You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. One of the best cities in the U.S., according to Travel + Leisure's 2022 World's Best Awards, Chicago is a must-visit Midwestern destination. Explore hotels near Scotts Bluff National Monument. A couple of hours outside of Chicago, New Glarus is a quaint town that offers a glimpse into beautiful Wisconsin small towns. Below are the 12 best Midwest cities based on population, cost of living, job opportunities, crime rates, availability of things to do, and more! Nightlife here ranges from honky tonk to big bands, but its all casual and relaxed. Once a booming town with a busy highway, Milton, Wisconsin, is now an off-the-beaten-path town that Melody Pittman loves. ), shell be too stunned by the beauty to realize shes consenting to spend the next several decades listening to you snore at night. Summers are a great time to go, if you bring sweaters for nighttime. By Kelsey Yandura April 15, 2022 Advertisement Voyageurs National Park Lying at the heart of the Great Lakes region on the border with Canada, Michigan is a breathtakingly beautiful place to explore; it has over 12,000 inland lakes, endless forests, beaches, and rivers, as well as more coastline than any other state apart from Alaska.. So take a stroll with us through the United States of proposals the best places to get engaged. Where cultural attractions, restaurants, bars, shops, and Wayne State University all can be found. Thankfully, its set up in such a brilliantly visitor-friendly way that you can really enjoy it all with ease. The leisurely ride to quaint Kimmswick or Hannibal is the perfect time to discuss your future together. Stops in the Midwest include Red Wing and St. Paul in Minnesota; La Crosse in Wisconsin; Burlington and Dubuque in Iowa; and Hannibal and St. Louis in Missouri. From North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio - more than 68 million people call the Midwest home. To find the best of the Midwest, we reached out to our expert travel writers. Instead, make the trip up Mount Tantalus to Tantalus Lookout, day or night, to enjoy a rare urban landscape of Honolulu. Midwestern getaways everyone should experience at least once. Nebraska doesn't always get the tourism credit it deserves with, perhaps, the exception of Scotts Bluff National Monument. Catch your supper from the fishing pier. Ok, just great schooling in general But we like Jones Point Park, just south of Old Town, with its unconventional lighthouse, wooded paths and the waterside walkway under the yawning George Washington Memorial Parkway a juxtaposition of man against nature that somehow works. Thats how I felt about South Bend, Rebecca Deurlein tells us. We mean Mardi Gras World, a warehouse thats home to several of New Orleans parade floats in the off-season, and kind of an adult funhouse all year round. Heres where they recommend visiting this year in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. Nineteen miles of driving heaven, the byway cuts through mountains and past waterfalls, gentle slopes of foliage and striking landscapes. No visit to South Bend is complete without a tour of Notre Dame, according to Deurlein, who says, Youve seen it in the movies, but its a thrill to stand before Touchdown Jesus.. (Photo by @, Dos and Donts of Marriage Proposalsfrom Pro Planners, 5 Rules For A Successful Marriage Proposal, The 10 Commandments Of Popping The Question. (Photo by @abcnews), Long considered one of the most romantic establishments in the Garden State, Cape Mays Peter Shields looks out on the water, is steps from the beach, and yet offers fine dining in a Victorian mansion. Instead, walk along uncrowded Seattles Alki Beach, where you can gaze at the downtown Seattle skyline hand in hand on the black-sand beach, then walk up to the street and over a block or two for why pretend? Representing one of the most populated metropolitan regions in the Midwest. If youre seeking to travel more sustainably, know that downtown Wichita has a robust public transportation system with a free shuttle and bike- and scooter-sharing programs. The littles will love the Back 40 Playground at the Community Orchard (open seasonally, August through October) and the Childrens Forest at Kennedy Park. (Photo by @beaversbendluxurycabinrentals), Cannon Beach is a 9-mile stretch on the northern Oregon coast, about a 90-minute drive from Portland. Beautiful in all seasons, Egg Harbor is in close proximity to cross-country skiing, biking, and hiking options. Explore hotels near Lake of the Ozarks State Park. When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Ames, Iowa EQRoy/Shutterstock. This New Glarus cow wears traditional Swiss Bernese folk attire. The stunning Black Hills area of South Dakota offers two distinct national parks, an impressive state park, and cute small towns, making it an ideal Midwestern getaway. Go from zero to hero in five minutes: At James Allen or Blue Nile, you can adjust price ranges and other characteristics to see how many carats your budget buys. Love Missouri? Now its all on you, buddy. Hotel Phillips Dcj3616/commons.wikimedia.org This Kansas City Art Deco landmark is sure to make sparks fly! (Photo by @sammienole), Quaint doesnt do justice to this lovely seaside town , which somehow turns commercial fishing into something out of a Hallmark Channel movie (as opposed to A Perfect Storm). You may have heard of Joplin because of the devastating tornado that struck the southwestern Missouri town in 2011. Rent a kayak or book a boat tour. Explore the hotels near Voyageurs National Park. The Windy City has tons of wonderful venues, like the Grove Redfield Estate, Newberry Library and Loyola University. If you go between March and June, it wont be too crowded and the flowers will be in bloom. (Photo by @visitsouthidaho), Forget getting to the top of Sears Tower (a.k.a. The Midwest Museum of American Art is right across the street from the recently restored historic Hotel Elkhart, she says, so you can walk to the museum from the hotel. Beautiful murals decorate the town, too. Plus, theres no Wi-Fi on the site, so you wont get derailed by her best friends sudden need to share that video of her new puppy discovering cupcakes. (Photo by @withlove_alina), You dont have to be a movie star for this one: Before there was Robert Redfords pet film festival, there was his resort, which covers over 5,000 beautiful acres of the slopes of Mount Timpanogos near Provo. (Photo by @thisisalabama), Whether you still think of it as Mount McKinley or its newly restored name, Denali, the continents tallest peak is an insurmountable (get it?) There are a slew of bike trails, plus trout streams, campsites and even an 18-hole golf course. Indianapolis, IN Ladage loved her stay at the lovely Merrill Hotel, which is located right across from the Mississippi River close to Muscatines historic downtown. You can watch their courtship dances and pair-bonding behaviors, Walls tells us. What were describing is Lake of the Ozarks State Park. Peninsula State Park in Door County is teeming with natural beautytowering bluffs, sandy stretches, cedar forests, scenic overlooks and more. There are plenty of other spots to explore for historical interest in the town and nearby. (Photo by @bentufts), Leave Boston Common, Faneuil Hall and the harbor for the guys wearing tricorn hats, and Fenway for the Sox fanatics. Literally sweep her off her feet with a hot air balloon ride. Minnesota scored the highest, with South Dakota, Colorado, Utah, and North Dakota rounding out the top five. A trip to the beautiful town of Muscatine is in order according to Cindy Ladage. Seriously, tie one into a knot and slide it onto your girlfriends finger, and shell be yours for sure. Known as the "crown jewel of Michigan" or "pearl of the Great Lakes," Mackinac Island offers a nostalgic feel since no cars are allowed here. If you want a fairytale wedding, start things off right by getting engaged in a fairytale village. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame remains a dedicated museum space all year, too, with the "Right Here, Right Now" gallery featuring outfits from stars like Beyonce, Taylor Swift, and Harry Styles. You can learn more about that process here. They are some of the most popular things to do when visiting Lafayette. Art from the Midwest Museum is on display at the theater as well. Lets start by crossing off the obvious pics, like anything involving Waikiki or, in fact, any beach. Whether youre seeking a stop on a summer road trip, a break from city life, or are trying to cross all 50 states off your list and dont know what to see in Kansas, Wichita checks all the boxes according to Jill Robbins. The manor-type estate was recently renovated and features large rooms, a lovely outdoor pool area, and a terrific spa with several treatment rooms. Those who enjoy nature and history will find engaging activities at Fort Museum & Frontier Village (open seasonally reopens in April 2023). Giddyup! Golden Spike Tower overlooks the worlds largest railyard, the Union Pacifics Bailey Yard. (Photo by @thedanboulianne), No, not Mardi Gras or Bourbon Street you might as well propose at a frat house party, if thats what you have in mind. Turkey Run State Park Campground Indiana. Even Minnesota -- the most expensive of the Midwestern. Hike up to Castlewood's bluffs, high over the Meramec River in St. Louis, for unforgettable views. Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. When you envision Illinois, Chicago probably pops up first. 14. Whether you prefer taking it easy and just going for a leisurely stroll surrounded by breathtaking beauty or tackling more strenuous trails, Hocking Hills State Park is a destination that should be included on any self-respecting Midwest bucket list. Well skip the many obvious choices (Empire State Building, Times Square, Statue of Liberty, Bow Bridge in Central Park, Brooklyn Bridge) and suggest the Cloisters, the Mets medieval museum in Fort Tryon Park all the way up in Washington Heights. Go from spring to mid-summer to see the puffins all over the monolith like peeping little candy corns. Its about three and a half hours from Oklahoma and two hours and 45 minutes from Dallas, but a weekend in the wilderness with a wedding date at the end is worth the trip, no? (Photo by @sandramcosgrove), A pristine reservoir in eastern Oklahoma surrounded by woods and wildlife and the kind of natural beauty that make your social-media followers weep with joy? The resorts top-rated spa is an additional draw. But even a Texan cant complain about going with the city thats home to the Alamo. Visitors might also enjoy a classic Chicago deep dish tour (book with Finger Licking Foodie Tours or James Beard award-winning food journalist Steve Dolinsky) and the CAFC Chicago River cruise. Ms Pub is always a favorite. Winding through five states before heading toward its southern terminus, the Great River Road is designated a National Scenic Byway and All-American Road. Though the Kings home is your go-to if youre going for that late-60s living-room vibe, the true musical heart of the state is the Grand Ole Opry, which is a no-brainer pilgrimage-slash-proposal site for a country-music-lovin couple. Plus, its right in St. Louis, so you can go get messy with barbecue right after she says yes. (Photo by @forgotteniowa), Who needs Oz? Walk hand in hand through the botanical gardens, take in the Gateway Arch, or explore Grant's Farm. Their search tool is great. And a cozy stroll of restaurants and shops, the Riverwalks most romantic spot is arguably the Selena Bridge, named after the Tejana singer. Not so enchanted by the Mississippi? The Skywalk Observatory, at the top of the Prudential building, offers the citys only 360-degree views and lets you get a birds-eye perspective of your relationship, Beantown, the Patriots at Deflategate . It recently won an A+ rating on the Niche Report Card, thanks to the quality of its public schools and welcoming atmosphere for families. The beautiful river city of St. Louis Missouri is perfect for a romantic couples vacation. So you want to stage the best proposal ever the kind she will describe with teary awe in years to come but you dont know where to start. backdrop for any proposal. When it comes to dining, Yonkey recommends the pan-seared walleye with Cajun seasoning at Mad Marys Steak House & Saloon. While in the area, Morgensen suggests heading to The Old Market for shopping, drinks, and dining. An outdoor paradise in Missouri thats among the best and most beautiful vacation destinations in the Midwest, it welcomes 2.5 million people each year. What fan wouldnt want to get engaged under a giant acoustic guitar? Median property value: $166,400. At the Pony Express National Museum, I felt I was riding the mountains and plains these young riders took, Walls recalls of the museum dedicated to the first fast mail line across North America. Beautiful in all seasons, New Glarus always has something to offer. It's been named the bed-and-breakfast capital of Minnesotabut along with those charming B&Bs are tons of famous eateries, as well as a world renowned trail system. The historic 107-foot-long Roseman Covered Bridge, which you might recognize from the 1995 romantic drama flick The Bridges of Madison County, based on the best-selling novel of the same name. Scotts Bluff, its namesake crown jewel, which towers 800 feet above the North Platte River, was an important landmark for travelers moving westward during the 19th century. Moving to the region might also come with new friendships. OK, now that we got that out of the way, lets talk about this beautiful and bountiful area. These are just a few of the reasons it is consistently ranked as one of the best zoos in the U.S. The Indiana Dunes in the northern part of the state will make you feel like youve transported yourselves out of the Midwest and to one of the coasts, perfect for an otherworldly backdrop. Its beachside location and numerous forests, trails, and ski slopes, meanwhile, are an outdoor enthusiast's dream. Remember to bring required documentation, if youre passing to the other side, of course. Here is a list of 10 amazing places to propose in Sioux Falls to help you out! While there are plenty of bigger cities in the Midwest, smaller locales lead this study. The National Audubon Society's Rowe Sanctuary offers another excellent viewing option, with (free) daily guided tours at sunrise and sunset. (Photo by @vmsnm), In a city as big as New York, what counts as romantic depends a lot on the peculiarities for your relationship. Its Seattle. While summer is the sweet spot for visiting Galena, spring and fall bring fun festivals. The town might be small but the attractions are mighty in Chamberlain, says Shel Zolkewich of the south central South Dakota town nestled at the crossroads of Interstate 90 and the Missouri River. (Photo by @northdakotalegendary), Live the Amish country lifestyle for a weekend while you plot the perfect time to propose. (Photo by @boardwalkplazahotel), Unless your lady love is a Disney fanatic in which case, you may be getting engaged while wearing mouse ears go to the oldest town in America, St. Augustine, and get down on one knee by the fort, on George Street or during a serene beach day. The 10 best places to live in the Midwest Rogers Park (Chicago), Illinois Ann Arbor, Michigan Naperville, Illinois Carmel, Indiana Overland Park, Kansas Madison, Wisconsin Woodbury, Minnesota Eagan, Minnesota Troy, Michigan St. Peters, Missouri Ad Take the first step to becoming a homeowner today Get a Mortgage Rate that works for you. Avoid the humidity and stifling heat of summer. Be a knight to your ladys princess. It also serves as an excellent base for exploring the rest of the peninsula. Every few minutes, theres another gem that's somehow more impressive than the last. 1. And while this trek is lovely all year long, it's most awe-inspiring as the leaves turn in autumn. Bridal Cave in Camdenton has seen thousands of couples tie the knot over the decades, inspired by local legends of a Native American wedding ceremony held here in the 1800s. Devour a burger and cheese curds at Howard Park Public House. Spring Green, Wisconsin. Scope out a romantic spot at Kansas City's botanical garden (there are tons to choose from). At Buffalo Bill State Historical Park, explore Scouts Rest Ranch, the second empire-style mansion the famed Pony Express rider, Army scout, and buffalo hunter-turned-showman built during the heyday of his Wild West show. Lincoln County Historical Museum is a group of amazing museums including Western Heritage Village and the World War II North Platte Canteen exhibit. Unless youre prepared for winter hiking and camping, this may be one for the warmer months. If you're searching for a quieter home base, Deer Path Inn another reader favorite in nearby Lake Forest is a lovely choice in the area. Rides over the Mojave are easily arranged from inside Vegas (or Reno) for a perfect day in which to propose. (Photo by @allwilderness), Everyone heads to the controversial Skywalk these days, but those people would propose at the fake Eiffel Tower in Vegas and say it counted as going to Paris. Sherman suggests biking on the 24-mile Sugar River State Trail and/or admiring the creativity of the Cow Parade. Step back in time with a stay at the iconic Grand Hotel, with its record-breaking front porch and formal dinner dress code. Minneapolis, MN, ranks as one of the best places to live in the Midwest partly because of its innovative economy that touches a breadth of industries from software to renewable energy. Keep scrolling to find out what has made it a favorite year after year and for the full list of the best resort hotels in the Midwest. Explore hotels near Monument Rocks National Landmark, These Influencers Cant Stop Raving About Their Trips to New Zealand, But the Amazing Content Speaks for Itself, 18 Amazing Weekend Trips from Los Angeles, 3 New Bis Weekend Bag Colors Just Dropped in Time for Your Spring and Summer Vacays, Owen Weber (www.owenweberlive.com)/Getty Images. Tell us in the comments below! While its hard to pick the prettiest spots (because there are just so many options), we love a good challenge. SJ Morgensens favorite Midwest town is her hometown of Omaha. Katy Spratte Joyce is a freelance food, business, and travel writer based in Omaha, Nebraska. The world's only Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is located in downtown Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by @luvmyssi). But its no ordinary egg, Ann Bush tells us. Since then, this little town on the outskirts of the Ozark Mountains has recovered very nicely, Carol Colborn assures us. In the late 1880s, word spread that water from the areas bubbling springs had curative powers, and people from all over the country arrived to take the water. The towns flagship spa, The Elms, was built to accommodate them. During the summer, treat yourself to a caramel twist deluxe sundae at Zesto. Watch for wild turkeys, coyotes, and whitetail deer. (Photo by @armstrongcreativeimag), You dont need Meryl Street or Clint Eastwood to do a romantic tour of the bridges of Madison County, and many of the famous, picturesque covered bridges of the county seat provide a perfect spot for a special, all-American, love-of-your-life moment. Potato Creek State Park offers plenty of activities, including kayaking through wetlands, biking along woodlands, and bird watching on Lake Worster. Pro tip: Plan an early May visit to see baby bison and other newborn animals. Its quaint downtown is filled with historical buildings and plenty of cafes and restaurants serving up Midwest fare. Pack up the tent (or RV) and camp in these well-appointed parks. But with millions of proposals made each year (2.4 million of which actually lead to weddings), its hard to stand out. You cant go wrong in this gorgeous, historic town, but avoid the humidity of deep summer. Wellfield Botanical Gardens is a lovely oasis in Elkhart, Indiana. Massimo Borchi/Atlantide Phototravel/Getty Images. Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list. Des Moines also has one of the highest housing affordability scores in the Midwest, and about 74.2% of households spend less than 30% of their income on housing. Willis Tower) or the John Hancock Center, iconic as they may be to the Windy City skyline. (Photo by @hikingwithheels), These 21 islands in Lake Superior are at an otherworldly level of beautiful. The Grand Basin . The 6 Best Places to Propose Marriage Proposals The 6 Best Places to Propose Ready to pop the question but just need to figure out where to do it? One of the best cities in the U.S., according to Travel + Leisure 's 2022 World's Best Awards, Chicago is a must-visit Midwestern destination . The Inn and Spa at Cedar Falls is the perfect place to unwind, unplug and enjoy your own personal cottage. It was already known for its crisscrossing hiking trails and skiing, and now it can be known as the spot where you and your wife-to-be got engaged. (Photo by @stlthetruth). Loaded with history and located just outside of Kansas City, Excelsior Springs, Missouri, is an adorable Midwest town to place on your travel list this year according to Erika Ebsworth-Goold. Americas largest indoor desert and indoor rainforest, Henry Doorly Zoo also has the largest nocturnal exhibit in the world. Hike or bike on the islands trails, then relax on one of the beaches. But where can you quickie propose, besides in the buffet line at Circus Circus? North Platte offers a mix of fun things to do according to Walls. Her work has appeared in a variety of print and digital outlets, including. 10. It's noteworthy for many reasons, starting with the fact that its home Indianapolis Motor Speedway is the oldest continuously operating racetrack in the country. Or pop the question among the parchment-colored aging barrels of a distillery like Heaven Hill. backdrop for any proposal. What are you, a tourist? From crystal clear freshwater beaches to electrifying cities, these states feature an endless array of activities to pique your interest. Patee House Museum & the Jesse James Home showcases the two things St. Joseph is famous for: the Pony Express headquarters and the place where outlaw Jesse James was shot and killed. The reservoir offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities, making Pierre a four-season destination. The best way to peep all this geological gorgeousness? Its a brewery with a Prohibition-era speakeasy in the basement.. The best time to visit Wichita is spring, summer, and fall, Robbins advises, which are the most pleasant times to be outdoors., On the Prairie Trail Scenic Byway in Kansas lies Wilson, a small prairie town with a big egg. The sheer architectural stunningness just never seems to end. This Coastal Destination Is Called the 'Cape Cod of the Midwest' With Charming Small Towns and Beautiful Views. Formerly the Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Indianapolis, it now serves as a boutique hotel only a 20-minute drive from the speedway. Its quite popular for Michigan weddings, but the same elements that make it perfect for nuptials beautiful, Victorian buildings in a splendid natural setting, and a visitor-friendly business network make it ideal for engagements, too. Youre going for coffee. . Were talking Minnesota here, of course, so save this trip for late spring, summer or early autumn. What's more romantic than a day at sea (er, lake)? While Viking may be best known for its ever-popular European river cruises, its Mississippi River offering is also worth planning a trip around. Finally, the George Washington Carver National Monument honors the American scientist, botanist, educator, and inventor. Bridge from Grant Park to downtown, overlooking the Galena River Photo credit: Robyne Stevenson 1. (Photo by @renoballoon), You can hike or drive up to this scenic overlook in the White Mountains near North Conway its real popular with climbers, but you can park and take a couple reasonable trails up there instead. 5 Reasons the Midwest is Hands Down the Best Place to Invest With real estate costs rising in most major U.S. cities, finding a good real estate deal seems impossible. The Elkhart River and St. Joseph River make a lovely backdrop for this vibrant city that features fun dining spots and historic homes like Ruthmere to tour. Rotating exhibits keep the content fresh, and famous artifacts like Johnny Cash's touring bus and Prince's guitar from the Purple Rain tour draw interest to the permanent galleries.
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