A Fresh Perspective on Travel Every Day
Flyover Country, no more! The Midwestern United States offers an exceptional vacation experience through its accessibility, friendly hospitality, surprising attractions, natural beauty, and affordability. Here are some fantastic travel ideas in America’s Heartland that you might want to consider for your next getaway.
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.
You won’t find Minneapolis highlighted in as many travel guides compared to the uber-famous US cities, but that’s a sore mistake – this city is seriously underrated. With arts, music, global culture, and an award-winning restaurant scene, Minneapolis has a magnitude of top-notch activities and attractions that’ll rival anyone’s favorite coastal cities.
Indiana Dunes National ParkLocated at the southern tip of Lake Michigan, Indiana Dunes National Park offers 15 miles of stunning white-sand dunes and over 50 miles of trails for outdoor enthusiasts. Activities such as swimming, biking, fishing, skiing, and hiking are available throughout the year. Camp overnight from April to October for an unforgettable experience, but remember that beach spots fill up rapidly during summer months.Travel time: 1hr 10min by car.
With its expansive deserts, enchanting rock formations, colossal mountain ranges, and miles of coastline, the western US is tailor-made for unforgettable road-tripping. We’ve curated the perfect playlist to complement these legendary journeys through the dramatically beautiful American West.
The Midwest is a region that is often misunderstood by coastal travelers. Yes, you’ll find plenty of open fields and farmland, as well as urban centers like Chicago and Milwaukee. However, many of the heartland’s most popular resorts are tucked away near large rivers or lakes. For instance, at Big Cedar Lodge, a resort set on 4,600 acres in the Ozark Mountains of Missouri, guests can enjoy activities like kayaking and sunset cruises on Table Rock Lake. Families love this Missouri property for outdoor adventures like archery and horseback riding, while couples may spend their time indoors, unwinding at the 18,000-square-foot spa. These amenities have propelled the resort to be No. 1 in its region for the second consecutive year. One reader mentioned, “Big Cedar is great for romantic trips, family trips, girls trips, and just to getaway — even as a solo traveler!” Each year, GoTravelDaily conducts a survey asking readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe, sharing their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, and more. Hotels are rated based on facilities, location, service, food, and overall value, classified as City or Resort depending on their offerings.5. Sundara Inn & Spa, Wisconsin Dells, WisconsinCourtesy of Sundara Inn & SpaScore: 90.824. American Club at Destination Kohler, Kohler, WisconsinCourtesy of Destination KohlerScore: 92.933. Osthoff Resort, Elkhart Lake, WisconsinCourtesy of Osthoff ResortScore: 92.952. Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island, MichiganCourtesy of Grand HotelScore: 93.481. Big Cedar Lodge, Ridgedale, MissouriCourtesy of Big Cedar LodgeScore: 94.49“The most scenic and relaxing location in the country.” This is how one reader describes this Missouri resort in the Ozarks, where guests enjoy cozy cabins and bonfires. While this may sound like hyperbole, many visitors genuinely believe that Big Cedar Lodge is worth making an annual trip. “My family has gone here for years, and it holds a special place in our hearts,” shared a revisiting guest. “Some of our best memories are from family gatherings and anniversaries celebrated there,” another additive stated. From the friendly staff to the plethora of outdoor activities (fishing, canoeing, hiking), Big Cedar Lodge embodies the classic American getaway experience that everyone seeks.
Michigan may be most famous for the mitten-like shape of its Lower Peninsula, but Wisconsin’s “thumb” deserves equal attention from travelers. Door County occupies a craggy peninsula that juts into Lake Michigan, boasting 300 miles of coastline, countless charming villages, an abundance of outdoor activities, and a flourishing food and beverage scene. Despite all these attractions, this idyllic slice has remained largely under the radar for visitors from outside the region.
Amtrak’s Southwest Chief train route travels between Chicago and Los Angeles, stopping in eight states along the way. There’s nothing like a train trip through the American West to take you back in time. As you travel through the vast expanse, it’s all too easy to imagine a lone cowboy riding in the distance or a group of Natives rounding up a herd of buffalo. This nostalgic feeling is alive and well on theAmtrak Southwest Chief route, which travels between Chicago and Los Angeles on a less-visited course.
As inspiring as the colorful fall foliage of the Midwest is, equally inspiring are the crackling fires, farm-to-fork dinners, and spa treatments you’ll find throughout the region. Luxurious resorts from Iowa and Ohio to Minnesota and Michigan provide picturesque autumnal scenery while pampering guests with a range of amenities. Whether you’re a nature lover, a spa-goer, or a parent seeking kid-centric seasonal activities, one of these Midwestern resorts is sure to fit the bill.
Discover the finest resort hotels in the Midwest, as chosen by readers in the 2022 World’s Best Awards survey. These resorts exemplify luxury and natural beauty, offering unique experiences for travelers.
Seven years ago, I embarked on my first international journey, a two-week study abroad trip to Dublin, Ireland. At 21 years old, this sparked a passion for travel that ultimately led to my current goal of exploring the world as adigital nomadfor a year.
Augusta, Missouri, has a surprising wine scene that you should be aware of, particularly if you are an oenophile looking for a unique wine destination.
Move over, Chicago — the Midwest is also home to some stellar small towns.
Discover the hidden gems of the Midwest, which offers diverse getaway options for every traveler. From wildlife migrations to iconic city destinations, experience quintessential Midwest trips that everyone should enjoy at least once.
The Midwest has a diverse selection of camping areas surrounding the Great Lakes and various parks featuring rivers, plains, hills, valleys, and waterfalls. You’ll find options that cater to both modern amenities and rustic camping styles. This article explores some of the best camping spots in the Midwest, perfect for solo adventures or memorable family outings.
