Things to Do in the Midwest and Great Plains

Travel Themes

• Interests (rated ★★★★): Nature ★/ ★★; Adventure ★★; Culture ★; Relaxation-holidays ★.

Nature and Adventure

Rugged and often wild, with vast open spaces where you might encounter herds of bison, nature is very much present in this part of the United States. However, its "repetitive" landscapes and lack of relief mean it doesn’t have the same majesty found in other regions of the country. The only exception is the area around the Great Lakes, particularly Upper Peninsula (Michigan), which offers more diversity and pleasant settings. This has helped develop a tourism sector, though primarily for a local audience looking to enjoy outdoor activities in both summer and winter.

Culture

With its vast and somewhat inhospitable natural environment, few major cities, and sparse population, the region has only one UNESCO-listed site (Cahokia Mounds in Illinois). Its history has largely been seen as a passage or transition between the East and the West. As a result, culture enthusiasts might feel frustrated, though cities like Chicago (especially), St. Louis, or the "3 C’s" of Ohio (Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati) are worth a detour. Elsewhere, you’ll find only scattered traces of the Old West (Kansas, the Dakotas, etc.).

That said, the real cultural draw lies in the traditions of the people who inhabit this part of the U.S. For example, the Native American presence in Oklahoma (including Cherokee County) or South Dakota, or the Amish communities in Holmes County (Ohio), which have become a tourist attraction.

Relaxation and Holidays

The region isn’t typically associated with the idea of a "relaxing holiday" in the traditional sense. Still, even if most of the territory is flat and monotonous, the area bordering the Great Lakes—with its beaches, water activities, and pleasant natural environments in places like Michigan’s Upper Peninsula—has plenty to offer for a vacation.

Beaches and Seaside Resorts

Though the Midwest and Great Plains have no ocean access, the Great Lakes (Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie) provide opportunities for swimming and water activities along their shores. This is true in the six states—from Minnesota to Ohio—that border these lakes. However, water temperatures remain quite cold for much of the year, so beaches and swimming are best enjoyed during the summer months, from late June to late September.

Outside these areas, opportunities are limited, though some lakes in other states have fostered small "seaside" activities, such as in the Iowa Great Lakes region (Iowa) or Devils Lake (North Dakota).

Water Activities

Diving:

Water sports:

Sailing:

Hiking

Hiking

Cycling

Horseback Riding

Winter Sports

Outdoor and Nature Sports

Golf

Hunting and River Fishing

Canoeing and Whitewater

Other Activities

Climbing:

Paragliding and Aerial Sports:

Caving:

Cultural Life and Activities

Nightlife and Going Out