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Best Vacation Spots in the Midwest for Families

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  • Our Land-by-Land Road Trip Guide to Midwest Vacation Spots
  • Midwest Road Trip: Illinois Destinations+
    • Chicago, Illinois
    • Entertaining Everyone on a Road Trip
    • Oak Park, Illinois
    • Slap-up River Road Scenic Byway
    • Starved Stone State Park
  • Midwest Road Trip: Indiana Destinations+
    • Indiana Dunes National Park
    • Indianapolis, Indiana
    • Santa Claus, Indiana / Holiday Globe
  • Midwest Road Trip: Iowa Destinations+
    • Des Moines
    • Dubuque
    • Elk Horn
    • Kimballton
    • Quad Cities
    • Winterset, Iowa
  • Midwest Road Trip: Kansas Destinations+
    • Kansas City, Kansas
  • Midwest Road Trip: Michigan Destinations+
    • Detroit, Michigan
    • Holland, Michigan
    • Mackinac Isle, Michigan
    • Saugatuck/Douglas, Michigan
    • Traverse City, Michigan
  • Midwest Route Trip: Minnesota Destinations+
    • Duluth, Minnesota
    • Minneapolis, Minnesota
  • Midwest Route Trip: Missouri Destinations+
    • Branson, Missouri
    • Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri
    • St. Louis, Missouri
    • St. Charles, Missouri
  • Midwest Route Trip: Nebraska Destinations+
    • Omaha, Nebraska
  • Midwest Road Trip: Ohio Destinations+
    • Cincinnati, Ohio
    • Cleveland, Ohio
    • Hocking Hills, Ohio
    • Sandusky/Lake Erie Shore, Ohio
    • Warren County, Ohio
  • Midwest Road Trip: South Dakota Destinations+
    • The Corn Palace
    • Badlands National Park
    • Mountain Rushmore
    • Custer Land Park
    • Crazy Equus caballus Monument
  • Midwest Route Trip: Wisconsin Destinations+
    • Madison, Wisconsin
    • Milwaukee, Wisconsin
    • Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin
    • Green Bay, Wisconsin
    • Wisconsin Dells

Looking for an ballsy route trip idea? Wait no further than the beauty, quirky route side oddities and historical sites yous'll find on a Midwest route trip. From the urban wonders of Chicago, St. Louis and Detroit, to the natural wonders of South Dakota,, to a car-free island to a mannerly Christmas-themed amusement park, these epic Midwest towns and cities are our favorite Midwest vacation spots.

Our State-past-State Road Trip Guide to Midwest Vacation Spots

Having lived in the Midwest my entire life, information technology's sometimes entertaining to hear what other people think near the region. Heck, I get it. I grew upwardly in Cincinnati, Ohio, and thought for much of my immature life that the residual of the state was made upward of teeny towns with unpaved dirt roads.

A Midwest road trip can offering things you won't find anywhere else — from friendly big cities perfect for a Midwest weekend getaway to unique natural wonders you can only find in the center of America.

Here are some of our favorite Midwest vacation spots, from Ohio to South Dakota with lots of great family friendly attractions in between.

Read More: 12 Iconic Road Trips in the USA to Add to Your Family'south Bucket List This Year

The Chicago Architecture Foundation boat tour is one of Chicago's best tours.
You'll learn about the city'south history and architecture on the Chicago Architecture Foundation boat tour — and get a unique view of the city from the Chicago River. Photograph Credit: Jamie Bartosch

Midwest Route Trip: Illinois Destinations

Chicago, Illinois

Whatever Midwest road trip would be incomplete without a trip to the Windy City, with its countless ways to spend your fourth dimension. Here four are of our favorite must-dos during a Midwest weekend getaway to Chicago:

Visit the Edible bean. The shining star of Chicago'south Millennium Park, snapping a selfie in the reflective surface of the giant sculpture is a Chicago must-exercise. (Even the locals practise it!) If you tin't show that photo when you get dwelling house, no one volition believe you visited Chicago!

Go shopping. The big draw is the world famous "Magnificent Mile," Michigan Avenue'south shopping strip. Don't forget to stop at the American Girl Store. Fifty-fifty if y'all don't have a daughter, the huge, luxurious shop is an experience.

Enjoy the lake. Spend some fourth dimension strolling forth Oak Street Beach, with the magnificent Lake Michigan on one side and some of Chicago's priciest existent manor on the other. Or take a boat ride that leaves from the family unit-friendly Navy Pier.  For a deep agreement of Chicago'due south place as an architectural mecca, have the Chicago Compages Foundation gunkhole tour on the Chicago River. Kids love seeing the city from the river — and seeing the underside of the bridges over the river.

Visit Lincoln Park Zoo. One of the last free zoos in the The states, this lakefront gem has a children's zoo, a lagoon where you can hire peddle boats and beautiful landscaped gardens. Don't miss a stop at the Lincoln Park Conservatory on your way out of the zoo.

Eat. In Chicago, that means deep dish pizza or a Chicago hot dog. Simply remember: No one over historic period 18 orders catsup on a hot canis familiaris in Chicago. If you lot do, anybody volition know you're an out-of-towner. Here are our favorite kid-friendly restaurants in Chicago.

Entertaining Everyone on a Road Trip

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Fun distractions are the key to a successful route trip. When you lot've counted all of the cows you care to count, information technology's time to intermission out the electronics and swoop into playing some of the earth's well-nigh pop online games, such every bit Mahjong, Family Feud and The Price is Right.

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Frank Lloyd Wright's Home and Studio in Oak Park IL.
Frank Lloyd Wright'southward Abode and Studio in Oak Park IL. Photograph credit: littlenySTOCK for Shutterstock

Oak Park, Illinois

Best known every bit the domicile of Frank Lloyd Wright, Oak Park is the first suburb west of Chicago and piece of cake to get to via the Green Line on Chicago's famous elevated train system. (It seems like but about every moving picture filmed in Chicago has at least ane scene that takes place below the L tracks!)

Stop at the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio, then take the walking tour of the Wright-designed homes in the surrounding neighborhood.

Read More: How to Road Trip with a Babe – A Survival Guide for Parents

Neat River Route Breathtaking Byway

More than 2,000 miles long, the Great River Road Scenic Byway runs forth the Mississippi River through x states and hundreds of historic river towns.

That includes 33 miles from Hartford to Grafton, Illinois, where the route is known as the Meeting of the Neat Rivers National Scenic Byway. This drive is particularly beautiful in the fall when the trees plough vibrant shades of red, orangish and yellow.

Read More: How to Programme an Epic Family Route Trip in 5 Easy Steps

twin waterfalls at Starved Rock State Park in Illinois
Waterfalls abound at Starved Rock Land Park, specially in the jump and early summer. Photo credit: Jason Patrick Ross via ShutterStock

Starved Rock Land Park

This lovely state park is about 90 minutes west of Chicago. It's a mecca for hikers and nature lovers. Trails air current along the gorgeous steep sandstone cliffs that line the Illinois River.

During the spring and early summertime, information technology's piece of cake to find waterfalls along the hiking trails. You can army camp at that place or spring for a stay at the Starved Rock Lodge.

Read More: Wondering how much to tip on a vacation? Our handy tipping guide covers the bases, from Uber drivers to housekeeping.

Midwest road trip ideas pin
Photo credit: Francesca Moscatelli va ShutterStock

Midwest Road Trip: Indiana Destinations

Indiana Dunes National Park

The stunning sand dunes that line the southern tip of Lake Michigan were designated the The states'southward 61st national park in Feb 2019. Indiana Dunes has 15 miles of stunning beaches and huge dunes to climb.

The sand dunes and beautiful blue water look like something you lot'd come across on the east coast – non something you lot'd detect on a Midwest holiday, When you're done playing on the embankment, swimming, and going horseback riding, there are lots of craft breweries and local restaurants nearby.

Central Canal in White River Land Park, downtown Indianapolis. Photo Credit: Lavengood Photography.

Indianapolis, Indiana

This Midwest town is ane of our favorites. It'due south small enough to feel manageable, fifty-fifty to people who aren't used to urban hustle and bustle, just big enough to offering plenty of fun.

Beginning at Indianapolis' White River State Park. Located right in the center of the city, it's home to the Indianapolis Zoo, a pocket-size league baseball game stadium, the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, the Indiana State Museum and the NCAA Headquarters and Hall of Champions, with lots of fun hands-on play for tweens and teens.

Indianapolis is also home our fave kids' museum, the Indianapolis Children'south Museum, one of the earth's biggest and best. The urban center neighborhoods of this Midwest vacation spot are connected via biking trails that wind through its cultural districts.

TravelingMom Tip:If you have a membership to a local museum or zoo, bank check to see whether it is a member of a reciprocity group before yous head off on your family vacation. It could mean free archway to museums and zoos during your trip equally well! There are groups for science museums , zoos and cultural institutions .

Spring break vacations might take you to Holiday World in Santa Claus, Indiana.
Vacation World and Splashin' Safari brand Santa Claus, Indiana a worthwhile visit! Photo: Sarah Gilliland

Santa Claus, Indiana / Holiday World

It'due south Christmastime year-circular in Santa Claus, Indiana. Write a letter to Santa at the post office, or spend the day at the super family unit friendly theme park, Holiday World.

Who doesn't love an entire theme park themed to Christmas?

Midwest Road Trip: Iowa Destinations

TravelingMom Nasreen Stump hit several cool Iowa spots on her journey beyond the Midwest and says she wishes she had planned more than time there. From unique road side stops to outdoor fun that allows kids to exist kids Iowa had it all.

large white metal sculpture in front of large building at pappajohn sculpture park in des moines iowa
Your kids will love this 4+ acre sculpture park in the middle of Des Moines Iowa! Photograph Credit: Nasreen Stump

Des Moines

Allow the kids run off some road trip energy at Des Moines Pappajohn Sculpture Park. This park is located off of Yard Avenue and showcases more 25 sculptures spread over more than than iv acres. Metered parking is readily bachelor nearby.

Not only is this a great photo spot that teens will dear for the Insta, but it's got a hill in it that Nasreen's kids rolled down over and over. Who said fun can't be complimentary!?

TravelingMom Tip: For the best parental experience,  catch a java downward the street at Zanzibar'southward Coffee Adventure. And so enjoy it at the sculpture park while your kids amuse themselves.

Dubuque

Located where Wisconsin, Illinois and Iowa meet, Dubuque is perfectly located for a Midwest road trip- especially if you want to hit more than one state!

While there is plenty to practice in Dubuque including an arboretum, aquarium and caves to explore, we highly recommend checking out the Fenelon Place Elevator (likewise called the Fourth Street Elevator). Technically a funicular, this elevator has been called the shortest, steepest scenic railway ride. You lot sit in a cable car for the ascent. Once yous're at the tiptop, you'll have a spectacular view of the Mississippi River and three states.

There is a small fee based on age which can you find here. Nasreen's kids loved the story behind how information technology was built. It includes a wealthy man with a love of naps, which gave her and the kids a chuckle.

large windmill with trees and green grass
Terminate in Elk Horn Iowa on your Midwest road trip to explore the Danish windmill and maybe your Danish heritage. Photograph Credit: Nasreen Stump

Elk Horn

How ofttimes do yous have the opportunity to feel similar you lot're visiting another country without leaving the Midwest? Elk Horn, Iowa, is home to the Museum of Danish America.

If you take older kids they'll enjoy roaming the grounds and exploring the museum. For kids nether 12, the improve stop is going to be the Danish Windmill. Yous'll get some fun family photos and go to check out a working windmill. Originally built in Nørre Snede, Kingdom of denmark in 1848, the windmill was brought to the U.s.a. in pieces and rebuilt past a team of volunteers in 1976.

The site also has a village replica, tiny chapel and gift store full of fun items and things to eat. Head on to Kimballton (5 minutes away) next.

sign in front of park that says Hans Christian Andersen The Little Mermaid and Sculpture Park
Visit this beautiful park to meet a replica of Copenhagen'south Fiddling Mermaid Statue forth with other bronze representations of Andersen'due south stories. Photo Credit: Nasreen Stump

Kimballton

You may never have heard of tiny Kimballton. Iowa. but this boondocks of fewer than 500 people is another great stop to explore Danish heritage in Iowa.

Kimballton is abode to Hans Christian Andersen'due south The Trivial Mermaid & Sculpture Gardens. This pocket-sized park based around a fountain features a replica of the Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen, Denmark. At that place are 8 more than bronze sculptures representing stories past Andersen. Nasreen's kids loved seeing these and talking near the original stories they were based on. It'due south a good, quick cease for the whole family.

TravelingMom Tip: There's a small playground nearby so be set up for the kids to ask to play.

Quad Cities

The Quad Cities include Bettendorf and Davenport in Iowa and Moline and Stone Island in Illinois. Hire a bike and ride the path forth the Mississippi River.

Tractor-loving kids will require a visit to the complimentary John Deere Pavilion in Moline. The Putnam Science Museum in Davenport is besides a must-do. The whole family will demand dwelling house-fabricated ice cream from Lagomarcino's. Choose to stop at the downtown location, open since 1908.

When visiting the small town of Winterset, be sure to take time to explore its City Park to discover one of Iowa's iconic covered bridges, the Cutler-Donahue.
When visiting the modest boondocks of Winterset, exist sure to take time to explore its City Park to discover one of Iowa'due south iconic covered bridges, the Cutler-Donahue. Photograph Credit: Diana Rowe

Winterset, Iowa

Winterset is the dwelling house of John Wayne, has a super fun sculpture park, and fun, family-friendly railroad attractions. Central Iowa is besides the inspiration forThe Bridges of Madison County.

Midwest Road Trip: Kansas Destinations

The SEA LIFE Aquarium is a great multi-gen place to visit in Kansas City.
The Body of water LIFE Aquarium is a groovy place to visit in Kansas City. Photo Credit: Jamie Bartosch

Kansas City, Kansas

The College Basketball Feel in Kansas City is a slam dunk for families.

But our favorite affair to do in KC is the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures where information technology's virtually guaranteed you'll hear someone say, "Oh, I used to take that toy!"

Midwest Route Trip: Michigan Destinations

Whether you're visiting gorgeous beach towns on Lake Huron, spending the winter with sled dogs in Traverse Urban center, touring the Country capitol in Lansing or looking for the Northern Lights in Petoskey, there are so many delightful towns to visit in both the lower and upper peninsulas of Michigan. The state too offers a few unique Midwest vacation spots for your Midwest road trip.

TravelingMom Tip: Looking to visit both Wisconsin and Michigan in one trip? Make the travel more fun by crossing Lake Michigan on the SS Badger car ferry!

Detroit, Michigan

If yous haven't been to Detroit lately, y'all haven't been to Detroit. It is a urban center on the ascension. Programme to spend a twenty-four hour period at the beautiful Belle Island Park, home to one of the oldest aquariums in Due north America. Information technology'southward small and gratis and well worth a expect to show the kids how aquariums take inverse over the years.

The Detroit Historical Society, a small but exceedingly well done museum, showcases the history of the town the automakers built. The Detroit Art Plant across the street is a earth-class museum with impressive special events.

And don't miss a chance to eat a burger and fries at Hop True cat!

a field of orange tulips in the foreground, with other colored flowers in the background
If yous're in Holland, Michigan, in May, you can catch the Tulip Fourth dimension Festival! Photo Credit: Jennifer Kaufman

Holland, Michigan

The netherlands, Michigan may be the closest affair y'all can go to holland without traveling to Europe.

A large, authentic Dutch windmill is perchance the highlight of a stop in this Midwest vacation spot but there also are Dutch restaurants, architecture tours, and fifty-fifty wooden shoe carving shows. If you visit in May, you'll be treated to the Tulip Time Festival, too!

Bike Riding Mackinac Island Michigan
No cars mean that visitors to Mackinac Island, Michigan, oft become around in carriages or on bicycles. Photo credit: Mary Moore

Mackinac Island, Michigan

This no-cars-allowed island between Michigan'southward upper and lower peninsulas is probably the nigh famous Midwest holiday spot on our list.

Mackinac Isle is home to the United States' 2d-always National Park. Mackinac Isle National Park is 70 acres of forests, incredible rock formations, wild fauna, and beautiful h2o features, too every bit historical and cultural landmarks. And it'due south a wonderful place to explore on bicycles because yous don't accept to dodge cars!

Earlier you go, exercise saying the proper name. It'south pronounced Mack-i-naw even though it's spelled Mackinac. And information technology's definitely worth a visit, fifty-fifty if you can only spend ane day on Mackinac Island.

Oval Beach is one of the best things to do in Saugatuck Michigan for families.
Visiting the gorgeous Oval Embankment is one of the best things to do in Saugatuck Michigan for families. Photograph credit: Cindy Richards

Saugatuck/Douglas, Michigan

Long the playground of wealthy Chicagoans looking to beat the city heat each summertime, there is a wealth of fun outdoors things to practice in Saugatuck and neighboring Douglas. Topping that list is a visit to Oval Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches on Lake Michigan.

It's no wonder this small town was named the "Best Beach Town in the Midwest" for 2021 by Midwest Living mag.

Lookout at Sleeping Bear Dunes in Michigan
Is this the ocean, mom? The view of Lake Michigan from Pierce Stocking Drive. Photo credit: Kristin Shaw

Traverse City, Michigan

This foodie town sits on the banks of K Traverse Bay and is the gateway to Sleeping Comport Dunes, i of the virtually beautiful beaches anywhere in the world. Really.

Feed your hungry teens anything cherry — from blood-red jam to cherry burgers.

Read More than: xv Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Saugatuck Michigan

Midwest Road Trip: Minnesota Destinations

Duluth, Minnesota

Duluth Minnesota
Duluth, Minnesota. Photo Credit: Pixabay

Duluth, similar many of the Great Lakes towns on this Midwest vacation list, offers lots of outdoor activities for families. It is also home to Great Lakes Aquarium, the only freshwater aquarium in the US.

And, yes, it's fifty-fifty fun to visit Duluth in winter.

Minneapolis, Minnesota

The Mall of America entrance.
The Mall of America. Courtesy of the Mall of America and Come across Minneapolis

Home to the Mall of America (which may exist reason enough to visit), Minneapolis and its sis urban center, St. Paul, accept and so much to offer visitors. Explore the largest mall in the US, or bask a number of theater performances.

Hike to Minnehaha Falls or explore miles of nature trails forth the Mississippi River. Information technology's besides a super affordable Midwest holiday spot, with lots of costless things to practice with kids.

Midwest Route Trip: Missouri Destinations

Branson, Missouri

Branson Missouri at sunset
A beautiful sunset in Branson, Missouri. Photo credit: Pixabay

Branson, Missouri, is a fun and affordable holiday destination with beautiful lakes and mountains as well as fun shows and theme parks.

Silverish Dollar Metropolis is a family unit-friendly park themed to an erstwhile mining town. Cull from more than 40 rides and alive entertainment.

Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri

sunset on the lake of the ozarks, a perfect place to spend an evening during a Midwest road trip
Lake of the Ozarks is a perfect place to trounce the oestrus on a Midwest road trip in the summer. Photo Credit: Pixabay, Creative Commons

"The Strip" at Lake of the Ozarks offers your typical tourist fare: souvenir shops, arts and crafts, fudge and candy factories, and the like. Only information technology'south the beautiful lake (with more than than 50 marinas), a collection of golf courses, horseback trails, boat tours through caverns, and tours of mansions (both electric current and celebrated) that makes this a worthy Midwest holiday spot that will go on you busy for equally long as you want to stay.

St. Louis, Missouri

St. Louis has so much to offering including stunning views framed by the iconic arch. Photo Credit: James Roblee via Shutterstock

St. Louis is one of our favorite getaway spots. Less than 6 hours from Cincinnati, Chicago, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Des Moines, Milwaukee, Louisville, Nashville, Tulsa, and Memphis, it may be the about centrally located destination on this list.

You'll want to visit the Gateway Arch, of course, but programme to spend some fourth dimension at Forest Park. It'southward larger than New York's Central Park and dwelling house to a gratis zoo and a number of complimentary museums. At that place'south besides the Anheuser-Busch Brewery and Grant'southward Farm, and the eclectic, one-of-a-kind City Museum.

In that location'southward a really fun and trendy waterfront surface area (Laclede's Landing), plus a brand new aquarium and lots of stuff for sports lovers, including taking in a Cardinals game at Busch Stadium.

St. Charles, Missouri

Merely a half hr'south drive from St. Louis is mannerly and historic St. Charles.

Celebrate machine civilization with a stop at Fast Lane Classic Cars to ogle the 200 classic and muscle cars on display. Or forget about your automobile for a while and hop on board the St. Charles Trolley to ride the 30 minute loop around town. Download the app to rails where the trolley is so you'll know how long you'll demand to await for a ride. The all-time part? It's free!

Midwest Road Trip: Nebraska Destinations

Omaha, Nebraska

where are an omaha local's favorite places to eat; food from a foodie haven in Omaha, Nebraska
There'south lots for foodies to love in Omaha. Photo Credit: Dana Zucker

Omaha equally a must-practice for foodies. It is 1 of the nicest, cleanest, and most hospitable Midwest vacation spots – especially in the spring when the weather is perfect.

wet pavement with a line and nebraska and iowa at the state line bob kerrey pedestrian bridge
Your kids volition Beloved standing with 1 human foot in Nebraska and one foot in Iowa on the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge. Photograph Credit: Nasreen Stump

Don't miss the opportunity in Omaha for your kids to stand in 2 states at once! Fifty-fifty though it was pouring rain. TravelingMom Nasreen Stump said her kiddos still thought information technology was one of the coolest things they did on their Midwest road trip.

There is plenty of parking on the Omaha side of the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Span. You tin can walk to the middle of the span and straddle the state line between Nebraska and Iowa. Activities for kids exist on both sides of the bridge.

Midwest Road Trip: Ohio Destinations

Cincinnati, Ohio

Cincinnati Reds mascot Rosie Red poses with a preschool boy during a Reds baseball game in Ohio
Rosie Ruby-red is ane of four mascots that fans adore at Cincinnati Reds' Smashing American Ballpark. Professional sports are just 1 option for visitors to Cincinnati or families on a Midwest road trip. Photo Credit: Jennifer Kaufman

Similar the other large cities on this list, Cincinnati offers far too many attractions to actually encompass here. World-grade museums, one of the best zoos in the state (you can even camp with the giraffes!), several professional person sports teams, and a vast history are just a scattering of the reasons to visit the Queen City.

Bank check out our favorite family destinations in Cincinnati and these fun gratis things to practise in Cincinnati.

Cleveland, Ohio

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland is a must-exercise Midwest vacation spot for rockers. Photograph credit: Dana Zucker

The most famous attraction in Cleveland, Ohio is probably the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. Even my kids, who didn't know half of the artists, found plenty of interesting things to see and do.

Don't miss a stop at the fun hands-on Great Lakes Science Center side by side door. Save a few bucks by buying the combo ticket admission to both the hall of fame and science heart.

While you're in Cleveland, you should also check out the beautifully revitalized Picayune Italian republic neighborhood or catch a Cavaliers game.

Hocking Hills, Ohio

a group of kids hikes behind a man on a trail in Hocking Hills, near Logan, Ohio.
Hocking Hills, Ohio offers hiking trails for all age levels – including families. Photo Credit: Jennifer Kaufman

Travel less than an hour from Columbus, Ohio's capital urban center, and you'll detect yourself at the beginning of Appalachia.

Hocking Hills Land Park has some of the area's all-time hiking for families. We've taken young kids in that location on paved trails and spent time on more than difficult hikes with older kids and adults. For adventure seekers, there's zip lining.

This Midwest holiday spot is also home to caves, waterfalls, and cultural and celebrated attractions. Minor lakes offer canoeing (pontoon and homo-powered arts and crafts such as kayaks or canoes only) and water sports.

Sandusky/Lake Erie Shore, Ohio

Sandusky, Ohio, is dwelling to Cedar Point, which bills itself at the Roller Coaster Majuscule of the World. We agree. It's where we took our kids to teach them to love roller coasters! First with the smaller, tamer coasters and work your way up the Top Thrill Dragster — a steel coaster that reaches speeds of 120 mph as it shoots you straight up, then crawls over the top to wind straight back downwards, all in 17 seconds.

At that place are also four indoor waterpark resorts and beautiful beaches along Lake Erie. From Sandusky, have a ferry to Kelleys Island or Southward Bass Island's Put-in-Bay. On these Lake Erie islands, take a cavern tour, go fishing, or climb the Marblehead Lighthouse in Port Clinton for spectacular views.

Warren County, Ohio

twin girls walk alongside a cobblestone road in Historic Lebanon, Ohio
Historic Downtown Lebanon is filled with charming shops, world-renowned antiquarian shopping, and historical landmarks. Photo Credit: Jennifer Kaufman

You can also take a scenic train ride to Lebanon, the canton seat of Warren County – "Ohio'due south Largest Playground." Here you'll find a charming downtown area with some of the country's best antiques shopping.

You lot tin can even dine – or stay overnight – at the Historic Golden Lamb Inn & Restaurant. Opened in 1803, the Golden Lamb has hosted 12 US presidents and dozens of other United states of america and world dignitaries.

Midwest Route Trip: South Dakota Destinations

Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Black Hills, South Dakota,
Mount Rushmore National Memorial draws more than than three million visitors a twelvemonth to the Black Hills of South Dakota. Photo Credit: Due south Dakota Section of Tourism

Driving through South Dakota is THE iconic Midwest route trip. Showtime with a stop in Wall, South Dakota, to gawk at the incredibly touristy Wall Drug, wind through the breathtaking Badlands National Park, see Mount Rushmore and the Blackness Hills, pay your respects to Crazy Horse, then sentry the buffalo roam at Custer State Park.

Consider staying in Rapid City. It'due south centrally located to all of the South Dakota attractions. If you're driving through N Dakota, y'all'll find a bunch of complimentary things to practice in Grand Forks.

The Corn Palace

This kitschy finish is in Mitchell and it'south a must-do if you're traveling I-90 beyond Iowa. Information technology'southward been operating since 1892 and is exactly what it sounds like: a reason to get people to pull off the highway and visit Mitchell. Every twelvemonth, artists decorate the outside of the building with 325,000 ears of corn.

A visit is gratuitous, just bring your wallet. The kids will want to buy some of the corn-y souvenirs and treats.

Badlands National Park

Have the Badlands Loop Route (Highway 240) and terminate oftentimes to ogle the Instagrammable rock formations, steep canyons and towering spires of Badlands National Park. Lookout for bison, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs and other protected wild fauna.

Mountain Rushmore

Mount Rushmore, South Dakota, Black Hills,
Mount Rushmore. Photo Credit: Due south Dakota Department of Tourism

Look upwards President Washington's olfactory organ (really!) as y'all hike around Mountain Rushmore. That's the national park where the busts of iv presidents — George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln — are carved into the side of the Blackness Hills Mountains. This Midwest vacation spot draws more than than 3 million visitors every twelvemonth.

Custer State Park

Yous tin can hike, fish and be wowed by Needles Highway here. But the biggest reason to visit Custer State Park is the chance to stop the car and picket the herd of 1,300 grazing buffalo on the Wildlife Loop.

Crazy Equus caballus Monument

Crazy Horse Monument as it looked in 2017
Crazy Equus caballus Monument every bit information technology looked in 2017. The projection started in 1948 and it remains far from finished. Photo credit: Havochawk via Wikimedia Commons

Dissimilar the other Due south Dakota attractions, Crazy Horse is a private endeavor run past a nonprofit. The project was started by Korczak Ziolkowski in 1948. It's still far from finished.

Read More: Fun things to exercise in Chattanooga Tennessee with kids.

Midwest Route Trip: Wisconsin Destinations

Madison, Wisconsin

One of the fun things to do in Madison, WI? In good weather check out the beaches along the lake. Kids will love the little playgrounds along Lakeshore Path. Photo Credit: Focal Flame Photography via Visit Madison
1 of the fun things to practice in Madison, WI? In good weather cheque out the beaches along the lake. Kids will love the little playgrounds along Lakeshore Path. Photo Credit: Focal Flame Photography via Visit Madison

Madison is the capital of Wisconsin and it's a rockin' college town. Take the free tour of the beautiful upper-case letter building, then walk across the street to scan through the (also free) Wisconsin Veterans Museum.

On Saturdays from April to November, the majuscule is circled with a huge farmers' market selling everything from veggies to the must-attempt Wisconsin cheese curds. (You know they're fresh if they squeak when you bite into them.)

We accept a full post on fun, free things to exercise in Madison with families that volition help you plan your trip.

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Things to do in Milwaukee
A behemothic aquarium is just one of the absurd attractions at Discovery World. Photo past Jamie Bartosch

Milwaukee, Wisconsin combines a cute beach on Lake Michigan with the hustle and bustle of an urban middle. Visit the world-class Milwaukee Art Museum and take the little ones across the street to the Betty Brinn Children'southward Museum and school-historic period kids to Discovery Earth.

Motorcycle fans can visit the Harley-Davidson Museum, and visitors can accept part in several festivals throughout the yr – including Summerfest, one of the world's largest music festivals.

Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin

Wisconsin small town getaway adds walks in the woods to downtown village events.
Elkhart Lake is a beautiful, natural haven not far from the city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Photo Credit: Christine Tibbetts

About an hour northward of Milwaukee, Elkhart Lake is a lovely, serene spot. Several hotels nestle along the shores of the lake, where the at-home water tends to exist much warmer than Lake Michigan. Nosotros love the cute Osthoff Resort which has a number of wonderful restaurants. Race fans will want to plan a visit to Race America to watch a race or have a track driving course.

Green Bay , Wisconsin

The Green Bay Packers Museum
The ii-level Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame & Museum houses exhibits and artifacts dating to 1919. Photo Credit: Mimi Slawoff

Green Bay is all-time known as the home of the powerhouse Green Bay Packers football squad, which is celebrated at the new Titletown complex.

Merely Dark-green Bay also is the gateway to Door Canton. Known as the Cape Cod of the Midwest, Door County is famous for its small towns along the bay and its fish boils.

Wisconsin Dells

Kalahari Resort Wisconsin Dells
Photograph courtesy of Kalahari Resort Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells calls itself the "water park uppercase of the world." While we love the giant indoor Kalahari Waterpark any time and the giant outdoor Noah'south Ark waterpark in the summer, there's much more to do at that place than just water slides.

Much like a visit to Branson, Missouri, or Gatlinburg, Tennessee, you'll find a plethora of go-kart tracks, live dinner shows and boat tours. Don't miss a ride on the famous Duck Boats! Abroad from the hustle and bustle of those tourist destinations though, y'all'll likewise detect plenty of water sports and hiking in the Dells' three nearby state parks. Learn more about Wisconsin Dells and five of the h2o parks on our full commodity comparing them.

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The Midwest is often overlooked as a vacation destination, but it's truly one of the best places in the US for a family road trip. Sand Dunes and beaches, large, booming cities, small lake towns, world-class restaurants, famous landmarks, and so much more can be seen on your Midwest road trip. Check out the must-see places for families in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Minnesota, and Michigan. #Midwest #RoadTrip #familytravel #TMOM
And so whether you alive in the Midwest and are looking for quick and easy (and maybe off-the-browbeaten-path) destinations, or are traveling to visit an iconic Midwest vacation spot, be sure to check out these TravelingMom approved destinations as y'all plan your Midwest road trip.

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Source: https://www.travelingmom.com/midwest-road-trip-destinations/

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