Travel Spotlights: Midwest Region

Detroit’s thriving arts scene is a magnet for entertainment lovers. See a Broadway-style production at the historic Fox Theatre, marvel at public art murals on display and explore 100 galleries at the Detroit Institute of Arts.

In Frankenmuth, you’ll feel as though you’re in a true Bavarian village at River Place Shops, which has more than 30 boutiques and attractions. Find everything from fudge and pastries to clothing and souvenirs. There’s even a distillery and a mirror maze for the kids.

Mother Nature is on display at nearby Tahquamenon Falls State Park, where thundering waterfalls cascade over rocks. Hike trails, rent a rowboat or spend an afternoon birdwatching or fishing in Sault Ste. Marie’s breathtaking wilderness.

Photographers and plant lovers will enjoy the rainbow-hued gardens and imaginative sculptures at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids. In the spring, visit the annual butterfly exhibition featuring thousands of colorful butterflies.

Dedicated to preserving Marquette’s maritime history, this unique, seasonal museum features an expansive collection of unique items. Marvel at lighthouse lenses, seafaring artifacts and a submarine display.

Head to breathtaking Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Traverse City for picturesque hiking trails, coves, islands and seemingly endless beaches all along the expansive Lake Michigan coastline.

In Holland State Park, stroll along the shores of Lake Michigan and Lake Macatawa, fish for walleye and bass, and enjoy views of photogenic Holland Harbor Lighthouse, nicknamed “Big Red.”

Visit Detroit’s Motown Museum, also called Hitsville U.S.A., to see the instruments and recording equipment used by iconic names such as Michael Jackson and Aretha Franklin and learn about the history of this empowering music genre.

Enjoy a self-guided tour of this historic lighthouse at the end of Traverse City’s Old Mission Peninsula. Stop by the gift shop, learn about the lighthouse’s history at the on-site museum and meet one of the Lighthouse Keepers.

The observation decks atop Sugarloaf Mountain provide spectacular views of iconic Marquette landmarks. See Lake Superior in the distance and the spectacular Superior Dome, and snap panoramic photos of the Upper Ore Dock and Wetmore Landing.

Tour this historic landmark in Grand Rapids, Michigan, designed by well-known architect Frank Lloyd Wright in 1908. Explore the restored home, complete with original furnishings and learn about Wright’s unique Prairie-style approach.

Enjoy Frankenmuth’s historic charm and small-town appeal on a self-guided kayak tour or via a passenger paddleboat. It’s an easy glide down the Cass River’s calm waters surrounded by the city’s Bavarian architecture.

Kayak from Port Austin to Turnip Rock, a unique rock formation in Lake Huron where the surrounding shallow waters allow you to get up close to this geological wonder.

Enjoy the short ferry ride to this car-free oasis. Browse the charming downtown and explore the island on foot, by bike or in a horse-drawn carriage to discover unique shops and historic sites.

Take a boat or seaplane to this remote national park consisting of a collection of islands huddled in the northwestern curve of Lake Superior. Hike the Greenstone Ridge Trail, see spectacular views of Mount Franklin and keep an eye out for grazing moose.

Art plays a major role in Detroit’s cultural and historical fabric that can be found throughout downtown and beyond. Snap photos of bold street art designed by local and international artists, or tour exhibitions and galleries at the Detroit Institute of the Arts and Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit.

Wardrobe need an update? The historic Avenue of Fashion is one of the USA’s oldest primarily Black-owned business districts and boasts a variety of boutiques, galleries and dining options. For Detroit-centric housewares and accessories, check out City Bird where you’ll find unique designs by metro Detroit artists.

Discover kitschy roadside attractions, nostalgic eateries and loads of Americana on historic Route 66. See where notorious criminals were held at the Old Joliet Prison, savor a meal at the Route 66 Motorheads Bar or snap a photo with the giant pink elephant at the Pink Elephant Antique Mall.

From neo-gothic to art deco, Chicago’s distinct skyline is a blend of styles from talents such as Louis Sullivan, Frank Lloyd Wright and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. See impressive examples of modernist, contextual, contemporary and postmodern designs on an architectural tour – on foot or from a boat.

Hit the streets of Chicago after the sun goes down for a night out on the town. Head to the many cocktail lounges, sports bars or dance clubs that dot the entertainment landscape, or opt for tickets to legendary comedy club The Second City.

In the heart of Chicago, Millennium Park is the epicenter for state-of-the-art design, landscaping and art. Known as a social hub for cultural programs and festive events, the park attracts locals and visitors alike with concerts, exhibitions and family-friendly activities.

Illinois celebrates the many inclusive communities within the state. Delight in doses of flair, fun and Pride celebrations in popular LGBTQ+ neighborhoods such as Andersonville in Chicago. In Northalsted, visit The Legacy Walk, an outdoor installation detailing LGBTQ+ contributions around the world.

Take a driving tour of 13 sites designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, one of the USA’s most notable architects. Chicago’s Frederick C. Robie House and Oak Park’s Unity Temple are both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Meet the artisans, brewers, distillers, vintners and farmers that make Illinois thrive. Taste everything from handcrafted beers and furniture to farm-to-table fare, and feel like a local while you experience all the amazing flavors the state offers.

An attraction for all seasons, the Chicago Botanic Garden features 27 breathtaking gardens to explore, from the cascades of the waterfall garden to the hidden rooms within the English Walled Garden.

Find tranquility in the peaceful Anderson Japanese Gardens in Rockford, Illinois. Stroll by koi ponds, relax by babbling streams and walk winding paths through manicured gardens that feel like works of art.

Trace the mighty Mississippi River along Illinois’ western border from Galena to Cairo to discover charming towns and cities full of unique shopping and locally owned restaurants. Check out historic sites, recreational areas and cultural attractions such as Cahokia Mounds, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Outdoor adventures await in Oglesby, southwest of Chicago. Venture into sandstone canyons, marvel at seasonal waterfalls in the spring, hike 13 trails and stay overnight in a charming cabin or historic lodge room at Starved Rock Lodge.

Explore Galena’s historic Main Street, home to nearly 100 storefronts from the 19th century. More than 85 percent of the town is on the National Register of Historic Places. Main Street also features boutique shops, fine dining establishments and art galleries.

A celebration of the life and legacy of America’s 16th President Abraham Lincoln, this museum in Springfield features state-of-the-art exhibits, interactive displays and a faithful recreation of the White House.

Escape into the natural beauty of the Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois. Hike to High Knob Lookout, snap photos of unique rock formations at Garden of the Gods Wilderness and explore expansive forests, wetlands and bluffs.

Known for its larger-than-life roadside attractions, Casey’s motto is “Big Things in a Small Town.” See 12 of the world’s largest objects such as the world’s largest wind chime and golf tee – eight of these attractions have been featured in the Guinness Book of World Records.

Explore Minnesota’s oldest state park, which is also home to the headwaters of the Mississippi River. Boat, paddle or swim the river or hike through the old-growth pines to a historic pioneer cabin and cemetery.

Enjoy a scenic drive through Minnesota northeast from Duluth to the Canadian border. Along the way, explore seven state parks, browse unique shops and see the magical northern lights over Lake Superior.

Take a naturalist-led sunset or wildlife tour along meandering waterways, fish for walleye or spend an afternoon berry picking at Voyageurs National Park in International Falls, Minnesota.

Walk the halls of Paisley Park in Chanhassen, Minnesota, once the home of legendary musician Prince. It’s now a museum and concert venue that pays tribute to the beloved icon’s art, fashion and vision.

Experience the historic Minneapolis Riverfront, which features the only waterfall on the Mississippi River, St. Anthony Falls. Stroll along the Stone Arch Bridge that crosses over the river and provides spectacular views.

Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2022, the Mall of America® in Bloomington, Minnesota, is a global icon. Home to 500 stores, the mall also features over 50 dining options, 16 attractions and two hotels conveniently connected to the mall.

Attracting more than 40 million people a year to its three levels of retail stores, Mall of America® is the USA’s largest retail and entertainment center featuring brands such as BOSS Store, Kate Spade New York and Coach. Download the mobile app for current promotions. Even better – there’s no sales tax on clothing and shoe purchases.

Beyond shopping, Mall of America® is home to a wealth of attractions. Laugh with Spongebob at Nickelodeon Universe®, stroll through the ocean tunnel at SEA LIFE® Minnesota Aquarium or try out one of the play tables at The LEGO® Store.

Between visiting retail stores and enjoying thrilling family attractions, relax and refuel at more than 50 dining options. Indulge on pizza, ice cream, sushi, burgers or even a multi-course farm-to-table meal.

There’s so much to see and do at Mall of America® that you’ll want to stay overnight at one of the two full-service hotels connected to the mall. Relax by the indoor pool at The Radisson Blu or experience five-star treatment at JW Marriott Minneapolis Mall of America.

Explore expansive sea cave formations and visit 100-year-old lighthouses along the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Enjoy views of the stunning Lake Superior shoreline from one of the most beautiful locations in Wisconsin.

A long, narrow peninsula separating Green Bay from greater Lake Michigan to the east, Wisconsin’s Door County is framed by beaches and bluffs and accented by ferry boats and historic brick lighthouses. Explore seemingly endless kilometers of shoreline and visit charming small towns along the way.

On the shores of Lake Michigan, the Milwaukee Art Museum is home to more than 2,500 works of art. Marvel at masterpieces inside and out: Its striking exterior is an architectural delight, with wings that fold and unfold over the structure.

Known as a gateway to the Great Lakes, Wisconsin offers four seasons of outdoor adventures and culture. Explore the vibrant college town of Madison and visit the Wisconsin State Capitol, a stunning example of neoclassical and Beaux-Arts French architecture.

Take a road trip along Wisconsin’s Great River Road, one of the most beloved scenic byways in the USA. Trace the path of the Mississippi River through dozens of small towns. In the fall, the region transforms into a kaleidoscope of autumn colors – perfect for photo ops.