Ideas in the Upper Midwest
Door County is said to be the Cape Cod of the Midwest. The area offers more than 300 miles of shoreline to explore. There are lots of must-see parks with great hiking and gorgeous views. There are also plenty of down-home experiences such as fish boils and orchard-fresh cherry pie. And you definitely won’t be disappointed when you ferry to unique Washington Island to explore lavender fields, historic sites and other great parks.
The Loess Hills Scenic Byway weaves through a land form of windblown silt deposits along the eastern edge of the Missouri River Valley. This unique American treasure possesses natural features that are found in only two places in the world: western Iowa and the Yellow River Valley of China. Travelers are intrigued by the extraordinary landscape of prairies and forest-covered bluffs.
Minnesota’s North Shore is one of the most popular places to visit in the state. Hugging the North Shore of Lake Superior from Duluth to Grand Portage, this 145-mile stretch is full of waterfalls, mixed woods, rocky and pebbled shoreline, small towns that hang on to their heritage and, of course, commanding Lake Superior views. It beckons travelers off the beaten path to experience a place like no other.
South Dakota has some of the best National parks in the country. It offers lots of urban attractions and plenty of rugged natural beauty. From badlands jutting into the sky and lush woodlands that have hosted Native American tribes for thousands of years, to deep underground caves and the larger-than-life presidential monument of Mount Rushmore, South Dakota’s landscapes provide unique opportunities for adventure.
North Dakota is often the last state on people’s “Nifty 50” list where they see each of the states in the US. But they are often pleasantly surprised by what they find there. It’s riddled with outdoor adventure, quirky roadside attractions, authentic cowboy culture and revitalized urban spaces.
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is like no other place on earth. Sandwiched between three of the greatest lakes in the world, it’s filled with peaceful forests, magnificent waterfalls, ancient rock formations, quiet and cozy towns, and miles and miles of shoreline — making it the perfect setting for a one-of-a-kind road trip.
Travel along the beautiful Mississippi River Valley, passing through quaint small towns and majestic scenery to head towards the “Driftless Region”. The Driftless Region has some of the most interesting topography in Wisconsin. It’s a large swath of land that glaciers missed as they squished other parts of the Midwest 10,000 years ago. You’ll find few to zero natural lakes in this region, but streams, coulees and bluffs galore. After that you will head toward the Wisconsin Dells to have lots of summer fun at the water park capital of the world!
Experience the beauty and history of the Mighty Mississippi while traveling through three Midwestern states. Pull over and take some time to relax to enjoy some inspiring vistas on the way. Explore the scenic route on the Apple Blossom Scenic Byway. Experience a cool cave tour or see a live music show in a barn—adventure awaits on the Great River Road!