What to See in the Midwest and Great Plains
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UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Of the twenty or so American sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, this part of the country has just one in Illinois:

Cahokia Mounds, Illinois, États-Unis
Historic Site of Cahokia Mounds in Illinois (1982)
The remains of one of the largest Native American cities in North America. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, valued more for its historical and cultural significance than for its tourist appeal.

Midwest

Illinois

Cahokia Mounds, Illinois, États-Unis
Cahokia Mounds
The remains of one of the largest Native American cities in North America. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, valued more for its historical and cultural significance than for its tourist appeal.
Chicago, Illinois, États-Unis
Chicago
Museums, music, and world-renowned architecture for the third-largest city in the United States, located on Lake Michigan.
Galena, Illinois, États-Unis
Galena
A charming tourist town known for its many historic homes and period buildings.
Route 66, Californie, États-Unis
Route 66
The famous route runs from Chicago (Illinois) to Santa Monica (California) via the Midwest, Texas, and the American West. It has become a major tourist "classic," especially for its western section, which is ideal for motorcycle trips.
Springfield, Illinois, États-Unis
Springfield
This is the city of Lincoln, with tourist activity centered around the man himself.

Natural Heritage

Forêt nationale de Shawnee, Illinois, États-Unis
Shawnee National Forest
Forests and distinctive rock formations, plus hiking opportunities.

Indiana

Indianapolis, Indiana, États-Unis
Indianapolis
Quelques musées et monuments dans la capitale de l'Indiana. C'est là aussi que se déroule la célèbre course automobile des "500 miles d'Indianapolis" considérée comme une des plus prestigieuses au monde.
Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial
The farm (and its memorial) where Lincoln spent his youth.

Natural Heritage

Parc d'état du Brown County, Indiana, États-Unis
Brown County State Park
The most visited park in Indiana is appreciated for its panoramic views and hiking opportunities.
Clifty Falls State Park
A small park with waterfalls located south of Indiana.
Parc d'état des Indiana Dunes, Indiana, États-Unis
Indiana Dunes State Park
On the shores of Lake Michigan, this park is known for its dunes and beaches, as well as its hiking, biking, horseback riding, and skiing opportunities.

Iowa

Amana Colonies, Iowa, États-Unis
Amana Colonies
A collection of seven small villages near the Amish "philosophy," located in eastern Iowa. A portion of their income now comes from tourism.
Council Bluffs
A few buildings of historical value and mainly casinos in this city on the Nebraska border.
Des Moines, Iowa, États-Unis
Des Moines
A few more or less historic buildings in this city, which is both the capital of Iowa and the state's most populous.
Dubuque, Iowa, États-Unis
Dubuque
It’s the oldest city in Iowa, on the banks of the Mississippi, whose ("relative") appeal lies in its architecture and 19th-century buildings, several of which have been restored.

Natural Heritage

Iowa Great Lakes
Three lakes in the northwest of the state, locally popular for swimming and water activities.

Michigan

Detroit, Michigan, États-Unis
Detroit
Ford’s city (with its museums) is the largest in Michigan. It is around this city that the majority of the state’s population is concentrated.
Île Mackinac, Michigan, États-Unis
Mackinac Island
A small tourist island on Lake Huron, highly popular for its outdoor sports opportunities (hiking, cycling, horseback riding, canoeing) and birdwatching.
Lac Michigan, Michigan, États-Unis
Lake Michigan
Between Michigan and Wisconsin, this vast lake and its shores (especially the eastern side) offer a string of beaches and small villages where you can enjoy various water activities.
Crisp Point, Upper Peninsula, Michigan, États-Unis
Upper Peninsula
This is the "Upper Peninsula" that makes up the state of Michigan. It is also its most beautiful, wildest, and least populated region, highly prized by nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts for both summer and winter activities.

Natural Heritage

Lake of the clouds, Monts Porcupine, Michigan, États-Unis
Porcupine Mountains
These small, wooded mountains along the shore of Lake Michigan and bordering Wisconsin are a treat for nature lovers. You can hike, fish, ski, or canoe here.
Parc d'état des Tahquamenon Falls, Michigan, États-Unis
Tahquamenon Falls State Park
This is the second-largest state park in Michigan. It features forests and waterfalls, offering hiking, fishing, canoeing, and wildlife observation (bears, moose, birds).
Parc national de l'Isle Royale, Michigan, États-Unis
Isle Royale National Park
The largest island in Lake Superior. It is renowned for its wildlife (wolves, moose, birds) and hiking trails.
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Michigan, États-Unis
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Along the southern shore of Lake Superior, towering colorful cliffs, waterfalls, dunes, and beaches perfect for hiking.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Michigan, États-Unis
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Along Lake Michigan, sixty kilometers of dunes where you can hike on foot or ski in winter. It’s one of the region’s most popular sites.

Minnesota

Duluth, Minnesota, États-Unis
Duluth
Handsome homes, lively streets, and a stunning view of Lake Superior make this mid-sized city a standout.
Minneapolis-Saint Paul, Minnesota, États-Unis
Minneapolis–Saint Paul
These two cities are inseparable, earning them the nickname "Twin Cities". Together, they form the largest urban area in Minnesota.
Minnesota State Highway 61
A stunning route running along Lake Superior from Duluth to the Canadian border.

Natural Heritage

Boundary Waters Canoe Area, Minnesota, États-Unis
Boundary Waters Canoe Area
Forests and lakes in the north of the state, and above all a vast area of discovery for all canoeing enthusiasts.
Parc d'état d'Itasca, Minnesota, États-Unis
Itasca State Park
This is one of the many natural spaces in Minnesota, offering beautiful landscapes and a full range of summer and winter outdoor activities.
Parc national Voyageurs, Minnesota, États-Unis
Voyageurs National Park
It’s a beautiful park primarily accessible by boat or canoe, though you can also hike there.

Missouri

Branson, Missouri, États-Unis
Branson
It's the "Las Vegas for families." Completely unknown abroad, yet one of the most visited places in the country.
Cape Girardeau, Missouri, États-Unis
Cape Girardeau
It's a small town that lives to the rhythm of the Mississippi River.
Hannibal, Missouri, États-Unis
Hannibal
A town on the banks of the Mississippi and, most notably, the birthplace of Mark Twain, which has developed a modest tourism industry around this theme.
Kansas City, Missouri, États-Unis
Kansas City
Straddling Kansas and Missouri, the city is known for its architecture.
Route 66, Californie, États-Unis
Route 66
The famous route runs from Chicago (Illinois) to Santa Monica (California) via the Midwest, Texas, and the American West. It has become a major tourist "classic," especially for its western section, which is ideal for motorcycle trips.
Gateway Arch, St Louis, Missouri, États-Unis
St. Louis
This is the major Midwest metropolis on the Mississippi River, known for its iconic Gateway Arch and vibrant music scene.
Ste. Genevieve
The oldest village in Missouri (1740), as evidenced by many of its houses and buildings.

Natural Heritage

Monts Ozarks, Missouri, États-Unis
Ozark Mountains
This is a hilly region of rivers and lakes located primarily in Missouri and Arkansas. Hiking, canoeing, and fishing are popular activities here.

Ohio

Cincinnati, Ohio, États-Unis
Cincinnati
On the border with Kentucky, Ohio’s third-largest city has architecture partly dating from the 19th century, though it isn’t truly a tourist destination.
Cleveland, Ohio, États-Unis
Cleveland
A cultural city (and the home of Rock 'n' Roll) located on the shores of Lake Erie.
Columbus
At the heart of the state, Columbus is the capital of Ohio. However, it is not particularly touristy.
Holmes County, Ohio, États-Unis
Holmes County
This is the world's largest concentration of Amish and Mennonite communities, with tourism centered around these groups.
Warren County Courthouse, Warren County, Ohio, États-Unis
Warren County
Located not far from Cincinnati, it’s a string of amusement parks that draws over 6.5 million visitors each year.

Natural Heritage

Lake Erie Islands
This is a small American-Canadian tourist archipelago in Lake Erie. People come for the landscapes and beaches.
North Coast Beaches, Ohio, États-Unis
North Coast Beaches
This is the area of beaches along the shore of Lake Erie, where the town of Vermilion is one of the region’s top picks for visitors.
Parc national de Cuyahoga Valley, Ohio, États-Unis
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
The fifth most visited national park in the USA, featuring caves, rivers, canals, waterfalls, and charming villages. Hiking and cycling are popular activities here.

Wisconsin

Door County, Wisconsin, États-Unis
Door County
This vast peninsula jutting into Lake Michigan is very popular. It is loved for its landscapes, beaches, and hiking trails.
Madison, Wisconsin, États-Unis
Madison
The capital of Wisconsin is known for its quality of life.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, États-Unis
Milwaukee
It's the largest city in Wisconsin with museums and festivals.
Spring Green
For architecture lovers. The village was indeed shaped by the presence of Frank Lloyd Wright.
Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, États-Unis
Wisconsin Dells
This small town is home to numerous water parks. It is also located along beautiful gorges on the Wisconsin River, which can be explored by boat. In short, it’s a major local tourist destination.

Natural Heritage

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Wisconsin, États-Unis
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
At the tip of Wisconsin on Lake Superior. This group of 21 islands is home to numerous lighthouses and offers opportunities for fishing, hunting, kayaking, diving, and hiking on foot or skis.
Ice Age National Scenic Trail, Wisconsin, États-Unis
Ice Age National Scenic Trail
Among Wisconsin's many hiking routes, the Ice Age Trail is one of the most renowned, with 1,000 miles of trails.

Great Plains

North Dakota

North Dakota state Capitol building, Bismarck, Dakota du Nord, États-Unis
Bismarck
It's the capital of North Dakota and a city that isn't really touristy.
Fargo, Dakota du Nord, États-Unis
Fargo
Located on the border with Minnesota, it is the state's largest city and its economic and cultural hub.

Natural Heritage

Lac Devils, Dakota du Nord, États-Unis
Devils Lake
This large natural lake is a major local tourist attraction. In addition to fishing and various water activities, its surroundings offer great hiking opportunities, including skiing in winter.
Parc national Theodore Roosevelt, Dakota du Nord, États-Unis
Theodore Roosevelt National Park
This lovely park is home to several hundred bison and wild horses. You can explore it on foot or on horseback.

South Dakota

Crazy Horse Memorial, Dakota du Sud, États-Unis
Crazy Horse Memorial
Construction began in 1948 and is still ongoing—this immense statue of the Native American chief (640 feet long x 564 feet high) will be the largest in the world once completed.
Deadwood, Dakota du Sud, États-Unis
Deadwood
A small town from the Old West and the Gold Rush that has become a tourist attraction.
Mont Rushmore, Dakota du Sud, États-Unis
Mount Rushmore
Located in the Black Hills, this is one of the most visually iconic sites in the USA, featuring the faces of four American presidents carved into the cliffside.
Rapid City, Dakota du Sud, États-Unis
Rapid City
Primarily a great base for exploring the southwest part of the state, which is home to the main tourist attractions (Badlands, Black Hills, Crazy Horse Memorial).

Natural Heritage

Black Hills, Dakota du Sud, États-Unis
Black Hills
A popular tourist destination known for its landscapes and caves, as well as climbing, trekking, and skiing opportunities. An old miners' train runs through the region.
Parc d'état Custer, Dakota du Sud, États-Unis
Custer State Park
Bison, lakes, beautiful landscapes, panoramic views, and hiking opportunities in this park in the Black Hills.
Parc national des Badlands, Dakota du Sud, États-Unis
Badlands National Park
Hiking opportunities through stunning eroded landscapes where you can encounter bison.
Parc national de Wind Cave, Dakota du Sud, États-Unis
Wind Cave National Park
Prairies, forests, bison, and above all one of the world’s most complex cave networks, some of which can be visited with varying levels of difficulty.

Kansas

Dodge City, Kansas, États-Unis
Dodge City
The quintessential "Wild West" city, with tourism centered around this theme.
Kansas City, Missouri, États-Unis
Kansas City
Straddling Kansas and Missouri, the city is known for its architecture.
Lawrence, Dakota du Sud, États-Unis
Lawrence
This university town is considered rather "progressive" compared to the rest of Kansas. It’s known for its lively atmosphere and vibrant arts and music scene.
Wichita, Kansas, États-Unis
Wichita
The largest city in Kansas, with many museums.

Nebraska

Fort Robinson
This former fort, along with its "associated" site, has been turned into an open-air museum.
Lincoln, Nebraska, États-Unis
Lincoln
It's the capital of the state of Nebraska. It's not very touristy.
Omaha, Nebraska, États-Unis
Omaha
The largest city in Nebraska with regional cultural recognition.

Natural Heritage

Scotts Bluff National Monument, Nebraska, États-Unis
Panhandle
This vast area in the northwest of Nebraska features unique geological formations, particularly at Scotts Bluff National Monument and Chimney Rock National Historic Site. Hiking is available here.
Sand Hills, Nebraska, États-Unis
Sand Hills
A vast, largely desert-like region where prairies and dunes blend together.

Oklahoma

Cherokee County
Located in northeastern Oklahoma, this county (and its neighbors) is the heart of the Cherokee Indian Nation.
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, États-Unis
Oklahoma City
The capital of the state of Oklahoma, with a few museums and lively neighborhoods.
Route 66, Californie, États-Unis
Route 66
The famous route runs from Chicago (Illinois) to Santa Monica (California) via the Midwest, Texas, and the American West. It has become a major tourist "classic," especially for its western section, which is ideal for motorcycle trips.
Tulsa, Oklahoma, États-Unis
Tulsa
An Art Deco city, and the one with the highest concentration of buildings in this style in the country.

Recommended

Chicago
★★★ Museums, music, and world-renowned architecture for the third-largest city in the United States, located on Lake Michigan.
Mount Rushmore
★★★ Located in the Black Hills, this is one of the most visually iconic sites in the USA, featuring the faces of four American presidents…
Upper Peninsula
★★★ This is the "Upper Peninsula" that makes up the state of Michigan. It is also its most beautiful, wildest, and least populated region…

Worth a look / Other

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
★★ At the tip of Wisconsin on Lake Superior. This group of 21 islands is home to numerous lighthouses and offers opportunities for fishing…
Black Hills
★★ A popular tourist destination known for its landscapes and caves, as well as climbing, trekking, and skiing opportunities. An old miners'…
Boundary Waters Canoe Area
★★ Forests and lakes in the north of the state, and above all a vast area of discovery for all canoeing enthusiasts.
Branson
★★ It's the "Las Vegas for families." Completely unknown abroad, yet one of the most visited places in the country.
Dodge City
★★ The quintessential "Wild West" city, with tourism centered around this theme.
Door County
★★ This vast peninsula jutting into Lake Michigan is very popular. It is loved for its landscapes, beaches, and hiking trails.
Galena
★★ A charming tourist town known for its many historic homes and period buildings.
Holmes County
★★ This is the world's largest concentration of Amish and Mennonite communities, with tourism centered around these groups.
Ice Age National Scenic Trail
★★ Among Wisconsin's many hiking routes, the Ice Age Trail is one of the most renowned, with 1,000 miles of trails.
Mackinac Island
★★ A small tourist island on Lake Huron, highly popular for its outdoor sports opportunities (hiking, cycling, horseback riding, canoeing) and…
Lake Erie Islands
★★ This is a small American-Canadian tourist archipelago in Lake Erie. People come for the landscapes and beaches.
Minnesota State Highway 61
★★ A stunning route running along Lake Superior from Duluth to the Canadian border.
Ozark Mountains
★★ This is a hilly region of rivers and lakes located primarily in Missouri and Arkansas. Hiking, canoeing, and fishing are popular activities…
Porcupine Mountains
★★ These small, wooded mountains along the shore of Lake Michigan and bordering Wisconsin are a treat for nature lovers. You can hike, fish…
Panhandle
★★ This vast area in the northwest of Nebraska features unique geological formations, particularly at Scotts Bluff National Monument and…
Custer State Park
★★ Bison, lakes, beautiful landscapes, panoramic views, and hiking opportunities in this park in the Black Hills.
Itasca State Park
★★ This is one of the many natural spaces in Minnesota, offering beautiful landscapes and a full range of summer and winter outdoor activities.
Indiana Dunes State Park
★★ On the shores of Lake Michigan, this park is known for its dunes and beaches, as well as its hiking, biking, horseback riding, and skiing…
Tahquamenon Falls State Park
★★ This is the second-largest state park in Michigan. It features forests and waterfalls, offering hiking, fishing, canoeing, and wildlife…
Brown County State Park
★★ The most visited park in Indiana is appreciated for its panoramic views and hiking opportunities.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
★★ The fifth most visited national park in the USA, featuring caves, rivers, canals, waterfalls, and charming villages. Hiking and cycling are…
Badlands National Park
★★ Hiking opportunities through stunning eroded landscapes where you can encounter bison.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park
★★ This lovely park is home to several hundred bison and wild horses. You can explore it on foot or on horseback.
Voyageurs National Park
★★ It’s a beautiful park primarily accessible by boat or canoe, though you can also hike there.
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
★★ Along the southern shore of Lake Superior, towering colorful cliffs, waterfalls, dunes, and beaches perfect for hiking.
Route 66
★★ The famous route runs from Chicago (Illinois) to Santa Monica (California) via the Midwest, Texas, and the American West. It has become a…
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
★★ Along Lake Michigan, sixty kilometers of dunes where you can hike on foot or ski in winter. It’s one of the region’s most…
Tulsa
★★ An Art Deco city, and the one with the highest concentration of buildings in this style in the country.
Amana Colonies
★ A collection of seven small villages near the Amish "philosophy," located in eastern Iowa. A portion of their income now comes from tourism.
Bismarck
★ It's the capital of North Dakota and a city that isn't really touristy.
Cahokia Mounds
★ The remains of one of the largest Native American cities in North America. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, valued more for its…
Cape Girardeau
★ It's a small town that lives to the rhythm of the Mississippi River.
Cherokee County
★ Located in northeastern Oklahoma, this county (and its neighbors) is the heart of the Cherokee Indian Nation.
Cincinnati
★ On the border with Kentucky, Ohio’s third-largest city has architecture partly dating from the 19th century, though it isn’t…
Cleveland
★ A cultural city (and the home of Rock 'n' Roll) located on the shores of Lake Erie.
Columbus
★ At the heart of the state, Columbus is the capital of Ohio. However, it is not particularly touristy.
Council Bluffs
★ A few buildings of historical value and mainly casinos in this city on the Nebraska border.
Crazy Horse Memorial
★ Construction began in 1948 and is still ongoing—this immense statue of the Native American chief (640 feet long x 564 feet high) will…
Deadwood
★ A small town from the Old West and the Gold Rush that has become a tourist attraction.
Des Moines
★ A few more or less historic buildings in this city, which is both the capital of Iowa and the state's most populous.
Detroit
★ Ford’s city (with its museums) is the largest in Michigan. It is around this city that the majority of the state’s population…
Dubuque
★ It’s the oldest city in Iowa, on the banks of the Mississippi, whose ("relative") appeal lies in its architecture and 19th-century…
Duluth
★ Handsome homes, lively streets, and a stunning view of Lake Superior make this mid-sized city a standout.
Fargo
★ Located on the border with Minnesota, it is the state's largest city and its economic and cultural hub.
Shawnee National Forest
★ Forests and distinctive rock formations, plus hiking opportunities.
Fort Robinson
★ This former fort, along with its "associated" site, has been turned into an open-air museum.
Hannibal
★ A town on the banks of the Mississippi and, most notably, the birthplace of Mark Twain, which has developed a modest tourism industry…
Indianapolis
★ Quelques musées et monuments dans la capitale de l'Indiana. C'est là aussi que se déroule la célèbre course automobile des "500 miles…
Iowa Great Lakes
★ Three lakes in the northwest of the state, locally popular for swimming and water activities.
Kansas City
★ Straddling Kansas and Missouri, the city is known for its architecture.
Devils Lake
★ This large natural lake is a major local tourist attraction. In addition to fishing and various water activities, its surroundings offer…
Lake Michigan
★ Between Michigan and Wisconsin, this vast lake and its shores (especially the eastern side) offer a string of beaches and small villages…
Lawrence
★ This university town is considered rather "progressive" compared to the rest of Kansas. It’s known for its lively atmosphere and…
Lincoln
★ It's the capital of the state of Nebraska. It's not very touristy.
Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial
★ The farm (and its memorial) where Lincoln spent his youth.
Madison
★ The capital of Wisconsin is known for its quality of life.
Milwaukee
★ It's the largest city in Wisconsin with museums and festivals.
Minneapolis–Saint Paul
★ These two cities are inseparable, earning them the nickname "Twin Cities". Together, they form the largest urban area in Minnesota.
North Coast Beaches
★ This is the area of beaches along the shore of Lake Erie, where the town of Vermilion is one of the region’s top picks for visitors.
Oklahoma City
★ The capital of the state of Oklahoma, with a few museums and lively neighborhoods.
Omaha
★ The largest city in Nebraska with regional cultural recognition.
Clifty Falls State Park
★ A small park with waterfalls located south of Indiana.
Isle Royale National Park
★ The largest island in Lake Superior. It is renowned for its wildlife (wolves, moose, birds) and hiking trails.
Wind Cave National Park
★ Prairies, forests, bison, and above all one of the world’s most complex cave networks, some of which can be visited with varying…
Rapid City
★ Primarily a great base for exploring the southwest part of the state, which is home to the main tourist attractions (Badlands, Black Hills…
Sand Hills
★ A vast, largely desert-like region where prairies and dunes blend together.
Spring Green
★ For architecture lovers. The village was indeed shaped by the presence of Frank Lloyd Wright.
Springfield (Illinois)
★ This is the city of Lincoln, with tourist activity centered around the man himself.
St. Louis
★ This is the major Midwest metropolis on the Mississippi River, known for its iconic Gateway Arch and vibrant music scene.
Ste. Genevieve
★ The oldest village in Missouri (1740), as evidenced by many of its houses and buildings.
Warren County
★ Located not far from Cincinnati, it’s a string of amusement parks that draws over 6.5 million visitors each year.
Wichita
★ The largest city in Kansas, with many museums.
Wisconsin Dells
★ This small town is home to numerous water parks. It is also located along beautiful gorges on the Wisconsin River, which can be explored by…