The Midwest is a great place for a summer vacation. While it may not bring to mind images of beaches and palm trees, there’s still plenty to see and do. The Midwest offers scenic views, rivers, lakes, and waterfalls. There are also unique urban settings to enjoy in the summer. Come along with us to explore the best summer getaways in the Midwest.
Ferry Over to Put-In-Bay, Ohio
Visit the Key West of the North, Put-In-Bay. It’s a cute little village on South Bass Island, only accessible by ferry. You have some of the most breathtaking water views in the Midwest, a diverse and lively entertainment scene, and historic sites. You can also venture over to Stone Laboratory, a freshwater field station that Ohio State University operates.
Float On the Chicago River
Did you know that you can float down the Chicago River for a whole new view of the city? You certainly can, and you can even have a tour guide to help point out all of the important landmarks. If being out on the water isn’t your thing, the Chicago Riverwalk is the best way to experience the local waterway from land. You’ll find all kinds of shops and cafes along the way.
Get Out of the City in Door County
You haven’t really experienced a fish boil until you have done it Door County style. And while fish boils are what they are known for, the peninsula is also home to Egg Harbor and Sister Bay, which offer all of your regular tourist options. However, your best option in Door County is to get off the beaten path and explore its many quaint towns and islands. Best of all is Newport State Park, an International Dark Sky Park where you can see stars and constellations to your heart’s content.
Climb on the Sand Dunes at Portage, Indiana
Portage, Indiana, is a small community nestled along the shores of Lake Michigan. It is home to Ogden Dunes Beach, a nearly mile-long stretch of sand dunes. Outside of enjoying the dunes, there is a fantastic riverwalk and tons of fun lakeside activities. While you’re there, don’t miss out on the opportunity to take a boat out on the lake.
See Giant Water Lilies in St. Louis, Missouri
In the summer, usually starting in July, the Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis is home to amazing giant water lilies. The garden also features dining and drinking options, and there is even a Children’s Garden for families coming to visit. Take a tram tour or visit the Sachs Museum while you are there.
Explore a Cavern in Corydon, Indiana
Indiana Caverns Family Adventure Park is home to the state’s longest cave. You can go on a guided walking tour or float underground inside a cavern for even more thrills. The park also has a zip-lining coaster and Peccary Mining Sluice, where you can discover gemstones and fossils.
Time Travel on the Illinois and Michigan Canal
Go back in time on the Illinois and Michigan Canal. You can ride in an 1840s-style boat, powered by mules, while learning about the boat and the mules from your period tour guide. You can also spend a day in the country touring the barns and produce. As America’s first National Heritage Area, there is plenty to see and do here.
Explore Lake Superior
Duluth, Minnesota, sits right on the shores of Lake Superior and is a great place to explore the lake and the Arrowhead Region. The temperature of the Lake doesn’t usually rise above 65 degrees, so it’s not great for swimming except on hot days in midsummer. However, as the shipping hub of the region, it is a great place to watch ships come and go and enjoy other water activities. Make sure to check out the world-famous aerial lift bridge and a few lighthouses, too.
See Urban Waterfalls at Falls Park
Waterfalls are always an awesome sight to behold, but it’s pretty unique to get to see one in an urban setting. At Falls Park in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, you get the spectacular sight of multiple falls right downtown! Stop first and see them from the viewing tower before taking the opportunity to get up close and personal with this series of scenic falls.
Go Fishing in Lake Erie
Most of the Midwest has outstanding places to go fishing, whether it is a local lake, pond, or stream. However, the best place to go fishing is the Great Lakes Lake Erie. It is scientifically proven to be the most productive of the lakes for fishing. It is known for being the plentiful home of yellow perch and walleye, just waiting for your baited hook.
Find Fossils on an Ancient Reef in Indiana
At the Falls of the Ohio State Park in Clarksville, Indiana, you can find fossils of all sizes dating to the Devonian Period. The rock beds were exposed by erosion from the Ohio River. More than 600 known types of fossils have been found there already. It’s one of the few places you can walk and touch history, hundreds of millions of years old.
Paddle Down the River in Valentine, Nebraska
The Niobrara National Scenic River is a nature preserve that offers a quiet and beautiful place to enjoy the best nature has to offer. If you are looking to get out on the water, Canoes, kayaking, and even tubing are safe for beginners on this easy-flowing river stretch. Among the terrific views of nature, there are waterfalls that are more than photo worthy.
Visit the Moose in Michigan
Michigan’s Isle Royale National Park is home to thousands of moose. The Isle Royale Queen IV ferries visitors from Copper Harbor to the park. It is situated on the world’s fourth-largest lake island, where you can see lots of wildlife, including beavers, wolves, and, of course, moose. If you want to spend the night, the only accommodation is Rock Harbor Lodge, which is only open from May through September.
Slide into Wisconsin Dells
Wisconsin Dells is the waterpark capital of the world. Located on the shores of the Wisconsin River, there is no shortage of things to see and do here. Aside from the plethora of waterparks to visit, check out the natural beauty of the glacier-carved sandstone formations while hiking the local trails, and visit nearby boutiques for unique local goods.
Find the Beginning of the Mississippi
That might sound as daunting as finding the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, but, in fact, the headwaters of the great Mississippi River are found in Itasca State Park in Minnesota, where the river starts as just a small stream. The Mississippi River is one of the defining geographic features of the United States, dividing the east from the west. Much of the nation’s travel and commerce has depended on the river throughout history. Arrive early, as this is a popular site to see.
Tank in Nebraska
Tanking isn’t quite a popular sport, but it is a purely Nebraska pastime. Tanking is using a cattle tank as a makeshift boat to float down the river. Some folks even have them equipped with seats, tables, and drink holders. It’s a fun and relaxed way to see nature and have a fun afternoon.
Explore Shipwrecks in The Great Lakes
Exploring shipwrecks isn’t limited to major oceanways. Lake Huron is home to almost 100 shipwreck sites that are protected by the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary. They are a great place to check out, either by snorkeling or kayaking along the lake. The cold freshwater of the lakes keeps the wrecks better preserved than the ones you could find in ocean settings, too.
Have a Victorian Experience on Riverboat Twilight
The Riverboat Twilight is a replica of a Victorian era vessel and sails the Mississippi River. The cruise is not just entertaining and informative, it is also a great way to relax and get away from it all. Enjoy small towns and excursions from the boat all along the river. Cruises range from sightseeing tours to two-day adventures.
Visit Spearfish Canyon
Spearfish Canyon in Spearfish, South Dakota, shows off nature in all of its breathtaking glory. The limestone gorge was carved before the Grand Canyon, and the wildlife found there is almost as diverse. Hiking, rock climbing, and fishing are all popular here in the Northern Black Hills’ most popular natural attraction.
Sail the Prairie in Kansas
The Kansas prairie is known for being flat, but you’ve probably never considered waterways and sailing there, right? Without the hills and forests to hamper you, the winds of the prairie carry sailors swiftly through Cheney State Park and Reservoir. The park is also known for hunting, fishing, and exploring nature.
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