The best is always inside
10 amazing spots to visit in the Midwest (if you haven’t already)
Image: Konrad Burdyn
The United States of America is such a huge country, with so many different regions, that it might sometimes feel overwhelming to choose one vacation spot beyond the usual favorites. Midwesterners know better and are savvy about the infinite possibilities offered by the region where they reside. But the rest of us could probably use a bit of guidance in this area. The following ten range from huge cities to small car-less spots, all equally fun. Have you ever been to any of these?
1
Waterpark Capital of the World, Wisconsin Dells
Image: Kenny Eliason
Waterparks are a funny thing. Adults go there almost exclusively to take their kids, but end up enjoying themselves, sometimes even more than the younger ones. Self-proclaimed as the " Waterpark Capital of the World ," Wisconsin Dells offers fun and adventure for kids and the aforementioned kids at heart.
Its multiple resorts include Noah’s Ark, the largest outdoor waterpark in the world, The Wilderness Resort, which has the largest indoor-outdoor combination, Bigfoot Ziplining, The Original Wisconsin Ducks, Devil’s Lake State Park, boat tours, spas, golf courses, casinos and much more.
2
City of Big Shoulders, Chicago
Image: Sawyer Bengtson
The Windy City needs no introduction but no Midwestern treasures list would be complete without mentioning it. As the Midwest's largest metropolitan area, Chicago is a popular option for a weekend getaway. It houses numerous parks, including ones with lakefront beaches, or iconic sculptures like "The Bean."
Its incredible architecture is best viewed from the water during a river cruise or while boating on Lake Michigan. Its virtually i nfinite food options , ranging from Greek to Mexican to Polish, and its world-class museums , make for a must-visit.
3
Museum City, Kansas City
Image: gilber franco
Sitting on the state line between Missouri and Kansas, the City of Fountains has a vast assembly of museums ready to be discovered by visitors from all over the world.
From local landmarks like the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, boasting an impressive collection of over 34,000 pieces and 5,000 years , the National WWI Museum and Memorial, The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, to the newly renovated Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum, this city has it all.
4
Ozarks Lake, Missouri
Image: K. Mitch Hodge
Long before the TV series of the same name, the Ozarks was a region famous for its natural beauties, entertainment opportunities, and multiple cuisine options. This expansive reservoir with more than 1,100 miles of shoreline has spots like Lake of the Ozarks State Park, Bridal Cave, and various restaurants and resorts.
And if the water activities are not your thing, you can visit the links at one of several golf courses or enjoy a day of wine tasting on the Lake of the Ozarks Wine Trail.
5
Wining and dining, Traverse City
Image: Pablo Merchán Montes
Traverse City may be famous for its slices of pie and tart cherries, which can be found at farm stands across the Up North region through late summer. But it has much more to offer its visitors.
Acres of wineries and orchards all along the Leelanau and Old Mission peninsulas' rolling hills are complimented by the Lake Michigan scenery and the nearby Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. And, when the summer season is over, the Traverse City area also boasts enviable skiing terrain, fat-tire bike trails, and snowmobile routes , making it an attractive destination for winter recreation.
6
Hiking paradise, Duluth
Image: Tom Gainor
This Minnesotan city located on the shores of Lake Superior is an ideal spot for a weekend getaway. Visitors of the Canal Park area can bike or walk along the Lakeway , a nearly 8-mile path that follows the shoreline, take pictures of the Aerial Lift Bridge , and explore local art galleries .
Travelers can also tour all 39 rooms at Glensheen, a historic estate built in the early 1900s, or book a first-class ticket in a domed train car on the North Shore Scenic Railroad. And, when hunger strikes, Duluth boasts a generous selection of lakeside eateries and breweries.
7
Family trip favorite, Omaha
Image: Andrew Seaman
Whether you are into history, nature, arts, or the food scene, Omaha has it all. And, with attractions like the Omaha Children's Museum and the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium , this city is a great choice for a family trip.
The Durham Museum is a great place for history buffs, the Lauritzen Gardens Botanical Center has an impressive collection of plants flowers, and trees, and its noteworthy restaurants and bars attract culinary visitors from around the world.
8
Black Hills National Forest, South Dakota
Image: Frank Thiemonge
The amazing Black Hills National Forest can be found at the western edge of South Dakota, where a small mountain range is surrounded by 1.2 million acres of protected wilderness, making it a haven for outdoor activities.
Visitors of the Black Hills can hike, bike, ride horses, rock climb, and visit the Mount Rushmore National Memorial , which features giant mountainside busts of four American presidents.
9
Small-town charm, Mackinac Island
Image: leah hetteberg
If you are looking for a holiday destination with no cars or chain hotels and, instead, horse-drawn carriages and bed and breakfast accommodations in family-owned hotels , Mackinac Island might be the place you are looking for. Located between Michigan's Upper and Lower peninsulas, this Lake Huron island beckons to visitors who want to relax and unwind.
Mackinac Island State Park occupies most of the island, providing visitors with countless opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, biking, horseback riding , and a variety of eateries serving everything from American classics to its famous fudge.
10
Prince’s legendary Paisley Park Studios, Minneapolis
Image: DJ Johnson
The former home and recording studio of the "Purple Rain" composer is located outside of Minneapolis in Chanhassen, Minnesota. Prince built Paisley Park back in 1987 and lived here until he died in 2016.
His Royal Badness himself requested that his home be open to the public after his death and now fans can tour the complex and see the studio where he recorded some of his biggest hits and the soundstage where he rehearsed for tours.
