The Very Best Midwest Weekend Trips for All Travelers

Ready to travel? We’ve gathered up this list of great Midwest Weekend Trips to help make your planning easier! You’ll find them grouped into three categories: couples, outdoor lovers, and families! Some may possibly overlap, but regardless you’ll find great trip options!

Midwest Weekend Trips for Couples

Couples, especially those with jobs and kids, can find it difficult to get away. Thankfully, the Midwest has several different destinations that are great for visiting with your loved ones! Check these spots out!

New Ulm, Minnesota

New Ulm, Minnesota has a rich German heritage that you’ll see virutally everywhere! Head to this small community with your special someone to feast on delicious donuts, beer, wine, and do some exploring! The must-do’s while in town are climbing to the top of Hermann the Giant to enjoy the view, touring Schell’s Brewery, wandering German Park, and wine tasting at Morgan Creek Vineyards!

If history is your thing tour the Harkin Store, the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame, and the Brown County Historical Society & Museum! Make sure to grab a donut (or 12) from The Backerei and rest your weary head at the Best Western Plus! You’ll come back feeling refreshed and ready to tackle adult responsibilities!

Cincinnati, OH

Submitted by Cornfields & High Heels

Romance can be found in Ohio! Cincinnati is home to one of the most romantic, underground restaurants – Sotto. Combine this dining experience with Cincinnati’s must-see spots and experiences for a complete weekend getaway! Once you’ve explored the fascinating reasons to visit Cincinnati, it will be easy to fill a few days with romance and fun. Our weekend included renting an Airbnb, visiting the art museum, delicious eats, and even learning to roast our own coffee together!

Elk Horn, Iowa

Ready to explore Danish culuture? Head to Elk Horn, Iowa, situated just about 10 minutes North of Interstate 80 in Western Iowa! Here you’ll get to learn about their history and roots as well as learn and enjoy their graciousness and welcoming community! Don’t be deceived by this town of only 650 people, they’ll blow your socks off! Make sure to tour the Danish Windmill and the Museum of Danish America!

Stroll the downtown area and check out their small businesses. Wine taste at Danish Countryside Winery and enjoy some delicious food! While in town, dinner must be at The Danish Table to experience a true Danish meal! Stay nearby in Audubon (about a 20 minute drive) at the Blue Grass Inn & Suites!

Sedalia, Missouri

When I’m ready to relax and slow down, we head for Sedalia, Missouri! While in Sedalia, explore the historic Katy Depot, which is home to the Sedalia Convention & Visitors Bureau, so it’s a great place to start your trip. Take your bikes or rent them and take a spin on the Katy Bike Trail, which you can enjoy without even leaving town!

Make sure to take time strolling their historic downtown admiring the old buildings, but as well as spotting all the bicycle themed street art and hunting for murals! While in town, make sure to head to Kehde’s BBQ and enjoy some delicious food in a historic train car, grab coffee at the Ozark Coffee Company, and make sure to stay at the historic Hotel Bothwell. If you’re looking for a romantic dinner, stay “in” at the hotel and enjoy a five star meal at the Ivory Grill!

Dublin, OH

Submitted by Zen Life and Travel

Dublin, Ohio is a fantastic weekend destination for couples. First, you’ll want to explore the Bridge Park area and Historic Downtown Dublin. These 2 walkable areas are connected by a brand new pedestrian bridge that crosses the Scioto River. For a romantic dinner, try the patio at The Pearl which overlooks the bridge, or stop by Harvest Pizza for the best pizza in Central Ohio!

Then you can work your way through the Dublin Celtic Cocktail Trail while you explore the area to try out some other great restaurants! If you’re looking for an outdoor activity, check out the bike paths that wander throughout Dublin — they even connect into beautiful Glacier Ridge Metro Park. After a long day of exploring Dublin, stay at the AC Hotel Dublin in the Bridge Park Area. This hotel has a great rooftop bar and restaurant called Vaso so it’s perfect for a nightcap with a view of Dublin.

The Quad Cities – Iowa & Illinois

Submitted by Thirty Something Super Mom

Romantic Getaways are a great way to reconnect as a couple and an even better way to get some alone time without the kids. Although it would be nice to escape to a private island, that isn’t always possible. No need to save money all year for a romantic trip, you can get away and reconnect in the Midwest. Enjoy fine dining, luxury accommodations, and endless fun with your special someone without leaving the Midwest. Offering beautiful views of the Mississippi River and tons of activities to enjoy together, love is definitely in the air here. Find out why the Quad Cities are the perfect destination for a fun and romantic couple getaway.

Midwest Weekend Trips for Outdoor Lovers

Mankato, Minnesota

If you love the outdoors, then it’s time you head to Mankato, Minnesota. Take a day to kayak the Blue Earth River with Bent River Outfitters or conduct your own float. Take your bike for a ride on one of their great trails or take a hike at Minneopa State Park. Speaking of the state park, make sure to take in the waterfalls which are pretty spectacular. When it’s time to shop or eat, head to historic downtown along the river! Not only will you find great eats, like Mom & Pops Ice Cream, but you can take in the river walk and street art! Time to rest and recoup? We recommend staying at the Courtyard by Marriott on the outskirts of town!

Audubon County, Iowa

We love Audubon County, Iowa for a lot of reasons. However, it’s a great place to head if you love the outdoors! Audubon County is home to the T-Bone Bike trail. This paved 20 mile trail runs from Audubon, through Hamlin, Exira, and under Interstate 80 into Cass County! Of course, there are lots of other outdoor things to do like fishing or swimming at Littlefield Recreation Area. If that’s not enough, head to Kimballton to see their Freedom Rock and the Hans Christian Anderson Mermaid Sculpture. If you’re a flower lover, head to Gary and check out the Heritage Rose Garden, which features of 200 different kinds of roses.

Of course, they have a golf course for those who like to play the links! After you have supper at El Adobe in Audubon, enjoy the John James Audubon Birdwalk! Enjoy being out in the great Midwest countryside by staying at the Taylor Hill Lodge!

Midwest Weekend Trips for Families

Dubuque, Iowa

Dubuque is known as “Where Iowa Started” and it’s a great place to start your family weekend adventures! The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium is a great place to start your weekend with the family! Explore the history of the river, how it serves our nation, and the animals that live in and around it! Enjoy the street art along the Port of Dubuque River Walk and then head to Eagle Point Park. Here you can enjoy playground equipment, have a picnic, and take in the views of the river, for virtually FREE! It only costs a whopping $1 per car.

A hike or stop at the Mines of Spain is a must for another incredibly view of the river! Of course, no trip to Dubuque is complete without a ride in the Fenelon Place Elevator! Grand Harbor Resort & Waterpark is a great place to stay with the family! We also think you need to make sure to grab ice cream from I Scream, U Scream in historic downtown!

Tonica, Illinois

Submitted by The Working Mom’s Travels

An ideal getaway option for couples and families alike is Kishauwau’s Starved Rock Area Cabins in Tonica, Illinois. Kishauwau is located only two hours west of Chicago but it truly feels like a different world. There are 17 self-catering cabins on the Kishauwau property ranging in sleeping capacity from 1-2 to 14 people. Twelve of the cabins feature oversized whirlpool tubs (great for romantic getaways) and all cabins include outdoor fire pits, grills, and picnic tables. Kishauwau is also the perfect location to unplug the devices and reconnect with one another, as there is no WiFi, cell service, or cable television. That means guests have plenty of time and opportunity to enjoy the peace and quiet and the outdoors. Speaking of which, it’s the outdoors which bring most visitors to the area.

As the name would imply, Kishauwau’s Starved Rock Area Cabins are just ten minutes away from one of Illinois’ most popular state parks, Starved Rock. Equally beautiful but not as popular is Matthiessen State Park, also a 10-minute drive from Kishauwau. Finally, after a day of exploring, treat yourself to outstanding gastropub fare and Illinois-only craft beers at Lodi Tap House in nearby Utica.

Roseville, Minnesota

When most people think of taking the family to the Twin Cities, they think Mall of America, but we have another idea for you! Head to Roseville, which is positioned perfectly between Minneapolis & St. Paul and within access of lots of great family activities! Take a family cooking class at THAT Cooking School and wonder through the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. Enjoy all the oversized art, and take in the Science Museum of Minnesota which offers tons of hands on activities for kids!

Make sure to carve out a bit of time to spend at the Como Zoo & Conservatory, which has free admission. There are also lots of behind the scene encounters you can pay for! It’s a great time and there is lots to see! We also recommend spending several hours at Can Can Wonderland. Here you’ll find the most unique indoor miniature golf course, and retro arcade games. Pizza and ice cream creations are available and will please everyone! Staying at the Courtyard by Marriot is the perfect place to recover each night!

Sioux City, Iowa

Submitted by Siouxland Families

Sioux City, at the junction of I-29 and US-20 in northwest Iowa, is a great family destination for a weekend away!  Once you get to town, stay somewhere that fits your family, from the upscale, historic Warrior Hotel in downtown Sioux City (re-opening later in summer 2020) to a cozy B & B like the Chocolate Mansion & Linda Sue Manor, or somewhere more laid back and rustic like the North Sioux City KOA or the lodges at Stone Park. And then, get ready for fun! Some local favorites for kids ready to play indoors include LaunchPad Children’s Museum with a focus on STEM based interactive play, and the Sioux City Art Center, especially the Hands-On Gallery, and the weekend workshops for kids! If it’s time for a snack break, head to Jolly Time Koated Kernels for some popcorn from America’s oldest family-owned popcorn company and Palmer’s Old Tyme Candy Shoppe for a wide variety of candies, nuts, and other confections!  

Ready to get outside and burn off some of that chocolate? One of Sioux City’s best outdoors attractions for families are Riverside Park, from the pool and waterslide, to the adaptive playground and multiple splash pads at Miracle Field and the biking or walking trails that go from Riverside Park to the Missouri riverfront just blocks from downtown. Another can’t-miss is the Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center in Stone Park–be sure to say hi to the rescued raptors behind the center on your way to hike the short trail to the nature playscape! After all this fun, you’re bound to get hungry so drive through Billy Boy for burgers, fries, and shakes, or Sneaky’s for some broasted chicken! 

Lincoln, Nebraska

Submitted by Odyssey Through Nebraska

Families visiting Lincoln should take a tour of the Nebraska capitol first to understand more about the state. After learning more about history, children will be ready to play, so the next stop should be the Lincoln Children’s Museum.  For lunch, eat at Runza, a Lincoln original fast food location. If possible, try the German-influenced sandwich – the Runza, a cabbage and hamburger stuffed sandwich. (Don’t worry, parents, there are chicken strips and more options for picky eaters).  Another great option is the Nebraska History Museum where kids can enjoy playing in a tepee as well as looking at pictures and other artifacts.

Kenosha, Wisconsin

Situated on the shores of Lake Michigan, you’ll find the city of Kenosha, Wisconsin. This harbor town has so much to offer you and your family! Of course, water activities are always an option. Take a sail on the Red Witch Tall Ship, rent a boat, play at the beach, and more! Take your adventures inside and head to one of their MANY museums.

Looking for family friendly great eats?! Kenosha has you covered there as well! Make sure to book your room at the Wyndham Garden Inn in the harbor and ask for a harborview room. Here you are able to keep an eye on the coming and going boats!

St. Louis, Missouri

Submitted by Mommy & Me Travels

St Louis, MO is the gateway between the eastern and western United States.  This makes it a great family weekend getaway in the Midwest.  The St Louis Arch is an iconic symbol of the transporting between both sides of the USA.  Your family should definitely take a stroll around the Arch grounds and then ride to the top to view the St Louis skyline for miles.

Another must visit for families while in St Louis is Union Station.  Union Station recently underwent a massive renovation to become a large family fun complex.  Here your family can take a ride on the Observation Wheel, play Mini Golf, spin on the Carousal, swing from the rafters on the Rope Course, visit the new interactive Aquarium, and so much more.  

One last stop on your weekend getaway in St Louis needs to be the City Museum.  This museum is unlike any other in that it is a piece of art that kids and adults get to climb around on and slide down multiple story slides.  Need an idea where to stay.  We love the Hyatt Regency on the river and Embassy Suites on Washington Ave.  Both are very central and gives you different varieties to choose from that you can decide what’s needed for your family.  Looking for a place to eat?  Check out Fitz on Delmar Loop or the Soda Fountain at Union Station.  

Get Out & Enjoy the Midwest

The Midwest is full of all sorts of adventures and trips! Whether you’re looking for big city or country trip, you’ll find it here! If you’re looking for a getaway with your special someone, there is a trip for you! There is plenty for the outdoor lovers as well as families! Which Midwest Trip are you going to schedule first?