Taking a Midwest Road Trip? 26 Fun Family Destinations to Consider

Midwest Road Trip: Illinois Destinations

Chicago, Illinois

Legoland Discovery Center, Schaumburg, Illinois

Midwest Road Trip: Indiana Destinations

Indiana Dunes State Park, Indiana

Indianapolis, Indiana

Santa Claus, Indiana / Holiday World

Valparaiso, Indiana

Midwest Road Trip: Iowa Destinations

Kansas City, Kansas

Jamie Bartosch, Suburban TravelingMom, says Kansas City is the ideal Midwest destination for multigenerational road trips. Check out her recommendations for things to do, see, and eat in Kansas City.

Midwest Road Trip: Michigan Destinations

As a resident of the Buckeye state, it’s my civic duty to hate “that state up north.” I promise I do, during football season, but I simply can’t extend my disdain for Michigan any farther than the football field. The reality is, it’s an absolutely breathtaking state – especially if you’re looking for outdoor destinations.

Whether you’re visiting gorgeous beach towns on Lake Huron or spending the winter with sled dogs in Traverse City, there are too many delightful towns to visit in both the lower and upper peninsulas. The state also offers a few really unique destinations for your Midwest road trip.

Holland, Michigan

Holland, Michigan may be the closest thing you can get to the Netherlands, without traveling to Europe. A large, authentic Dutch windmill is perhaps the highlight of a visit to Holland; there are also Dutch restaurants, architecture tours, and even wooden shoe carving shows. If you visit in May, you’ll be treated to the Tulip Time Festival, too!

Mackinac Island, Michigan

Midwest Road Trip: Minnesota Destinations

Duluth, Minnesota

Duluth, like many of the Great Lakes towns on this list, offers lots of outdoor activities for families. It is also home to Great Lakes Aquarium, the only freshwater aquarium in the US.

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Home to the Mall of America (which may be reason enough to visit), Minneapolis has so much to offer visitors. Explore the largest mall in the US, or enjoy a number of theater performances. Hike to Minnehaha Falls or explore miles of nature trails along the Mississippi River. Check out some of the fun free things to do in the Twin Cities!

Midwest Road Trip: Ohio Destinations

Cincinnati, Ohio

Like the other large cities on this list, Cincinnati offers far too large a variety of attractions to really cover here. Travel and Leisure named it one of the “Best Places to Visit” the last few years; world-class museums, one of the best zoos in the country, several professional sports teams, and a vast historical significance are only a handful of the things that draw visitors to the Queen City year after year.

Check out our favorite family destinations in Cincinnati. We’ve also rounded up where to beat the heat without breaking the bank, free activities around the city, and even how you can camp with the giraffes at the Cincinnati Zoo!

Cleveland, Ohio

Hocking Hills, Ohio

Sandusky/Lake Erie Shore, Ohio

Sandusky, Ohio, is home to Cedar Point – the flagship park of Cedar Fair. There are also four indoor waterpark resorts and beautiful beaches along Lake Erie. From Sandusky, families can take ferries to Kelleys Island or South Bass Island’s Put-in-Bay. On these islands, families can take cave tours, go on fishing excursions, or climb the Marblehead Lighthouse for spectacular views.

Warren County, Ohio

North of Cincinnati, visit Mason, Ohio. Stay at Great Wolf Lodge and visit Kings Island amusement park next door – home of the “Best Children’s Area in the World” almost 20 years running.

You can also take a scenic train ride to Lebanon, the county seat of Warren County – “Ohio’s Largest Playground.” Here you’ll find a charming downtown area with some of the country’s best antiques shopping. You can even dine – or stay overnight – at the Historic Golden Lamb Inn & Restaurant. Opened in 1803, the Golden Lamb has hosted 12 US presidents and dozens of other US and world dignitaries.

Midwest Road Trip: Missouri Destinations

Branson, Missouri

DebtFreeTravelingMom Kathy Penny loves Branson, Missouri, because it’s “a fun and affordable vacation destination with something for everyone from beautiful lakes and mountains to fun shows and theme parks.” Silver Dollar City is a family-friendly park themed to an old mining town. Kids and adults of all ages can choose from more than 40 rides and live entertainment.

Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri

Lake of the Ozarks has something for every kind of vacationer. “The Strip” offers your typical tourist fare: gift shops, arts and crafts, fudge and candy factories, and the like. But it’s the beautiful lake (with more than 50 marinas), a collection of golf courses, horseback trails, boat tours through caverns, and tours of mansions (both current and historic) that will keep you busy for as long as you want to stay.

St. Louis, Missouri

Midwest Road Trip: Nebraska Destinations

Omaha, Nebraska

Dana Zucker, Luxe TravelingMom, recommends the Omaha Zoo – and touts Omaha as a must-do for foodies. Candid TravelingMom Patti Holliday adds, “The city is one of the nicest, cleanest, and most hospitable places – especially in the spring and summer when the weather is perfection!”

Midwest Road Trip: North and South Dakota Destinations

Badlands National Park, South Dakota

Badlands National Park offers beautiful landscapes and protected wildlife.

The Black Hills & Mount Rushmore, South Dakota

• Round Up the Kids and Giddy Up to South Dakota’s Black Hills
• Calling All Families to Discover Custer State Park
• South Dakota Caves – Underground Frontiers for Families

Midwest Road Trip: Wisconsin Destinations

Madison, Wisconsin

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Milwaukee, Wisconsin combines a beautiful beach on Lake Michigan with the hustle and bustle of a growing city. Motorcycle fans can visit the Harley-Davidson Museum, and visitors can take part in several festivals throughout the year – including Summerfest, one of the world’s largest music festivals.

While traveling through the Milwaukee area, plan a trip to Elkhart Lake (about an hour east of the city). Maria Smith, TravelingMom of Many says it’s one of the best lake spots in the Midwest. With all of the beautiful towns along the Great Lakes, that’s saying something; she shares her extremely convincing argument here.

Wisconsin Dells

So whether you live in the Midwest and are looking for quick and easy (and perhaps off-the-beaten-path) destinations, or are traveling to come and visit us here, be sure to check out these TravelingMom approved destinations as you plan your Midwest road trip.