Locals often claim “Midwest is best”, but is that really the case with so many vibrant beach towns to vacation along the West, East, and even the Gulf Coast?
Well, it’s true in the eyes of USA Today, whose avid readers awarded 4 Midwest destinations out of the top 10 overall in the U.S.
In fact, it wasn’t a proper beach town to come out on top — the Midwest rounded out the top 2 as well.
It turns out its not only fall when this sprawling region comes alive, nor do you have to sip an obligatory PSL while rockin’ a fuzzy flannel in every photo op.
Whether it’s crystalline lakes, under-hyped cities, or even storybook islands, the Midwest is proving summer isn’t tailor-made for Florida after all.
4) Branson, Missouri (Ozarks)
Can we get a “Yeehaw!”?
Branson is Nashville Jr. to some as you never know when country music star is taking stage. To others, it’s a grand gateway into some of the Midwest’s most astounding nature, including lakes and rolling green ridges.
If you were glued to Ozark like I was, then you know the Ozarks has more shoreline than California and it’s nowhere near the hillbilly-haven as portrayed on Netflix’s hit show.
It’s actually very family-friendly, laden with waterparks and soon-to-be fun-filled Osage Beach resort I’ve been keeping my eye on for years.
‘Til it opens, you have name-brands like Margaritaville anchoring gorgeous lakefront property or you can stay in the heart of the action in Branson.
3) Madison, Wisconsin
Madison has long been viewed Wisconsin’s most beautiful city, as well as one of America’s most underrated capitals.
Also being a college town, summer is the perfect time to visit considering you won’t have to deal with any college sports crowds, though the must-visit Dane County Farmers’ Market does draw a lot of foot traffic.
If you’re a foodie, don’t tell your doctor you’re heading to Madison, a city known for its immaculate selection of beer and cheese, the former being a great way to cool down in the summer humidity.
And there are plenty of outdoor activities like various water sports and biking trails to burn off the calories.
Like the Ozarks, Madison is also a stunning lake destination, boasting five lakes overall as the cityscape is sandwiched between Lake Mendota and Lake Monona — truly one of the Midwest’s most aesthetically captivating cities.
No matter where you’re off to next, make sure to double check Travel Alerts and our Safety Index.
2) Indianapolis, Indiana
You might not believe it, but Indy may be America’s trendiest city, overall, not just in the Midwest.
With the Pacers making an NBA Finals run and the Indianapolis 500 more popular than ever, sports tourism has one of many reasons driving the city’s sudden rise.
Besides sports, festivals galore here. No matter if you’re into food, culture, or both, you’ll find your niche throughout the year.
For summer, locals and tourists are both stoked about the 21st IndyFringe Festival, set to throw a birthday party to level up what’s already one of the coolest events in town,
I’ve had the pleasure of visiting Indianapolis, and I gotta say it’s one of the most walkable downtowns I’ve been to, and a scenic urban River Walk that doesn’t get enough hype.
But since my last visit, Mass Ave. has been revitalized, breathing new life into a city generally not known for being a vacation hotspot.
Oh, and if you want an absolute must-eat, you gotta have St. Elmo’s famous shrimp cocktail. It’s truly famous, not just a marketing gimmick.
1) Mackinac Island, Michigan
Sometimes all the latest gizmos and gadgets just don’t cut it — it’s nice to turn back the clock.
That’s why Mackinac Island, a car-free oasis nestled along the shimmering waters of Lake Huron, has been crowned the #1 summer vacation spot in the country.
Think Victorian architecture, horse carriage rides instead of Ubers, world-famous fudge shops, and incredible hotels like The Inn at Stonecliff.
It doesn’t matter if you’re craving a low-key summer in a charming town or want your days packed with outdoor adventure.
Despite being relatively small, Mackinac packs a punch, especially if you venture outside the town center into such places as Mackinac Island State Park, which is open 24 hours to kickstart your day with a bike ride or cap off a fun day by stargazing the night sky.
