You may also partake in any of the museums screenings, special performances, lectures, workshops and classes. Make sure to drop the Great Wolf lodge Water Park, SEA Life or the lively Nickelodeon Universe. On the way, you'll pass the Columbus Museum of Art and the Ohio Statehouse. Kansas City straddles the border of Missouri and Kansas, putting the surprisingly trendy city within driving distance of a number of Midwestern destinations. Completed in 1941, this iconic landmark features 60-foot head carvings of Presidents Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln and Roosevelt. Camping at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore means you get to wake up to some of the best views in the Midwest. One of the most beautiful places in the United States is the endless fields of prairie land in Kansas. Duluth, like many of the Great Lakes towns on this Midwest family vacations list, offers lots of outdoor activities for families. With 700,000 visitors per year, this Minneapolis treasure trove is certainly one of the countrys most-visited modern art museums. Additionally, the park is home to 14 refreshing waters and 13 miles of trails for biking or hiking. Check out the Catholic school's stunning Basilica of the Sacred Heart, which features stained-glass windows and ceiling frescoes. The Tulip Time parade, a twice-daily spectacle, melds Dutch tradition with Main Street Americana. Corn Palace Every year since 1892, Mitchell artists have decorated this building's facade with corn and other grains. No matter what youre interested in, there is bound to be a perfect place to visit for your next Midwest vacation. Many of them you can easily walk into and explore. Whether youre looking for outdoor adventures, stunning museums, or vibrant cities, there is a Midwestern vacation just for you. Rising from Lake Superiors waters, this remote oasis is perfect for anyone who wants to escape their monotonous daily grind. Copyright 2023 Meredith Corporation. Madison 4. Opened in 1992, this 96.4-acre shopping complex is home to over 500 stores and entertainment centers. Learn more about coverage options for frequent travelers and those with multiple upcoming trips. If youre dreaming of a memorable family vacation with endless splashy fun, then youll love the Dells. For the adventurous, youre going to have a blast hiking the Black Elk Peak Trail. Today, visitors can walk through the ruins and they have become one of the most popular places to visit in the Midwest when youre in Missouri. Billed as the worlds water park capital, the city features a handful of exciting splashy attractions and spots. The arch is now the tallest arch in the world, reaching 623 feet at its top point. I absolutely love it! U.S. News rates the cheapest travel insurance options, considering expert and consumer recommendations. But Chicago is probably the most popular. Plus, it offers scores of exciting and cheap nature-based activities. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from Qualifying Purchases. If you want to see untouched prairies, head to the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve. For instance, youll be able to tour an authentic Sigdal home or the Gol Stave Church. Enjoy a leisurely carriage ride on this no-vehicles-allowed island. The Gateway Arch towers 630 feet over St. Louis and marks the city's status as the "Gateway to the West." But the state also has some beautiful prairies and other natural wonders. Depending on whom you ask, the United States' Midwest includes Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, . Why Wisconsin Supper Clubs Just Keep Getting Better With Age. In the Black Hills National Forest, you can hike, bike, ride horses and go rock climbing, among other activities. Pioneer Park is 668 acres of tall prairie grass, streams, trails, wetlands, and woodlands. The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium is a great day out for anyone who wants to get closer to nature during their time in the Midwest. The changing leaves draw thousands of visitors every year to admire them on peaceful hikes. You'll also want to venture a couple blocks southeast to the Lincoln Children's Zoo, which houses more than 400 animals. Been to Omaha but not Lincoln, loved it! Likewise, head to the Pinnacles Overlook, and savor arguably the most magical sunset in the Midwest. If youve seen or visited any of these Midwest vacation spots, Id love to hear about it in the comments! And there are actually two waterfalls right next to each other! Recommended Hotel Nearby: Stay USA Hotel and Suites. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Days Inn by Wyndham Mitchell SD, 0170, 403 MO-134Kaiser, MO 65047(5730 348-2694. In fact, the park has the largest concentration of caves in Iowa. The Mall of America. Located between Michigan's Upper and Lower peninsulas, Mackinac Island beckons to visitors who want to relax and unwind. Tulip Time festival celebrates the citys Dutch heritage with beautiful blooms. St. Louis' diverse selection of affordable things to do makes it an excellent weekend destination for Midwesterners on a budget. Starting about mid-May, when more than 50,000 daffodils unfurl along State-13 leading into town, springtime visits reveal sights, sounds and scents that Midwesterners welcome after a long winter. Other local must-sees include the Speedway Motors Museum of American Speed and the Nebraska State Capitol. Visit the second largest city in Michigan, Grand Rapids, for a spectacular and memorable vacation. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content. Detroit's impressive selection of museums, which includes the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Motown Museum and The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, also shouldn't be missed. Follow the Ohio and Erie Canal into the past-and through an unexpected national park outside Cleveland. Visit the palace during its peak season, which is from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Head to central Ohio to visit the state capital, where you'll find The Ohio State University and an assortment of attractions ideal for a weekend getaway. And the charcoal filter ensures fresh clean water whenever you fill the Bobble. Open year round, the speedways museum features a plethora of exhibits showcasing the races history. If you love waterparks, there are 13 Wisconsin Dells waterparks for your to explore! Kansas City's Country Club Plaza which offers an assortment of eateries and stores, and sits within walking distance of a number of hotels is also worth checking out. Get lost in your thoughts at the San Fernando De Bexar Cathedral. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Cedar Point Hotel Breakers, W Superior StChicago, IL 60642(312) 888-7099, Housed inside a restored 1902 factory in River West, this multi-sensory experience makes a romantic night out in Chicago. 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. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Metropolitan at The 9, Autograph Collection, 2678 E 875th RdOglesby, IL 61348(815) 667-4726. 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. By impounding the Osage River, the state of Missouri created the Lake of the Ozarks, an expansive reservoir with more than 1,100 miles of shoreline. From beautiful state and national parks, vibrant cities, and unique museums, there is a place to visit in the Midwest for everyone. As a bonus, its dotted with picture-perfect and elaborate fountains. Take advantage of the beautiful fall foliage in Minnesota when you plan your family vacation in the Midwest. Check out ourtwo-day trip guide to Kearney and Grand Island. Fewer visitors, longer days, the same old beauty. And there's so much to do. Mount Rushmore 1300 SD-244 Keystone, SD 57751 (605) 574-2523 See Ticket Price for Tour that Includes This Activity With its innovative animal conservation techniques, its easy to see why Henry Doorly is often named as the worlds best zoo. Pick a short stretch to explore on a weekend, or take a longer road trip to enjoy all the unique finds along the way-including the Launching Pad's 27-foot-tall Gemini Giant in Wilmington, Illinois. What's more, Cincinnati is packed with can't-miss museums, such as the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center and the Cincinnati Art Museum. This sleeper hit of a weeknight dinner comes from Food Network star Molly Yeh's cookbook Home is Where the Eggs Areand is basically a vehicle for Parmesan and garlic toast. While most Midwest lilac blooms are gone by late May, thousands of them are bursting with color in June on this nostalgic Michigan island. Stroll through the sculpture garden, and be enticed by its beautiful trees and art pieces. There are campsites for traditional camping and RVs, so theres space for every type of camper. You might see buffalo, too. From wineries, lavender fields, covered bridges, and more, there are tons of romantic things to do and see there. 1300 SD-244Keystone, SD 57751(605) 574-2523, See Ticket Price for Tour that Includes This Activity. Then thisset of collapsible silicone foldable water bottleswould work well for you as well. Ford Drive-In is the largest drive-in theater in America with 9 screens and spacious parking for over 2,000 cars. You may also experience the Ledge, and see downtown Chicago beneath your own feet through its crystal clear glass. Then press 'Enter' or Click 'Search', you'll see search results as red mini-pins or red dots where mini-pins show the top search results for you. It has lots of organization to give you peace of mind. It is one of the most interesting places to visit in the Midwest. Alternatively, you may bike along the beautiful Bear Heritage Trail. This southern Wisconsin town features multiple golf courses and casinos, plus it sits about 20 miles northwest of Cascade Mountain and its impressive ski slopes. Theres no memorial in the Midwest quite like Americas Shrine of Democracy. You may be surprised to learn that North Dakota has a Scandinavian Heritage Park. Take a spin at the 90-year-old Washington Park Velodrome, the nation's oldest cycling track of its kind. Detroit offers something for everyone from foodies to sports fans. 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. Best Places to Visit in April in the USA 1. (The alternate version, with ham and cream, is excellent too. Bike along the shoreline, visit one of the area orchards, tour gardens and take a walking tour to explore this lakeside town. Youll find pieces by some of the most famous 20th century American artists, like Georgia OKeefe and Marsden Hartley. Chicago houses numerous parks, including ones with lakefront beaches or iconic sculptures like "The Bean." With windswept prairies and emerald forests, this state park also offers a relaxing nature escape. Door County is one of the most romantic places to visit in the Midwest. Hike the 3.5-mile Dune Climb trail, which leads you to the scenic lakeshore. Its one of the unique things to do in North Dakota that is also an educational experience. See and be seen at these stunning natural wonders. On a clear day, youll see stunning views of Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan and Indiana, from this building. The museum is home to a cornucopia of special collections and artifacts from the genres all-time top musicians. Stop by Bay Beach Amusement Park to enjoy old-school rides on a budget, or head to the National Railroad Museum to take a ride on a vintage train. Hot off the minds of Midwest travel writers: a fresh look at where to eat, drink, play and stay around the region. Inside, youll find exhibits on all the inductees to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame over the years. The city's Exploration Place (a museum for kids) does an excellent job of educating little ones about a variety of Kansas-focused topics, including local weather, landmarks and airplanes. Then, head off campus to other popular South Bend attractions like the Potawatomi Zoo and the Studebaker National Museum. If you have a pouch already that does not come with the RFID protection, as I do, theseRFIDsleeves arethe perfect solution. Lake Geneva 5. From live shows and pre-races to the main event, Indy 500 is action-packed, filled with colorful activities. Youll find the city all lit up, with ice skating rinks, massive Christmas decorations and illuminated trees. For outdoorsy adventurers, you may go camping and hiking in Mirror Lake State Park. The town is filled with more than 70 buildings created by famed architects, giving Columbus (a city of 45,000) a skyline that mixes 20th-century masterpieces with 19th-century structures. Family Destinations Guide is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. 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. It is one of the best things to do in Indianapolis, regardless of which season you visit. You cant go wrong spending time at one of the most beautiful places in the United States. A word of advice, drop by Aire Ancient Baths Chicago. The Weisman Art Museum is located in Minneapolis Minnesota. Rent a boat to explore and access waterfront spots like Lake of the Ozarks State Park, Bridal Cave and various restaurants and resorts. In addition to informational displays, there are also historically accurate buildings. Milwaukee's hearty comfort food and eclectic collection of museums and historical sites are sure to appeal to all kinds of weekend visitors. Travelers will also want to allot at least a few hours for visiting the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park's 158-acre main campus in addition to exploring Grand Rapids' Fish Ladder Park and Millennium Park. Don't miss the National Eagle Center or the whimsical carousel at Lark Toys, two of our top stops in the area. Like the brandy in an Old-Fashioned, these timeless institutions only get better with age. Emerge from your winter cave, then go explore a new oneplus leafy glades and a college townon a rejuvenating trip to Ohio's Hocking Hills. If youre searching for free things to do in the Midwest, look no further than Enchanted Highway. Check out ourtwo-day trip guide to Kearney and Grand Island. Garden delight Catch the jewels of springthe rich colors of bulbs and blooming trees and shrubsat Midwest public gardens. It has Bluetooth connectivity and is a breeze to use for taking selfies when traveling to the coolest places in the Midwest. Oh, and I love ast Louis, [] one of the most charming places in the Midwest, is home to both big cities and natural [], [] Whether you wander around a winery, spend time in the great outdoors, or just do some shopping you wont be disappointed. It's the last month of "prime" tourist season; however, April is when Sri Lanka's monsoon season starts, but it's still a great time to visit, especially towards the beginning of the month. Branson's 76 Country Boulevard is still lined with the. Take a plunge in the parks refreshing natural springs. Once youre finished with your retail therapy here, check out the malls highly entertaining attractions. Additionally, basketball fans. While there, youll learn about early Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, Finish, and Icelandic immigrants to the area. There are many unique hidden gems in the Midwest that make for awesome Midwestern vacations. 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. If youre looking for Midwest vacation spots, check out Indianapolis. A weekend here could include visiting the Canal Exploration Center, biking along the Towpath Trail, hiking in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, floating on a mule-drawn boat and riding the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. There are many things to do in Overland Park to help you enjoy your Midwest visit to Kansas. Here I am sharing the Midwest with you to entice you to take advantage of all it has to offer! Badlands National Park is a cant-miss stuff to do in Americas Heartland. No complaints! Follow these steps (and allow plenty of time) to get your child a passport. 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. Drive the Badlands Loop road, and stop by its picturesque viewpoints. So make sure you check their calendar of events before you plan your trip. For those who visit during the college football season, snagging tickets to a game in "The Big House," which is the second-largest stadium in the world, is a must. See more picks for top Midwest public gardens and arboretums. Unplug from the modern everyday on a nostalgic, kitschy, friendlier-than-a-front-porch run down the the Mother Road. After, grab a bite to eat at Eastern Market, a massive market that spans six blocks, or catch a game at Comerica Park (where MLB's Detroit Tigers play) or Ford Field (home of the NFL's Detroit Lions). Lilacs arrived here with New England settlers then later with wealthy homeowners who planted the pink, blue, white and lavender bloomers to appeal to tourists. Welcome to Midwest Explored. See and be seen at these stunning natural wonders. ThisAnker high-speed phone charging batteryisthe exact oneI carry with me on all of my trips. Indianapolis is often referred to as just Indy and is the capital of Indiana. Mackinac Island is extremely charming. You will want abackpack or daypackwith you to store snacks, your water bottle, phone, extra clothes, etc.. when hiking Thisfoldable water-resistant backpackwould be great. Chef Jorge Guzmn's Step-by-Step Guide to Making Tamales. Oahu, Hawaii for Humpback Whales April is absolutely ideal for visiting Oahu, known as "the gathering place." First of all, the weather is perfectwith average highs of 79 degrees Farehneit and lows of 66. This Iowa destination, which sits on the border of Wisconsin and Illinois, appeals to anyone interested in learning more about life along the Mississippi River. If youre looking for a unique family vacation in the Midwest, then I suggest going camping! Its a really unique Midwest vacation spot that youll talk about for years. Its easily one of the most popular of South Dakotas National Parks. Not all of Branson's notable attractions sit along 76, though. You can spend several days exploring Chicago and find plenty to do and see. From big-city adventures to small-town escapes, these locales highlight some of Middle America's top destinations. Celebrated annually since 1854, this internationally renowned state fair in Des Moines draws more than a million visitors. Each spring in central Nebraska brings a new chance to see one of the world's greatest wildlife spectacles. You can only reach the island via ferry or plane. Open year-round, this old-school drive-in theater lets you enjoy a movie from the comforts of your own vehicle. The trail system spans 60 miles, connecting nine communities, with Lanesboro at its heart.