With multiple trails to choose from, visitors can spend an entire day, weekend or vacation seeing every inch of the state park. — Columbus Dispatch Badlands National Park, South Dakota With both the haunting vastness of fictional planet Arrakis in the 'Dune' films and the fiery, jagged landscape of real planet Mars, Badlands National Park is indeed transcendental. Visitors are intimidated by the chaotic, 244,000 acres of crater-like vistas, but the national park is very family-friendly and a grandiose memory for all. The must-do Badlands Loop State Scenic Highway is a nice and slow two-hour tour of an earth that seems to have frozen mid-eruption millions of years ago. The rust-orange layers of ancient rock and soil look just as hot to the touch. Visit for details. — Angela George, Sioux Falls Argus-Leader Apostle Islands, Wisconsin The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore boasts a 12-mile Lake Superior shoreline and nearly two dozen islands. It's also home to the largest collection of lighthouses in the National Parks system. In short, it's every outdoor lover's dream. The Islands also have deep connections to Ojibwe culture. The Apostle Islands are located on the northern portion of the Bayfield Peninsula. — Cailey Gleeson, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
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Travel + Leisure
16-05-2025
- Travel + Leisure
This Is the Cheapest U.S. National Park to Fly to—and It Has 15 Miles of Dramatic Dune-covered Coastline
Traveling to a national park this summer might feel like an out-of-budget impossibility—and that might be true if you're trying to visit one of the most popular parks in the country, like Yellowstone or Yosemite. Trying to snag reservations far enough in advance is tricky in itself, but the real barrier to entry is traveling to these destinations. Booking flights into Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport or Fresno Yosemite International Airport can be incredibly costly, and after flying in you still need to navigate multi-hour drives to actually make it to the parks. There's good news for travelers looking for easier, cheaper ways to visit national parks this summer. While Yosemite and Yellowstone might be going viral on social media, there are a total 63 national parks across the country to choose from. In that list, there actually are a few that are incredibly affordable to fly to, according to new data from Going. The most affordable national park to fly to was determined by an analysis of fares at airports within 300 miles of each park and how many times Going has identified deals to each airport. All that number crunching yielded one clear result: Indiana Dunes National Park. The national park is located just 40 miles away from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) and about 50 miles away from both South Bend International Airport (SBN) and Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD). Going found that average flights are $138 roundtrip and has sent 42 deals to subscribers to MDW in the last year. Indiana Dunes is not only the cheapest national park to fly to, but it also offers a ton for nature lovers of every type. To start there's 15 miles of dune covered coastline right on Lake Michigan. Then, there's more than 50 miles of hiking trails, swimming beaches, horseback riding, bird watching, and guided tours. The varied landscapes of the park, which includes those dramatic dunes, prairies, bogs, and marshes, is home to at least 350 different species of birds. The National Park Service has recommended itineraries for half day and day trip visits to the park—making it even easier to add a national park visit to your next trip to Chicago. The city is only a 45 minute drive from the park, making it one of the most accessible in the country. Looking for even more affordable national parks to fly to this summer? Here are the 10 cheapest parks according to Going: Indiana Dunes National Park White Sands National Park in New Mexico Big Bend National Park in Texas Guadalupe Mountains National Park in Texas Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota Congaree National Park in South Carolina Lassen Volcanic National Park in California Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona Just remember that no matter which national park you plan on visiting this summer, you should strive to be more respectful and patient than ever. A federal reduction in staffing means that we all need to do our part to keep the parks and their ecosystems pristine.
Chicago Tribune
19-04-2025
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
State of Porter County tourism: Indiana Dunes Tourism generates $25.6 million in state and local taxes
A commitment by Indiana Dunes Tourism to work with its regional tourism counterparts and local communities is going well as reported in Thursday evening's State of the Indiana Dunes 2025 presentation. Christine Livingston, CEO of Indiana Dunes Tourism, shared the stage with leadership from both Indiana Dunes State Park and Indiana Dunes National Park. She said one recent highlight of the effort was Indiana Dunes National Park Superintendent Jason Taylor inviting all the counties and affected organizations together for a brainstorming session. 'It was just a really refreshing change in our process,' Livingston said. She and the park directors addressed a full crowd at the Indiana Dunes Visitors Center in Porter. Local officials in attendance included Porter County Commissioner Barb Regnitz, R-Center, Porter County Council President Andy Vasquez, R-4th, and County Councilman Greg Simms, D-3rd. Funded by the Accommodation Tax, Indiana Dunes Tourism spearheads branding. 'This is a powerful economic engine,' Livingston said, mentioning products ranging from special sand-colored chocolate bars to Sand + Steel themed mugs. 'A lot of businesses are starting to realize when you brand something with Indiana Dunes it sells.' Businesses are not the only shareholders top of mind. Livingston said work is constantly underway to figure ways to keep the local communities happy with the impact of four million visitors a year, 'which, frankly, I don't think, historically, tourism has done,' she said. Indiana Dunes Tourism generates $25.6 million in state and local taxes. The Visitors Center alone sees 230,000 visitors per year. 'People can't really visualize 6,000 people in one weekend,' Livingston said. 'We have lines out the door.' It's a symbiotic relationship with the state and local parks, where all those folks are eventually headed. 'These people have been in a pressure cooker trying to deal with all the recent changes and they are killing it,' Livingston said before turning the mic over to Doug Lang, park manager for Indiana Dunes State Park. He lead with an announcement that the park was honored with the 2024 Property Achievement Award that only goes to one of the state's 36 state parks each year. 'That goes out to our great staff, our volunteers, residents, visitors,' Lang said. The park is celebrating 100 years in 2025. A birthday celebration is planned for the summer. Lead Naturalist Becky Hughes has created a 100-year Challenge. 'You're going to visit a lot of historical sites in the park in order to do it,' Lang said. The Nature Center, which sees about 115,000 visitors per year, will get a full scale gift shop in three weeks. 'One of the goals this year is to educate the public,' Lang said of efforts to impact responsible park use, such as asking people to carry out what they bring in. Lang also spoke of collaboration, giving credit to the national park and the town of Porter for assisting with a water main break at the state park last week. Various entities are also joining forces for prescribed burns. State park staff helped national park staff with a burn and Shirley Heinze Land Trust assisted the state park with one. Jason Taylor, superintendent of Indiana Dunes National Park, gave a wide overview of the park, including new attendance trends. 'Visitation is increasing in the summer months and also in the shoulder months, so our visitation season is increasing,' he said. That led to $140 million in direct local spending in 2023 with $206 million in economic output in the gateway communities generated annually. These figures come in the wake of $15 million in annual operating expenses. Taylor gave a shout out to Friends of the Indiana Dunes and Save the Dunes, two non-profits that he said 'are hugely important to things that we do at the national park and the state park.' He reported national approval to move forward with Phases 2 and 3 of the Marquette Greenway Trail. 'This is really a partnership of activity,' Lang said. 'It's one big, happy family trying to build this trail.' Structure preservation is also in full swing with a complete renovation of the Goodfellow Lodge underway as well as exterior preservation to Bailly Homestead. Cypress House is now available for rental a week at a time and 'there's some hope that House of Tomorrow and some other structures can fit that bill and people can have more access in future,' Lang said. He added that since becoming a national park in 2019 the staff has been doing a lot to try to 'live into the name.' Right now that encompasses everything from providing more in-park housing for staff to focusing on the Back to Beach Strategy with such additions as roving interpreters right on the beach.
