The Midwest region of the United States is home to some of the most famous parks in the world, as well as lesser-known gems such as Honey Creek Resort State Park. No matter where you go, you’ll find picturesque landscapes and wide-open spaces to explore.
States that are within the Midwest include Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.
The Great Lakes, the Great Plains and a host of other natural wonders can be found in the Midwest region, where rugged, unspoiled beauty is all around. It may be a bit off the beaten track, but the Midwest is a budget-friendly travel destination that offers a priceless experience.
Flying into the Midwest
The Midwest is known for having fewer people and more open spaces than the rest of America. That means there are fewer big cities with international airports. When you’re planning your trip you may want to consider flying into one of these cities:
Chicago, Illinois – Chicago O’Hare International Airport/Chicago Midway International Airport
Minneapolis, Minnesota – Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport
Cleveland, Ohio – Cleveland-Hopkins International Airport
Detroit, Michigan – Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport
Kansas City, Kansas – Kansas City International Airport
Sights to see in the Midwest
If you’re looking for a relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of city life the Midwest is the perfect retreat. The region is a playground for outdoor lovers that want to experience natural landscapes that can’t be found anywhere else in the world.
Great Lakes
One of the most popular attractions in the Midwest is the Great Lakes. The lakes are accessible from Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin. Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, Lake Eerie, Lake Ontario and Lake Huron cover 95,160 square miles (246,463 square kilometres) that stretch all the way up to Canada.
Lincoln Home National Historic Site
Visit where one of the world’s greatest historical figures lived outside of the spotlight. The Lincoln Home National Historic Site in Springfield, Illinois, is the carefully preserved home of Abraham Lincoln. It’s the only home he ever owned, and it was also where Lincoln planned his campaign for president.
Mount Rushmore
Mount Rushmore.
It was one of the greatest artistic undertakings in history. Mount Rushmore is a true feat of engineering. In the heart of South Dakota’s Black Hills, the busts of Theodore Roosevelt, Abraham Lincoln, George Washington and Thomas Jefferson will forever gaze out over the tree-covered mountainsides. Almost three million people visit this one-of-a-kind site each year.
Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail
See the Midwest from the vantage point of two famous explorers. In 1804, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark set out to find a waterway route that stretched across America. With them was a teenage Shoshone woman named Sacagawea who acted as an interpreter.
You can now follow along the path they took using maps from the National Park Service or go on one of National Geographic’s guided tours.
The trail starts in Illinois at the Lewis and Clark Memorial and winds its way through Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, South Dakota, North Dakota and all the way west to Washington.
Badlands National Park
Arkansas hot springs. Pic credit: Good Free Photos
The name is reason enough to visit the paradise for hikers. People from all over the world visit Badlands National Park to see wildlife across the prairies and geological wonders that are hidden in the fossil beds.
The 244,000-acre park has a variety of campgrounds that allow for overnight expeditions. If you’re an adventurous explorer choose the primitive Sage Creek Campground where bison are known to roam.
Hot Springs, Arkansas
Take a dip at Hot Springs National Park, which is adjacent to the city. It’s one of the few American cities that have a selection of bathhouses.
The historic Fordyce Bathhouse is a popular attraction that gives you a glimpse of what luxurious baths were like 100 years ago. You can then experience a hot spring bath for yourself at the Buckstaff Bathhouse.
Thank you to Sara Stringer for contributing this post.
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