I’m here to convince you that Midwest road trips in the winter are magical.
Snow transforms the landscape into a glittering wonderland.
Winding scenic byways feel like stepping into a snow globe. I love it.
These Midwest road trips are about savoring the best of winter, and if you’re traveling in the Midwest,
Whether you’re after a weekend Midwest winter getaway or a full-blown snowy adventure, these drives will make you rethink everything you thought you knew about Midwest winters.
Midwest Winter Road Trips So Pretty They’ll Make You Love Snow
Minnesota: North Shore Scenic Drive to Grand Marais
Highway 61 is beautiful any time of year, but in winter it feels like driving through a Christmas movie.
Lake Superior’s vast waters steam, the cliffs sparkle with frost, and the trees seem to bow their heads under the weight of heavy snow.
The road runs from Duluth to Grand Marais, and it’s about 110 miles (177 km) one way. It makes a great weekend trip, but you could do it in a day if you wanted.
My recommended stops along the way are Gooseberry Falls, Split Rock Lighthouse, Palisade Head, Tettegouche State Park, and all those Lake Superior overlooks you can find.
If you time it just right, you might find the falls frozen and the lighthouse looking like a scene for a storybook in the snow.
This is one of my favourite Midwest winter road trips. Extending your trip, here are some of the best things to do in Minnesota in the winter.
Wisconsin: Door County Winter Loop
Door County is charming in every season, but in winter it feels even more incredible.
The quiet villages, frozen harbors, and snowy orchards give the whole peninsula a cozy, romantic feel.
The loop from Sturgeon Bay up to Sister Bay and back is about 80 miles (129 km) round-trip.
It’s ideal for a weekend getaway, especially if you love combining small-town charm with snowy outdoor adventures.
Stops I recommend include the Ephraim shoreline, Peninsula State Park for winter Wisconsin hiking or snowshoeing, and one of the many candlelit supper clubs.
And don’t forget to try the local cherry wine, perfect for cold winter days.
There’s something truly magical about Door County when the crowds disappear and the snow takes over.
There is so much to do in Door County in the winter, so I suggest you make a week of it.
Michigan: Marquette to Copper Harbor
The Upper Peninsula of Michigan was made for winter road trips.
The drive from Marquette to Copper Harbor takes you about 150 miles (241 km) one way.
With endless views of Lake Superior, snowy forests, and frozen waterfalls along the way.
This road trip can easily fill a weekend, though you could drive it in a day if you kept moving.
Personally, I love stopping in the little towns along the way.
L’Anse and Houghton are perfect for grabbing coffee and warming up.
Highlights include the Keweenaw Peninsula, Eagle River Falls, and the quiet, remote beauty of Copper Harbor at the end of the drive.
It’s rugged, wild, and unforgettable in the snow.
Here are some more things to do in Michigan in the winter months.
Illinois: Galena & the Driftless Area
Galena in northwest Illinois is one of the prettiest towns in the Midwest, and winter only makes it more magical.
The rolling hills of the Driftless Area are a beautiful backdrop, covered in a layer of snow that looks like frosting.
Driving from Rockford to Galena is about 95 miles (153 km) and makes a perfect weekend trip.
You can explore the historic town and the scenic countryside in one loop.
If you want to make a week of it, there is so much to do in Galena.
My recommended stops include Galena’s Main Street, which glitters with holiday lights, Chestnut Mountain Resort for skiing, and scenic overlooks along Highway 20.
This road trip is perfect if you want a cozy, small-town vibe for your Midwest winter getaway.
Indiana: Brown County Scenic Drive
Indiana may not be the first place you think of for winter road trips, but Brown County proves otherwise.
The log cabins, snow-covered ridges, and frosted trees make it look like something out of a painting.
The Brown County Scenic Drive is about 50 miles (80 km) and is best enjoyed as a slow weekend trip.
Nashville, Indiana, is the hub, and the town itself feels magical when dusted with snow.
Stay in Nashville for a few days to make a week of it.
Stops worth making include Brown County State Park for winter hikes, Nashville’s art galleries, and the cozy local cafés that are perfect for warming up.
It’s peaceful, rustic, and surprisingly romantic in the snow.
Read my Midwest winter packing guide for packing tips so you remain warm yet stylish.
Iowa: Loess Hills Scenic Byway
The Loess Hills are a geological wonder in Iowa, and in winter, they look even more dramatic.
Snow turns the rolling ridges into soft, white waves that stretch on for miles.
The scenic byway runs for about 220 miles (354 km) along the Missouri River, but you can easily do shorter sections as a day trip.
It’s quiet, peaceful, and often feels like you have the road all to yourself.
Stops I recommend include Preparation Canyon State Park, the overlook near Pisgah, and the small towns along the way that feel frozen in time.
This is one of the most underrated Midwestern road trips in winter.
Ohio: Hocking Hills Scenic Drive
Hocking Hills is stunning in every season, but winter transforms it into a frozen fairytale.
The scenic drive through the park is about 26 miles (42 km), so it’s easy to cover in a day.
I recommend turning it into a weekend trip to enjoy the Hocking Hills hiking trails, too.
Must-see spots include Old Man’s Cave, Cedar Falls, and Ash Cave.
In January, I’ve seen the waterfalls here frozen into giant ice sculptures, and it felt like stepping into Narnia.
There is so much to do in Hocking Hills.
This is one of the best Midwest travel spots if you love nature in winter.
If you want to extend your stay, here is some more of what Ohio offers in the winter.
Missouri: Ozark Mountain Drive
The Ozarks are magical in winter, with snow-dusted ridges and frosted valleys.
The drive from Branson to Eminence is about 120 miles (193 km) and offers a mix of mountain views, caves, and small-town charm.
You can make this a day trip, but it works beautifully as a weekend adventure, especially if you stay in one of the rustic cabins along the way.
Stops I recommend include scenic Highway 19, Alley Spring Mill, and exploring the snowy trails near Branson.
This Midwest winter getaway is a little rugged, a little cozy, and a lot beautiful.
Kansas: Flint Hills National Scenic Byway
Kansas surprises people in winter, especially in the Flint Hills.
Rolling prairies stretch out under a blanket of snow, and the sunsets paint the sky in pink and gold.
The scenic byway runs for 48 miles (77 km) between Council Grove and Cassoday, making it an easy day trip.
It’s short, but the views are worth every mile.
Stops include the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve and the scenic overlook near Bazaar Cattle Pens.
Even in the dead of winter, it’s hauntingly beautiful.
This is one of the best places to visit in the Midwest during winter.
This road trip proves that sometimes the simplest landscapes are the most inspiring.
Nebraska: Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway
Nebraska’s Sandhills feel remote any time of year, but in winter, they turn into something hauntingly beautiful.
Snow smooths the rolling dunes into endless white hills that seem to go on forever.
The Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway is 272 miles (438 km) from Grand Island to Alliance.
It’s better as a weekend trip than a day drive.
Highlights include the Crane Trust Nature & Visitor Center (if you’re visiting in late winter) and small towns like Broken Bow, where you can stop for a warm meal.
This is a Midwest road trip for travelers who crave solitude and wide-open spaces.
South Dakota: Black Hills Winter Loop
The Black Hills are breathtaking in winter.
Snow settles on the pine forests, granite spires glitter with ice, and bison wander slowly across the roads.
The loop from Rapid City through Custer State Park and back is about 120 miles (193 km) and makes a great day trip or overnight adventure.
Stops include Needles Highway, Sylvan Lake, and, of course, Mount Rushmore. Seeing the monument with icicles hanging nearby is something you won’t forget.
This Midwest winter road trip combines iconic sights with wild, snowy beauty. Here are some things to do in the Black Hills that you shouldn’t miss.
Montana: Glacier National Park
Montana isn’t technically Midwest, but Glacier National Park deserves a spot on this list.
In winter, the snowy mountains and frozen lakes are almost otherworldly.
Sections of Going-to-the-Sun Road stay open year-round, and even a short drive offers incredible views.
The stretch from West Glacier to Lake McDonald is about 16 miles (25 km) but packed with beauty.
My recommendation? Bring a thermos of hot coffee and stop at the lake to take in the mountains reflected in the ice.
It’s the kind of winter road trip that feels like a dream.
Here are more things to do in Montana in the winter if you want to make your own itinerary.
Midwest Winter Road Trips: Travel Essentials
Here are my tips on how to pack lightly. using a carry-on when traveling to the Midwest. And WHY it is almost a necessity!
This unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors.
These RFID sleeves are another solution.
This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips.
My daughter gifted me this FugeTek selfie stick and tripod setup for my birthday. It is made of lightweight aluminum and is so easy to use.
I never leave home on a trip without a non-disposable water bottle.
Then this collapsible silicone foldable water bottle would work well for you as well.
This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great for a daily go-pack.
These quick-dry slip-on Aqua shoes will be useful if visiting hotel pools to unwind.
These men’s quick-dry trunks are essential.
For women, this one-strap one-piece bathing suit is amazing.
Consider bringing along quick-dry super-absorbent microfiber towels.
This wet-dry bag with handles is a good option.
These unisex polarized sunglasses come in many lens colors and frame designs and are extremely affordable, too.
If you like aviator-style sunglasses, these polarized aviators may interest you.
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Tips for Winter Road Trips in the Midwest
Before you head out, remember that winter road trips come with their own rules:
- Pack for layers: Midwest weather can swing from mild to Arctic in hours.
- Keep a car kit: blankets, a flashlight, snacks, and a scraper are non-negotiable.
- Bring a thermos: nothing beats hot coffee or cocoa when you pull off to admire the snow.
- Know your stops: some small-town businesses close in winter, so check ahead.
These routes are some of the best winter vacation spots in the U.S.,
And are perfect if you’re looking for good places to go in the winter or just fresh vacation in winter ideas.
If you’re looking for a full Midwest winter packing guide, I’ve got one that covers everything from boots to car essentials. Perfect for Midwest road trips.
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