15 Best National Parks In The Midwest You’ll Actually Want To Visit

If you’re looking for the best national parks in the Midwest, you are in the right place.

When most people think of national parks, they picture places like Yellowstone National Park or Yosemite National Park. But the Midwest has its own collection of incredible landscapes, from dramatic cliffs along Lake Superior to quiet forests, historic sites, and rugged hiking trails.

I’ve found that Midwest parks tend to feel a bit more relaxed and less crowded, which makes them perfect for a weekend getaway or a slower trip. This list includes not just national parks, but also national lakeshores, memorials, and scenic areas that are part of the National Park Service.

In this guide, I’m sharing the best national parks in the Midwest. Their is a mix of well-known spots and a few that people often overlook, so grab a pen an paper and start planning.

15 Best National Parks In The Midwest You’ll Actually Want To Visit

Badlands National Park, South Dakota

The Badlands is undoubtedly one of the best national parks in the Midwest. If you want something that feels completely different from the rest of the Midwest, this is it. The dramatic rock formations and wide-open landscapes make it one of the most visually striking places in the region.

The red-tinted hills that the Badlands are known for are a combination of sandstone, limestone, volcanic ash, and so much more.

While there, hike the Notch Trail, drive the Badlands Loop Road, keep an eye out for adorable prairie dogs, and stay for a stunning sunset.

To learn as much as possible about the Badlands, take part in a Park Ranger program.

Indiana Dunes National Park, Indiana

This is where you go when you want an easy, laid-back trip with real variety. You get beaches, dunes, and trails all in one place, right on the edge of Lake Michigan.

Indiana Dunes National Park is fifteen miles of sandy beaches along Lake Michigan.

In other words, it is certainly one of the best national parks in the Midwest.

The list of things to do at Indiana Dunes National Park depends on the season.

In the warmer months, you can sunbathe, swim, and hike. While in the colder months, you can snowshoe and cross-country ski at this versatile national park.

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Wisconsin

The stunning Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in Wisconsin is one of the best Midwest weekend getaways. Best known for its sea caves and island scenery, this is a more adventurous option. It’s ideal if you want kayaking, boat trips, or something that feels a bit more remote.

This group of 22 islands in Lake Superior is packed with awesome things to do.

Catch a glimpse of shipwrecks, glamp on the lakeshore, and relax on an Apostle Islands cruise.

And let’s not forget to enjoy the caves! You can kayak through the sea caves and explore the ice caves (depending on the season).

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Michigan

Named after the breathtaking rock formations and staggering cliffs on Lake Superior, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is truly a sight to see.

If you’ve seen photos of colourful cliffs over bright blue water, this is probably it. It’s one of the most photogenic spots in the Midwest, especially from the water.

The most famous things to see at this Midwest national park include Miners Castle, Paddler’s Village, Munising Falls, and Miners Falls.

You can check out these natural wonders through fun hiking, kayaking, or boating adventures.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Michigan

This is one of those places that looks simple until you’re standing on top of the dunes. The views over Lake Michigan are honestly worth the climb.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is located on the shores of Lake Michigan.

The best thing to do at this national lakeshore is climb up the dunes the national park is named after.

Like most dunes, it will take quite a bit of effort to reach the top. That said, the awe-inspiring views of Lake Glenn that you can see from the peak are worth it.

In addition to tackling the dunes, you can cruise down the Pierce-Stocking Scenic Drive and stroll along the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio

One of the best weekend getaways in Ohio is undoubtedly Cuyahoga Valley National Park. This is one of the easiest national parks to visit, especially if you’re near a city. It’s all about waterfalls, scenic trails, and relaxed exploring rather than big dramatic landscapes.

This national offers awesome hikes, stunning greenery, and even some wildlife.

The most famous attraction in Cuyahoga Valley National Park is the eye-catching, 65-foot Brandywine Falls.

You can even take a train ride on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. You can see the national park’s beautiful nature without exerting much energy.

Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota

If you love the water, Voyageurs National Park may be one of the best national parks in the Midwest for you. This park is built around water, so it’s perfect if you enjoy boating, kayaking, or fishing. It feels peaceful, remote, and a bit like a hidden escape.

There are quite a few spots to canoe, kayak, fish, and boat in this lovely national park. These areas include Kabetogama Lake, Ash River, and Rainy Lake.

Besides these bodies of water, a few other spots at Voyageurs National Park are worth your time, including Kettle Falls and Ellsworth Rock Gardens.

There’s so much to do at Voyageurs National Park.

Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas

In 1832, Hot Springs National Park became the first piece of land that the U.S. government decided to preserve for recreational purposes – and this happened before U.S. national parks existed.

In other words, Hot Springs National Park is a gorgeous piece of land. This one is completely different from a typical national park. It’s centred around historic bathhouses and natural hot springs, making it more of a relaxing, experience-based stop.

While there, you can hike, camp, and most importantly experience the hot springs.

There are two bathhouses, the Buckstaff Bathhouse and the Quapaw Bathhouse, filled with natural thermal water.

There is also the Display Spring and the Hot Water Cascade, where you can touch the naturally warm water (but not soak in).

After a day of exploring consider staying at one of these epic cabins in the Midwest.

Gateway Arch National Park, Missouri

Most Americans know about the Getaway Arch in Missouri. This is more about history than nature. It’s a quick, iconic stop right in the city, and worth it for the views from the top.

But most people don’t know the significance behind it and why it is one of the best national parks in the Midwest.

The 630-foot stainless steel arch was built as a monument in 1963 to celebrate the westward expansion of the United States.

It is often referred to as “The Gateway to the West.”

To this day, it is the world’s tallest arch!

While there, be sure to ride the tram to the top of the Gateway Arch. At the peak, you will see stunning views of St. Louis.

Mount Rushmore National Memorial, South Dakota

Arguably the most iconic monument in the Midwest is Mount Rushmore. It’s one of the most recognisable landmarks in the country. You don’t need a full day here, but it’s worth seeing at least once.

Showcasing the faces of four presidents, this sculpture was carved into the Black Hills of South Dakota.

The four presidents depicted on this monument are George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln

This national memorial was carved between 1927 and 1941 and is certainly one of the coolest national parks in the Midwest.

Isle Royale National Park, Michigan

Isle Royale National Park is one of the most amazing national parks in the Midwest. This hidden gem is an island in Lake Superior!

This is the most remote option on the list and not the easiest to get to. But if you want true wilderness and a proper disconnect, it’s hard to beat.

And to make this little island even better, there are no permanent residents which means the natural landscape has been preserved.

To get to Isle Royale National Park, take a ferry or a seaplane.

Once you finally step foot on the island, you can enjoy everything it has to offer: hike, kayak, boat, fish, and scuba dive to your heart’s content.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

Theodore Roosevelt National Park is the highlight of the little town of Medora, North Dakota. If you want wildlife and wide-open space without the crowds, this is a great choice. It has a quieter, more rugged feel than most Midwest parks.

At this awesome Midwest National Park, you can hike, horseback ride, ski, and snowshoe.

And while there are fun things to do during the day, nighttime is quite a special treat. Theodore Roosevelt National Park is one of the best places in the Midwest for stargazing!

This national park is home to the annual three-day Dakota Nights Astronomy Festival.

Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota

As the name implies, the highlight of Wind Cave National Park is the wind cave. What makes this one different is what’s underground. The cave system is one of the longest in the world, but above ground you still get open prairie and wildlife.

The primary reason for the popularity of the Wind Cave is the unique wind phenomenon.

Depending on the atmospheric pressure ratio between the outside and the inside of the cave, the cave can either blow out strong gusts of air or pull strong gusts of air in.

In addition, the Wind Cave is also home to several underground lakes and ubiquitous calcite formations called boxwork.

This cave is so special that it was the first that became a national park anywhere in the world.

To see the Wind Cave, you must take a tour.

Other than paying a visit to the cave, you can also keep an eye out for wildlife, tackle one of the many hiking trails, or become a Wind Cave Junior Ranger.

Ozark National Scenic Riverway, Missouri

Ozark National Scenic Riverway is quite a special Midwest national park because it was the first national park established to protect a riverway.

This is all about water and slow travel. Think floating down clear rivers, swimming spots, and an easy, outdoorsy pace.

This national park is home to hikes, freshwater springs, caves, and the historic Alley Mill.

Once upon a time, the bright red Alley Mill was used to transform wheat into flour. As the years passed, this building became a community center and then part of this national park.

And Ozark National Scenic Riverway is a perfect place for watersports, including boating, canoeing, swimming, and fishing.

Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway, Wisconsin

While the Ozark National Scenic Riverway was the first protected riverway in the U.S., it is no longer the only one. Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway has been added to the ranks.

If you want a quieter, less touristy experience, this is a good pick. It’s ideal for paddling, fishing, and just getting away from busy areas.

Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway is one of the most underrated national parks in the Midwest.

While at this hidden gem, you can kayak, canoe, fish, picnic, snorkel, hike, snowshoe and so much more.

No matter what nature-inspired activity you plan to do, you’re sure to have a great time at Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway.

—

Packing List For A Trip To The National Parks In The Midwest

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

This unisex RFID blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and in several colors.

These RFID sleeve are another option.

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 so easy to use. 

I never leave home on a trip without my Bobble filtration bottle. The 18.5-ounce size is perfect for hiking and it fits in the pocket of a backpack.

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

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.

You don’t need to fly across the country to find something memorable. The national parks in the Midwest offer a mix of landscapes and experiences that are often overlooked, but genuinely worth your time.

What I like about this region is how varied it is. You can go from climbing sand dunes along Lake Michigan to exploring caves, paddling quiet rivers, or standing in front of rock formations that feel completely out of place in the “typical” Midwest.

If you’re planning a trip, the best approach is to pick one or two that fit your pace rather than trying to rush through too many. Some of these are perfect for a quick weekend, while others are better if you want to slow down and really explore.

Either way, this is one of those lists where you’re likely to find somewhere that surprises you a bit.