The Midwest & Great Lakes region is known as America's Heartland, characterized by friendly locals, affordable travel, and surprising geographic beauty. The defining feature is the Great Lakes—Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario—which are so vast they behave like inland seas, complete with sandy beaches, dunes, and surf. The region experiences cold, snowy winters perfect for cozy indoor activities, and warm, humid summers that drive everyone to the water. It is a region of road trips, connecting vibrant cities with rural landscapes.
Chicago is the cultural capital of the Midwest and extremely family-friendly. Millennium Park is a central gathering spot where kids can play in the Crown Fountain and see their reflection in the Cloud Gate sculpture (The Bean). The Navy Pier offers a giant Ferris wheel and boat tours on the lake. The city's museums, such as the Field Museum (home to Sue the T-Rex) and the Museum of Science and Industry, are massive and engaging. Just north of the city, the Wisconsin Dells is known as the "Waterpark Capital of the World," featuring massive indoor and outdoor aquatic resorts.
In Minneapolis, the Mall of America is a destination in itself, housing an indoor theme park (Nickelodeon Universe) and an aquarium. It’s a perfect spot for families to burn energy during the colder months. Indianapolis boasts the Children's Museum of Indianapolis, the largest of its kind in the world, with exhibits ranging from dinosaurs to space travel that can occupy a family for an entire day. Ohio’s Cedar Point amusement park sits on a peninsula in Lake Erie and is a pilgrimage site for families with older kids who love roller coasters.
Nature here is accessible and gentle. The sleeping Bear Dunes in Michigan offer towering sand hills for kids to climb and run down, with spectacular views of the lake. Mackinac Island, where cars are banned, allows families to explore by bicycle or horse-drawn carriage, stepping back in time. Dining in the Midwest is casual and kid-approved, famous for deep-dish pizza, cheese curds, and frozen custard. It’s a region that prioritizes family fun without pretension.
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Activities & Best Times
Hiking, wildlife, outdoor exploration, ecotourism
The region offers unique freshwater coastal ecosystems at Pictured Rocks and Sleeping Bear Dunes that are world-class in scale. Winter months are excessively cold for nature exploration, while the shoulder seasons offer crisp conditions for visiting the dunes and national forests.
Urban tourism, museums, historical sites, architecture
Chicago provides an elite global hub for architecture, dining, and art, while Cahokia Mounds offers a rare glimpse into Mississippian heritage. The harsh winters significantly limit outdoor exploration of urban neighborhoods and historic sites from November through March.
Learning experiences, scientific sites, historical education
Houses internationally significant institutions like the Field Museum and the Museum of Science and Industry, which are standalone travel motivators for families. While primarily indoor, extreme winter cold (Jan-Feb) can make travel to and between these facilities difficult for international visitors.
Amusement parks, family entertainment venues
Home to world-renowned roller coaster destinations like Cedar Point and major water parks in Wisconsin Dells. These parks operate seasonally, with peak summer months offering full access, while winters see total closure for most outdoor attractions.
Events, celebrations, seasonal attractions
Lollapalooza and Summerfest are major international music festivals. While not as dense as coastal regions, these events draw substantial international audiences and merit 'good'.
Scenic drives, countryside tours, route-based travel
Iconic routes like the North Shore Scenic Drive and the start of Route 66 offer spectacular landscapes and authentic Americana. October is a peak month specifically for the world-class autumn foliage displays along the Great Lakes coastlines.
Sport tourism, fitness activities, active recreation
Extensive trail systems like the Katy Trail and Superior Hiking Trail provide excellent infrastructure for long-distance cycling and hiking. Active tourism is best in the mild summer months, as trails are often snow-covered or muddy during the long winter and early spring.
Spa retreats, wellness centers, peaceful getaways
Historic bathhouses in cities like Chicago and Detroit offer a niche urban wellness experience with authentic cultural roots. These facilities provide year-round indoor relaxation, though the surrounding city experience is most pleasant during the warmer months.
Winter sports, ski resorts, snow activities
The region offers established ski resorts like Boyne Mountain and Lutsen, though terrain is significantly less challenging than the Rockies or Alps. Reliable snow and modern infrastructure provide a solid winter sports option for families already in the region.
Attractions (132 total)
Beach / Coastal Recreation Area
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
Bayfield
A collection of 21 islands featuring historic lighthouses and spectacular red sandstone sea caves accessible by boat or kayak.
Visit website →Indiana Dunes National Park
Porter
A diverse landscape of towering dunes, wetlands, and prairies along the southern tip of Lake Michigan, ideal for hiking and swimming.
Visit website →Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Munising
Stunning multicolored sandstone cliffs, sea caves, and pristine beaches along the rugged shoreline of Lake Superior.
Visit website →Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Empire
Massive sand dunes perched high above Lake Michigan offer incredible views and a challenging climb for active families.
Visit website →Cave Point County Park
Sturgeon Bay
Renowned for its underwater caves and limestone cliffs where Lake Michigan waves crash spectacularly against the rocks.
Visit website →Park Point
Duluth
The world's longest freshwater sandbar, offering miles of sandy beaches and recreation areas with views of Lake Superior and the Duluth harbor.
Visit website →Grand Haven State Park
Grand Haven
Famous for its wide sandy beach and iconic red lighthouse pier, this park is a quintessential Great Lakes summer destination.
Visit website →North Avenue Beach
Chicago
Chicago's most popular urban beach, featuring a unique ocean-liner-inspired beach house and world-class views of the city skyline.
Visit website →Art Gallery / Fine Art Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Chicago
One of the world's great art museums, home to an iconic collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces.
Visit website →Cleveland Museum of Art
Cleveland
A globally recognized museum famous for its extensive Asian and Egyptian collections and its commitment to free admission.
Visit website →Detroit Institute of Arts
Detroit
A world-renowned museum featuring over 65,000 works, including the monumental Detroit Industry Murals by Diego Rivera.
Visit website →Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields
Indianapolis
A 152-acre campus integrating art and nature, featuring a major museum and historic gardens.
Visit website →Milwaukee Art Museum
Milwaukee
Architecturally stunning museum known for the Quadracci Pavilion's 'wings' that open and close over Lake Michigan.
Visit website →Minneapolis Institute of Art
Minneapolis
An impressive encyclopedic museum featuring more than 90,000 works representing 5,000 years of world history.
Visit website →Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
Kansas City
A distinguished museum featuring a vast collection and a famous outdoor sculpture park with giant shuttlecocks.
Visit website →Saint Louis Art Museum
St. Louis
Perched on Art Hill in Forest Park, this museum houses an encyclopedic collection spanning 5,000 years.
Visit website →Ski Resort / Winter Sports Center
Boyne Mountain Resort
Boyne Falls
190-341m elevation, 60 runs, 25km pistes, Nov-Apr season, 12 lifts, home to the Hemlock 8-person chairlift and a large indoor waterpark.
Visit website →Granite Peak Ski Area
Wausau
360-590m elevation, 74 runs, 20km pistes, Nov-Apr season, 7 lifts, features a 700-foot vertical drop located within Rib Mountain State Park.
Visit website →Lutsen Mountains
Lutsen
183-514m elevation, 95 runs, 40km pistes, Nov-Apr season, 8 lifts including the only gondola in the Midwest, spectacular views of Lake Superior.
Visit website →The Highlands at Harbor Springs
Harbor Springs
240-410m elevation, 55 runs, 25km pistes, Nov-Apr season, 10 lifts, known for long groomed runs and a variety of terrain parks.
Visit website →Chestnut Mountain Resort
Galena
180-330m elevation, 19 runs, 8km pistes, Nov-Mar season, 9 lifts, perched on a ridge overlooking the Mississippi River with a 475-foot vertical drop.
Visit website →Perfect North Slopes
Lawrenceburg
150-270m elevation, 23 runs, 8km pistes, Dec-Mar season, 5 lifts, features a massive snow tubing park and heavy snowmaking capabilities.
Visit website →Sundown Mountain Resort
Dubuque
190-335m elevation, 21 runs, 10km pistes, Dec-Mar season, 6 lifts, located in the scenic driftless area with views of the Iowa countryside.
Visit website →Crystal Mountain
Thompsonville
230-345m elevation, 58 runs, 15km pistes, Nov-Mar season, 8 lifts, family-oriented resort featuring an outdoor art park and extensive cross-country trails.
Visit website →Mount Bohemia
Lac La Belle
190-465m elevation, 100 runs, 30km pistes, Dec-Apr season, 2 lifts, extreme terrain with no grooming, strictly for advanced and expert skiers.
Visit website →Spirit Mountain
Duluth
180-397m elevation, 22 runs, 12km pistes, Nov-Mar season, 7 lifts, offers urban skiing with panoramic views of the Duluth harbor and Lake Superior.
Visit website →Natural Feature / Scenic Site
Brandywine Falls
Sagamore Hills
A 65-foot tiered waterfall that serves as the centerpiece of Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
Visit website →Voyageurs National Park
International Falls
An expanse of interconnected waterways and forests near the Canadian border, best explored by boat.
Visit website →Garden of the Gods
Herod
A high ridge in the Shawnee National Forest with unique rock formations and panoramic views of the wilderness.
Visit website →Hocking Hills State Park
Logan
Famous for its massive sandstone caves, deep gorges, and scenic waterfalls like Old Man's Cave.
Visit website →Starved Rock State Park
Utica
Known for its 18 canyons and seasonal waterfalls formed by glacial meltwater along the Illinois River.
Visit website →Castle / Palace / Historic Site
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site
Collinsville
A UNESCO World Heritage site preserving the remains of the largest pre-Columbian settlement north of Mexico with impressive earthwork mounds.
Visit website →Gateway Arch National Park
St. Louis
An iconic stainless steel monument symbolizing the westward expansion of the United States, including a historic museum and courthouse.
Visit website →Greenfield Village
Dearborn
An expansive outdoor living history museum featuring Thomas Edison’s lab, the Wright Brothers' home, and historic steam trains.
Visit website →Lincoln Home National Historic Site
Springfield
The only home Abraham Lincoln ever owned, this restored 1860s neighborhood offers a glimpse into the life of the 16th U.S. President.
Visit website →Taliesin
Spring Green
The primary home, studio, and estate of legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright, showcasing his organic architecture style and a UNESCO site.
Visit website →American Swedish Institute
Minneapolis
Housed in the historic Turnblad Mansion, this 'castle' features ornate woodcarvings and sculptured tile stoves celebrating Nordic culture.
Visit website →Fort Mackinac
Mackinac Island
A former British and American military outpost set on a high limestone bluff with well-preserved 18th and 19th-century buildings.
Visit website →Split Rock Lighthouse
Two Harbors
One of the most photographed lighthouses in the US, perched on a dramatic 130-foot cliff overlooking Lake Superior.
Visit website →Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens
Akron
A massive 65-room Tudor Revival manor house and historic estate built by the co-founder of Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company.
Visit website →Theme Park / Amusement Park
Cedar Point
Sandusky
Often called the Roller Coaster Capital of the World, this park features 18 world-class roller coasters on a scenic Lake Erie peninsula.
Visit website →Kings Island
Mason
A massive family amusement park featuring record-breaking wooden roller coasters and a 364-acre layout including an award-winning kids' area.
Visit website →Nickelodeon Universe
Bloomington
The largest indoor theme park in the United States, located inside the Mall of America with rides themed after popular Nickelodeon characters.
Visit website →Silver Dollar City
Branson
An 1880s-themed mountain park offering a unique blend of high-thrill rides, traditional craftsmanship, and live Ozark entertainment.
Visit website →Six Flags Great America
Gurnee
This premier Chicago-area park features nine themed sections, 15 roller coasters, and a large integrated water park.
Visit website →Adventureland Resort
Altoona
Iowa's largest tourist attraction, featuring over 100 rides, shows, and attractions including a series of classic and modern roller coasters.
Visit website →Michigan's Adventure
Muskegon
The largest amusement park in Michigan, home to the world-renowned Shivering Timbers wooden coaster and an extensive water park.
Visit website →Holiday World & Splashin' Safari
Santa Claus
A family-owned park uniquely themed around Christmas, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and the Fourth of July, featuring top-ranked wooden coasters.
Visit website →Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park
Wisconsin Dells
A massive resort complex with a Greek mythology theme featuring underground wooden roller coasters and expansive indoor/outdoor water parks.
Visit website →Worlds of Fun
Kansas City
Based on Jules Verne's 'Around the World in Eighty Days,' this park features international themes and high-speed steel coasters.
Visit website →Botanical Garden / Formal Gardens
Chicago Botanic Garden
Glencoe
Spanning 385 acres over nine islands, this world-class garden offers 27 distinct display areas and a spectacular Bonsai Collection.
Visit website →Frederic Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
Grand Rapids
A premier destination combining a world-class sculpture park with diverse indoor and outdoor gardens, including a massive tropical conservatory.
Visit website →Missouri Botanical Garden
St. Louis
One of the oldest botanical institutions in the United States, featuring a world-renowned Japanese garden and the iconic Climatron geodesic dome.
Visit website →Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory
Milwaukee
Known as 'The Domes,' this unique site features three massive glass beehive-shaped structures housing desert, tropical, and seasonal floral displays.
Visit website →The Garden at Newfields
Indianapolis
A historic 100-acre estate featuring formal gardens, a working greenhouse, and the Lilly House, integrated with the Indianapolis Museum of Art.
Visit website →Cleveland Botanical Garden
Cleveland
An urban oasis featuring the Eleanor Armstrong Smith Glasshouse, which transports visitors to the biomes of Madagascar and Costa Rica.
Visit website →Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Columbus
Famous for its historic 1895 glasshouse and extensive collection of glass art by Dale Chihuly integrated throughout the botanical displays.
Visit website →Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Chanhassen
The largest public garden in the Upper Midwest, featuring cold-hardy plant research, extensive trails, and beautiful seasonal flower displays.
Visit website →Zoo / Wildlife Park / Safari Park
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
Cincinnati
One of the oldest zoos in the United States, offering a blend of historic architecture and award-winning animal exhibits.
Visit website →Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Powell
This massive wildlife park is famous for its conservation efforts and the sprawling Heart of Africa savannah exhibit.
Visit website →Lincoln Park Zoo
Chicago
A free, historic urban zoo offering intimate animal encounters and spectacular views of the Chicago skyline.
Visit website →Saint Louis Zoo
St. Louis
A world-renowned, free admission zoo featuring diverse habitats and thousands of animals in a historic park setting.
Visit website →Detroit Zoo
Royal Oak
Home to the world-class Polk Penguin Conservation Center and 125 acres of naturalistic habitats in a suburban setting.
Visit website →Indianapolis Zoo
Indianapolis
A unique destination combining a high-tech zoo, a public aquarium, and a beautiful botanical garden on one campus.
Visit website →Minnesota Zoo
Apple Valley
An expansive wildlife park featuring a scenic elevated monorail and outdoor trails showcasing animals from northern climates.
Visit website →Adventure Park / Outdoor Activity Center
City Museum
St. Louis
A surreal, massive playground made of repurposed industrial objects, featuring the MonstroCity outdoor climbing maze with multi-story wire tunnels and airplanes.
Visit website →The Wilds
Cumberland
A massive safari-style conservation center offering open-air zip line tours over vast habitats housing rhinos, giraffes, and endangered species.
Visit website →Shepherd of the Hills Adventure Park
Branson
An iconic Ozark activity center featuring the Copperhead Mountain Coaster, massive zip lines from the Inspiration Tower, and historic homestead tours.
Visit website →SkyBridge Michigan at Boyne Mountain
Boyne Falls
The world's longest timber-towered suspension bridge, offering panoramic views of Northern Michigan and connected to a resort with extensive outdoor adventure activities.
Visit website →Spirit Mountain Adventure Park
Duluth
A year-round recreation hub featuring the Timber Twister alpine coaster, zip lines, and professional-grade mountain biking trails overlooking Lake Superior.
Visit website →The Forge: Lemont Quarries
Lemont
One of North America's largest aerial adventure parks, featuring massive ropes courses, zip lines, and climbing towers over scenic reclaimed quarries.
Visit website →Landmark / Monument / Iconic Urban Attraction
Cloud Gate
Chicago
Affectionately known as 'The Bean', this massive reflective sculpture in Millennium Park is one of the world's most recognizable pieces of public art.
Visit website →Gateway Arch
St. Louis
An iconic 630-foot stainless steel monument offering tram rides to the top for panoramic views of the Mississippi River and city.
Visit website →Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Cleveland
An iconic glass-pyramid landmark designed by I.M. Pei that celebrates the history and impact of rock music.
Visit website →Willis Tower Skydeck
Chicago
One of the tallest buildings in the Western Hemisphere, featuring glass floor balconies that extend out from the 103rd floor.
Visit website →Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
Minneapolis
Home to the famous 'Spoonbridge and Cherry' sculpture, this urban park is one of the largest crown jewels of the city's park system.
Visit website →Soldiers and Sailors Monument
Indianapolis
A nearly 285-foot-tall neoclassical limestone monument located in the heart of the city, offering an observation deck and a museum.
Visit website →Farm Park / Petting Zoo / Rural Experience
Conner Prairie
Fishers
An interactive history park where families can engage with costumed interpreters in a 19th-century village and working farmstead.
Visit website →Fair Oaks Farms
Fair Oaks
A premier agritourism destination offering immersive tours of dairy, pig, and crop farms with interactive exhibits and farm-to-table dining.
Visit website →Grant's Farm
St. Louis
The historic 281-acre ancestral home of the Busch family, featuring tram rides through animal preserves and the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales.
Visit website →Blackberry Farm
Aurora
A living history farm park featuring hayrides, a narrow-gauge train, and hands-on interactions with farm animals in a scenic setting.
Visit website →Living History Farms
Urbandale
A 500-acre open-air museum that brings to life three centuries of Midwestern agricultural history through active farming demonstrations.
Visit website →Old World Wisconsin
Eagle
The world's largest museum of rural life, featuring authentic 19th-century farmsteads and heirloom gardens across 600 scenic acres.
Visit website →Young's Jersey Dairy
Yellow Springs
A beloved family-owned farm featuring a petting zoo, working dairy operations, and famous homemade ice cream and cheese curds.
Visit website →Science Museum / Natural History Museum / Discovery Centre
COSI (Center of Science and Industry)
Columbus
Consistently ranked as a top science center in the nation, COSI offers over 300 interactive exhibits and a massive planetarium for all ages.
Visit website →Field Museum of Natural History
Chicago
One of the world's largest natural history museums, it is home to "Sue," the most complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton ever discovered.
Visit website →Museum of Science and Industry
Chicago
Housed in the only remaining building from the 1893 World's Fair, this massive museum features a full-size German submarine and a simulated coal mine.
Visit website →The Children's Museum of Indianapolis
Indianapolis
As the world's largest museum of its kind, it features immersive exhibits ranging from full-sized dinosaur skeletons to space exploration stations.
Visit website →Great Lakes Science Center
Cleveland
Situated on the Lake Erie shore, this museum serves as the home of the NASA Glenn Visitor Center and features hands-on STEM learning labs.
Visit website →Saint Louis Science Center
St. Louis
This free-entry science center features a distinctive hyperboloid planetarium and over 700 interactive exhibits exploring aerospace, ecology, and technology.
Visit website →Science Museum of Minnesota
St. Paul
Located on the bluffs of the Mississippi River, this museum is renowned for its interactive technology exhibits and extensive paleontology collection.
Visit website →National Park / Nature Reserve
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Peninsula
A scenic park featuring the winding Cuyahoga River, historic canal sites, and the tiered Brandywine Falls.
Visit website →Effigy Mounds National Monument
Harpers Ferry
Ancient Native American earthworks shaped like animals overlooking the scenic Mississippi River valley.
Visit website →Road Trips & Scenic Drives
Historic Route 66 (Illinois Section)
Chicago, IL
484km paved iconic road trip (1-2 days) from Chicago to the Chain of Rocks Bridge at the Missouri border. Features vintage diners, the Gemini Giant, and historic service stations.
Visit website →M-22 Scenic Drive
Manistee, MI
186km paved coastal highway (3-5 hours) circling the Leelanau Peninsula. Key stops include the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Point Betsie Lighthouse, and numerous wineries and orchards.
Visit website →North Shore Scenic Drive (Highway 61)
Duluth, MN
248km paved route (4-6 hours) following the rugged shoreline of Lake Superior. Highlights include Split Rock Lighthouse, seven state parks, Gooseberry Falls, and the artistic hub of Grand Marais.
Visit website →Wisconsin Great River Road (Highway 35)
Prescott, WI
402km paved route (1 day) hugging the Mississippi River. Known for soaring limestone bluffs, birdwatching, and historic river towns like Alma and Stockholm.
Visit website →Hocking Hills Scenic Byway (SR 374)
Rockbridge, OH
42km paved forest drive (1-2 hours) providing access to the region's top natural wonders including Old Man's Cave, Cedar Falls, and Ash Cave amidst deep gorges.
Visit website →Loess Hills National Scenic Byway
Akron, IA
354km paved route (4-6 hours) through unique wind-deposited silt formations. Offers panoramic views of the Missouri River Valley and rare tallgrass prairie ecosystems.
Visit website →Parke County Covered Bridge Routes
Rockville, IN
Multiple paved loops totaling 290km (full day) connecting 31 historic covered bridges. The area is famous for its autumn foliage and rural Indiana landscape.
Visit website →Door County Coastal Byway
Sturgeon Bay, WI
106km paved loop (2-4 hours) exploring the peninsula between Green Bay and Lake Michigan. Highlights include Cave Point County Park, Peninsula State Park, and cherry orchards.
Visit website →Hiking & Cycling Routes
Ice Age National Scenic Trail
St. Croix Falls
1,931km (1,200 miles) moderate long-distance trail following the edge of the last continental glacier. Thru-hike takes 7-12 weeks. Features diverse glacial landforms including eskers and moraines.
Visit website →Katy Trail State Park
Clinton
386km (240 miles) easy gravel cycling route following the former MKT railroad line across Missouri. Typical duration is 3-5 days cycling. Primarily flat with minimal elevation gain. Bike rental: Katy Trail Bike Rental (katytrailbikere-delivery.com).
Visit website →Superior Hiking Trail
Two Harbors
500km (310 miles) moderate to challenging rugged footpath along the ridge overlooking Lake Superior. Typical through-hike duration is 2-4 weeks with approximately 11,000m of total elevation gain. Equipment: Midwest Mountaineering (midwestmtn.com).
Visit website →High Trestle Trail
Ankeny
40km (25 miles) easy paved cycling route famous for its iconic 13-story bridge over the Des Moines River. Mostly flat. Bike rental: Trailside Rentals (trailsiderental.com).
Visit website →Knobstone Trail
Martinsburg
96km (60 miles) challenging and rugged hiking trail through the Clark State Forest. Indiana's longest footpath with steep climbs and 3,000m total elevation gain. Duration: 3-5 days.
Visit website →Copper Harbor Mountain Bike Trails
Copper Harbor
60km of challenging to expert mountain bike trails rated as a Silver Level Ride Center. Features technical rocky descents and significant wooden boardwalks. Bike rental: Keweenaw Adventure Company (keweenawadventure.com).
Visit website →Elroy-Sparta State Trail
Sparta
51km (32 miles) easy cycling route, considered the first rail-to-trail conversion in the US. Features three historic tunnels up to 1,100 meters long. Flat grade. Bike rental: Speed's Bicycle Shop (speedsbikeshop.com).
Visit website →North Country Trail - Pictured Rocks Segment
Grand Marais
68km (42 miles) moderate hike along the stunning sandstone cliffs of Lake Superior. Typical duration is 3-4 days. Elevation gain is approximately 1,500m through dunes and forests.
Visit website →Aquarium / Sea Life Centre
Johnny Morris' Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium
Springfield
A massive award-winning aquarium and wildlife museum featuring immersive habitats and over 35,000 live animals.
Visit website →Shedd Aquarium
Chicago
An iconic landmark housing a vast collection of marine life, including beluga whales and Pacific white-sided dolphins.
Visit website →St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station
St. Louis
Located in a historic train station, this modern aquarium offers interactive exhibits and a massive shark habitat.
Visit website →Greater Cleveland Aquarium
Cleveland
Housed in a historic powerhouse, this aquarium features a unique 175-foot sea tube and diverse aquatic ecosystems.
Visit website →Sea Life Michigan Aquarium
Auburn Hills
A family-friendly destination featuring Michigan's only underwater tunnel and interactive touch pools with sea stars and crabs.
Visit website →National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
Dubuque
This dual museum and aquarium provides hands-on exhibits exploring the history and wildlife of America's great rivers.
Visit website →Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium
Bloomington
Families can explore a massive walk-through tunnel surrounded by sharks, rays, and sea turtles inside the Mall of America.
Visit website →Major International Festival / Cultural Event
Lollapalooza
Chicago
Late July to early August, 4-day multi-genre music festival, 400,000 annual visitors, features the 'Kidzapalooza' area with family-friendly music, creative workshops, and interactive art for children.
Visit website →Summerfest
Milwaukee
Late June to early July, 9-day music festival held over three consecutive weekends, 750,000 annual visitors, family-friendly with dedicated children's play zones, circus performances, and Ferris wheel rides.
Visit website →Historic Town / Village / Cultural Area
Mackinac Island
Mackinac Island
A car-free historic resort island featuring 18th-century forts, Victorian architecture, and horse-drawn carriages along its charming waterfront streets.
Visit website →Amana Colonies
Amana
Seven historic German villages established by religious separatists, known for their communal heritage, traditional crafts, and hearty cuisine.
Visit website →Galena Historic District
Galena
A beautifully preserved 19th-century mining town nestled in rolling hills, famous for its red-brick architecture and the home of Ulysses S. Grant.
Visit website →German Village
Columbus
A historic neighborhood renowned for its beautifully restored 19th-century brick cottages, cobblestone streets, and charming European-style atmosphere.
Visit website →Pullman National Historical Park
Chicago
A landmark industrial town designed in the 1880s for railroad car workers, showcasing unique architecture and labor history.
Visit website →Ste. Genevieve National Historical Park
Ste. Genevieve
Preserves some of the oldest vertical-log French colonial houses in North America within a well-preserved Mississippi River settlement.
Visit website →Water Park / Splash Park / Aquatic Centre
Noah's Ark Waterpark
Wisconsin Dells
Recognized as America's largest waterpark, featuring over 50 slides, two giant wave pools, and unique water coasters for all ages.
Visit website →Splashin' Safari
Santa Claus
Consistently ranked among the best water parks in the world, it is home to record-breaking water coasters like Mammoth and Wildebeest.
Visit website →Cedar Point Shores
Sandusky
A premier 18-acre waterfront water park located right on the shores of Lake Erie, featuring 17 attractions and a massive wave pool.
Visit website →Hurricane Harbor Chicago
Gurnee
A 20-acre Caribbean-themed water park featuring the world's tallest water coaster, Tsunami Surge, and a variety of family play areas.
Visit website →Hurricane Harbor St. Louis
Eureka
A major 12-acre water park within Six Flags St. Louis featuring the 560,000-gallon Hurricane Bay wave pool and high-speed body slides.
Visit website →Soak City at Kings Island
Mason
A massive 35-acre water park included with admission to Kings Island, offering 36 water slides and two enormous wave pools.
Visit website →Natural Hot Spring / Thermal Bath / Historic Bathhouse
The Schvitz
Detroit
Established in 1930, this historic Detroit institution is an authentic Eastern European-style bathhouse. It features a legendary wood-fired sauna, a cold plunge pool, and traditional 'Platza' oak-leaf treatments in a historic brick-and-tile setting. It remains Michigan's only functioning historic community bathhouse.
Visit website →Chicago Bath House
Chicago
Operating since 1906, this is one of the oldest traditional bathhouses in the United States. It features a historic steam room heated by an ancient furnace filled with 20 tons of granite boulders, a deep cold plunge pool, and traditional Russian 'Banya' and Turkish bath experiences.
Visit website →