Mid West United States Map Travel Guide

Introduction

The Mid West United States is a vast region that is often overlooked by travelers. However, it has a lot to offer. From vibrant cities to stunning natural landscapes, the Mid West is a destination that should not be missed. In this travel guide, we will cover the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, family-friendly activities, off-the-beaten-path experiences, natural wonders, vibrant nightlife, local markets, beaches and mountains, cultural immersion, art and music scene, walking tours, architectural marvels, historical sites, biking routes, wellness retreats, and adventure sports that the Mid West has to offer.

Top Attractions

Chicago, Illinois

Chicago is the third-largest city in the United States and is known for its stunning architecture, world-class museums, and vibrant nightlife. Some of the top attractions in Chicago include the Willis Tower, Navy Pier, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Magnificent Mile.

Mount Rushmore, South Dakota

Mount Rushmore is a must-see attraction in the Mid West. This iconic landmark features the faces of four U.S. presidents carved into the granite of the Black Hills.

Hidden Gems

The Spam Museum, Austin, Minnesota

The Spam Museum is a quirky museum dedicated to all things spam. Visitors can learn about the history of this beloved canned meat and even try some free samples.

The National Mustard Museum, Middleton, Wisconsin

The National Mustard Museum is another quirky museum in the Mid West. This museum features over 6,000 different types of mustard from around the world. Visitors can even taste test some of the mustards in the museum’s tasting room.

Food Scene

Deep Dish Pizza, Chicago, Illinois

Chicago is known for its deep dish pizza, which is a thick, pie-like pizza with cheese and toppings piled high. Some of the best places to try deep dish pizza in Chicago include Giordano’s, Lou Malnati’s, and Gino’s East.

BBQ, Kansas City, Missouri

Kansas City is known for its BBQ. Some of the best BBQ joints in the city include Arthur Bryant’s, Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que, and Gates BBQ.

Budget-Friendly Tips

The Mid West is a great destination for budget-conscious travelers. Some tips for saving money include staying in budget-friendly accommodations like hostels or camping, eating at local diners and cafes instead of expensive restaurants, and taking advantage of free attractions like museums and parks.

Outdoor Adventures

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Yellowstone National Park is a stunning natural wonder with geysers, hot springs, and wildlife like bison and grizzly bears. Visitors can hike, bike, or even go horseback riding in the park.

Great Lakes, Michigan

The Great Lakes are a beautiful natural wonder in the Mid West. Visitors can swim, boat, or even go scuba diving in the lakes.

Family-Friendly Activities

Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, Omaha, Nebraska

The Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is a great destination for families. The zoo features a wide variety of animals, including gorillas, elephants, and penguins, as well as an aquarium with sharks and other aquatic creatures.

Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Indiana

The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is a fun and interactive museum for kids. The museum features exhibits on science, history, and art, as well as a planetarium and a dinosaur exhibit.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences

World’s Largest Ball of Twine, Cawker City, Kansas

The World’s Largest Ball of Twine is a quirky roadside attraction in Cawker City, Kansas. Visitors can see the ball of twine and even add to it if they have some spare twine.

Carhenge, Alliance, Nebraska

Carhenge is a unique art installation in Alliance, Nebraska. The installation features cars arranged in a similar way to Stonehenge.

Natural Wonders

The Badlands, South Dakota

The Badlands are a stunning natural landscape in South Dakota. The park features unique rock formations and stunning views of the surrounding area.

The Ozarks, Missouri

The Ozarks are a beautiful natural wonder in Missouri. Visitors can hike, bike, or even go ziplining in the area.

Vibrant Nightlife

Beale Street, Memphis, Tennessee

Beale Street is a lively entertainment district in Memphis, Tennessee. The street is known for its blues music and has many bars and clubs where visitors can listen to live music.

Wrigleyville, Chicago, Illinois

Wrigleyville is a neighborhood in Chicago that is known for its nightlife. The area is home to many bars and clubs, as well as Wrigley Field, the home of the Chicago Cubs.

Local Markets

The Farmers Market, Des Moines, Iowa

The Farmers Market in Des Moines is a great place to sample local produce and artisanal products. The market is open on Saturdays from May through October.

The Milwaukee Public Market, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

The Milwaukee Public Market is a great destination for foodies. The market features a wide variety of vendors selling everything from fresh seafood to artisanal cheeses.

Beaches and Mountains

Lake Michigan Beaches, Michigan

Lake Michigan has some of the best beaches in the Mid West. Visitors can swim, sunbathe, or even go windsurfing on the lake.

The Rocky Mountains, Colorado

The Rocky Mountains are a stunning natural wonder in Colorado. Visitors can hike, ski, or even go whitewater rafting in the area.

Cultural Immersion

The American Jazz Museum, Kansas City, Missouri

The American Jazz Museum is a great destination for music lovers. The museum features exhibits on the history of jazz and has a performance space where visitors can listen to live music.

The National Museum of Mexican Art, Chicago, Illinois

The National Museum of Mexican Art is a great destination for those interested in Mexican culture. The museum features exhibits on Mexican art and has a wide variety of events throughout the year.

Art and Music Scene

The Walker Art Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota

The Walker Art Center is a great destination for art lovers. The museum features contemporary art exhibits and has a performance space where visitors can listen to live music.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland, Ohio

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is a must-see destination for music lovers. The museum features exhibits on the history of rock and roll and has a wide variety of artifacts and memorabilia.

Walking Tours

The Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise, Chicago, Illinois

The Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise is a great way to see the city’s stunning architecture. The cruise takes visitors along the Chicago River and features a guide who provides information on the city’s architecture.

The Indianapolis Cultural Trail, Indianapolis, Indiana

The Indianapolis Cultural Trail is a great way to see the city’s art and cultural attractions. The trail is a pedestrian and bike path that takes visitors past museums, parks, and other cultural landmarks.

Architectural Marvels

The Gateway Arch, St. Louis, Missouri

The Gateway Arch is a stunning architectural marvel in St. Louis. The arch is 630 feet tall and is made of stainless steel. Visitors can take a tram to the top of the arch for stunning views of the city.

The Farnsworth House, Plano, Illinois

The Farnsworth House is a unique architectural landmark in Plano, Illinois. The house was designed by famed architect Mies van der Rohe and is considered a masterpiece of modernist architecture.

Historical Sites

The Alamo, San Antonio, Texas

The Alamo is a historic site in San Antonio, Texas. The site was the location of a famous battle during the Texas Revolution and is now a museum and shrine.

The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Springfield, Illinois

The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is a great destination for history buffs. The museum features exhibits on the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln, as well as a wide variety of artifacts and memorabilia.

Biking Routes