26 Things to Do in the Midwest: A-Z Complete Adventures

Some people call the Midwest the flyover states, but these 26 Great Adventures are here to prove you wrong! We have the complete list of things to do in the Midwest from A-Z!

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The Midwest is a great place to socially distance and enjoy time away! Check out this variety of things to do in the Midwest!

A: Agricultural Hall of Fame & National Center

Head to Kansas City, Kansas to enjoy this unique experience! Learn about the history of agriculture in our world as well enjoy hands-on exhibits for kids and adults of all ages. Make sure to take a ride on their train around the grounds too!

B: Bent River Outfitters & the Blue Earth River

Get out and enjoy the great outdoors with Bent River Outfitters in Mankato, MN. Float down the Blue Earth River in your kayak or on a SUP for an afternoon, explore caves and waterfalls for an exciting adventure.

C: Como Zoo & Conservatory

This FREE Zoo in St Paul, Minnesota is a hidden gem. Not only is it a complete zoo with penguins, polar bears, apes, and more, you can enjoy the ever changing displays in the Conservatory! It’s a great way to spend a day in the Twin Cities.

D: Danish Windmill

The Danish Windmill and Elk Horn, Iowa is a must stop as you look for things to do in the Midwest! This quaint town offers several opportunities to learn about the Danish heritage in America plus enjoy several options for delicious food!

E: Enger Observation Tower

Duluth, MN is a popular destination in the Midwest. A not-so popular stop is Enger Tower. Make sure to make the drive to the park and climb to the top of the tower to enjoy the views of the harbor and surrounding area.

F: Fenelon Place Elevator

Dubuque, IA has many great stops, but riding the world’s shortest, steepest outdoor elevator, Feneleon Place Elevator, is a must!

G: Grinnell

Grinnell in Central Iowa is home to a booming downtown full of locally owned shops, restaurants, a brewery, and the old school turned hotel, Hotel Grinnell. It’s a great place to spend a weekend.

H: Herman the Giant

While we love New Ulm, MN for many reasons, Herman the Giant is one of our favorites! Climb to the top and enjoy breathtaking views of the entire area before doing more exploring of this German community!

I: Italian Food at Tenuta’s Italian Grocery & Delicatessen

Kenosha, WI may be known for being a city on Lake Michigan, but visiting Tenuta’s Italian grocery store is a must when visiting. Grab pasta, sauce, and Italian baked delights!

J: Juicy Burgers at Billy Bob’s Dairyland

Classic, juicy burgers and thick milkshakes make Billy Bob’s Dairyland in Branson, MO a must stop for everyone looking for a delicious meal and a nostalgic feeling!

K: Katy Bike Trail

Who loves to bike? Check out the Katy Bike Trail that travels through central Missouri and stay in Sedalia at the Hotel Bothwell! I promise, you won’t regret it!

L: Little Swan Lake Winery

Wine, live music, bison, and a bed and breakfast! How much better can it get than that?! When you’re looking for things to do in the Midwest, consider checking out this destination near Estherville, IA!

M: Mediterranean Cruise Café

There may be endless options of places to eat in Burnsville, MN, but Mediterranean Cruise Café needs to be a must stop with their Mediterranean cuisine and unique atmosphere!

N: New Day Dairy

Who’s ready to Sleep with the Cows?! You can do do just that at New Day Dairy’s Guest Barn! Learn what it takes to be a dairy farmer along with enjoying high quality accommodations at this working farm!

O: Outstanding Views at Fishback & Stephenson

Located outside Fairfield, IA, you’ll find Fishback & Stephenson Cider House! Handcrafted hard cider, unique menu offerings, and amazing views from their “barn” are great excuses to make the trip!

P: Pearl Ice Cream Parlor

I’ll take ice cream any day of the week and twice on Sunday’s. The Pearl Ice Cream Parlor in La Crosse, Wisconsin opened in 1993, but features an authentic 1930’s ice cream parlor, confectionary, and coffee house! That’s three good reasons to visit!

Q: Quiet Nights

There’s nothing more than the Midwest is known for than it’s quiet nights with cicadas calling and the sun setting! It’s worth a trip alone to the countryside!

R: Rent E-Bikes from Paullina Hardware

In Paullina, Iowa, you’ll find Paullina Hardware. Not only are they a full-service hardware store offering a little bit of everything, but they also rent kayaks and e-bikes. You can ride the e-bikes around O’Brien County, but we recommend taking them out to Mill Creek State Park and enjoy the trails. They are so much fun!

S: Shiny Top Brewing

Pizza and Iowa brewed beer! That’s a pretty great combo! This brewery and restaurant in downtown Fort Dodge, IA is a great place to unwind after spending a day exploring the area!

T: Taylor Hill Lodge

We love lodges and Taylor Hill Lodge outside of Audubon, IA is no exception! Grab the family, your best gals, guys who want to go hunting and head to Audubon! There’s great shops, a winery, and more!

U: Unique Stops like Grotto of Redemption

When looking for things to do in the Midwest, don’t overlook unique stops like the Grotto of Redemption in West Bend, IA! This FREE attraction makes a great afternoon of exploring with the family!

V: Van Veen Chocolates

I love all things chocolate, but my absolute favorites, hands down….Van Veen Chocolates in Pella, IA! This small, locally owned, run by a family is the REAL DEAL when it comes to hand crafted chocolates! And, if you can’t get there, they’ll ship!

W: Whitetail Ridge

Another great stop in Estherville, IA is Fort Defiance State Park for some hiking! My personal favorite is the Whitetail Ridge trail, but the options are endless, so spend some time exploring!

X: Xenial People

Yeah, I said it! The people of the Midwest are some of the friendliest, most welcoming people you will find! They love that you’re there and want you to keep coming back again and again!

Y: Yearly Iowa State Fair

The Iowa State Fair is a great state fair! Or, so the song (and musical says) and they aren’t WRONG! The Iowa State Fair is one of the best to explore from exhibits to grandstand entertainment to the FOOD!

Z: Zebulon Pike’s Peak State Park

Last, but certainly not last is Pike’s Peak State Park with it’s views of the Mississippi River near McGregor, IA. Also make sure to take the short hike to see Bridal Veil Falls!