Craving more activity? From wineries, lavender fields, covered bridges, and more, there are tons of romantic things to do and see there. And, if youre planning to leave the downtown area this weekend, head to the Mackinac Island State Park, which has a 70-mile network of trails winding through limestone outcroppings and woods. Additionally, Springfield is where you'll find political landmarks like the Illinois State Capitol and the Illinois Governor's Mansion. Visitors come to toast Pella's Dutch heritageand to be dazzled by 300,000 tulips blooming in red, pink, purple, yellow, coral and white. What's not to like? This group of 22 islands in Lake Superior is located near the small town of Bayfield and is filled with amazing activities. Once youre finished with your retail therapy here, check out the malls highly entertaining attractions. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Americas Best Value Inn Wall, 60 E BroadwayBloomington, MN 55425(952) 883-8800. #3 in Best Weekend Getaways in the Midwest This Missouri town abuts Table Rock Lake and provides an abundance of family-friendly activities. Additionally, the experience includes a soothing 1-hour-long massage using grapeseed oils. Sitting on the western edge of Missouri, the states largest city is well-known for its fountains, jazz heritage, and barbecue. Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Wisconsin is one of the most popular Midwest weekend getaways, thanks to its breathtaking natural landscapes. One of the best places to admire Minnesotas fall foliage is in Minnehaha Regional Park. Throughout the city, youll also find some amazing murals. I never leave home on a trip without myBobble filtration bottle. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Sleep Inn & Suites And Conference Center Downtown, Related: Best Things to Do in Indianapolis, 9922 W Front StEmpire, MI 49630(231) 326-4700. If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. A word of advice, drop by Aire Ancient Baths Chicago. Fun Fact: More than 85 percent of the homes in Galena are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Breaking up the agricultural areas found throughout America's heartland are small river towns and sprawling metropolitan areas, providing countless destinations for weekend warriors. . Sleep Inn & Suites And Conference Center Downtown, Sleep Inn & Suites Pleasant Hill Des Moine, Metropolitan at The 9, Autograph Collection, La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Peru Starved Rock State Park, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Millersburg, Hotel Phillips Kansas City, Curio Collection By Hilton, 35 Best Places to Visit in August in the USA, 35 Best Places to Visit in July in the USA, 35 Best Places to Visit in June in the USA, 35 Best Places to Visit in May in the USA. Springfield Midwest Spring Break Destination: Ohio 9. You can also satisfy your taste buds with juicy BBQ goodies at joints, like Fiorellas Jack State Barbecue and Arthur Bryants. With its spectacular birds-eye views, this building will definitely give you an unforgettable urban adventure. You can spend several days exploring Chicago and find plenty to do and see. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Angad Arts Hotel, 233 S Wacker DrChicago, IL 60606(312) 875-9696. And, with more than 3 million visitors per year, its, no doubt, one of the popular, must-see attractions in the Midwest, U.S.A.. Admire the craftsmanship of this majestic and colossal memorial in South Dakota. Hot off the minds of Midwest travel writers: a fresh look at where to eat, drink, play and stay around the region. Relive your childhood memories and enjoy a nostalgic movie experience by catching the double-feature flicks at Ford Drive-In. From live shows and pre-races to the main event, Indy 500 is action-packed, filled with colorful activities. A spring pedal on the Root River Trail reveals southern Minnesota's finest-scenic landscapes, food and drink, even native troutwithout the summer crowd. Midwest vacations: Grand Rapids, Michigan. The sandstone rock formation is over 800 feet tall and towers over the grassy valley. Gateway Arch National Park is home to the famous metal arch that can be found in St. Louis. Related: This Unique Way to Explore Bayfield Focuses on Wellness and Outdoor Adventure. Moreover, the fair offers antique shows, flea markets, live exhibits and auto shows. When visitors need a break from learning about local legends and important moments in history, they can head to Lake Shawnee to hike, fish or play a round of golf. The common thread? Whats more, the island has a host of historical marvels. But be careful, as many are best suited for experienced spelunkers to explore. Visit the dozen-plus parks and preserves, fledgling Amish community and surprisingly upscale bed-and-breakfasts. Known as The Gateway to the West, this awe-inspiring structure is an internationally famous symbol of St. Louis. Pioneer Park is 668 acres of tall prairie grass, streams, trails, wetlands, and woodlands. You'll delight in the quiet life and artistry of Amish shops, restaurants and homes. The University of Michigan Museum of Art serves as the university's most notable cultural offering, while the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History offers four floors of exhibits for visitors to peruse. Within the city, you can tour museums, art galleries, and historical sites. And, since we only live once, you have to be a bit choosy when making a to-do list in this region. This Missouri town abuts Table Rock Lake and provides an abundance of family-friendly activities. Get your aquatic adventure fix by visiting Mount Olympus Water Park and Noahs Ark Water Park. It has Bluetooth connectivity and is a breeze to use for taking selfies when traveling to the coolest places in the Midwest. If youre looking for the best places to visit in the Midwest then youve come to the right place! The Tulip Time parade, a twice-daily spectacle, melds Dutch tradition with Main Street Americana. There are so many amazing places to visit in the Midwest. Lake Geneva 5. Even if you're not an artist, pockets of spring's lime-green beauty near the two-block downtown beg for attention. On particularly warm days, save time for exploring the Central Canal, which bisects Indianapolis. Winter Storm Xanto impacted the upper Midwest and Great Lakes April 12-17, 2018, and was rated a category 4 . Recommended Hotel Nearby: JW Marriott Chicago. Apples flavor the jams, jellies and salsas at Jollay Orchards, and guests sip vodka made from grapes in the century-old barn of Round Barn Winery, Distillery and Brewery. And Im from Akron originally (live in Orlando) so Ive gone to Cleveland a bunch. Kansas City straddles the border of Missouri and Kansas, putting the surprisingly trendy city within driving distance of a number of Midwestern destinations. And, surprisingly, the city is pretty affordable, compared to other nearby cities. Spring comes early in the Ohio River town of Madison, Indiana. Kansas City is a thriving city with a unique location, the city straddles the state line so is actually in both Kansas and Missouri. Festivities aside, April and May are delightful times to visit. Theres also plenty of wildlife to see within the park, including bighorn sheep, prairie dogs and bison. At 71,000 acres, this Black Hills wildlife reserve is the largest state park in South Dakota. The changing leaves draw thousands of visitors every year to admire them on peaceful hikes. Looking for a fun Midwest vacation for families? The fall colors are particularly striking in this Minnesota park. This national park makes up a large portion of South Dakota. What to Do: Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum, Mark Twain Cave, Mark Twain Memorial Lighthouse, Haunted Hannibal Ghost Tours and Riverview Park. In addition to informational displays, there are also historically accurate buildings. But Adams County has a quiet beauty all its own. A redesigned interior and exterior opened in April 2015. But, theres more to this state park than its intriguing and charming creatures. Standing at 630 feet, this stainless steel monument in St. Louis is the tallest arch on earth. Spend a day in Madison's historic downtown, including a tour of Lanier Mansion (pictured), then take a country drive to explore nearby parks, farms and estates. When filled with water, it is not too heavy to carry. Today, its the worlds 23rd tallest building, and draws tons of visitors with stellar views. 4750 W 16th StIndianapolis, IN 46222(317) 492-6784. Find the best travel insurance for you with these U.S. News ratings, which factor in expert and consumer recommendations. This area of the United States is very underrated, and often passed over when it comes to vacation destinations or corporate events. I was born and raised in the Midwest and its one of my favorite regions to explore. Midwest Living is part of the Meredith Home Group. You can also tour the nearby Visitor Center to learn the full history of the iconic bluff. Its importance in American history earned it the title of a National Monument. Plus, the city boasts incredible architecture, which is best viewed from the water during a river cruise or while boating on Lake Michigan, and is a haven for foodies thanks to its smorgasbord of ethnic cuisine, ranging from Greek to Mexican to Polish. On a clear day, youll see stunning views of Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan and Indiana, from this building. Chicago is easily one of the best places to visit in the Midwest. Plus, Madison provides easy access to multiple hiking trails and features a fun downtown area where you can grab dinner, listen to live music and people watch. The Eternal City was founded on 21 April 753 BCE, and every year it celebrates with events, light shows and truck-loads of fireworks. Discover these empowering women's history destinations selected by the U.S. News travel editors. Be mesmerized by the magnificent Geese in Flight and Grasshoppers sculptures. You can also drop by its museum, and uncover the story of the rebels, pioneers and explorers who helped shape America. Nestled in North Dakota, this 32-mile stretch is adorned with bizarrely wonderful sculptures made from scrap metal. Then, do yourself a favor, and put this skydeck at the top of your list of things to see in the U.S. Midwest. Many of Cincinnati's top parks, including 186-acre Eden Park, overlook the river, providing countless opportunities for scenic strolls. If you plan a trip in spring, then you can enjoy the hiking trails that are filled with wildflowers. Plus, Wichita appeals to architecture enthusiasts with its Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Allen House and flora and fauna lovers with its Botanica Gardens and Sedgwick County Zoo. No matter what youre interested in, there is something in Indianapolis to entertain you. Duluth, Minnesota. The arch is now the tallest arch in the world, reaching 623 feet at its top point. Beer and history enthusiasts will enjoy a tour of the 19th-century Pabst Mansion or the Lakefront Brewery, while foodies will want to swing by the Milwaukee Public Market to purchase or learn how to cook a memorable meal. All Rights Reserved. Even better, this opulent 28-room home flaunts intricate period pieces, furniture and glassware. Situated in Lake Huron, this 4.35-square-mile resort area and island is a designated National Historic Landmark. The Tonti Canyon Creek waterfalls drop 60 feet into a pool of water. One of the most popular is the Weisman Art Museum. Open year round, the speedways museum features a plethora of exhibits showcasing the races history. Otherwise, the college's campus is definitely worth strolling through. In August, it hosts a Corn Festival, and every year the designs outside of the palace are changed. As a bonus, its dotted with picture-perfect and elaborate fountains. But Chicago is probably the most popular. Check out ourtwo-day trip guide to Kearney and Grand Island. We dare not mess with an iconat least, not too much. Lilac Festival in Mackinac Island, Michigan, Eliel Saarinen's First Christian Church and Henry Moore's Large Arch sculpture, Columbus, Indiana. No list of the best things to do in the Midwest is complete without Mackinac Island. Ann Arbor, Michigan, is best known as the home of the University of Michigan, but the city offers much more than your typical boisterous college town. Check out the Catholic school's stunning Basilica of the Sacred Heart, which features stained-glass windows and ceiling frescoes. Labeled as the only corn palace in the world, this multi-purpose venue draws around 500,000 visitors annually. The city also has a botanical garden, museums, and more. The land was eventually purchased by the state of Missouri and became a State Park. The shrubs took to Mackinac's cold winters, Great Lakes breezes and limestone much like the million annual tourists have taken to the island's century-old flavor, horse-or-bicycle-only transportation and irresistible fudge. There are, of course, other noteworthy activities and attractions in Ontonagon. Situated in eastern Iowa, Cedar Rapids offers a variety of quaint attractions that are bound to keep travelers entertained for a few days. But water parks are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Wisconsin Dells' offerings. Louis, MO 63102(314) 655-1600. What's more, Cincinnati is packed with can't-miss museums, such as the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center and the Cincinnati Art Museum. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Empire Lakeshore Inn, 3000 E Grand AveDes Moines, IA 50317(515) 262-3111. Don't forget to also save time for a walk around The Ohio State University's campus or a Buckeyes football game. Corn Palace Every year since 1892, Mitchell artists have decorated this building's facade with corn and other grains. Wind through the Ozarks scenery that gave rise to the legends of Sam Walton and Bill Clinton, and you'll find an Arkansas weekend as memorable as it is authentic. One of the most unique places to visit in the Midwest is a Michigan island offering enchanting strolls, bike rides, and horse-drawn carriage tours. Completed in 1941, this iconic landmark features 60-foot head carvings of Presidents Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln and Roosevelt. 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