For a Great Time, Visit The Great Midwest
Made up of countless small towns that come together to form what some call “America’s Heartland,” the Midwest is known for its industry, farming, and residents with friendly, down-to-earth attitudes. On a trip to the region, you’ll get a little bit of city, a little bit of country, and everything in between.
Some say the Midwest offers the broadest representation of what it means to be an American. These days, though, it’s hard to put a definition on such a vast and varied experience. Still, we think of the Midwest as America’s Heartland for a reason--much of the country’s industry and farming originates in this area, as does a proclivity for politeness. Take a road trip through the Great Midwest for a heartening adventure you won’t soon forget.
Minneapolis, Minnesota
One such lake is Lake Superior, the largest of the famous Great Lakes of the region. Other lakes can be found at the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes Regional Park, where biking and fishing are just a few of the activities on offer. Part of the twin cities, Minneapolis is a hip city with a bustling nightlife, a bevy of historic architecture and a thriving art scene, that includes the stunning Minneapolis Sculpture Garden.
Where to Stay:
- Minneapolis Marriott City Center
- Courtyard Minneapolis Downtown
- Residence Inn Minneapolis Downtown/City Center
What to Eat:
- Stop by Handsome Hog, the pig-centric restaurant where local celebrity and Top Chef alum, Justin Sutherland runs the show.
- Check out local staple Matt’s Bar & Grill, home to the original Jucy Lucy, a cheeseburger where the cheese is melted inside of the burger patty instead of on top.
- Visit Minneapolis favorite, Parlour, for their craft cocktails and unbeatable Midwest-style burger.
What to See:
- Check out the astounding Weisman Art Museum, whose glimmering exterior was designed by none other than Frank Ghery.
- Since you’re here, you’ve gotta go see Mall of America, the country’s largest mall, which even houses a theme park.
- See the Basilica of St. Mary, the first basilica established in the United States.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Milwaukee sits along the western coastline of Lake Michigan, one of the five famous Great Lakes in the region. Lake Michigan is the second largest of the Great Lakes, and the only one that lies entirely within the territory of the United States. During a trip to Lake Michigan, there will be plenty of outdoor activities to fill your days, such as swimming, kayaking and hiking around the lake.
Where to Stay:
What to Eat:
- Eat at Harbour House for its view, esteemed seafood menu and proximity to the Milwaukee Art Museum.
- Go for burgers and bikes at Motor House, which is located in the world’s only Harley Davidson Museum.
- Cheese is a thing in Milwaukee. Visit Clock Shadow Creamery, one of Milwaukee’s original cheese factories.
What to See:
- Walk or bike to see the sights along the Historic Third Ward.
- Chill by the water at popular lakeside park, Bradford Beach.
- See more than 50 monumental pieces of outdoor art at Lynden Sculpture Garden.
Chicago, Illinois
Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, The Windy City is so-called because of the wind coming off the lake, according to some. Chicago likely brings to mind images of 1920’s gangsters and classic jazz spots, plus deep-dish pizza and Polish sausage. Other things that make Chicago cool include the improv comedy haunt, and launching point for many big-time careers--Second City, as well as two of the country’s most beloved baseball teams: the White Sox and the Cubs.
Where to Stay:
What to Eat:
- Chicago is one of multiple US cities with its own style of pizza. A great example of its deep-dish version can be found at Giordano’s.
- For a diner/bar with a legendary burger, hit up Au Cheval.
- Sample some Portuguese-Chinese fusion at this Chicago favorite: Fat Rice.
What to See:
- Head to Millenium Park and snap a selfie at Cloud Gate, the amorphous reflective sculpture you likely know as “The Bean.”
- See a Cubs game at Wrigley Field, one of the oldest baseball stadiums in the country.
- Visit world-class museums including the Art Institute of Chicago and the Museum of Science and Industry.
Missouri
Characterized by an expansive mountainous region known as The Ozarks, this area comprises most of Missouri, as well as parts of Arkansas, Oklahoma and Kansas. Stop and stretch your legs at any of the route’s many state parks, which offer attractions like historic castles, natural springs and creepy caverns. And of course, prepare your appetite--you’re on the BBQ trail!
Where to Stay:
What to Eat:
- Start your BBQ tour at Pappy’s Smokehouse where they specialize in ribs.
- Homemade chips plus more unmissable barbecue can be found at Lutz’s.
- More barbecue, you say? Head to Big Baby Q & Smokehouse and save room for its famous dessert.
What to Do:
- For awesome views of The Ozarks, as well as sinkholes and a historic castle, visit Ha Ha Tonka State Park.
- Don’t miss City Museum in St. Louis. The 10-story, 100-year-old warehouse is home to a surrealist wonderland that combines the whimsy of a children’s playground with the sophistication of modern architecture.
- Visit American Writer Mark Twain’s boyhood home, which has now become a museum.
Dallas, Texas
In Oklahoma, plan to check out some historical Route 66 landmarks, as well as the southwestern parts of The Ozarks. In Dallas, get ready for cowboy culture, sporting events and more barbecue, but that’s not all: the largest city in Texas is home to a thriving arts district, a lively music scene and lots of outdoor activities.
Where to Stay:
What to Eat:
- Everything’s bigger in Texas, and that goes for their breakfast plates, too. Fuel up for the day at Ellen’s, which serves brunch all day long.
- Speaking of fuel, this gas station (Fuel City) is known for its street tacos served 24/7. When in Texas...
- We didn’t forget the barbecue, and you shouldn’t either. Add Lockhart’s Smokehouse to your itinerary for Central Texas-style BBQ.
What to Do:
- Get outside and visit the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden.
- See a rodeo! It’s a true Texas experience.
- Watch one of America’s favorite football teams, the Dallas Cowboys, play on their home turf.
Related Content
