Top 5 Epic Road Trips in the Midwest: Scenic Drives Through the Heartland
Often dismissed as "flyover country," the Midwest deserves a closer look from discerning travelers. This region boasts some of America's most captivating road trips, weaving through expansive plains, fertile farmlands, shimmering lakes, winding rivers, charming small towns, and dynamic cities. Skip the airplane next time—embark on one of these five exceptional routes for an unforgettable journey through the Heartland.
Mississippi River Valley
Minneapolis, MN, to Davenport, IA. 415 miles
While a classic Mississippi paddlewheel cruise is delightful, opt for a self-guided drive from Minneapolis to Davenport for unparalleled scenery. Begin in Minneapolis with iconic Jucy Lucys burgers, oversized kitchen exhibits at the American Swedish Institute, the urban splendor of Minnehaha Falls, and a tribute to Prince at Paisley Park. En route, ascend the 340-foot Barn Bluff in Red Wing for breathtaking river valley views. Refuel with hot pork sandwiches and homemade pies at the historic Whistle Stop Cafe in Frontenac. In Winona, explore the acclaimed Minnesota Marine Art Museum, featuring masterpieces by Georgia O’Keeffe, Mary Cassatt, Pablo Picasso, Edward Hopper, and Marc Chagall—plus Emanuel Leutze’s Washington Crossing the Delaware.
Continue to Dubuque’s Smithsonian-affiliated National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, home to paddlefish, alligator snapping turtles, bufflehead ducks, and a historic blacksmith shop. Nearby, enjoy a meal in a genuine gristmill at a renowned BBQ spot. Conclude the day in Galena, IL’s National Historic District at the 1855 DeSoto House Hotel, once visited by Abraham Lincoln and Ulysses S. Grant. Final stop: Davenport, IA, for live music at the River Music Experience, exhibits at the David Chipperfield-designed Figge Art Museum, and duck dishes with matzo ball soup at Duck City Bistro—a local and political favorite.
Ohio Adventure
Columbus to Cincinnati. 245 miles
This route connects Ohio’s major cities with cultural gems. Start in Columbus’ German Village and Brewery District, established by 19th-century German immigrants—savor brick-oven cuisine, craft beers, and brats. Visit the labyrinthine Book Loft of German Village, with 32 historic rooms stocked with discounted books and puzzles. Catch the Short North Arts District’s monthly Gallery Hop if timing aligns, and browse its galleries, venues, and shops. Fuel up at North Market, featuring Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams amid modern gourmet options.
Head south to Chillicothe’s Hopewell Culture National Historic Park for ancient sacred mounds, and if before November 2, the immersive Sleepy Hollow Experience at Sugarloaf Mountain Amphitheatre. In Portsmouth, browse the eclectic Ghosts in the Attic antique shop and hike Shawnee State Park’s Appalachian foothills. Cross to Maysville, KY, for the Kentucky Gateway Museum Center’s regional history exhibits and river views from French Quarter Inn. Admire the Floodwall Mural Project, then reach Cincinnati: debate Cincy-style chili at a local parlor, cross the historic John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge, visit the American Sign Museum, and spot landmarks tied to local icon Nick Lachey.
Lake Michigan Coast
Petoskey to Holland. 400 miles
Launch from Petoskey, once a Hemingway family retreat—explore the Little Traverse History Museum and arrange a themed walking tour. Stroll the Victorian Gaslight Shopping District and hunt for Petoskey Stones, Michigan’s state stone prized up to $590 elsewhere. Drive south along Grand Traverse Bay to Leelanau State Park for hikes and the 1858 Grand Traverse Lighthouse (haunted tours October 19-27). At Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, climb dunes, traverse the Heritage Trail, and dip into Loon Lake—ideal for extending summer vibes into fall, per The New York Times.
In Traverse City, indulge at Grand Traverse Pie Company (Montmorency cherry pies), The Cooks’ House (artisan cheeses with honeycomb), and the Traverse Wine Coast (noted rieslings). Stay centrally at Park Place Hotel near Front Street’s Victorian shops. Proceed to Manistee for North Pierhead Lighthouse views from Fifth Avenue Beach and panoramas from Arcadia Overlook. In Muskegon, hike Pere Marquette and P.J. Hoffmaster State Parks. End in Dutch-founded Holland: see DeZwaan windmill, Holland Museum’s Dutch galleries, and the Tulipanes Latino Art and Film Festival (September 19-22). Toast at Big Lake Brewing.
Illinois Immersion
Cahokia to Metropolis. 230 miles
Once North America’s largest prehistoric city, Cahokia Mounds (home to 20,000 in the 13th century) launches this historic drive along the Mississippi. Pass protected wild areas, highlighting Chester—Popeye’s birthplace with the Spinach Can Collectibles Popeye Museum and Character Trail. Hike Shawnee National Forest’s Garden of the Gods sandstone formations. At Cairo, where Mississippi and Ohio Rivers converge, visit Fort Defiance Park, site of Ulysses S. Grant’s Civil War strategies (a nod to Mark Twain fans too). Nearby Metropolis, Superman’s official hometown, features the Super Museum, a giant statue for selfies, and the Metropolis Planet newspaper.
South Dakota Discovery
Sioux Falls to Crazy Horse. 370 miles
South Dakota’s sparse population belies its monumental road trips. Start at Sioux Falls’ namesake Falls Park, the Center for Western Studies, and chislic skewers. In Mitchell, tour the World’s Only Corn Palace, refreshed annually with multicolored corn murals in October. Enter Badlands National Park’s dramatic pinnacles and prairies—hike trails, spot bison, and catch sunrise (stay at Cedar Pass Lodge before late October closure). Visit Minuteman Missile National Historic Site’s Cold War bunker. Stop at Wall Drug Store’s expansive attractions. Conclude in Rapid City for Mount Rushmore/Crazy Horse access, presidential statues, Native American crafts, and the Black Hills Powwow (through October 11).
