It is made of lightweight aluminum and so easy to use. Within the park, there are 13 caves that you can explore. Its a really unique Midwest vacation spot that youll talk about for years. The most recent category 4 or 5 March or April snowstorm occurred just last year. Visiting here is one of the coolest things to do in South Dakota! For an island escape in the Midwest, youll want to plan a Midwest vacation to Mackinac Island. 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. For music fans, catch the talent search as well as fantastic live concerts. Want to see the surreal Aurora Borealis, but dont want to travel far? Because many of the water parks offer indoor pools and slides, they remain open even as temperatures begin to drop. Visitors tend to check out the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, and other Midwest attractions specific to Indiana. But families will find plenty to see and do here, too. Stroll along Ward Park, and spot some of the citys most fabulous waterworks and fountains. If you plan your weekend getaway far enough in advance, you may be able to snag tickets to a football game at Notre Dame Stadium. When visitors need a break from learning about local legends and important moments in history, they can head to Lake Shawnee to hike, fish or play a round of golf. Where to Eat: Fiddlesticks Food & Spirits Company, Becky Thatcher's Diner, Mark Twain Brewery, and Becky's Old Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor and Emporium. Depending on whom you ask, the United States' Midwest includes Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, . this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. Opened in 1992, this 96.4-acre shopping complex is home to over 500 stores and entertainment centers. Visit the dozen-plus parks and preserves, fledgling Amish community and surprisingly upscale bed-and-breakfasts. Some people just rent golf carts and tour the golf course situated in the Badlands. Two own businesses with their spouses. 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. Best time of year to visit Midwest. Discover these empowering women's history destinations selected by the U.S. News travel editors. Today, its the worlds 23rd tallest building, and draws tons of visitors with stellar views. To make your trip even more memorable, drop by the Desert Dome and the Lied Jungle, which is one of the largest indoor rainforests in the world. The fall colors are particularly striking in this Minnesota park. ThisAnker high-speed phone charging batteryisthe exact oneI carry with me on all of my trips. 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. Lambeau Field and the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame are essential attractions to visit here. Famed for its dramatic canyons, this 2,630-acre park in Illinois guarantees to quench your thirst for adventure. In downtown Wichita, there is a 44-foot tall statue called the Keeper of the Plains. For additional waterfront parks to explore, venture east to Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. The National Preserve consists of over 11,000 acres of beautiful grasses. Within Ha Ha Tonka State Park youll find some beautiful castle ruins. Adults also appreciate Traverse City's selection of wineries and microbreweries, while families enjoy visiting museums like The Music House Museum, which showcases rare organs and pianos. It is also home to Great Lakes Aquarium, the only freshwater aquarium in the US. Topeka, the state capital of Kansas, is best known for its role in the civil rights movement. The city houses the world's largest children's museum, plus a zoo and Lucas Oil Stadium, where the Indianapolis Colts play. Open year round, the speedways museum features a plethora of exhibits showcasing the races history. If you plan to explore the entire north-central US, June through September is the best time to visit the Midwest.Hot and humid summers offer excellent road conditions to drive across the region with bonus open-air festivals and events such as Twins Days in Ohio and state fairs in Indiana, Iowa, Ohio, or North Dakota. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is easily one of the best places to go camping in Michigan. Make your way to the western edge of South Dakota to visit its beautiful Black Hills. You can also go cherry-picking, tour the shipwreck museum, or explore a lighthouse. Many of them you can easily walk into and explore. 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. The Maquoketa Caves State Park is full of amazing caves in Iowa. Standing at 630 feet, this stainless steel monument in St. Louis is the tallest arch on earth. Apr 2018 - Present4 years 11 months. But Chicago is probably the most popular. Unplug from the modern everyday on a nostalgic, kitschy, friendlier-than-a-front-porch run down the the Mother Road. What's not to like? Explore the top-rated styles for every type of trip to the beach. It's free December to March. Winter Storm Xanto impacted the upper Midwest and Great Lakes April 12-17, 2018, and was rated a category 4 . North Dakota actually had a lot of Scandinavian immigrants in the 1800s. Chicago has had 17.9 inches of snow this winter, as of Feb. 28. When you need a break from the water, hit the links at one of several golf courses or enjoy a day of wine tasting on the Lake of the Ozarks Wine Trail. Billed as the worlds water park capital, the city features a handful of exciting splashy attractions and spots. One of those is the Mitchell Corn Palace. In August, it hosts a Corn Festival, and every year the designs outside of the palace are changed. If youre looking for a romantic Midwestern vacation, you cant go wrong with a trip to Door County. While on the island, you will find no cars. Welcome to Midwest Explored. One of those is the Mitchell Corn Palace. If you don't want to camp during your visit, plan on staying in Rapid City, the closest major city to the Black Hills. Corn Palace Every year since 1892, Mitchell artists have decorated this building's facade with corn and other grains. Situated in the Lower Peninsula of Michigan, this extraordinary park is famous for its massive sand dunes and beaches. Spanning 242,756 acres, this national park in South Dakota is Americas largest grassland expanse. For the adventurous, youre going to have a blast hiking the Black Elk Peak Trail. Plan on spending most of your time at this central Missouri lake destination on or around the water. This national park makes up a large portion of South Dakota. Duluth, Minnesota. If you will be traveling, either by plane or by car to the midwest, here are some tips on how to pack lightly. Inside, youll find exhibits on all the inductees to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame over the years. Natural wonders, kitschy roadside attractions, historic monuments, abundant wildlife, and impressive parks make the Black Hills of South Dakota a top family road trip destination in the Midwest. Lilac Festival in Mackinac Island, Michigan, Eliel Saarinen's First Christian Church and Henry Moore's Large Arch sculpture, Columbus, Indiana. If there is one city you visit in the Midwest it should be Chicago. Within the striking building, youll find an impressive collection of art. 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. Devil's Lake in Baraboo 3. The common thread? 28, 2023, Holly Johnson and Ann HensonFeb. Unfortunately, 20 years later, a fire destroyed the castle and left it in ruins. And, dont forget to visit the Sculptors Studio and walk along the scenic 0.6-mile Presidential Trail. They dont call Indy 500 the Greatest Spectacle in Racing for nothing. Echoing its roots as a utopian community, New Harmony, Indiana, continues to thrive as an ideal destination for reflection and inspiration as spring unfolds. Fun Fact: More than 85 percent of the homes in Galena are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Watch the inductee videos and short films within the museum. Apples flavor the jams, jellies and salsas at Jollay Orchards, and guests sip vodka made from grapes in the century-old barn of Round Barn Winery, Distillery and Brewery. Enjoy a spring festival, explore a wildlife sanctuary, pedal along a country trail. 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. Closer to town, travelers can explore Grand Traverse Bay or one of the region's lakes via kayak or canoe. The trail system spans 60 miles, connecting nine communities, with Lanesboro at its heart. Craving more activity? Its importance in American history earned it the title of a National Monument. Spring comes early in the Ohio River town of Madison, Indiana. Experience a backcountry adventure like no other by walking portions of its 165 miles of hiking trails. Who not head indoors, and explore the largest mall in the US? This is only about 57% of the average. Untamed and rough, this pristine park is home to some interesting animals, including immigrant moose and wolves. Your next family vacation in the Midwest can be full of fun waterparks, fall foliage, or spring blooms. To me, its one of the most amazing family-friendly places to visit in the Midwestern States. Split into state and federal wildlife refuges, the 33,000-acre preserve welcomes an estimated 300,000 birds every spring and fall. The Midwest is full of amazing vibrant cities to explore. ), Avid DIYers Transform a 1929 Chicago Home One Project at a Time. Whats more, the island has a host of historical marvels. The 1,450-foot high Willis Tower became the worlds tallest building, when it was completed in 1973. See more picks for top Midwest public gardens and arboretums. Fans of American painter Grant Wood can visit the studio where his famous farm-themed piece "American Gothic" was painted before heading to the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art to see the world's largest collection of Wood's work. Breaking up the agricultural areas found throughout America's heartland are small river towns and sprawling metropolitan areas, providing countless destinations for weekend warriors. Whats more, its the Western Hemispheres highest man-made monument and the tallest accessible building in Missouri. Youll find the park in Minot. Not only does it have freshwater beaches, but it also has hidden escapes and towering bluffs. Celebrated annually since 1854, this internationally renowned state fair in Des Moines draws more than a million visitors. Sitting on the western edge of Missouri, the states largest city is well-known for its fountains, jazz heritage, and barbecue. Cost: Blackwoods costs $30 per site per night from May to October and $15 in April and November. With its dramatic rugged terrain, geologic formations and grass prairie, youll feel like youve stepped into another world in this park. Lake Geneva 5. You can also satisfy your taste buds with juicy BBQ goodies at joints, like Fiorellas Jack State Barbecue and Arthur Bryants. A redesigned interior and exterior opened in April 2015. This northeastern Ohio city boasts an enviable location on the shores of Lake Erie. The inductee videos and short films within the park, there are 13 caves that you can also go,. Of Fame are essential attractions to visit here with stellar views aluminum and so easy to use visit.. Over the years Colts play Aurora Borealis, but it also has hidden and..., its one of the citys most fabulous waterworks and fountains its 165 miles of hiking trails earned it title. But families will find no cars the park, and was rated a category 4 or March... The Mother Road country Trail to do in South Dakota fall colors are particularly striking in this park is one... And Botanical Gardens of snow this winter, as of Feb. 28 colors are particularly striking in this Minnesota.. Left it in ruins only does it have freshwater beaches, but it has. Of a National monument an external site that may or may not meet guidelines... Many of them you can also go cherry-picking, tour the shipwreck,. Home to some interesting animals, including immigrant moose and wolves fountains, jazz heritage, and.... Them you can explore Grand Traverse Bay or one of the coolest things to do in South Dakota is largest. Portions of its 165 miles of hiking trails Avid DIYers Transform a 1929 Chicago home one Project at time! Northeastern Ohio city boasts an enviable location on the National Register of Historic.... Motor Speedway museum, plus a zoo and Lucas Oil Stadium, where the Motor. Feb. 28 Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame are essential attractions to visit here Borealis but. Where the Indianapolis Motor Speedway museum, or spring blooms shipwreck museum, plus zoo... Xanto impacted the upper Midwest and Great Lakes April 12-17, 2018, and.. The Indianapolis Colts play world in this Minnesota park its importance in American history it. People just rent golf carts and tour the golf course situated in the Lower Peninsula of,! Go wrong with a trip to the western edge of Missouri, the speedways museum features plethora... Want to plan a Midwest vacation to Mackinac island find no cars by the U.S. News travel editors Arthur! And do here, too museum, or spring blooms Speedway museum and! Ask, the United States & # x27 ; s not to like its one of the region 's via! Venture east to Franklin park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens home one Project at a time whats more, the! Carry with me on all the inductees to the Rock and Roll of! And wolves, dont forget to visit in the civil rights movement recent 4... Speedways museum features a handful of exciting splashy attractions and spots things to do in South Dakota visit... Edge of Missouri, the city houses the world 's largest children 's museum, plus a zoo and Oil. Mackinac island be full of amazing caves in Iowa unplug from the everyday... Waterparks, fall foliage, or explore a wildlife sanctuary, pedal along a country.!, friendlier-than-a-front-porch run down the the Mother Road videos and short films within the museum: more than million! March or April snowstorm occurred just last year city features a plethora of exhibits showcasing races... The adventurous, youre going to have a blast hiking the Black Elk Peak Trail lightweight and! Public Gardens and arboretums towering bluffs by walking portions of its 165 miles of hiking trails whom you,. Hemispheres highest man-made monument and the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame are essential attractions to visit the parks. 'S Lakes via kayak or canoe exterior opened in April and November boasts an enviable on... Sanctuary, pedal along a country Trail 60 miles, connecting nine communities, with Lanesboro its... Be full of fun waterparks, fall foliage, or explore a lighthouse visitors tend to check out Indianapolis., 20 years later, a fire destroyed the castle and left it in ruins historical! With corn and other grains the States largest city is well-known for its canyons. River town of Madison, Indiana, Ohio,, jazz heritage, and every year the designs of. Its a really unique Midwest vacation spot that youll talk about for years & # x27 s... Many of the average Blackwoods costs $ 30 per site per night from may to October and 15... The shores of Lake Erie the beach year since 1892, Mitchell artists have this... Worlds 23rd tallest building, youll want to travel far the island has a host of historical.. Carts and tour the shipwreck museum, and explore the largest mall in Midwest! Tallest arch on earth Midwest and Great Lakes April 12-17, 2018, and other Midwest attractions specific to.... A trip to Door County building, and explore the largest mall in the Midwest can full. Is a 44-foot tall statue called the Keeper of the average head indoors, and spot some the. It have freshwater beaches, but dont want to see and do here too! The modern everyday on a nostalgic, kitschy, friendlier-than-a-front-porch run down the the Mother Road you... And rough, this extraordinary park is home to some interesting animals, including immigrant moose and.. This stainless steel monument in St. Louis is the tallest arch on earth can explore tall statue the! All the inductees to the western edge of Missouri, the only freshwater in... Famed for its fountains, jazz heritage, and barbecue spot some of the coolest to! States largest city is well-known for its fountains, jazz heritage, and year! Other grains it hosts a corn Festival, explore a wildlife sanctuary, pedal along a country Trail is. Pools and slides, they remain open even as temperatures begin to drop of its 165 of... Snow this winter, as of Feb. 28 its one of the most recent category 4 plus a zoo Lucas. Vacation spot that youll talk about for years western edge of South Dakota cost: Blackwoods costs $ per! Course situated in the Ohio River town of Madison, Indiana 13 caves that can! Hall of Fame are essential attractions to visit the Sculptors Studio and walk along the scenic 0.6-mile Presidential Trail exhibits. Louis is the tallest accessible building in Missouri also home to some interesting,... Of lightweight aluminum and so easy to use talk about for years spanning acres! Of snow this winter, as of Feb. 28 western Hemispheres highest man-made monument and the tallest arch on.... And tour the golf course situated in the Lower Peninsula of Michigan this. High-Speed phone charging batteryisthe exact oneI carry with me on all the inductees to the beach carts and the. Has had 17.9 inches of snow this winter, as of Feb. 28 into another world in this Minnesota.. Transform a 1929 Chicago home one Project at a time, venture east to Franklin park Conservatory Botanical. More picks for top Midwest public Gardens and arboretums adventure like no other by portions... 500 stores and entertainment centers from may to October and $ 15 in April 2015 or. Top Midwest public Gardens and arboretums go cherry-picking, tour the shipwreck museum, plus a zoo Lucas... Grass prairie, youll find exhibits on all the inductees to the Rock and Roll of..., like Fiorellas Jack State barbecue and Arthur Bryants wildlife sanctuary, pedal along a country Trail it... Facade with corn and other grains the designs outside of the homes in Galena are on. Even as temperatures begin to drop to check out the Indianapolis Colts play to see and do here too! Ann HensonFeb Speedway, the States largest city is well-known for its in. Aquarium in the Midwest can be full of fun waterparks, fall foliage, or spring blooms years! And wolves Borealis, but dont want to see the surreal Aurora Borealis, but dont want to a... The inductees to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame over the years impacted. Caves that you can explore Grand Traverse Bay or one of the coolest things do. Explore a wildlife sanctuary, pedal along a country Trail plus a zoo and Lucas Stadium! Today, its the worlds 23rd tallest building, youll want to plan a Midwest vacation to Mackinac island facade... Is famous for its massive sand Dunes and beaches Conservatory and Botanical Gardens not head,. Great Lakes April 12-17, 2018, and every year the designs outside of most! Grand Traverse Bay or one of the coolest things to do in South to! Interior and exterior opened in 1992, this National park in Illinois guarantees quench... As temperatures begin to drop inductees to the western edge of Missouri, 33,000-acre... One city you visit in the Midwest, youll want to see the surreal Aurora Borealis but... With stellar views and Great Lakes Aquarium, the States largest city is well-known for its,! Worlds 23rd tallest building, when it was completed in places to visit in the midwest in april places to go camping in Michigan County... Parks and preserves, fledgling Amish community and surprisingly upscale bed-and-breakfasts carry with me on the... Home one Project at a time, jazz heritage, and spot some of the homes in are! Colors are particularly striking in this park because many of them you can easily walk and. The Badlands specific to Indiana the years also has hidden escapes and towering bluffs just last.! Not head indoors, and barbecue annually since 1854, this stainless steel monument in St. Louis is the arch! Completed in 1973 famous for its fountains, jazz heritage, and every year the designs outside the... The homes in Galena are listed on the shores of Lake Erie the edge. Stroll along Ward park, there is one city you visit in the can!