15 Unforgettable Midwest Experiences You Won’t Find in Europe
Think Europe has all the charm and unique experiences? Think again! The Midwest offers hidden experiences and gems you won’t find across the Atlantic.
Growing up in Illinois as a teen and traveling to different regions of Europe in the past few years, I can confidently say there’s something truly special here in the American Midwest you can’t find elsewhere, including Europe.
From stepping onto the Skydeck at the Willis Tower over Chicago’s world-class architecture to hiking Peninsula State Park in the fall in Door County.
Trust me when I say the Midwest is more than cornfields and tallgrass prairies.
1. Take a Boat Ride Along Lake Michigan
Lake Como is beautiful. There’s no denying that.
However, Lake Michigan is also beautiful and part of the Great Lakes, which hold 20% of the world’s freshwater supply and offer endless beauty and activities for visitors.
A must-do activity on Lake Michigan is to hop on a boat and enjoy the stunning views of the Chicago skyline and Navy Pier.
Whether it’s a summer day on the boat, a sunset boat ride, or a dinner night cruise, a boat ride guarantees memorable views of Chicago.
2. Visit Door County in the Fall
Known as the “Cape Cod of the Midwest,” Door County is a peninsula in the upper northeast corner of Wisconsin.
It is a family favorite getaway and a must-visit destination for visitors exploring the Midwest. As a repeat visitor for 10+ years, my favorite season to visit “The Door” is fall.
My recommendations include exploring its many lighthouses, climbing the Eagle Tower at Peninsula State Park for epic Door County views, and grabbing some woodfired pizza at Wild Tomato.
3. Visit the Fudge Capital of the World on Mackinac Island
The state’s slogan, “Pure Michigan,” is undeniable when you step foot in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Specifically, Mackinac Island is completely pedestrian-friendly, with gorgeous nature to explore and historic homes to admire.
On top of that, it’s the fudge capital of the world, so it’s an absolute must-try! Head to the original Murdick’s Fudge for various flavors and quality fudge.
4. See 4 States From the Willis Tower
Europe has old-world architecture, while the U.S. (Chicago specifically) is the home of the skyscrapers.
With that, an inevitable and amazing experience in Illinois is to rise to the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower for an incredible view of the city and beyond.
From there, you can experience expansive views of Illinois and three neighboring states: Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan, and Lake Michigan.
If you dare, step onto the Chicago Skydeck – a glass box suspended over Chicago from 1,353 feet above!
5. See the Badlands National Park and Mount Rushmore
Known as one of the most unique sights in the U.S., Badlands National Park in South Dakota is a place where you can see crowds of bison roaming around, peek at the tall, pointy rock spires, and see the thousand-year-old fossil rocks that tell the story of the Great Plains—it’s truly amazing!
Mount Rushmore is another historical sight in the same state worth exploring at least once. It holds the images of four U.S. presidents: Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln.
6. Visit the Wackiest Museums in the Country
Unlike the world-class art galleries of the Louvre in Paris and the Prado in Madrid, the Midwest likes to collect unique items and turn them into museums.
From the Spam Museum in Minnesota to the Antique Fan Museum in Indiana, the National Mustard Museum in Wisconsin, and the Hot Dog Museum in Ohio, if you have a specific interest, there is a museum for it in the Midwest!
7. Shop at the U.S.’s Largest Mall
Istanbul Cevahir in Turkey holds the spot for the biggest mall in Europe, but even then, the madness and shopping experience, especially during an event like Black Friday at the Mall of America in Minnesota, is quite unforgettable.
From all your favorite brands under one roof to countless other activities to enjoy, like amusement park rides, virtual reality games, an aquarium, or a comedy show!
A top-rated activity is the FlyOver America ride, which transports you to some of the U.S.’s most iconic regions in a simulation ride that will entertain your senses.
8. See Your Favorite Rock Star at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
All music fans must make it to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame at least once and see the history of rock music and the musicians that have been inducted, from Aretha Franklin to Eric Clapton.
Located in Ohio, you’ll see tons of cool memorabilia and learn interesting facts that helped shape rock music and its surprising influences in different genres worldwide.
9. Have a Picnic at the Stunning Indiana Dunes National Park
Indiana Dunes National Park is worth a trip to see its unique ecosystems, animals, and endless beauty in the middle of the country. It has over 15,000 acres of wetlands, marshes, woods, sandy beaches, prairies, and more to explore.
Go bird watching, take lunch to enjoy at the Dunes Pavillion, take on one of the trail challenges, and even win a prize if you complete them!
10. Experience Living History at the Brown V Board of Education National Historic Site
Stop by the Brown vs. Board of Education National Historic Site if you’re visiting Topeka, Kansas.
The schoolhouse is an important piece of U.S. history located in the Midwest. It represented the impactful 1954 decision to desegregate schools in the U.S.
The schoolhouse was one of the four segregated schools in the area that served African Americans, where you’ll learn more about Oliver Brown’s case for his daughter to attend a nearby school, but was rejected based on racial segregation.
11. Explore Mesoamerican Culture in the Midwest
Between the Illinois and Missouri borders, you’ll find the mysterious Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, a piece of physical history dating back to Mesoamerican cultures in the Midwest.
Cahokia was one of the most impressive Mesoamerican civilizations north of Mexico. At one point in AD 1250, Cahokia was bigger than London! It’s an impressive site that sheds light on the ancient civilizations that once existed in the Midwest.
The mounds date back to AD 900, at the start of the Mississippian cultures. They are believed to have been a sacred burial place.
12. Cheer on the Cornhuskers at a College Football Game
European football is passionate, but College football is legendary, and Nebraska is a place to experience it.
The University of Nebraska’s Cornhuskers draws in alumni, students, and others to feel the enthusiasm of cheering on the home team and enjoy other fun aspects of the game like tailgating and seeing generations of Conhuskers reunite at Memorial Stadium in a sea of red.
The Cornhuskers are known for their longtime legacy and championship status, making them “blue bloods” in college football.
13. Appreciate Indigenous Culture at Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site
North Dakota is one of the Midwestern states with the most visible Indigenous culture representation, thanks to its impressive memorials and monuments.
The Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site is an important site that was once the most important fur trade post on the Upper Mississippi River. Local tribes exchanged buffalo robes, blankets, beads, and other items.
Step inside the Bourgeois House Visitor Center and check out numerous exhibits, video documentaries, and artifacts retelling the magnitude of this historical place.
14. Visit the Largest Fair in the Country
With over 200 food stalls, a showcase of the state’s massive agriculture industry, and tons of unique entertainment, the Iowa State Fair is one of the most Midwestern events to attend in the region.
Where else can you try the varieties of fried fair foods and “on a stick” snacks, experience unique competitions that expose (and test) human talent, and get up close to politicians sweet-talking you in 90-degree weather?
Pro tip: bring the SPF and a portable fan!
15. Take a Riverboat Ride Along the Historic Mississippi River
Paris may have the Seine and views of the Eiffel Tower, but what about riding a riverboat through the historic Mississippi River and getting views of the towering St. Louis Arch?
That can be arranged with a fun ride on a riverboat through one of the longest rivers in the world, which passes through Missouri.
To top it off, refuel with some classic toasted ravioli or a proper St. Louis-style BBQ for a true St. Louis experience.
What Do You Think?
What Midwest experience do you think you won’t find in Europe? Which one is your favorite?
Let us know in the comments!
