8 Weekend Getaways Ideas in Midwest For Your Next Trip

One of the first things you notice when you get to the lake in Marquette, Michigan is the giant ore dock on the lake. It was built in 1911, first for hematite ore and now still used for taconite iron ore pellets.

The rest of the city is just as historical as the ore dock. Marquette was founded in 1675 and is fourth on the list of the oldest cities in Michigan. You can see that history all over town, from old buildings and restaurants to historical parks and streets.

After you’ve steeped yourself in Marquette’s past, head out into the surrounding nature. You can take a canoe or kayak, swim, or fish on any of the lakes—including the big one, Lake Superior. Plus there are about 100 miles of trail to hike or bike and about a dozen waterfalls along them.

If you think the Midwest runs at a slow pace, you clearly haven’t been to Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. There are only about 1,000 people living there, and the downtown is pretty chill—you can make some pottery at hands- on art classes, grab a bite to eat in an historic restaurant, and enjoy the vintage homes on a stroll around town. But right outside town, there’s a racetrack full of action.

In the 1950s, Elkhart Lake became known for drag races happening on public roads in the village. To get the cars to a safer spot, Road America opened in 1955. It’s a track dedicated to racing, spanning just over four miles and with 14 turns. Even NASCAR races have been held at Road America. And yes—you can drive the track yourself.

Getting outdoors is the main event in Hocking Hills, Ohio. The region has nine state parks and preserves alone, in addition to three state forests, one national forest, and a plethora of local parks. Hocking Hills State Park alone has 59 miles of trails just for hiking—and then you can add in the trails for horseback riding, rock climbing routes, bike paths, and caves to explore. Oh, and don’t forget the zip lines—there are more than 60 waiting for you. No matter where you are, you’re surrounded by nature.

That’s true for the local businesses, as well. Rockmill Brewery, for example, is on an old horse farm tucked in among the trees, and one of the main towns, Logan, is right alongside the tree line. There’s even a glass-blowing spot, Jack Pine Studio, that’s not only next to the woods, but brings nature into its designs. Every year, they have an annual glass pumpkin festival in the yard. Cabins and restaurants are in every wooded nook of Hocking Hills waiting for you to explore the surroundings.

Have you ever had Amish peanut butter? It’s this delicious mix of peanut butter and marshmallow fluff—sweet and savory at the same time and perfect drizzled over some French toast. If that sounds good, take a weekend away in Shipshewana, Indiana, in the heart of Amish country. Not only will you find that delectable peanut butter everywhere, you’ll also get to explore Amish specialties like hand-woven rugs, horse-drawn carriage rides, and helpful, happy attitudes.

Shipshewana has one of the largest Amish populations in the United States. The town is pretty sparsely populated—only about 950 people live there—but it drips with personality. You can learn more about the Amish and Mennonite cultures at the Menno-Hof Amish and Mennonite Museum in town, or even join a local family for a home-cooked meal. They’ll pick you up in a horse and buggy and help you experience what it really means to be in the Amish community.

Prairie-style architecture buffs will find an architectural wonderland in Oak Park, Illinois. It’s not Frank Lloyd Wright’s hometown (that’s in Wisconsin), but his home and studio is right in town.

After you go on a tour of those, walk up and down the village streets— you’ll find at least a dozen more Wright-built homes, all labeled with plaques. They aren’t open to the public like his home and studio, though; if you want to see inside some of the private homes, book your stay during Wright Plus Architectural Housewalk.

Oak Park’s location is a plus, as well. It’s literally right next to Chicago, but not in the city proper. You’ll find bigger lawns, space to move around, and less people vying for tables at restaurants or seats at events. And if you want to go into the city, it’s super easy—you can take public transportation. Both the buses and trains stop in the village; a one-way ride is only $2.50.

Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane, Al Swearengen… for some they may just be names in a television show, but in Deadwood, they’re royalty. The three were actually real people that lived, fought, and survived in the Wild West in the Midwest town.

Today, Deadwood is an historical city and looks much the way it did back then. Though if you look past the surface, you’ll find more modern amenities like casinos—lots of casinos. It seems the gambling reputation of the town never left.

History is on display throughout the town, as well. You can visit the saloon where Wild Bill was shot during a game of poker and see his death chair. You can dine at the location of the notorious Gem Theatre, opened by Al Swearengen himself. You can even visit the graves of Deadwood superstars in Mount Moriah Cemetery next to downtown. Have kids with you? Check out the historical reenactments and get them a sheriff’s star from a local restaurant.

Des Moines, the capital city of Iowa, only has about 215,000 residents, but it has the feel of a big city. The downtown area is walkable and a nice place to sit with a meal on a patio and watch people go by. During busy months, you can take in a show or hit the robust farmers market— there’s room for 165 vendors, so you’ll always have a good selection of bakery, produce, fruit, and crafts.

To add to the big city feel, catch an Iowa Cubs game. They play at Principal Park right in the city and are the Triple-A affiliate for the Chicago Cubs. Des Moines was actually named the number-one minor league market, so it’s an excellent place to watch a high-quality game without Major League prices. Plus, the outdoors is never far away – the city has more than 800 miles of trails – great for hiking.

One of the greatest things about traveling in this century is that we don’t have to do it in a covered wagon. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t honor the people who did and paved the way for us in the past. A stay in Independence, Missouri, will put you right at the start of the historic Oregon Trail. It’s no longer a small town on a square like it was when anxious travelers were loading up their wagons, though. Today, the small city has a population of just over 117,000.

But that doesn’t mean history isn’t available for you to explore. Oregon Trail aficionados should stop in to the National Frontier Trails Museum for a glimpse into what the pioneers endured. Stop by Independence Square to see where travelers stocked up their wagons and visit one of the last original buildings, the jail—it was built in 1859, at the heart of Oregon Trail season, and once imprisoned Jesse James’ brother. Next to the courthouse, you’ll find an Oregon Trail marker, pointing out the spot where the trail actually began.