Great Lakes USA: Culture Capitals and Scenic Getaways in the Midwest

Situated across the Mississippi River from its sister city of St. Paul, Minneapolis is a bustling city known for its gorgeous lakes and waterfalls, lively and diverse neighborhoods, world-class cuisine and vibrant arts scene. Get a taste for the city's vibe in the Riverfront District that blends rich history with modern flair. Take in stunning views of the downtown skyline as you walk along cobblestone streets and across the Stone Arch Bridge, built in 1883. On Main Street, go on an impromptu shopping spree and choose from dozens of restaurants to fuel up for your next outing. Art enthusiasts will appreciate the art galleries and museums throughout the city. Don’t miss the Walker Art Center, featuring local and international paintings, sculptures and more. Adjacent to the museum is the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden and its towering installations, including the iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry by Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen. Known as the Twin Cities, the Minneapolis-St. Paul area boasts a team in each of the USA’s major professional sports leagues, including the NBA’s Minnesota Timberwolves and the NFL’s Minnesota Vikings. You can catch a game nearly any time of year. Before you hit the road to continue your Great Lakes adventure, explore other nearby highlights: the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul; the USA’s largest mall, Mall of America, in Bloomington; and Prince’s estate and recording studio at Paisley Park in Chanhassen, Minnesota.

Just over two hours southeast of Minneapolis, the quaint riverside town of Winona awaits. Winona is part of the Midwest’s “Driftless Area,” known for its unique topography and ecosystems left untouched by glaciers during the Ice Age. For Winona’s star outdoor attraction and Mississippi River views, visit Sugar Loaf Bluff. Once you see the giant rock pinnacle emerging from the top of the bluff, you’ll understand why it’s widely known as Winona’s most distinguished landmark. Garvin Heights Park and Great River Bluffs State Park are also great places to relax in nature while taking in bird’s-eye vistas of the Mighty Mississippi. The river is a natural migratory path for millions of birds and a year-round nesting area for the American bald eagle, and these parks are all ideal birdwatching spots. When it’s time to treat yourself, casual local restaurants, museums and shops dot the downtown landscape. The Minnesota Marine Art Museum is a surprising cultural attraction, home to six galleries exploring humanity’s connection with water. Take your time and soak in the sights of this idyllic, historical town. When it’s time to hop back in the car, get ready for the great city of Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Arriving in Green Bay, Wisconsin, you’ll quickly realize one thing: This is a football town. Home to the National Football League’s Green Bay Packers, the city’s residents wear their team colors loud and proud. If you’re in town during a home game, don’t miss the opportunity to catch the action at Lambeau Field. Even if you don’t score a ticket, joining tailgate celebrations is a must. You can also tour the stadium and its popular Packers Hall of Fame. Adjacent to Lambeau Field, you’ll find Titletown – a buzzy entertainment district with outdoor events, a beer garden, six restaurants and a football-themed playground for the little ones. For some waterfront fun, hit the Bay Beach Amusement Park for classic thrill rides with a view of Green Bay. For dinner, head to CityDeck, a boardwalk along the Fox River with shops, restaurants and outdoor events. Take in the sights, then grab a table on the patio at Hagemeister Park for a hearty meal and a cold local beer. The Oneida Nation of Wisconsin, a federally recognized tribe of Native Americans, is located just outside Green Bay. After taking a guided tour to learn about the tribe, its people and its traditions, visit the Buffalo Overlook covered observation deck to view the reservation’s bison from a safe space. Don’t miss the Oneida Pow Wow in June and Vegas-style fun anytime at the Oneida Casino Hotel.

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is unlike any other place in the region. Its pristine landscapes bordering parts of Lakes Michigan, Huron and Superior are replete with wildlife, forests and mountains. The largest city in the Upper Peninsula, Marquette is your home base and home base for countless outings in the magical wilds of Michigan. Explore kilometers of dramatic public shoreline with opportunities for hiking and biking on the Marquette City Multi-Use Path. Take in sweeping vistas of rocky cliffs whether paddling or just lounging on the shore. Visit Thomas Rock Scenic Overlook or take a short hike to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain for a panoramic look at the lush wilderness and Lake Superior. After a long day of excursions, head back to Marquette’s charming waterfront downtown to swap tales in a local brewery or restaurant. Before heading to Traverse City, swing through the Marquette Maritime Museum and take a selfie in front of the iconic red Marquette Harbor Lighthouse that houses it.

On the shores of Lake Michigan in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, Traverse City is a haven for hiking, biking, relaxation, award-winning wines and fresh local flavors. It’s called the “Cherry Capital of the World,” thanks to its ideal climate for cherry production, and you’ll find cherry stands and u-pick farms scattered around the Grand Traverse Bay area during July and August. This is also a popular stop for wine lovers: The Leelanau and Old Mission Peninsula wine trails feature 35 wineries, where you can taste nationally recognized, fruit-forward wines all along the Lake Michigan shoreline. When you’re ready to get back to the great outdoors, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is not to be missed. Ascend towering dunes, take a dip in the crisp, clear water, and – depending on the season – bring your bike or skis to take on the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail. And downtown, breweries, local restaurants, elevated pubs and cozy bed-and-breakfast inns await your arrival.

Perched on the shores of Lake Michigan, the culture-rich metropolis of Chicago boasts Michelin-starred restaurants, an electric nightlife scene and 77 diverse neighborhoods. Set aside plenty of time for exploring Chicago’s museums and attractions, starting in Millennium Park. Take a picture in front of the reflective Cloud Gate sculpture, known fondly as “The Bean.” Take a walk through Lurie Garden to enjoy the serene outdoor space’s perennial flowers and multiple bird species. Cap off your day in the park at the adjacent Art Institute of Chicago to marvel at its world-class collections. Nearby, the whole family will enjoy riding the towering Centennial Wheel at Navy Pier, visiting the Shedd Aquarium or strolling through the dinosaur exhibit at the Field Museum. Thrill-seekers can’t miss theTILT experience at 360 Chicago: Lean forward against a tilting, glass-floored balcony 314 meters above the city streets below – if you dare. If you’re in town during baseball season, catch a Chicago Cubs game at historic Wrigley Field. After an al fresco lunch at one of the Riverwalk’s dozens of restaurants, hop on an architecture boat tour to take in the city’s renowned skyscrapers from the water. On your way north, be sure to cruise through Chicago’s North Shore to visit the Chicago Botanic Garden, Illinois Holocaust Museum and the magnificent Bahá'í House of Worship – the only one of its kind in the USA.

From Chicago, head northwest to kick back in the riverfront city of Rockford, Illinois. Often referred to as the City of Gardens, the laid-back community is home to Anderson Japanese Gardens, the Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden and the Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, to name a few. Take the family to the Rockford Art Museum or the Burpee Museum of Natural History to meet Jane, the most complete skeleton of a juvenile T-Rex in the world. Rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard from Rocktown Adventures and set out for a paddle down the scenic Rock River. Back on dry land, stretch out with a burger and a local beer at the riverfront Prairie Street Brewing Company. Whether you’re an architecture buff or not, you’ll appreciate the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Laurent House. It’s one of the best-preserved Wright homes ever built and the only one designed specifically for a person with a disability.

The last leg of your epic Great Lakes road trip takes you back to the expanses of Lake Michigan and the vibrant city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Known for its many festivals, unique museums and bustling waterfront energy, Milwaukee has so much to do and see. Tour the iconic Miller Brewing Company, or check out some vintage motorcycles at the world’s only Harley-Davidson Museum. When it comes time to grab a bite, wander over to the Historic Third Ward. In addition to its art galleries and popular annual events, the downtown neighborhood has dozens of restaurants and breweries. If you’re lucky enough to be in Milwaukee when Major League Baseball’s Brewers or the National Basketball Association’s Bucks are playing, grab a ticket and get in on the action to put a bow on your Great Lakes USA vacation. When the time eventually comes to leave this unforgettable region, head to Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE) to catch your flight home.