15 Best Midwest Road Trips for Your Bucket List

Midwest road trips are one of the best ways to discover the charming small towns, scenic byways, spectacular state parks and hidden gems across America’s heartland.

Whether you’re looking for Midwest road trip ideas for a long weekend or a cross-state adventure, these routes offer something for every type of traveller. This guide features 15 of the best Midwest road trips, from historic Route 66 and Great Lakes lighthouses to waterfalls, ghost towns and unforgettable natural wonders.

With one carefully planned route for each Midwestern state, you’ll find plenty of inspiration for your next road trip, whether you’re travelling for history, outdoor adventures, quirky roadside attractions or incredible scenery.

Compare the Best Midwest Road Trips at a Glance

Road Trip	State	Best For	Recommended Stay
Route 66	Illinois	History, Route 66 & roadside attractions	2–3 days
Natural Wonders	Iowa	Waterfalls, caves & hiking	2–3 days
Post Rock Scenic Byway	Kansas	Scenic drives & geology	2 days
Ghost Towns	Missouri	Abandoned places & local history	2 days
Ohio River Scenic Byway	Indiana	Historic river towns & scenic drives	2–3 days
Small Towns	Minnesota	Charming communities & festivals	3 days
Michigan Lighthouses	Michigan	Coastal scenery & historic lighthouses	3–4 days
Old Red/Old Ten Scenic Byway	North Dakota	Prairie scenery & hidden gems	2 days
Ohio Waterfalls	Ohio	Waterfalls & hiking	2–3 days
Wisconsin State Parks	Wisconsin	Outdoor adventures & nature	3–4 days
Michigan Covered Bridges	Michigan	Historic bridges & small towns	2 days
Nebraska Food Trail	Nebraska	Local restaurants & foodie experiences	2–3 days
Haunted South Dakota	South Dakota	Ghost stories & paranormal history	2–3 days
Illinois Roadside Attractions	Illinois	Quirky Americana & family fun	2–3 days
Missouri Natural Wonders	Missouri	Rock formations & state parks	2–3 days

15 Best Midwest Road Trips for Your Bucket List

Route 66 Through Illinois: The Ultimate Historic Road Trip

Highlights

• Chicago
• Bloomington
• Litchfield
• Collinsville

You’ll start your Midwest road trip through Illinois’ portion of Route 66 in Chicago. Make sure to grab a picture of the iconic Route 66 sign in Chicago that marks the start of the famous highway.

From there, you’ll pass through Joliet and head into Bloomington. You’ll want to check out the Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum.

Head out of Bloomington towards Litchfield. On the way, you’ll pass through some amazing kitschy road side attractions and unique food stands.

In Litchfield, grab something to eat at the iconic Doc’s Soda Fountain before experiencing the Sky View Drive-in Theater.

You’ll finish your trip in Collinsville where you should consider stopping at the Rabbit Ranch as you end your journey on the iconic Route 66.

Allow at least two or three days so you have time to enjoy the museums, classic diners and quirky roadside attractions along the route.

Iowa Natural Wonders Road Trip: Waterfalls, Caves and Scenic Parks

Highlights

• Dunnings Spring Park
• Effigy Mounds National Monument
• Maquoketa Caves State Park
• Wildcat Den State Park

For your Midwest road trip through Iowa’s natural wonders, you’ll start at Dunning’s Springs Park. Dunning’s Springs Park is home to one of the best waterfalls in Iowa.

From there, head to Effigy Mounds National Monument. This national monument is home to over 200 effigy mounds created by Native Americans from 20 different Nations.

Next, you’ll make your way to Maquoketa Caves State Park. This Park is over 300 acres and has the most caves of any Iowa State Park. Many of them you can walk through and hike out to see.

End your trip at Wildcat Den State Park. It is a beautiful park known for it’s massive rock features.

You can take hikes and admire the ‘Devil’s Punch Bowl’, ‘Fat Man’s Squeeze’, and ‘Steamboat Rock’.

Late spring through autumn is the best time to enjoy the waterfalls, hiking trails and cave systems along this scenic route.

Kansas Post Rock Scenic Byway: Scenic Views Through the Smoky Hills

Highlights

• Limestone Native American Posts
• Wilson Lake
• The Garden of Eden

The Post Rock Scenic Byway is a stretch of byway in Kansas that is 18 miles long. It winds through the Smoky Hills and is named for the unique limestone rock posts Native American’s used to build their fences, homes, and other structures.

Along the route, you’ll be able to admire these unique limestone Native American posts. Four of them have had faces carved into them by California artist, Fred Whitman.

One of the main parts of the byway is the area surrounding Wilson Lake.

There are several scenic stops you can take to admire Wilson Lake, or you can get out and explore and hike near the lake.

The scenic byway ends in the town of Lucas, which is home to the famous ‘Garden of Eden’. The ‘Garden of Eden’ is a National Historic Place that features over 150 folk art statues. S.P. Dinsmoor was a Civil War veteran who created the folk art statues in the late 1800s. Dinsmoor and his art made Lucas an artists town and it is now home to several different artist collectives and unique galleries.

It is the perfect stopping point for your road trip in the Midwest.

Although the byway is only 18 miles long, it’s worth allowing a full day to explore the viewpoints, Wilson Lake and Lucas

Missouri Ghost Towns Road Trip: Explore Abandoned Places and Forgotten History

Highlights

• Arlington
• Bloodland
• Possum Trot
• Georgia City

For those looking for a spookier adventure, consider a road trip in the Midwest full of Missouri ghost towns.

You’ll start your road trip in Arlington, a once lively town on Route 66. Arlington was established in the 1860s but was abandoned less than 100 years later.

Just south of Arlington is Bloodland. The oddly named town became obsolete in the 1940s, but a few buildings still remain.

From Bloodland you’ll head to the town of Possum Trot. All that remains of the former town is a church and a home that have long stood abandoned.

Finish your trip in Georgia City. The only thing left of this once hopping town is the cemetery. Many of the town’s original residents are burried there.

A drive through the ghost towns of Missouri is sure to make for an interesting Midwest road trip.

Many of these sites are remote, so download offline maps before setting out and always respect private property.

Indiana’s Ohio River Scenic Byway: Historic River Towns and Scenic Views

Highlights

• Vevay
• Madison
• Newburgh

The Ohio River Scenic Byway runs in three states, with 300 miles running through Indiana.

There are three historic towns you’ll pass through that offer charming experiences in each.

Begin your road trip in Vevay, named the 4th Coolest Small Town in America, and for good reason. There you can visit a casino, have a delicious meal, and even go zip-lining.

From Vevay you’ll continue down the scenic byway to the charming town of Madison. You’ll be able to sample locally made cider, go hiking, and enjoy small town charm.

Finish your Ohio River Scenic Byway road trip in the small town of Newburgh.

In Newburgh, walk the Riverwalk, grab a bite to eat, and explore unique shops.

This route is especially beautiful in autumn when the surrounding hills are filled with vibrant fall colours.

Minnesota Small Towns Road Trip: Charming Communities Worth Exploring

Highlights

• Ely
• Pipestone
• Winona
• Taylors Falls

There are so many cute small towns in Minnesota that it makes for the perfect Midwest road trip.

You’ll start your trip in Ely, which is home to one of the best waterfalls in Minnesota, the Kawishiwi Falls.

From there, head to Pipestone, which is home to the Pipestone National Monument. At the National Monument you’ll be able to hike and learn more about Native American history.

After you leave Pipestone, continue on to Winona. Winona is perfect for a romantic getaway if you are a couple that enjoys festivals.

The small town of Winona is known for it’s frequent and unique festivals. So no matter what time of year you visit, you’ll probably get to enjoy one.

End you’re small towns road trip in Taylors Falls. It’s the perfect place to end your trip because you’ll be able to decompress and enjoy the great outdoors.

Consider visiting during festival season to experience the local events that make many of these small towns so memorable.

Michigan Lighthouses Road Trip: Coastal Views and Historic Beacons

Highlights

• Big Red Lighthouse
• Big Sable Point Lighthouse
• Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse
• Fort Gratiot Point Light Station

Start your exploration of Michigan’s lighthouses at the famous Big Red Lighthouse in Holland. Holland is great for a weekend getaway in Michigan, so consider spending a little time enjoying the town while you’re there.

From there, travel North to the Big Sable Point Lighthouse.

The Big Sable Point Lighthouse is in Ludington, which is also where you can find one of the best beaches in Michigan.

Next, you’ll stop at the Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse, one of the best lighthouses in Michigan, which is on Mackinac Island.

Mackinac Island is another great place to explore, so plan to spend some time to tour both the lighthouse and the nearby area.

End your trip at Michigan’s first lighthouse, the Fort Gratiot Point Light Station.

It first opened in 1825 and is a popular lighthouse for tourist visits, so plan enough time there to get the full experience. The lighthouses of Michigan road trip in the Midwest is a great way to experience Michigan coastal life.

Summer and early autumn offer the best weather for exploring the shoreline, beaches and lighthouse grounds.

North Dakota’s Old Red/Old Ten Scenic Byway: Prairie Landscapes and Historic Towns

Highlights

• Taylor
• Assumption Abbey
• Salem Sue

If you’re looking for Midwest road trips that explore the hidden parts of Midwestern States, then consider traveling down the Old Red/Old Ten Scenic Byway in North Dakota.

The best part about this road trip is that it is mostly full of beautiful scenic views of North Dakota. As you drive along, you’ll come into the small town of Taylor. Taylor is known for it’s yearly horse festivals. If you stop by during one of those festivals, you’re in for a real treat.

Next you’ll pass into Richardton, which is home to the beautiful Assumption Abbey.

While you’re there, make sure you take the time to tour this stunning abbey that is seemingly in the middle of nowhere.

As you finish you’re road trip, you’ll find Salem Sue.

Salem Sue is the World’s Largest Holstein Cow fiberglass sculpture. It was built in 1974 using $40,000 in donations from local farmers and residents.

It is a unique way to end your Midwestern travel through scenic North Dakota.

Fuel stations can be spread out along this route, so it’s a good idea to top up your tank whenever you have the opportunity.

Ohio Waterfalls Road Trip: Scenic Hikes and Spectacular Falls

Highlights

• Mohican State Park
• Brandywine Falls
• Lanterman’s Falls
• Hocking Hills State Park

Most of Ohio’s best waterfalls can be found in state parks, so start your road trip in Mohican State Park. At Mohican State Park there are two waterfalls you can see. The Big and Little Lyons Falls, both of which flow over deep sandstone gorges.

Next head to Cuyahoga National Park to admire the Brandywine Falls, home to one of the best waterfalls in Ohio.

The falls are a popular spot to visit and cascade down into the river over 65 feet. The hike to view them is fairly easy, so it’s a great stop on any waterfall Midwest road trips.

Continue on to Lanternman’s Falls, which is actually in Youngstown Ohio’s metro park.

Make sure while you’re there you take the time to explore and enjoy the best things to do in Youngstown Ohio.

End your trip at one of my favorite spots, Hocking Hills State Park.

Hocking Hills State Park has some of the best hiking trails in Ohio, and a lot of them lead you to one of the three waterfalls there.

Exploring Ohio’s waterfalls is a great way to see some of the most beautiful spots in my home state. Most of the waterfalls are reached by short hikes, so comfortable walking shoes are essential.

Wisconsin State Parks Road Trip: Outdoor Adventures and Natural Beauty

Highlights

• Peninsula State Park
• Copper Falls State Park
• Pattison State Park
• Devil’s Lake State Park

There are tons of State Parks in Wisconsin, but for this road trip, I have found some of the best ones for you to explore.

Begin your journey at Peninsula State Park. It is the state’s second most popular park and has a mix of challenging and easy hikes, so there is something for everyone. If you are up for the challenge, hike the 2 mile Eagle Trail to admire breathtaking limestone cliffs.

Continue your trip to Copper Falls State Park. Copper Falls State Park is home to one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Wisconsin, but not the only state park on this trip to have waterfalls.

From Copper Falls, head to Pattinson State Park. Pattinson State Park is home to Wisconsin’s biggest waterfall, Big Manitou Falls. The hike is fairly easy to view it, so I definitely suggest taking the time to do the hike.

Finish your Midwest road trip in Devil’s Lake State Park. This State Park is known for its many unique rock formations and this has made it one of Wisconsin’s most popular State Parks.

When you plan this road trip, make sure to give yourself plenty of time to explore all the State Parks and what they have to offer. If you plan to visit several state parks, check whether a Wisconsin State Park vehicle admission pass will save you money.

Michigan Covered Bridges Road Trip: Historic Bridges and Small-Town Charm

Highlights

• Fallasburg Covered Bridge
• Ada Covered Bridge
• Langley Covered Bridge Historic Site
• Holz-Brucke Bridge

Michigan has its own Covered Bridges Trail and its a great way to explore Michigan. You’ll start your trip in Lowell at the Fallasburg Covered Bridge. Fallasburg is one of the only four covered bridges in Michigan that is still open to vehicle traffic. Tourists have been coming to view this 100 foot covered bridge since it was built in 1871.

Right by the Fallasburg bridge is the Ada Covered Bridge. The Ada Covered Bridge is only open to foot traffic and takes you across the Thornapple River onto Bronson Street in Ada.

From there, you’ll travel to the Langley Covered Bridge, which is the longest wooden covered bridge in Michigan.

End your tour of Michigan’s covered bridges in the cute Michigan small town of Frankenmuth. Frankenmuth is home to the Holz-Brucke Bridge which was actually built in 1980.

It may be a newer covered bridge, but it is absolutely worth a stop on your Midwest road trip! This route combines beautifully with a visit to nearby Frankenmuth or Grand Rapids for an extended weekend away.

Nebraska Foodie Road Trip: The State’s Best Local Restaurants

Highlights

• The Chocolate Bar, Grand Island
• The Mixing Bowl, Gering
• Sehnert’s Bakery, McCook
• Shirley’s Diner, Omaha
• UNL Dairy Store, Lincoln

Nebraska is full of amazing restaurants, so start in Grand Island and The Chocolate Bar. The stand out on this bakery’s menu is their Old Fashioned Chocolate Cake, but you’ll love anything you order.

Next head to Gering and sample German classics with a bit of Midwestern flair at The Mixing Bowl. The Mixing Bowl is open for breakfast and lunch and the locals absolutely love it, so you know it’s going to be good.

After breakfast or lunch at The Mixing Bowl, head to Sehnert’s Bakery in McCook for a delicious pastry, a gourmet sandwich, or a cup of espresso.

For dinner, you can’t beat Shirley’s Diner in Omaha. Shirley’s is a family owned and operated classic 1950s style diner. You’ll get to enjoy Nebraska favorites to the sounds of good old fashioned Rock N Roll.

End your foodie Midwest road trip at the UNL Dairy Store for a sweet treat. UNL Dairy Store offers ice cream that is handmade by local university students as well as other sweet dairy treats.

It is a perfect way to end one of the most unique Midwest road trips in Nebraska. Check opening hours before you travel, as some of these much-loved local restaurants have limited opening days.

Haunted South Dakota Road Trip: Ghost Stories and Historic Haunts

Highlights

• Mount Marty College
• Gitchi Manitou
• Scotty Phillip Cemetery
• Historic Fairmont Hotel

South Dakota is home to some well known haunted location, making it the perfect place to have a haunted road trip.

Start your haunted road trip at Mount Marty College. Mount Marty College has been home to ghost tales ever since the death of a maintenance worker in 1936. Residents in Whitby Hall report apparitions, scratchings, and strange noises.

From there head to Gitchi Manitou for some newer haunting rumors. Gitchi Manitou is where six Sioux Falls teens were reportedly murdered in the 1970s while camping and now local legend says the teens haunt the area.

Your next stop is the Scotty Philip Cemetery. Its no surprise that an old cemetery would have rumors of being haunted. The cemetery has a sad story of a father surviving his five children, and now locals believe he haunts the grounds mourning his children.

End your haunted road trip at the famous Historic Fairmont Hotel in Deadwood South Dakota. Ghost tours are offered daily or if you’re brave, you can spend the night and wait for an opportunity to experience the ghostly happenings yourself.

This will definitely be one of the most interesting Midwest road trips you can take! Autumn is an especially atmospheric time to experience this haunted road trip, particularly around Halloween.

Illinois Roadside Attractions Road Trip: Quirky Stops and Classic Americana

Highlights

• Superman Square, Metropolis
• Brook’s Catsup Bottle, Collinsville
• The Gemini Giant, Wilmington
• De Immigrant Windmill, Fulton

Illinois has some great hidden gems in the Midwest, like kitschy roadside attractions, and a lot of them are on the famous Route 66. So you can combine this road trip with my Route 66 one!

Begin your kitschy road trip in Metropolis where you can admire the Superman Square. Metropolis claims to be the home of the iconic super hero, and takes that very seriously.

From there, head to Collinsville where you can view the World’s Largest Catsup Bottle, the Brook’s Catsup Bottle. At one time, it was the water tower for the town, but now it is a fun kitschy roadside attraction.

Next, head to the Launching Pad restaurant in Wilmington. Outside of the restaurant stands a large Mid Century statue known as the Gemini Giant. Its a really fun spot to grab a bite to eat and a fun selfie!

Finish your kitschy road trip by viewing the De Immigrant Windmill in Fulton. The De Immigrant Windmill was originally constructed in the Netherlands but now stands proudly in this cute Illinois town.

Allow plenty of extra time for photo stops, as some of Illinois’ most memorable attractions are found just off the main road.

Missouri Natural Wonders Road Trip: Parks, Rock Formations and Scenic Landscapes

Highlights

• Clifty Creek Natural Bridge
• Johnson Shut-ins
• Elephant Rock State Park
• Grand Gulf State Park

Missouri is the perfect state for Midwest road trips that focus on natural wonders, because it has plenty!

I suggest starting your road trip at the Clifty Creek Natural Bridge. You’ll have to take a 2.5 mile hike, but at the end you’ll get great views of the natural rock bridge.

From there, head to the Johnson Shut-ins. The Johnson Shut-ins are volcanic rock that are stuck in the East Fork of the Black River. They make for a great way to spend a hot summer day, because you can go swimming in the area.

Continue to Elephant Rock State Park to see it’s namesake, the Elephant Rock. The rock formation was created with 1.5 billion-year-old granite that you can now climb and admire.

Finish your journey through Missouri’s natural wonders at the Grand Gulf State Park. Locals refer to Grand Gulf as the “Little Grand Canyon” and was formed by a collapsed cave system. It’s a great way to end your Midwestern travels.

Pack sturdy walking shoes and swimwear if you’re visiting in summer, as several stops are perfect for both hiking and cooling off.

Midwest Road Trip Planning Tips

The Midwest is one of the best regions in the USA for a road trip, with quiet highways, charming small towns, scenic byways and plenty of opportunities to discover places you might otherwise miss. A little planning beforehand will help you make the most of your adventure.

The best time for most Midwest road trips is from late spring through autumn, when the weather is generally mild, attractions are open and parks are at their most beautiful. Autumn is particularly popular thanks to the spectacular fall colors, while summer offers longer daylight hours for exploring.

Before you set off, download offline maps, especially if you’re travelling through rural areas where mobile signal can be unreliable. It’s also worth checking opening hours for museums, restaurants and seasonal attractions, as these can vary throughout the year.

If your itinerary includes state parks or national park sites, check whether entrance fees apply and whether you’ll save money with a park pass. During summer and autumn, accommodation in popular destinations can book up quickly, so reserving hotels or campsites in advance is recommended.

Finally, don’t try to cram too much into each day. Some of the best moments on a Midwest road trip come from stopping at an unexpected viewpoint, browsing a local antique shop or taking a detour to a small-town café. Leaving room for spontaneity often creates the most memorable experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best Midwest road trip?

The best Midwest road trip depends on your interests. History lovers will enjoy Route 66 through Illinois, outdoor enthusiasts can explore Wisconsin’s state parks or Iowa’s natural wonders, while food lovers may prefer Nebraska’s foodie road trip.

How many days do you need for a Midwest road trip?

Most Midwest road trips can be enjoyed over a long weekend of two to four days, although combining several routes can easily fill a week or more.

When is the best time to take a Midwest road trip?

Late spring, summer and autumn are the most popular times to explore the Midwest. Autumn is especially beautiful thanks to colourful foliage, while summer offers warm weather and longer daylight hours.

Are Midwest road trips suitable for families?

Yes. Many Midwest road trips include family-friendly attractions such as state parks, museums, beaches, scenic drives and quirky roadside stops that appeal to all ages.

Which Midwest road trip has the best scenery?

Some of the most scenic routes include the Michigan Lighthouses Road Trip, Wisconsin State Parks Road Trip, Iowa Natural Wonders Road Trip and North Dakota’s Old Red/Old Ten Scenic Byway.

What should I pack for a Midwest road trip?

Pack comfortable walking shoes, layers for changing weather, a reusable water bottle, snacks, a phone charger, offline maps and a camera to capture the region’s scenic landscapes and unique attractions. I’ve put some tips below.

Can you visit several Midwest road trips in one holiday?

Absolutely. Many of these itineraries can be combined into a longer adventure, allowing you to experience multiple states, landscapes and attractions on a single Midwest road trip.

Packing List For Your Midwest Road Trips

If you will be traveling, either by plane or by car to the Midwest, here are some tips on how to pack lightly.

A concealed travel pouch may be one of the most important items you bring along when taking Midwest road trips. It is always important to protect your personal information. Identity thieves are everywhere. This unisex RFID blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors. It has lots of organization to give you peace of mind. You can place it under your hiking clothes next to your body to carry your ID safely. If you have a pouch already that does not come with the RFID protection, as I do, these RFID sleeves are the perfect solution. This configuration comes with enough credit card sleeves that the entire family would be protected. They are slim too, so they will easily fit into your pouch or wallet. 

If you are planning on taking a lot of pictures with your phone you will definitely want to consider an external charging battery. This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips. It can be used on a variety of phones, not just an iPhone like I have. And wow is it fast! I like that it holds its charging capabilities for several uses so I do not have to worry about it while out and about, and if I forget to recharge it at night, it will still be good to go the next day.

My daughter gifted me with this FugeTek selfie stick and tripod setup for my birthday. I absolutely love it! It is made of lightweight aluminum and so easy to use. It has Bluetooth connectivity and is a breeze to use for taking selfies when staying in one of the best Airbnbs in Illinois.

Hydration is so important when traveling. You want to remain hydrated throughout your travels to support your immune system which in turn will be stronger to fight off any germs you will encounter during your travels. You will want to bring your own refillable water bottle with you.  I never leave home on a trip without my Bobble filtration bottle. The 18.5-ounce size is perfect for hiking and it fits nicely in the pocket of a backpack. When filled with water, it is not too heavy to carry. And the charcoal filter ensures fresh clean water whenever you fill the Bobble. You can find filter replacements here. 

You will want a backpack or daypack with you to store snacks, your water bottle, phone, extra clothes, etc.. when hiking This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great. It is very affordable and is available in many color options for you to choose from. The fact that it folds down into a zippered pouch will make it easy to pack.

No matter which of these Midwest road trips you decide to do, you’re guaranteed to have a good time. They all offer a unique and fun way to explore the Midwest. These are some of the best road trips in the Midwest, whether you’re interested in history, nature or quirky roadside attractions.

Have you been on any of these road trips or ones like them? If you haven’t, which one do you want to take first?

I’d love to hear about your Midwestern travels in the comments!