Are you searching for a few of the highest weekend getaways within the Midwest? Luckily for you, you don’t should go far to search out some fairly superb locations!
The Midwest area of the United States will 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 in the hunt for a romantic weekend away along with your important different, a enjoyable household trip, or only a strategy to get out of the each day grind, heading out on one in all these nice weekend getaways can assist go away you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
So hop within the automobile and prepare to move out for a few of the highest Midwest weekend getaways!
Best Midwest Weekend Getaways
Below are the perfect weekend getaways unfold out all through the Midwest. There are so many lovely locations to go to that it might be arduous to decide on!
1. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Michigan
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is a shocking vacation spot positioned 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 greatest the explanation why folks from all around the Midwest journey right here!
You can wander across the space on foot and discover the mountain 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 shaped beneath the cliffs. You can both use your personal sea kayak or lease from an area clothes shop.
There are additionally a number of 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’ll simply attain it and make it an ideal weekend getaway within the Midwest. Nicknamed the Windy City, Chicago has loads 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 long-lasting Bean. These are must-dos whereas in Chicago!
Another 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 toes. You’ll be over 100 tales up and standing on a glass panel to look under!
And in fact, no journey to Chicago is full with out attempting its well-known deep-dish pizza. You can discover someplace to search out this scrumptious meals on practically each nook of town.
Along with all of this, Chicago has the identical nice advantages as many different massive cities have, reminiscent of 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 quite a bit 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 also can take a look at 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 through the summer time, you must seize a malt on the Portland Malt Shoppe! In the winter, take a look at the Bentleyville Tour of Lights.
After you’ve spent a while in Duluth, make your means 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 outdoor lovers will really feel proper at dwelling right here. Booking a keep on the lakeside resorts close by makes for one of the simplest ways 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 positioned within the far northern a part of Michigan and is a novel place to spend your weekend.
Once you arrive, you’ll really feel as for those who’ve stepped again in time, because of the island’s ban on vehicles – transportation is restricted to bicycles, horse-drawn carriages, and your personal two toes.
Take a stroll down the quaint streets, wander into the native outlets, and seize a chunk to eat at one of many small eateries. Testing out the fudge is a must-do, and you’ll find all of it alongside Main Street.
Of course, you need to discover Mackinac Island State Park, which makes up practically all the 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 also can take a carriage journey all through the island by way of one of many tour corporations.
5. Minneapolis, Minnesota
As the biggest metropolis in Minnesota, a go to to Minneapolis will give you loads to do in your trip.
One of the perfect components 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 possibly can escape the busyness of town for a hike or to simply get outdoor.
Aside from the outside, you can too wander round Downtown Minneapolis, which boasts a few of the best leisure venues round. Watch a live performance at First Avenue or a Broadway manufacturing on the Orpheum Ordway Theaters. And be sure you catch a sports activities sport at US Bank Stadium, Target Field, or one of many different stadiums. There are additionally a whole lot of actually attractive boutique inns 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, positioned 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 automobile, with mountain climbing trails winding by way of the hills and scenic drives providing breathtaking views of the encircling panorama.
A drive alongside the Needles Highway might be one of the crucial distinctive drives you are taking, as you’ll have to cross by way of a number of tunnels that nearly appear to be you gained’t match! But that is all a part of the nice expertise, and there are many mountain climbing trails to cease at alongside the way in which.
If you have got time, sit again and loosen up close to Sylvan Lake, which can also be surrounded by towering rock formations. This is among the most lovely locations in South Dakota, and is so price spending a while at!
Depending on the place you’re coming from, you could possibly additionally make stops at Mount Rushmore or Badlands National Park alongside the way in which!
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 loads 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, be sure you take a scenic drive or a hike by way of the nationwide park!
Wander by way of the streets of Medora, that are stuffed with small outlets to buy souvenirs, previous Western-themed eating places, and spots to be taught in regards to 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 anticipate finding within the Midwest!
With towering cliffs and gorges, plunging waterfalls, and mountain climbing 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 reminiscent of Cedar Falls and the Devil’s Bathtub.
You also can 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 spot 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 shocking to search out in Michigan however gives an ideal palace for household journey and an ideal weekend getaway.
Wander alongside or loosen up on the seemingly infinite miles of sandy seashores and dunes that stretch practically 500 toes 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 towards the blue waters of the lake is magnificent, and by packing a blanket to put down, you possibly can sit again and admire the views and loosen up on the shores.
Aside from 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.
Overall, this enjoyable 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 loads 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 one of the crucial lovely Great Lakes.
A go to to Peninsula State Park will showcase a few of the superb views of the cliffs that drop over the lake, and provide the probability to hit the mountain climbing trails and discover. Cave Point County Park is one other excellent 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! Both tart and candy cherries are grown right here, and you’ll choose your personal and convey them dwelling to snack on or again a yummy pie.
Whether you spend your days exploring the rugged shoreline, mountain climbing the scenic trails, or lounging on the seashore, you’ll quickly uncover why Door County has turn into one of the crucial well-liked locations to trip in Wisconsin!
11. Branson, Missouri
This small, unexpecting city in southern Missouri is filled with all types of attraction 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, take a look at Silver Dollar City, 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, outlets, locations to seize a chunk to eat, and a lot extra.
While you wouldn’t normally anticipate a lot from a small city in Missouri, Branson actually breaks the mould!
12. Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
If you’re searching for the most effective 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 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 well-liked 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 chill 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 reminiscent of 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 way of.
Wander by way of coated bridges, towering moss-covered gorges, and to plunging waterfalls as you discover this distinctive nationwide park.
The hottest mountain climbing trails embrace Cuyahoga Valley Ledges Trail, the Brandywine Gorge Trail, and Blue Hen Falls.
If you have got some additional time, head into 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 listing of greatest Midwest weekend getaways as a result of it gives guests with an amazingly distinctive expertise.
The park is almost one-third water, so one of the simplest ways 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 need to get to a few of the greatest points of interest!
On land, you possibly can hike across the shoreline with no boat, or you possibly can go to extra secluded areas by way of boat and escape any folks. Visiting the customer facilities will provide you with the perfect probability to see the perfect locations to go to.
If you have got 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 also be superb for viewing the northern lights.
You also can keep at one of many nice close by resorts to spend all the 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 town of Houghton in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula would be the excellent vacation spot.
With a ski resort and a few of 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 take pleasure in this winter. And when it snows within the UP, snowmobilers will need to get out on the paths, as a result of the ‘lake effect’ snow could be very powdery and nice for carving and having fun with the outside.
And through the summer time, you’ll be only a quick distance from the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, which has lovely mountain climbing.
This can also be a launching level to achieve Isle Royale, so for those who’re wanting to go to this distant nationwide park, you may get there from Houghton!
Houghton is an typically ignored city in Michigan, however can provide quite a bit 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 finished within the space.
From giant cities to wander by way of to towering rock formations that you could possibly stare upon for hours, these weekend getaways within the Midwest are the right strategy 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 gives everybody with loads to do, tons to discover, and plenty of reminiscences to come back dwelling with.
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Kassidy is a Minnesota native and likes to discover her dwelling state, the North Shore, mountain climbing, snowboarding, and something outdoor. She additionally enjoys sharing her adventures on her weblog, Kassidy’s Journey.