Are you in search of among the highest weekend getaways within the Midwest? Fortunately for you, you don’t need to go far to seek out some fairly superb locations!
The Midwest area of the US is probably not as well-known for its trip spots as another elements of the nation, however that doesn’t imply there aren’t loads of hidden gems ready to be found.
From charming small cities and scenic state parks to bustling cities and lakeside resorts, the Midwest has one thing to supply everybody!
Whether or not you’re seeking a romantic weekend away along with your vital different, a enjoyable household trip, or only a solution to get out of the each day grind, heading out on considered one of these nice weekend getaways may also help depart you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
So hop within the automobile and prepare to move out for among the highest Midwest weekend getaways!
Greatest Midwest Weekend Getaways
Under are one of the best weekend getaways unfold out all through the Midwest. There are such a lot of stunning locations to go to that it could be laborious to decide on!
1. Pictured Rocks Nationwide Lakeshore, Michigan
Pictured Rocks Nationwide Lakeshore is a shocking vacation spot positioned on the shores of Lake Superior in Michigan’s Higher Peninsula. The world is well-known for its towering sandstone cliffs that rise dramatically above the blue waters of the Nice Lake.
The contrasts between the orange sandstone and the blue lake are superb, and one of many largest the explanation why individuals from all around the Midwest journey right here!
You may wander across the space on foot and discover the climbing trails, which lead you to viewpoints overlooking the lake. Or, you may get out onto the water itself and wander into the caves which have fashioned beneath the cliffs. You may both use your individual sea kayak or hire from an area clothing store.
There are additionally a couple of small waterfalls close by which can be value trying out, Munising Falls and Miners Falls. Together with that, there are some sandy seashores that make for the right spots to sit down again and calm down in your getaway.
2. Chicago, Illinois
Chicago is on most individuals’s bucket lists for locations to go to, and you’ll simply attain it and make it an incredible weekend getaway within the Midwest. Nicknamed the Windy Metropolis, Chicago has lots to do for all guests.
You may take a stroll alongside the well-known Navy Pier and catch a glimpse of the gorgeous metropolis skyline, or head to Millennium Park to see the enduring Bean. These are must-dos whereas in Chicago!
One other nice exercise is to move up into the Willis Tower and face your fears as you wander out over a glass field to admire town under your ft. You’ll be over 100 tales up and standing on a glass panel to look under!
And naturally, no journey to Chicago is full with out making an attempt its well-known deep-dish pizza. You could find someplace to seek out this scrumptious meals on practically each nook of town.
Together with all of this, Chicago has the identical nice advantages as many different huge cities have, similar to countless purchasing and nice meals.
Chicago is the most important metropolis within the Midwest, and also you’ll discover no scarcity of issues to maintain you busy right here!
3. Duluth, Minnesota
Because the gateway to probably the greatest locations to discover in Minnesota, a visit to Duluth has lots to supply guests. From superb hikes and waterfalls to scrumptious meals and nice purchasing, there’s one thing for everybody!
Begin your go to to Duluth in Canal Park, the place you’ll discover scrumptious eating places and meals at locations like Grandma’s Saloon and Vitta Pizza. You too can take a look at views of the superb Aerial Raise Bridge right here. Stroll alongside Lake Superior’s shoreline and stroll out to the Breakwater lighthouse. In the event you’re visiting in the course of the summer season, you must seize a malt on the Portland Malt Shoppe! Within the winter, take a look at the Bentleyville Tour of Lights.
After you’ve spent a while in Duluth, make your manner up the North Shore. Comply with the North Shore Scenic Freeway and gaze out your window on the mighty Lake Superior.
Make stops on the North Shore’s 8 state parks, particularly Tettegouche, Cut up Rock, and Gooseberry Falls! Hikers and open air lovers will really feel proper at dwelling right here. Reserving a keep on the lakeside resorts close by makes for one of the simplest ways to discover.
It doesn’t matter what you do, spending a weekend in Duluth is an ideal selection!
4. Mackinac Island, Michigan
Reachable by boat, Mackinac Island is positioned within the far northern a part of Michigan and is a novel place to spend your weekend.
When you arrive, you’ll really feel as in the event you’ve stepped again in time, due to the island’s ban on automobiles – transportation is proscribed to bicycles, horse-drawn carriages, and your individual two ft.
Take a stroll down the quaint streets, wander into the native retailers, and seize a chew to eat at one of many small eateries. Testing out the fudge is a must-do, and you will discover all of it alongside Major Avenue.
In fact, you must discover Mackinac Island State Park, which makes up practically all the island. Arch Rock is discovered throughout the park, and makes you’re feeling such as you’re proper in Arches Nationwide Park in Utah!
You too can take a carriage experience all through the island by one of many tour firms.
5. Minneapolis, Minnesota
As the biggest metropolis in Minnesota, a go to to Minneapolis will give you lots to do in your trip.
Probably the greatest elements of Minneapolis is its park system, which lets you get exterior with out leaving town. From small parks like Theodore Wirth Regional Park to bigger ones like Fort Snelling State Park, you’ll be able to escape the busyness of town for a hike or to simply get open air.
Other than the outside, you may as well wander round Downtown Minneapolis, which boasts among the biggest leisure venues round. Watch a live performance at First Avenue or a Broadway manufacturing on the Orpheum Ordway Theaters. And you’ll want to catch a sports activities sport at US Financial institution Stadium, Goal Subject, or one of many different stadiums. There are additionally a variety of actually attractive boutique resorts in Downtown Minneapolis to go to.
In the event you’re within the arts, Minneapolis has loads of museums to take a look at, together with the Walker Artwork Middle and the out of doors Minneapolis Sculpture Backyard.
6. Custer State Park, South Dakota
Custer State Park, positioned within the gorgeous Black Hills of South Dakota, is a must-visit vacation spot for nature fans.
Spanning over 71,000 acres, the park is dwelling to an array of wildlife, together with bison, pronghorns, elk, and bighorn sheep. Guests can discover the park’s various terrain on foot or by automobile, with climbing trails winding by the hills and scenic drives providing breathtaking views of the encircling panorama.
A drive alongside the Needles Freeway might be some of the distinctive drives you are taking, as you’ll must move by a number of tunnels that nearly appear to be you gained’t match! However that is all a part of the good expertise, and there are many climbing trails to cease at alongside the best way.
When you have time, sit again and calm down close to Sylvan Lake, which can also be surrounded by towering rock formations. This is without doubt one of the most stunning locations in South Dakota, and is so value spending a while at!
Relying on the place you’re coming from, you would additionally make stops at Mount Rushmore or Badlands Nationwide Park alongside the best way!
7. Medora, North Dakota
Medora is a small city nestled within the coronary heart of North Dakota’s Badlands. It’s an enthralling city with lots to do for guests.
It acts because the gateway to Theodore Roosevelt Nationwide Park, the place you’ll discover roaming bison, chirping groundhogs, and countless views of rock formations and towering Badlands. Whilst you’re in Medora, you’ll want to take a scenic drive or a hike by the nationwide park!
Wander by the streets of Medora, that are stuffed with small retailers to buy souvenirs, previous Western-themed eating places, and spots to study in regards to the historical past of the small city.
Within the night, catch a efficiency on the Medora Musical, a full of life out of doors present that celebrates the city’s Western heritage and pays tribute to the legendary Theodore Roosevelt.
8. Hocking Hills State Park, Ohio
Nestled within the rolling hills of southeastern Ohio, Hocking Hills State Park is someplace that you simply wouldn’t look forward to finding within the Midwest!
With towering cliffs and gorges, plunging waterfalls, and climbing trails galore, out of doors lovers will love this weekend journey within the Midwest.
One of the vital standard locations to go to within the park is Ash Cave, which is an enormous cave-like rock overhang that’s the largest rock shelter east of the Mississippi. You may wander into the cave and see the small waterfall that drops over the cliff.
Other than Ash Cave, there are various different issues to see within the park similar to Cedar Falls and the Satan’s Bathtub.
You too can enterprise exterior of the park and go boating or kayaking on the waterways close by, go to Conkle’s Hole State Nature Protect, or go to Lake Logan State Park.
9. Sleeping Bear Dunes Nationwide Lakeshore, Michigan
One other great spot to go to alongside the lakeshore of Lake Michigan is the Sleeping Bear Dunes Nationwide Lakeshore, simply exterior of Traverse Metropolis.
This distinctive vacation spot is shocking to seek out in Michigan however gives an incredible palace for household journey and an incredible weekend getaway.
Wander alongside or calm down on the seemingly countless miles of sandy seashores and dunes that stretch practically 500 ft above Lake Michigan. You’ll be exhausted by the tip of this journey due to how a lot work it takes to climb the dunes!
The distinction of the sand in opposition to the blue waters of the lake is magnificent, and by packing a blanket to put down, you’ll be able to sit again and admire the views and calm down on the shores.
Other than the sand dunes, you may get onto the water with a kayak or boat, see the island lighthouse discovered on the Manitou Islands, and see the picturesque coated bridge.
Total, this stress-free vacation spot is ideal for a household Midwest getaway!
10. Door County, Wisconsin
Positioned on a peninsula, jutting out into Lake Michigan is the small city of Door County. This charming city has lots to supply to guests.
From the picturesque lighthouses and sandy seashores to the quaint retailers and scrumptious native eating places, you’ll nearly really feel such as you’re in a small city on a film!
Benefit from the views of Lake Michigan throughout your go to, because it’s some of the stunning Nice Lakes.
A go to to Peninsula State Park will showcase among the superb views of the cliffs that drop over the lake, and provide the probability to hit the climbing trails and discover. Cave Level County Park is one other great spot to take a look at the superb close by views.
Door County can also be well-known for its cherry orchards, so it’s a should to go to one! Each tart and candy cherries are grown right here, and you’ll decide your individual and convey them dwelling to snack on or again a yummy pie.
Whether or not you spend your days exploring the rugged shoreline, climbing the scenic trails, or lounging on the seashore, you’ll quickly uncover why Door County has change into some of the standard locations to trip in Wisconsin!
11. Branson, Missouri
This small, unexpecting city in southern Missouri is stuffed with all types of appeal and enjoyable for guests of all ages. Often known as the ‘Reside Leisure Capital of the World,’ you’ll discover no scarcity of issues to do right here.
Branson boasts greater than 100 dwell exhibits, starting from nation music and Broadway-style productions to magic exhibits and comedy acts. So it doesn’t matter what you want, you’ll discover one thing. There are over 45 theaters that host these unbelievable exhibits!
Other than the exhibits, take a look at Silver Greenback Metropolis, an Eighties-themed amusement park that has some superb thrill rides, in addition to a waterpark, making it excellent for youths.
Wander across the Branson Boardwalk, which has an aquarium, retailers, locations to seize a chew to eat, and a lot extra.
Whilst you wouldn’t normally anticipate a lot from a small city in Missouri, Branson actually breaks the mould!
12. Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
In the event you’re in search of probably the greatest household Midwest weekend getaways, then heading to Wisconsin Dells goes to be excellent. With over 20 waterparks to take a look at, each indoor and out of doors, this city is a year-round vacation spot for enjoyable.
Kalahari is the biggest indoor waterpark in Wisconsin, and Mt. Olympus Water and Theme Park boasts America’s first rotating waterslide.
Noah’s Ark Waterpark is one other standard out of doors waterpark, as is Wilderness Resort. A lot of the resorts additionally supply different enjoyable actions like arcades, mini golf, and a few even have curler coasters to get an adrenaline rush on.
Thrill seekers and people trying to sit back and calm down will discover one thing for them right here. Whether or not that be flying down the waterslides or chilling poolside with a drink in hand.
And other than simply the waterslides, Wisconsin Dells has superb pure options similar to rivers, gorges, and lakes to see throughout your go to.
13. Cuyahoga Valley Nationwide Park, Ohio
Only a brief distance between Cleveland and Akron is Cuyahoga Valley Nationwide Park, well-known for its waterfalls and gorges to wander by.
Wander by coated bridges, towering moss-covered gorges, and to plunging waterfalls as you discover this distinctive nationwide park.
The most well-liked climbing trails embody Cuyahoga Valley Ledges Path, the Brandywine Gorge Path, and Blue Hen Falls.
When you have some additional time, head into town of Cleveland and see all that there’s to do in considered one of Ohio’s largest cities.
14. Voyageurs Nationwide Park, Minnesota
Minnesota’s solely nationwide park deserves a spot on this checklist of greatest Midwest weekend getaways as a result of it gives guests with an amazingly distinctive expertise.
The park is sort of one-third water, so one of the simplest ways to get round and actually expertise the park is to go on a ship. Whether or not that be kayaking, canoeing, or motorboat, it’s the one wish to get to among the greatest sights!
On land, you’ll be able to hike across the shoreline with out a boat, or you’ll be able to go to extra secluded areas through boat and escape any individuals. Visiting the customer facilities gives you one of the best probability to see one of the best locations to go to.
When you have a ship, get out and swim, fish, or simply benefit from the water and get to know what Minnesota is all about. In spite of everything, with over 10,000 lakes, it’s solely becoming that this nationwide park has largely water! Voyageurs can also be superb for viewing the northern lights.
You too can keep at one of many nice close by resorts to spend the whole weekend up within the Voyageurs Nationwide Park space.
15. Houghton, Michigan
In the event you’re touring all through the Midwest within the wintertime, then a go to to town of Houghton in Michigan’s Higher Peninsula would be the excellent vacation spot.
With a ski resort and among the greatest locations to go snowmobiling, winter sports activities lovers will suppose that that is paradise.
Mont Ripley is the ski resort to go to, with practically 25 runs and a few nice snow-making expertise to get pleasure from this winter. And when it snows within the UP, snowmobilers will wish to get out on the paths, as a result of the ‘lake impact’ snow may be very powdery and nice for carving and having fun with the outside.
And in the course of the summer season, you’ll be only a brief distance from the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, which has stunning climbing.
That is additionally a launching level to achieve Isle Royale, so in the event you’re wanting to go to this distant nationwide park, you may get there from Houghton!
Houghton is an typically missed city in Michigan, however can supply lots to guests throughout all seasons!
Wrap-Up: Weekend Getaways within the Midwest
Whoever stated that the Midwest is only a flyover area clearly hasn’t seen all of those nice actions that may be finished within the space.
From massive cities to wander by to towering rock formations that you would stare upon for hours, these weekend getaways within the Midwest are the right solution to escape from the truth of life and luxuriate in this underrated US area.
It doesn’t matter what you intend to do, every of those locations gives everybody with lots to do, heaps to discover, and lots of recollections to return dwelling with.
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Kassidy is a Minnesota native and likes to discover her dwelling state, the North Shore, climbing, snowboarding, and something open air. She additionally enjoys sharing her adventures on her weblog, Kassidy’s Journey.
