Explore the Midwest with GoTravelDaily
Think the Midwest is just a cornfield you fly over between coasts? Don’t be fooled by that nonsense. The region holds impressive cities like Chicago, Detroit, and Minneapolis, full of creativity, diversity, and mouthwatering food. It also cradles the Great Lakes, which are like huge inland seas, offering beaches, dunes, and scenic views dotted with lighthouses. Then there are the quirky roadside attractions—like the National Mustard Museum or the world’s largest ball of twine—that pop up throughout the area, plus a rich beer-making legacy still in full flow, all at reasonable travel costs.
When Should I Go to the Midwest?
Summer is peak season in the Midwest. Late May through August is when the weather warms, beaches are full, and festivals abound. It’s the time to see the region in all its glory. September and October bring stunning fall colors, bountiful orchard harvests, and shoulder-season bargains, while temperatures remain pleasant—another excellent time to visit.
Winter tends to be cold and snowy, with some businesses reducing their hours or closing for the season. However, many places in northern Minnesota, Michigan, and Wisconsin stay busy with skiers and snowmobilers. Lodgings and attractions in cities typically offer their lowest prices during winter.
April and May can also be good-value months to visit, though the weather is unpredictable. Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio experience moderate temperatures but often rainy conditions, while the northern states may still be quite chilly.
Is It Easy to Get In and Around the Midwest?
Chicago’s busy O’Hare International Airport (ORD) serves as the main gateway to the region, functioning as a hub for both United and American airlines. Other major airports include Detroit Metro Airport (DTW) for Delta and Spirit airlines and Minneapolis-St Paul International Airport (MSP) for Delta and Sun Country airlines.
Amtrak’s national rail network centers on Chicago, with trains traveling daily to Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Detroit, Ann Arbor, and Cleveland, and three times weekly to Indianapolis.
Once in the region, having a car is essential for getting around. Public transportation is limited outside of major cities, and even within cities—except for Chicago, which offers a good bus and train system—you’ll likely need your own vehicle for convenient travel. Be prepared for toll roads in parts of Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Minnesota; consider using apps like Google Maps to navigate around toll roads or pack plenty of dollar bills and quarters for toll booths.
How Long Should I Spend in the Midwest?
The Midwest is vast, defined by the Census Bureau as including 12 states: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. To drive from Minneapolis in the west to Cleveland in the east is an 11-hour, 760-mile journey. Thus, it’s crucial to take distances into account when planning your trip.
You can swoop in for just two days and explore one of the vibrant Midwestern cities. With four days, you could easily add some outdoor adventures. For instance, Chicago is close to Indiana Dunes National Park and Indiana’s Amish Country. Minneapolis is near the Boundary Waters, while Detroit and Ann Arbor are within range of Sleeping Bear Dunes. Cleveland also offers proximity to Ohio’s Amish Country.
A week lets you dive deep and gain a real sense of the region. You can combine a couple of cities with their surrounding sights or venture further out to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula or northern Minnesota’s Voyageurs National Park.
Top Things to Do in the Midwest
The cities of the Midwest are its crown jewels. Chicago boasts impressive architecture, world-class museums, and a plethora of food options for every palate. Meanwhile, Detroit showcases vibrant street art, vintage cars, jazz clubs, and art deco design. Minneapolis excels with its lively music scene, edgy theater, and numerous lakes for outdoor activities. Other cities like Milwaukee, Cleveland, Columbus, Indianapolis, and Ann Arbor add to the region’s rich cultural and culinary tapestry.
Nearby, time-warped little towns in northern Indiana and northeastern Ohio are home to some large Amish enclaves, where life is simple and traditional, without cars or cell phones. These quaint spots encourage you to slow down and enjoy a slice of pie or perhaps buy a cow at auction.
Don’t miss a drive along Route 66 to appreciate the Midwest’s charm. This famous road starts in Chicago and heads southwest through Illinois, passing pie-filled diners and unique roadside attractions like the Gemini Giant, a hulking spaceman in Wilmington, before rolling onward all the way to California.
Moreover, the Midwest offers a hidden treasure trove of outdoor adventures. Explore Minnesota’s Boundary Waters, paddle through the piney woods, wave to moose and bears, or witness the northern lights. Sleeping Bear Dunes in Michigan is a breathtaking area where you can hike towering sand hills, then cool off in the Caribbean-blue waters. The Upper Peninsula of Michigan reveals wild landscapes suitable for kayaking, rock climbing, and mountain biking during summer, as well as skiing in winter.
Alternatively, embark on a beer pilgrimage across the Midwest, renowned for its brewing heritage, thanks largely to German settlers from the 1800s. Today, destination breweries like 3 Floyds Brewing in Indiana, Bell’s Brewery in Michigan, and New Glarus Brewing Co in Wisconsin continue this proud tradition.
How Much Money Do I Need for the Midwest?
The Midwest is surprisingly affordable. Food and lodging in major cities like Chicago and Minneapolis cost less than in larger cities in the south and along the coasts, all without compromising quality. Many chefs, artists, and designers have migrated here specifically due to the region’s lower living costs.
Local Foods You Should Try
Walleye, perch, and other freshwater fish are readily available throughout the region. Specialties include cheese curds in Wisconsin, hotdishes (casseroles) in Minnesota, pasties (mini meat pies) in Michigan, pork tenderloin sandwiches in Indiana, and three-ways (bowls of chili, spaghetti, and cheese) in Ohio. Furthermore, don’t forget to treat yourself to pie for dessert wherever you go.
Understanding Local Lingo
In the Midwest, ‘pop’ refers to soda, such as Coke or Sprite, while ‘up north’ indicates the woodsy areas of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan.
Safety Tips for Your Visit
Be aware that mosquitoes can be prevalent throughout the Midwest during summer. It’s wise to bring insect repellent, especially for visits to northern Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan, where black flies may also cause discomfort.
When enjoying the beaches of the Great Lakes, be cautious of breaking waves and dangerous currents. If no lifeguard is on duty, check the local weather forecast before going into the water.
Weather and Packing Suggestions
In northern towns like Duluth, Minnesota, and Marquette, Michigan, average January high temperatures hover around 20°F. Further south, in places like Columbus, Ohio, temperatures may reach around 36°F. So, pack a warm coat and boots if visiting during winter. It’s advisable to bring a sweater any time of year, as evenings can be quite cool, even in summer.
