Are you in search of among the best weekend getaways within the Midwest? Luckily for you, you don’t should go far to seek out some fairly superb locations!
The Midwest area of the United States might not be as well-known for its trip spots as another components 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 you’re seeking a romantic weekend away along with your vital different, a enjoyable household trip, or only a technique to get out of the each day grind, heading out on one in all these nice weekend getaways may also help depart you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
So hop within the automotive and prepare to go out for among the best Midwest weekend getaways!
Best Midwest Weekend Getaways
Below are the very best weekend getaways unfold out all through the Midwest. There are so many stunning locations to go to that it might be onerous to decide on!
1. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Michigan
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is a surprising vacation spot situated on the shores of Lake Superior in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The space is well-known for its towering sandstone cliffs that rise dramatically above the blue waters of the Great 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 can wander across the space on foot and discover the mountaineering trails, which lead you to viewpoints overlooking the lake. Or, you will get out onto the water itself and wander into the caves which have shaped beneath the cliffs. You can both use your personal sea kayak or hire from a neighborhood clothes shop.
There are additionally just a few small waterfalls close by which are price testing, Munising Falls and Miners Falls. Along with that, there are some sandy seashores that make for the right spots to take a seat again and loosen up in your getaway.
2. Chicago, Illinois
Chicago is on most individuals’s bucket lists for locations to go to, and you may simply attain it and make it an excellent weekend getaway within the Midwest. Nicknamed the Windy City, Chicago has lots to do for all guests.
You can take a stroll alongside the well-known Navy Pier and catch a glimpse of the beautiful metropolis skyline, or head to Millennium Park to see the enduring Bean. These are must-dos whereas in Chicago!
Another nice exercise is to go up into the Willis Tower and face your fears as you wander out over a glass field to admire the town beneath your ft. You’ll be over 100 tales up and standing on a glass panel to look beneath!
And after all, no journey to Chicago is full with out making an attempt its well-known deep-dish pizza. You can discover someplace to seek out this scrumptious meals on practically each nook of the town.
Along with all of this, Chicago has the identical nice advantages as many different large cities have, comparable to infinite procuring 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
As the gateway to the most effective locations to discover in Minnesota, a visit to Duluth has so much to supply guests. From superb hikes and waterfalls to scrumptious meals and nice procuring, there’s one thing for everybody!
Start 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 can even try views of the superb Aerial Lift Bridge right here. Walk alongside Lake Superior’s shoreline and stroll out to the Breakwater lighthouse. If you’re visiting in the course of the summer time, it’s important to seize a malt on the Portland Malt Shoppe! In the winter, try the Bentleyville Tour of Lights.
After you’ve spent a while in Duluth, make your manner up the North Shore. Follow the North Shore Scenic Highway and gaze out your window on the mighty Lake Superior.
Make stops on the North Shore’s 8 state parks, particularly Tettegouche, Split Rock, and Gooseberry Falls! Hikers and outside lovers will really feel proper at dwelling right here. Booking a keep on the lakeside resorts close by makes for the easiest way to discover.
No matter what you do, spending a weekend in Duluth is an ideal selection!
4. Mackinac Island, Michigan
Reachable by boat, Mackinac Island is situated within the far northern a part of Michigan and is a singular place to spend your weekend.
Once you arrive, you’ll really feel as if you happen to’ve stepped again in time, due to the island’s ban on automobiles – transportation is restricted to bicycles, horse-drawn carriages, and your personal two ft.
Take a stroll down the quaint streets, wander into the native outlets, 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 Main Street.
Of course, it’s best to discover Mackinac Island State Park, which makes up practically the entire island. Arch Rock is discovered throughout the park, and makes you are feeling such as you’re proper in Arches National Park in Utah!
You can even take a carriage journey all through the island by one of many tour corporations.
5. Minneapolis, Minnesota
As the biggest metropolis in Minnesota, a go to to Minneapolis will give you lots to do in your trip.
One of the very best components of Minneapolis is its park system, which lets you get exterior with out leaving the town. From small parks like Theodore Wirth Regional Park to bigger ones like Fort Snelling State Park, you may escape the busyness of the town for a hike or to simply get outside.
Aside from the outside, you too can 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 Bank Stadium, Target Field, or one of many different stadiums. There are additionally quite a lot of actually beautiful boutique resorts in Downtown Minneapolis to go to.
If you’re within the arts, Minneapolis has loads of museums to take a look at, together with the Walker Art Center and the outside Minneapolis Sculpture Garden.
6. Custer State Park, South Dakota
Custer State Park, situated within the beautiful 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. Visitors can discover the park’s various terrain on foot or by automotive, with mountaineering trails winding by the hills and scenic drives providing breathtaking views of the encompassing panorama.
A drive alongside the Needles Highway can be some of the distinctive drives you’re taking, as you’ll must go by a number of tunnels that just about appear to be you received’t match! But that is all a part of the nice expertise, and there are many mountaineering trails to cease at alongside the best way.
If you will have time, sit again and loosen up close to Sylvan Lake, which can be surrounded by towering rock formations. This is among the most stunning locations in South Dakota, and is so price spending a while at!
Depending on the place you’re coming from, you might additionally make stops at Mount Rushmore or Badlands National 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 a captivating city with lots to do for guests.
It acts because the gateway to Theodore Roosevelt National Park, the place you’ll discover roaming bison, chirping groundhogs, and infinite views of rock formations and towering Badlands. While 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 filled with small outlets to buy souvenirs, previous Western-themed eating places, and spots to study concerning the historical past of the small city.
In the night, catch a efficiency on the Medora Musical, a energetic outside 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 mountaineering trails galore, outside lovers will love this weekend journey within the Midwest.
One of the most well-liked 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 can wander into the cave and see the small waterfall that drops over the cliff.
Aside from Ash Cave, there are a lot of different issues to see within the park comparable to Cedar Falls and the Devil’s Bathtub.
You can even enterprise exterior of the park and go boating or kayaking on the waterways close by, go to Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve, or go to Lake Logan State Park.
9. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Michigan
Another excellent place to go to alongside the lakeshore of Lake Michigan is the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, simply exterior of Traverse City.
This distinctive vacation spot is stunning to seek out in Michigan however offers an excellent palace for household journey and an excellent weekend getaway.
Wander alongside or loosen up on the seemingly infinite 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 may sit again and admire the views and loosen up on the shores.
Aside from the sand dunes, you will get onto the water with a kayak or boat, see the island lighthouse discovered on the Manitou Islands, and see the picturesque coated bridge.
Overall, this stress-free vacation spot is ideal for a household Midwest getaway!
10. Door County, Wisconsin
Located 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 outlets and scrumptious native eating places, you’ll nearly really feel such as you’re in a small city on a film!
Enjoy the views of Lake Michigan throughout your go to, because it’s some of the stunning Great 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 mountaineering trails and discover. Cave Point County Park is one other excellent place to take a look at the superb close by views.
Door County can be well-known for its cherry orchards, so it’s a should to go to one! Both tart and candy cherries are grown right here, and you may choose your personal and convey them dwelling to snack on or again a yummy pie.
Whether you spend your days exploring the rugged shoreline, mountaineering 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 filled with all kinds of allure and enjoyable for guests of all ages. Known because the ‘Live Entertainment Capital of the World,’ you’ll discover no scarcity of issues to do right here.
Branson boasts greater than 100 stay reveals, starting from nation music and Broadway-style productions to magic reveals and comedy acts. So it doesn’t matter what you want, you’ll discover one thing. There are over 45 theaters that host these unimaginable reveals!
Aside from the reveals, try Silver Dollar City, an Eighties-themed amusement park that has some superb thrill rides, in addition to a waterpark, making it good for teenagers.
Wander across the Branson Boardwalk, which has an aquarium, outlets, locations to seize a chew to eat, and a lot extra.
While you wouldn’t normally count on a lot from a small city in Missouri, Branson actually breaks the mould!
12. Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
If you’re in search of the most effective household Midwest weekend getaways, then heading to Wisconsin Dells goes to be good. With over 20 waterparks to take a look at, each indoor and outside, 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 outside waterpark, as is Wilderness Resort. Most of the resorts additionally provide 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 loosen up will discover one thing for them right here. Whether that be flying down the waterslides or chilling poolside with a drink in hand.
And except for simply the waterslides, Wisconsin Dells has superb pure options comparable to rivers, gorges, and lakes to see throughout your go to.
13. Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio
Just a brief distance between Cleveland and Akron is Cuyahoga Valley National 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 hottest mountaineering trails embody Cuyahoga Valley Ledges Trail, the Brandywine Gorge Trail, and Blue Hen Falls.
If you will have some additional time, head into the town of Cleveland and see all that there’s to do in one in all Ohio’s largest cities.
14. Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota
Minnesota’s solely nationwide park deserves a spot on this checklist of finest Midwest weekend getaways as a result of it offers guests with an amazingly distinctive expertise.
The park is almost one-third water, so the easiest way to get round and actually expertise the park is to go on a ship. Whether that be kayaking, canoeing, or motorboat, it’s the one wish to get to among the finest points of interest!
On land, you may hike across the shoreline with no boat, or you may go to extra secluded areas by way of boat and escape any individuals. Visiting the customer facilities offers you the very best probability to see the very best locations to go to.
If you will have a ship, get out and swim, fish, or simply benefit from the water and get to know what Minnesota is all about. After all, with over 10,000 lakes, it’s solely becoming that this nationwide park has largely water! Voyageurs can be superb for viewing the northern lights.
You can even keep at one of many nice close by resorts to spend your complete weekend up within the Voyageurs National Park space.
15. Houghton, Michigan
If you’re touring all through the Midwest within the wintertime, then a go to to the town of Houghton in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula would be the good vacation spot.
With a ski resort and among the finest 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 take pleasure in this winter. And when it snows within the UP, snowmobilers will wish to get out on the paths, as a result of the ‘lake effect’ snow may be very powdery and nice for carving and having fun with the outside.
And in the course of the summer time, you’ll be only a brief distance from the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, which has stunning mountaineering.
This can be a launching level to achieve Isle Royale, so if you happen to’re wanting to go to this distant nationwide park, you will get there from Houghton!
Houghton is an typically ignored city in Michigan, however can provide so much to guests throughout all seasons!
Wrap-Up: Weekend Getaways within the Midwest
Whoever mentioned that the Midwest is only a flyover area clearly hasn’t seen all of those nice actions that may be accomplished within the space.
From massive cities to wander by to towering rock formations that you might stare upon for hours, these weekend getaways within the Midwest are the right technique to escape from the truth of life and luxuriate in this underrated US area.
No matter what you propose to do, every of those locations offers everybody with lots to do, heaps to discover, and plenty of reminiscences to return dwelling with.
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Kassidy is a Minnesota native and likes to discover her dwelling state, the North Shore, mountaineering, snowboarding, and something outside. She additionally enjoys sharing her adventures on her weblog, Kassidy’s Journey.