Comprised of 12 states in North Central US, the American Midwest — also dubbed as America’s Heartland — is an ideal destination for tourists who want to travel to as many states as possible and enjoy just as much variety in terms of adventure. With countless attractions from libraries, museums, and art galleries to zoos, lakes, national parks, and botanical gardens, travelers are always in for new experiences.
Now how does one start planning an exciting adventure through a destination with such limitless possibilities? Here are tips to help you map out an exciting and smooth trip through the Midwest.
- Decide On Your Destination And Travel Routes
Unless you’re going on a spontaneous road trip, an itinerary is a must when traveling across multiple states. A detailed one will help you figure out the best spots for starting and ending your trip and maximize your time in each destination.
Now it can be easily overwhelming when you have what seems like an unlimited number of options. But first, consider who you’re traveling with. If you’ll be with family and young children, the Midwest has plenty of child-friendly attractions that can fill up your itinerary in no time.
Here’s a list of some of the most popular attractions in each state to get you started:
- Illinois – the Skydeck and Navy Pier in Chicago
- Indiana – Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway; Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore in Porter
- Iowa – National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium in Dubuque
- Kansas – Rock City Park in Minneapolis; Cosmosphere in Hutchinson
- Michigan – Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park near Traverse City; Mackinac Island in Lake Huron
- Minnesota – Mall of America in Bloomington
- Missouri – Lake of Ozarks in South Central MO
- Nebraska – the Old Market in Omaha; Carhenge near Alliance City
- North Dakota – Red River between MN and ND; Theodore Roosevelt National Park
- Ohio – Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland; Cedar Point Amusement Park in Sandusky
- South Dakota – Mount Rushmore in Black Hills; Reptile Gardens in Colonial Pine Hills
- Wisconsin – Door County; Land O’ Lakes In Vilas County; Copper Falls State Park in Mellen
There’s more to see in these states, so once you’ve decided which Midwest states and cities to visit, do thorough research on the best attractions in each one. If you’d like to cover more locations, choose based on their proximity to each other. When you’re down to a shortlist, check recommendations and reviews online and use your findings to finalize your itinerary.
Then, you can start looking for the best routes to take. Most cross-state travelers use trains, which is a more affordable option than flights. If you’re going to Illinois from Michigan, try taking an Amtrak from Detroit to Chicago, which is cheaper and faster —it’ll help you avoid the heavy traffic.
- Check Out All The New Food And Activities You Can Try
Travel adventures would be incomplete if you don’t get to try out new food and experiences. Now that you’ve chosen your destinations, it’s time to discover unique food items in the places you’ll be visiting. Again, look for recommendations online, preferably from the locals. Choose restaurants or food markets near your accommodation or the attractions you’re going to as it’s not practical to travel long distances just to eat. You’ll be hungry again by the time you get back to your hotel.
Then, see what activities you can try around the areas you’re visiting. Look for the best ways to enjoy your destinations. If you’re visiting a lake, check out the water activities or if you’re going to national parks, see if you can go horseback riding. Don’t forget to check if there are any prohibited activities when visiting natural attractions.
- Plan The Best Dates To Visit
One of the most overlooked aspects of travel planning is the weather. Don’t make the mistake of traveling to a new place without looking up the weather first. The location’s season and typical weather on the dates you’re planning to go are important considerations. If you get to your destination at the wrong time, you might end up bringing the wrong clothes or even get stranded.
Keep in mind that most parts of the Midwest have a continental climate with relatively high humidity. The coldest seasons usually start on the last week of November until late into February while the hottest weather begins from late May to mid-September.
Check both the peak and lean seasons of the attractions on your list. This will set your expectations when it comes to crowds so you can come prepared. The type of activities you can do may also vary each season.
Lastly, on the week of your travel dates, don’t forget to check updates on weather forecasts especially if you’ve chosen the winter season.
- Start Booking
You’re now just a few steps toward your Midwest adventure! Since you’ll be traveling across different states, you’ll have to book multiple accommodations too. Check the hotels on the map to get an idea of their exact locations and see if they’re strategically located based on your itinerary.
If you’re jumping from one state to a farther one with long hours of travel time, there’s a practical option. Travel by train at night so you can save on both accommodation and travel times.
Next, if you’re visiting attractions with entrance tickets, booking them ahead of time might save you a few bucks.
- Get Started On Your Packing Checklist
Considering the baggage policy of the public transportation you’ll be using, start a packing checklist. Here are some of the most important ones you shouldn’t forget:
- Identification and travel documents – keep copies online in case you lose them
- Clothing items – weather-appropriate clothes and accessories
- Emergency items – medicines, first aid kits, mosquito repellants
- Portable chargers – for long travel times
- Pocket Wi-Fi – stay connected while on the road
For easy access, organize these in small pouches so they don’t get lost inside bigger bags. If you want to avoid spending money on expensive items on board, bring an insulated water bottle and some snacks.
Begin The Countdown!
Once you’ve planned your multi-destination trip in detail, you can start counting down to your travel dates. Keep an eye on the news about current events in your destination to see if you need to make adjustments before your trip. Don’t forget to allot extra time in between itineraries to make room for potential delays. Traveling is more exciting when everything’s planned and booked well in advance.
