Hidden Gems to Visit in the Midwest

Any trip to the Midwestern United States can be an adventure, and there are many hidden gems in the Midwest that are worth exploring, A vacation in the Midwest is often really affordable relative to other locations, has beautiful natural landscapes, fun and interesting small towns, as well as amazing cities.

Even though it might not be “vacation time” yet where you are, planning a trip can be half the fun of taking it, so here are a few of the many hidden gems in the Midwest to consider for your next adventure.

• Mackinac Island

Mackinac Island is a beautiful place on Lake Huron, in Michigan. It’s found between Michigan’s two peninsulas. Most people arrive by ferry boat, so even getting there is part of the fun!

Home to a variety of historic sites, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time to the Victorian era of horse-drawn carriages and bicycles. Very few motorized vehicles are allowed here. Mackinac Island State Park has a variety of trails, woods, and limestone formations that cover much of the island.

If you’re a history buff, you’ll enjoy a visit to Fort Mackinac, on the island. It’s made up of walled military buildings on a steep slope and is the headquarters for Mackinac National Park. The history is fascinating.

Mackinac Island has so much beauty and history. It’s definitely a gem!

• Cave of the Mounds

A fun state to visit when you’re visiting the Midwest is Wisconsin. Known for its cheese and assortment of breweries that call the state home, there’s even more to discover. Wisconsin has so much natural beauty, with lakes, rolling hills, and gorgeous state parks.

If your travel plans include a trip to Wisconsin, consider a visit to the Cave of the Mounds, in Madison. A natural limestone cave, it’s named for two nearby hills called Blue Mounds and is full of stunning natural mineral formations. A variety of tours is available (including black light tours!) There are hiking trails as well, so there is much to see and enjoy.

• Lake of the Ozarks

Lake of the Ozarks, in central Missouri, is one of the most popular spots in the state when it comes to families on vacation. There is definitely a lot to do in this area. That’s an understatement! It’s the perfect getaway for any family or group, and there’s something for just about anyone. There is plenty of boating, fishing, hiking, and caves, as well as resorts, shopping, spas, and lots of fun attractions like water parks, parasailing, go karts, and vineyards.

The Lake of the Ozarks was created by the impounding of the Osage River, when Bagnell Dam was built, from 1929-1931. It’s one of the largest manmade lakes in the world and a beautiful gem in the Midwest.

• Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Cuyahoga Valley National Park, which sits very near to both Cleveland and Akron, Ohio, is a national park full of nature and history. Pick from one of the many hotels in Cleveland or Akron, before setting off to visit the diverse landscape of the park.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park is home to Brandywine Falls, a 60 foot waterfall that is one of the most popular attractions in the park. There are other waterfalls, as well.

The park is also a refuge for native plants and wildlife and is unusual for a national park, in that it sits between two urban areas. This makes it a hidden gem because you can explore the many offerings of the nearby cities, Cleveland and Akron, as well as the park.

Consider adding these hidden gems to your list, if you plan a visit to the Midwest in the future. You might be surprised by the many diverse vacation options the Midwest has to offer!

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Senior Salon Pit Stop, Mostly Blogging, A Pinch of Joy Blog, Life and Linda, Tuesday Turn About, Lou Lou Girls, Jenerally Informed, Wonderful Wednesday, Wednesdays in the Studio, Thursday Favorite Things, French Ethereal, The Answer is Chocolate, My Random Musings