Ready for a Road Trip? Four Midwest Getaways to Consider

They are sometimes called the “fly over states”, but don’t take the midwest for granted. Exploring the highways that run from Minnesota to Missouri, Kentucky to Wisconsin, and all the spots in between can be a memorable way to see the county. Here are our top four must-do road trips in the Midwest.

Michigan Great Lakes

There is a reason people flock to Michigan over and over again, especially in the late summer months. What is only a relatively short distance from its neighboring midwest states but with a completely different feel, Pure Michigan definitely has some magic.

Start your 500 miles road trip at the Manitou Islands, making sure to visit Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, then head on Highway 31 to visit picture perfect Mackinaw City. Head next to Lake Huron to cross the Mackinac Bridge. From Lake Huron, travel to the upper peninsula to see the quaint town of Marquette, and finish your road trip at Copper Harbor, the most northern city in Michigan.

Michigan

Great River Road

The Great River National Scenic Byway is the oldest in the country and follows the Mississippi River 3,000 magnificent miles, across 10 states, from Northern Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. Start in Brainerd, Minnesota and head south, where nature enthusiasts will find many hiking and nature trails to explore. Make sure to stop in Potosi, Wisconsin, which houses the National Brewery Museum and Le Claire, Iowa, to take a riverboat ride. End your trip in Hannibal, Missouri, birthplace of loved American writer Mark Twain.

Great River Road

Music Lovers Trip

Calling all music lovers! This route is for you. Start in Kansas City with a stop at the American Jazz Museum and pick a few bars and restaurants to stop in to hear some live music. From Kansas City, head south to Branson, Missouri, the live music capital of the world. From county to gospel with tons of variety shows to choose from, there is something for everyone in Branson. Head from Branson to St Louis, traveling on parts of Historic Route 66 along the way, and cap off your music road trip by visiting the National Blues Museum in the Gateway to the West.

The Badlands

Every nature lover must see the Badlands in South Dakota, and there is no better way than by car. Start your trip on the Badlands Loop Scenic Byway, a 40 mile scenic drive that includes cliffs and spires like none you have every seen. Head west and see Month Rushmore; a must do for every American child or child at heart! Finish off your South Dakota drive with a visit to Custer State Park, where you will most likely be lucky enough to spot some Bison herds in the wide open plains.

Mount Rushmore

Some of the best trips don’t require a trip on a plane or even to leave the midwest. Fill up that tank and start making memories this summer!