Destination overview

The Midwest of the United States stretches from the Great Lakes in the east across the vast flat plains of America’s agricultural heartland to the mountains in South Dakota, and is the country the settlers crossed on their epic journey heading out west. While some passed through, others stayed, captivated by the beautiful wilderness. Of course, modern towns and cities have sprung up since then, but essentially the Midwest is all about the great outdoors. The Midwest incorporates the states of Illinois, Missouri, Iowa, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota and South Dakota and all have something special and unique.

Illinois is a great zoo city and the kids will love it. Take the Spoon River Valley scenic route to the 2,000 acre Wildlife Prairie State Park to experience native American animals in their natural habitat. Or spend the night at the Glen Oak Zoo in Peoria. Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo is free, and if you have any time left over, travel to the top of the Sears Tower and shop the ritzy Magnificent Mile.

The rivers and canyons of Starved Rock State Park stand out for the fascinating rock formations, the Long Grove Historic district is entered through a lovely old covered bridge, and the best theme parks are Chicago Land, Three Worlds of Santa’s Village, and Racing Rapids. Galena is another town that time seems to have passed by. There’s Dowling House, the state’s oldest stone structure, the Italianate Belvedere mansion, an authentic, working blacksmith and a host of quaint shops and good restaurants in restored buildings.

Meanwhile, the fishing is excellent in Lake Galena and the Alpine Slide gets you down to the Mississippi River in unique style. Travel Route 66 to Missouri and on your way, stop at President Lincoln’s home in Springfield before crossing the border.

Take a detour off Route 66 to see Lake Ozark and Osage Beach’s blue waters. You can fish, hike or hunt Castor River and Lake of the Ozarks State Parks or Saline Valley, or mountain bike Crane Lake Trail. Visit award-winning wineries on your way to Springfield, the site of Wilson’s Creek National Civil War Battlefield. You can finish your journey at Lampe, Emerald Pointe or Branson, famous for its glitzy evening shows and theme parks. Nature puts on a good show as well. Dogwood Canyon has cattle drives, trout fishing and hikes, there is hunting, fishing and water fun at Bull Shoals Lake, visit Reed Spring’s for the lush greenery and Table Rock for scuba diving.

It’s also worth visiting the Dinosaur Museum for the fossil dig. Another thing Missouri is famous for is the Lewis and Clark Trail, as is Iowa. Full of open, gently rolling prairies, even now you’ll still feel like you’re in the Wild West. Of course, there are modern cities like Des Moines, too. Apart from the exciting nightlife and good shopping you’d expect, the kids will love Adventureland.

Nearby Panora makes a good base to explore the beautiful covered bridges of Madison County. You can play golf at Lake Panorama or ski the Raccoon River Valley Trail. And why not explore Iowa City and Cedar Falls and play baseball on the Field of Dreams? Named after one of the original Native American tribes, a visit to the important Effigy Mounds National Monument on the banks of the Mississippi is a must-do.

Arnolds Park, on the clear blue West Lake Okoboji, and Big Spirit Lake are both part of the lovely string of lakes near Minnesota. Golf courses are excellent and the Spine Trail is loved by bicycling families. And, the casinos here and in neighbouring Indiana, are often compared to Vegas.

Marengo Cave’s rock formations look like sand castles, the diesel train goes through the Hoosier National Forest and 2,200-foot (670 metre) Burton Tunnel and is a definite must visit for the itinerary. If you’re into country music, Nashville’s guitar-shaped neon signs, boot stomping honky tonk joints and purple walls of Tootsie’s Wild Orchid Lounge will keep you entertained.

Make it a plan to stop and visit the Amish communities - you’ll be fascinated by their way of life. And, you’ll probably pick up some interesting crafts and other treasures in their flea markets. In Howard, go wine tasting, float around on the lake, shop in the old German village of Columbus and enjoy the lovely Mohican State Park and adjacent forest.

Try and get in a spot of fishing at nearby Lake Erie, and Put In Bay has a great village atmosphere, with lots of water adventures to be had, and if you’re there on the fourth of July holiday, it really rocks!

Cleveland has the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame which will take hours to properly appreciate and the Great Lakes Brewing Company, as well as a fabulous zoo.

Michigan is bordered by so much water it’s often called the third coast. In fact, Saugatuck’s dune-lined beach, near Holland, has been voted one of the best in the world. In fact, with 100 state parks, over 11,000 inland lakes, lush forests, rivers and streams it’s hard to stay indoors in Michigan, at any time of the year.

Wisconsin’s multiple lakes and wilderness areas, unique culture and historic significance will also keep you busy. And there’s a lot more history on the Door Peninsula. Ephraim’s charm is enhanced by its old Moravian/Norwegian-style buildings and Baileys Harbor’s creamy brick Cana Island Lighthouse is a must-see. But most people come for its 300 miles (482 kilometres) of shoreline and five state parks.

Mishicot continues the tradition with Washington House, while Elkhart Lake, in the heart of Kettle Moraine State Forest, has Henschel’s Indian Museum, and deep Green Lake has excellent fishing, top golf courses and the Watson Street Historic District.

It’s a toss-up as to what’s more popular in Wisconsin Dells – beautiful landscapes, huge water parks, casinos, winter snow sports, or proximity to the Driftless Areas’ hilly forests. Certainly it’s the great outdoors that brings people to the Lakeland Area, with well over 3,000 lakes.

Two Harbors on Lake Superior is another first-rate fishing spot, especially near the lighthouse at Gooseberry Falls State Park. Cool off in the four-tiered waterfall and feast on fresh berries while you’re there!

Of course, there are many other things to do besides fish, swim, golf, ski and enjoy nature. You can shop the massive Mall of America near Minneapolis, explore the ancient burial grounds of Shakopee, or play the Black Bear and Fond-Du-Luth Casinos.

In Lead, South Dakota, the rolling plains rear up into the Black Hills where you’ll find one of America’s most iconic landmarks – Mount Rushmore. The huge sculpted stone faces of four exalted American presidents are best seen early in the morning or late at night under lights.

The Midwest states are full of breathtaking natural finds, with lots of big city entertainment in between. For a true taste of America, don’t leave the Midwest off your list.