The 6 Best Road Trips In The Midwest
Are we there yet? From scenic lakes to thrilling amusement parks, America's Heartland has an abundance of beauty and hotspots that will delight even the least likely of travelers. Plan your summer adventure with six of the best road trip destinations in the Midwest. 1. Mackinac Island, MIIf you long for fresh air and a quintessential American getaway, Mackinac Island is a must. While vehicles are restricted on the island, parking is available before boarding the 20-minute ferry ride.Once you’re on Mackinac Island, you’ll be transported back in time with classic colonial homes and car-less streets. Take a carriage tour around the island in a horse-drawn buggy, and get a glimpse of the past by visiting the Fort Michilimackinac fur outpost.Worked up an appetite? Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau offers a list of iconic lunch and dinner spots for all budgets and dietary preferences. For dessert, sample the area’s famous fudge at the Fudge Festival in August.If you prefer to keep your car with you, explore surrounding Mackinaw City for unique eateries and bustling nightlife. Kayaking and parasailing are popular daytime activities on Lake Huron, along with hiking and biking; watersport rental shops are throughout the area and often offer guided water tours. History buffs will admire the climbable Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse from 1892.2. Lake Geneva, WIFrom classic boat tours to zip lining, Lake Geneva is the perfect destination to please everyone on the trip.Riviera Beach and Village of Fontana Beach are hotspots for unlimited water activities, sand and sun. You can also take the kids to Safari Park or Timber Ridge Waterpark, while the sports enthusiasts enjoy tee time at one of the many scenic golf courses overlooking the lake. Thrill seekers of all ages will be enthralled with ziplines, high ropes courses and mountain biking from Lake Geneva Ziplines and Adventures.There’s plenty to do in the surrounding area, too. If you need a break from the heat, stop by the Yerkes Observatory in Williams Bay, or the East Troy Railroad Museum in nearby East Troy. Lake Geneva is also situated an hour from the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee, and two hours from Millennium Park in Chicago, Illinois.3. Cincinnati, OHSports fanatics unite! Head to Cincinnati to catch a preseason Bengals game at Paycor Stadium in August, or cheer on the Reds throughout the summer months. If soccer is your preference, FC Cincinnati has matches during tourist season.In addition to its sports teams, Cincy offers plenty of fun for the whole family. Spend a day at King's Island for rides and waterslides both the thrill seekers and young ones can enjoy, or catch some wildlife at the Cincinnati Zoo. Newport Aquarium's first-in-the-world shark bridge in nearby Newport, Kentucky is another fan favorite.Cincinnati also has a plethora of free museums, including the Cincinnati Art Museum, Weston Art Gallery and The Carnegie. Visitcincy.com has a calendar full of free events to keep your budget on track and ensure there's never a dull moment on your road trip adventure.4. Black Hills, SD The Black Hills is an outdoorsman’s paradise, with picturesque canyons, multiple scenic lakes and plenty of watersports.For a touch of history, visit the famous Mount Rushmore National Memorial, open daily — there is a $10 parking fee, and active military members park free. Adventurers of all ages and abilities can also explore the Black Hills Caverns and Caves. Note, baby carriers and large bags are prohibited on cave tours, and temperatures can drop into the fifties.A number of Native American tribes reside in the area and host popular activities, such as The Black Hills Powwow in nearby Rapid City. You can also stretch your legs in Bear Butte State Park, an area full of Native American history and less than two hours out from Black Hills.When driving, be aware of the 2024-2026 highway 385 construction project on a small section of highway toward the Black Hills. There are many alternate routes offering unique scenery and attractions to land you at your destination. 5. St. Louis, MO Adventure is out there in St. Louis with a host of entertainment for road trippers of all ages.Bring the kids to The Magic House, a children’s museum full of interactive learning — including this year’s Namaste India exhibit, open through Sept. 15, 2024. Explore the city from new heights on the Gateway Arch tram, or give a helicopter tour a whirl.Take in the natural beauty of St. Louis during a stroll through Forest Park; sporty road trippers can bring their golf clubs, tennis rackets or rollerblades for the sporty road trippers. Summer is also a perfect time to rent paddle boats, canoes and kayaks to explore Emerson Grand Basin, or stop for a scenic picnic on your route. Looking for some local fare? Try the Slinger, a savory St. Louis staple, or dive into gooey butter cake at one of the many local cafes.6. Indianapolis, INNo matter your age or interests, there’s something for your whole party to do in Indianapolis.Racing fans will love the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum and track tour, having the opportunity to take pictures on the Victory Podium and Kiss the Bricks (the winner’s tradition at the Indy500). While the museum is under renovation until 2025, the track tour and photo ops remain open.Indianapolis boasts the largest children’s museum in the world, with five floors of exhibits and a large sports complex. History buffs will have no shortage of stops, either — there are several monuments and memorials throughout Indianapolis, including the World War II Memorial.For art lovers, the Indianapolis Museum of Art has opened a multisensory Salvador Dali feature, and the ongoing exhibit “Home Again” has three interactive sculptures for all ages to admire. The shoppers in the car can visit the local farmers' markets and The Fashion Mall at Keystone for hours of browsing. Whether you have young kids or are young at heart, explore the Midwest like never before with attractions and landmarks for everyone in the car!This content is brought to our community by T-Mobile.The article The 6 Best Road Trips In The Midwest appeared first on Across America, US Patch.
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