If you’re planning on traveling through the Midwest you’ve found the right blog post. The Midwest consists of so many fabulous cities and natural wonders. Specifically, I’m going to focus on the Great Lakes area. This spot consists of five huge lakes on the American-Canadian border: Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie and Ontario. Eight US states have access to The Great Lakes.

There is so much to do and see in this part of the U.S. from stunning cities to natural wonders. It’s no wonder that it’s a popular destination for road trip circuits and multi-stop vacations. Below are just 7 of the biggest reasons to visit the midwest and the Great Lakes Region.

1. Try some craft beers in Milwaukee

Milwaukee is in Wisconsin, however, it is the beer capital of the US. If you love quirky bars, brewery tours, and beer festivals, then this is the town for you. There are also some great restaurants here and some stunning architecture. A lot of people choose Milwaukee as the start of their Great Lakes road trip (something to consider if you’re planning a Midwest tour).

2. See the sights in Chicago

Chicago is a buzzing city with skyscrapers and a culture to rival New York. It’s worth taking a boat tour down the Chicago river so that you can take in the amazing city sights. Those with a head for heights should also consider heading up to the Skydeck of the Willis Tower to take in the views from 1454ft. While in Chi Town, don’t forget to try the pizza and the coffee!

3. Take a trip back in time on Mackinac Island

Mackinac Island in Michigan has no car access. Everyone here walks, cycles, or takes horses and carts! And for all of my history buffs out there, many of the buildings here date back to the 1700s. As a result, it can feel like a trip back in time. The island also has scenic hiking trails and beautiful beaches with views across the lake. Also, Jordan’s inner 7-year-old wants you to try the homemade fudge. 

4. Capture the views from the dunes

Take a break from the lake and check out The Sleeping Bear Dunes in Michigan or Silver Lake. They are a collection of giant sand dunes. You could consider going for a hike along the dunes and take in some of the best views of Lake Michigan or you could do something a little more interesting and go sandboarding. There are also many quiet and unspoiled beaches here – due to being a national park, the entire area has been spared from urbanization making it a great escape into nature. 

5. Visit the Henry Ford Museum in Detroit

Detroit can be found towards the south of Michigan. The city boasts a number of attractions from The Detroit Institute of Arts to Belle Isle, however, one of its most popular attractions is the Henry Ford Museum in the suburb of Dearborn. This museum contains many famous exhibits from America’s automotive past and is often ranked as one of the most fascinating museums in the US. A cute spot for photos too. You can find out more about the city suburb of Dearborn here – other great attractions include Greenwich Village and Camp Dearborn. 

6. Tour the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in Cleveland

Cleveland in Ohio is a city also worth visiting in the Great Lakes Region. One of its major attractions is the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, which is filled with intriguing music exhibits. The city lives and breathes music – so, personally, I think you need to book as many concerts at different venues in this area as possible. Inside and outside venues are all available, but they all serve different concert purposes.

7. Get up close to Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is located between Lake Ontario and Lake Erie on the Canadian border of New York state. This iconic waterfall cannot be missed if you’re on this side of the Great Lake Region – it’s recommended that you take a boat tour to get a true sense of the waterfall’s power. As the waterfall is technically in Canada, you’ll need a passport, so bear this in mind. 

My family originates from Wisconsin but we definitely spent some time in the Great Lakes area growing up. I hope this list was helpful as you plan your trip to The Great Lakes this summer. Be sure to come back and mention your memories!