People who love to travel don’t have to spend months saving money for costly international vacations. There are endless exciting getaways across America. While you’re daydreaming about your 2022 travel bucket list, don’t forget to add these top U.S. destinations to visit in the American Midwest. They’re perfect places to make incredible memories and try new experiences.
1. Chicago, Illinois
Sometimes people forget that Chicago is technically in the Midwest. The Windy City is famous for its deep-dish pizza, but there’s so much more to experience while you’re in Illinois. Check out the many art museums and take a stroll through Millennium Park. You’ll find concerts there in the summer and festivals in the fall.
Visitors also love to visit 360 Chicago on the 94th floor of the John Hancock Center. It has a tilted observation deck above the city where you can see people walking 1,000 feet below you on the downtown streets.
2. Put-in-Bay, Ohio
Put-in-Bay is one of the best Midwest destinations to visit when you’re looking for a quiet getaway spot. It’s an island in Ohio with a state park and waterfront vacation homes. Rent Jet Skis or kayaks to spend a weekend out on Lake Erie with your family and friends. The downtown restaurants and businesses will keep you entertained when you’re ready to jump back into the nightlife scene.
3. Mackinac Island, Michigan
Step back in time for your next vacation by visiting Mackinac Island. Vacationers travel around the island by horse-drawn carriages and buggies when they don’t want to walk or bike. Stay in a vintage hotel during a weekend full of beach activities and quiet sunsets viewed in pristine gardens. Vacationers also enjoy the fireworks cruises available during the summer. They’re the perfect way to end a dreamy getaway.
4. Albuquerque, New Mexico
Albuquerque is a popular travel gem in New Mexico. People love visiting this city because there is so much to do. View the surrounding mountains by tram or attend the famous balloon festival in October. You could also ride horses across the Sandia Mountains or sled down their snowy peaks. There are so many activities to keep people entertained that Albuquerque makes most lists of destinations to visit in the American Midwest.
5. Door County, Wisconsin
If Wisconsin is in the shape of a glove, Door County is in the thumb. End your road trip there and you’ll have 19 towns to discover within the 66-mile county. You and your favorite people can go cherry-picking, biking through the countryside or hiking through one of the five state parks.
It’s even the best place to go if you want to see shipwrecks. The 300 miles of coastline have numerous undersea wrecks and caves for curious snorkelers and scuba divers. Visit in the summer while the waters are perfect for aquatic adventures.
6. Indianapolis, Indiana
Indianapolis is one of the biggest cities between America’s coastlines. It has the largest children’s museum in the world, plus the Indianapolis Motor Speedway that’s the perfect place for Indy 500 fans. With everything from golfing to zip lining available just outside the city, Indianapolis ranks high among the best Midwest destinations for travelers.
7. Branson, Missouri
Families love going to Branson because it’s one of the best Midwest destinations to visit with kids. Young children love going to the Silver Dollar City theme park to experience the old-school fun house and ride a train around the 19th-century park.
There are also more than a few wine tours for adults and a Christmas light tour in December. You’ll have a one-of-a-kind experience no matter how many times you return to Branson.
8. Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
Locals and tourists affectionately call Wisconsin Dells the water park capital of the world. There are numerous outdoor rides, slides and pools to enjoy in the summer, but the parks also have indoor sections open year-round. Breweries, restaurants and the ever-changing nightlife scene await the adults who want to visit without kids in the backseat.
If you happen to get waterlogged at the parks or bored of the downtown area, travel a few miles south to the Cascade Mountains. You can set up camp and enjoy a scenic hike or go skiing.
9. Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Of all the Midwest destinations for travelers, you have to check out Cedar Rapids. Tourists love to stop by the place where “American Gothic” came to life on Grant Wood’s farm before seeing the most extensive collection of his art in the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art. You could tour the historic Brucemore estate with its gardens and water decorations or see the National Czech and Slovak Museum & Library to learn more about the area’s history.
10. St. Louis, Missouri
You’ve likely seen the Gateway Arch in movies and TV shows, so why not see it in person this year? People view it as the gateway to the West on their cross-country road trips. It’s also next to the St. Louis Zoo, the Cathedral Basilica and even the Busch Stadium. Whether you love sports, history or animals, there are many ways to have fun in St. Louis.
Discover the Best Midwest Destinations
Think about adding these fun destinations to visit in the American Midwest to your travel bucket list. No matter what vacations you enjoy or who you plan to travel with, you’ll find a fantastic place to visit without leaving the country.