In "Life on the Mississippi," Mark Twain observed, "it is impossible for the infrequent visitor to try to keep up with Chicago-she outgrows his prophesies quicker than he can make them." Although Twain formed an opinion about the Windy City before it celebrated its 50th anniversary, his image of the city has lasted. Throughout its history, America's third-largest metropolis has been described in a variety of ways. Chicago was recognized as a metropolis of industry when Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla competed for the opportunity to utilize their types of electricity to illuminate the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition (also known as the Chicago World's Fair). When Prohibition set in, notorious mobsters like Al Capone transformed Chicagoland into their own dangerous playground. And intense immigration surges throughout the 20th century brought a host of new identities to the Windy City, including Greek, Polish, Italian, Irish, and Jewish.

Today, Chicago is just as diversified, with a flourishing cultural scene, several retail areas, and a plethora of cuisines. Visitors to Chi-Town for the first time will almost certainly be looking up for at least a day or two. The buildings and public art of Chicago are incredibly stunning: Take a Chicago Architecture River Cruise or spend some time in Millennium Park, and you'll find yourself staring up a lot. Head to the Willis Tower's Skydeck Chicago or the John Hancock Center's 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck for a bird's-eye view. If you need a little help navigating Chi-Town, consider signing up for one of the best Chicago tours.

The Best Hotels in Chicago

• The Peninsula Chicago
• The Langham, Chicago
• Four Seasons Hotel Chicago

The Best Things to Do in Chicago:

• Grant Park and Buckingham Fountain.
• Millennium Park and Cloud Gate
• The Magnificent Mile

Rankings:

• 1 in Best Weekend Getaways in the Midwest
• 3 in Best Foodie Cities in the U.S.
• 7 in Best Weekend Getaways
  

Rating:

• 1 in Best Weekend Getaways in the Midwest
  

Ann Arbor is a city west of Detroit in the midwestern state of Michigan. It’s home to the sprawling University of Michigan, known for its research programs. The University of Michigan Museum of Art displays works from around the globe and spanning centuries. Science-focused attractions in the city include the Museum of Natural History and the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, both with kid-friendly interactive exhibits. Ann Arbor is consistently named as one of the best weekend getaways in the Midwest.

When most people think of Ann Arbor, they think of the University of Michigan. In some respects, the two are interchangeable; you're certain to run into kids on Main Street while school is in session, and it's difficult not to notice the energy in the air when football season starts. Ann Arbor, on the other hand, has its own distinct personality. The city has a quirky personality, as indicated by its secret fairy doors and one-of-a-kind events such as Apple Daze in the fall and FestiFools in the spring.

Ann Arbor also has the stuff to wow foodies; former President Barack Obama loved Zingerman's Deli's famed Reuben sandwich. And the town isn't nicknamed the "City of Trees" for nothing; visitors can paddle and hike their way down the lush Huron River Water Trail or behold the glory of peony season at the Matthaei Botanical Garden in early summer. No matter what time of year you visit, you're likely to discover a side of Ann Arbor you didn't know was there – and wonder why you didn't book a trip to this Michigan gem sooner.

Best Hotels in Ann Arbor:

• Residence Inn by Marriott Ann Arbor Downtown.
• Hyatt Place Ann Arbor
• Graduate Ann Arbor

The Best Things to Do in Ann Arbor:

• The University of Michigan
• The University of Michigan Museum of Natural History
• The University of Michigan Museum of Art

Rankings:

• 2 in Best Weekend Getaways in the Midwest
• 5 in Best Places to Visit in Michigan
  

Rating:

• 2 in Best Weekend Getaways in the Midwest
  

Branson is an Ozark town in southwest Missouri known as a family vacation destination. Its main drag, Country Boulevard, is famously lined with theaters, which once hosted mostly country music performers but today present diverse entertainment. Also along the strip are the Marvel Cave, the Wild West-style Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede Dinner Attraction, and Silver Dollar City, an 1800s-themed amusement park with live music.

Branson has been attracting visitors for more than five decades and is sometimes referred to as a "family-friendly Las Vegas" due to its wealth of kid-friendly attractions. This southwest Missouri city, which is nestled in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains, was named after Reuben Branson, the postmaster and the proprietor of the area's general store in the late 19th century.

More than a century later, Branson retains some of its old-timey charm, especially in its Silver Dollar City amusement park, which was modeled after a mining town in the 1880s and is considered one of the top amusement parks in the U.S. Even the Branson Strip, which glows with neon lights and is lined with dozens of theaters performing shows that range from country western family acts to comedy routines, possesses a yesteryear ambiance. That's not to say that Branson is a sleepy Midwestern city—amusement parks, shopping centers, museums, and natural attractions like Table Rock Lake pepper the area, giving visitors more than enough to fill a weeklong vacation or even a quick daytrip from nearby Springfield. In fact, many of Branson's visitors find themselves coming back year after year.

Best Hotels in Branson:

• Chateau on the Lake Resort Spa & Convention Center
• The French Quarter Resort
• Lodges at Timber Ridge by Welk Resorts

The Best Things to Do in Branson:

• Silver Dollar City,
• Sight & Sound Theatres
• Titanic Museum

Rankings:

• 3 in Best Weekend Getaways in the Midwest
  10 in Best Cheap Family Vacations
  

Rating:

• 3 in Best Weekend Getaways in the Midwest
  

Milwaukee is a city in the U.S. state of Wisconsin on Lake Michigan's western shore. It's known for its breweries, many of which offer tours chronicling its role in the beer industry. Overlooking the Menomonee River, the Harley-Davidson Museum displays classic motorcycles, including one of Elvis Presley’s. Nearby is the Milwaukee Public Museum, with its large-scale European Village and a recreation of old Milwaukee.

Because Milwaukee is about 100 miles from the wonderful metropolis of Chicago, you may ask if the extra trip north is worthwhile. However, it is Milwaukee that is gorgeous, perched on the shores of Great Lake Michigan. Many of its more than 85 km of bike lanes follow the gorgeous shoreline. Furthermore, the city appreciates better goods, such as artisan beer. Did you know Milwaukee is a major beer-producing city? Miller and Pabst Blue Ribbon both began here. So did the legendary Harley-Davidson motorcycles, which may be seen at the Harley-Davidson Museum. The city also boasts loads of ethnic restaurants, and independent shops will plant permanent smiles on culture hounds' faces.

Best Hotels in Milwaukee:

• The Pfister Hotel
• The Kimpton Journeyman Hotel
• Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel

Best Things to Do in Milwaukee:

• Harley-Davidson Museum
• Milwaukee Public Market
• Milwaukee Art Museum

Ranking + Rating:

• 4 in Best Weekend Getaways in the Midwest
  

Indianapolis, colloquially known as Indy, is the state capital and most-populous city of the U.S. state of Indiana and the seat of Marion County. According to the United States Census Bureau, the consolidated population of Indianapolis and Marion County in 2020 was 977,203.

With four main interstates flowing across its borders, it appears that all roads lead to Indianapolis. After all, it's connected to Midwest staples like Chicago and St. Louis. When compared to its neighbors, Indiana's capital does not immediately jump out as a cultural hotspot. However, if you look closely, you'll notice that Kurt Vonnegut's hometown is just as colorful as its Midwestern counterparts. To begin with, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway hosts the Indianapolis 500, which, along with the Monaco Grand Prix and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, is part of the famous Triple Crown of Motorsport. Not much of a speed demon? That's fine—Indy has plenty of other sports to capture your attention, including the NFL's Indianapolis Colts, not to mention the Indianapolis Indians, the city's Triple-A baseball team. A baseball team plays in one of the country's best minor league parks.

The city also has a strong family appeal, including the world's biggest children's museum and an amazing zoo. Meanwhile, cultural vultures will be thrilled to learn that Indy is home to The Eiteljorg, one of only two museums east of the Mississippi that highlight both Native America and the American West. In addition, the city promotes the Indianapolis Cultural Trail, an 8-mile urban bike and pedestrian trail that takes tourists through neighborhoods, cultural districts, and through some of the city's most popular attractions. Are you still not convinced? Perhaps the Hoosier warmth and hearty Midwestern gastronomy will persuade you otherwise.

Best Hotels in Indianapolis

• Ironworks Hotel Indy
• JW Marriott Indianapolis
• Conrad Indianapolis

The Best Things to Do in Indianapolis:

• White River State Park
• Central Canal
• Newfields

Ranking + Rating:

• 5 in Best Weekend Getaways in the Midwest
  

Famous architects such as Jacques Herzog, Pierre de Meuron, and Frank Gehry transformed the quiet Midwestern farming cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul into thriving cultural metropolises, complete with the contemporary Walker Art Center and the Weisman Art Museum in the latter half of the twentieth century. The creative, architectural, and dramatic renaissances of Minneapolis and St. Paul have made this Midwest area culturally fruitful. Consider the cities' unique live music and nightlife cultures, which have supported the careers of legends such as Prince and Bob Dylan.

These fraternal twin cities, separated by nearly 10 miles of urban expansion, were called as such to remind outsiders of their distinctions. St. Paul was founded by Irish and German immigrants, whereas Minneapolis was founded by Scandinavians. St. Paulites are proud of their past, preserving architectural styles and brewing traditions. However, the Minneapolitans proudly favor modern progress. Residents can tell the difference quickly, but outsiders often struggle. Minneapolis' buildings are cutting-edge, towering, and contemporary, whereas St. Paul's are short, old, and humble. The difference (and competitiveness) just adds to the unique character of this interconnected metropolitan region. Minneapolis - St. Paul is said to be one of the best weekend getaways in the Midwest.

The Best Hotels in Minneapolis-St. Paul:

• Hewing Hotel
• Hotel Ivy, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Minneapolis
• JW Marriott Minneapolis, Mall of America

The Best Things to Do in Minneapolis-St. Paul:

• Chain of Lakes Regional Park
• The Minneapolis Institute of Art
• Minnehaha Regional Park

Ranking + Rating:

• 6 in Best Weekend Getaways in the Midwest
  

St. Louis is a major city in Missouri along the Mississippi River. Its iconic, 630-ft. Gateway Arch, built in the 1960s, honors the early 19th-century explorations of Lewis and Clark and America's westward expansion in general. Replica paddlewheelers ply the river, offering views of the arch. The Soulard district is home to barbecue restaurants and clubs playing blues music.

With a bit of cosmopolitan flare and a piece of Midwestern Americana, St. Louis' charms are best appreciated in the stands of Busch Stadium, in the nostalgia of the legendary Judy Garland film "Meet Me in St. Louis," or at the bottom of a pint of Budweiser. And, of course, there's the Gateway Arch, that glittering stainless steel curve. Beyond its main sights, though, you'll discover a bustling city with lots to offer beer, cuisine, sports, and music fans. To begin with, it is the origin of iced tea and ice cream cones, as well as the "Home of the Blues" due to its vibrant music culture. With 79 unique districts to explore, including the serene Forest Park and historical Soulard, this Midwestern metropolis has lots to see, eat, and do. Plus, exploring here won't break the bank: St. Louis has more free attractions than any other city outside of the District of Columbia. So, like Lewis and Clark, who "found" the area in the early nineteenth century, begin your adventure of the West-and St. Louis-here.

The Best Hotels in St. Louis:

• Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis
• The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis
• The Westin St. Louis

The Best Things to Do in St. Louis:

• Gateway Arch
• St. Louis' Forest Park
• Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis

Ranking + Rating

• 7 in Best Weekend Getaways in the Midwest
  

Traverse City is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is the county seat of Grand Traverse County, although a small portion extends into Leelanau County. It is the largest city in the 21-county Northern Michigan region. Come to visit this city, which is considered to be one of the best weekend getaways in the Midwest that you can't miss.

To the untrained eye, this small settlement of 15,000 people appears to be just another picturesque lake village. But don't worry, Traverse City is so much more. This northern Michigan resort has developed a reputation as a cultural and gourmet hotspot, which has only added to its already impressive curb appeal. Every year, Traverse City hosts one of the country's largest film festivals, the Traverse City Film Festival. Not only that, but its annual National Cherry Festival is one of the country's largest. Couple all this with its burgeoning wine and brewery scene and its abundance of outdoors offerings, including one of the few places in the world where you can behold perched sand dunes, and you've got the perfect recipe for an unforgettable Midwestern vacation.

Best Hotels in Traverse City:

• Great Wolf Lodge Traverse City
• Pinestead Reef Resort.
• Hotel Indigo, Traverse City

The Best Things to Do in Traverse City:

• Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
• Traverse City Wineries:
• Traverse City Boat Tours.

Rankings:

• 8 in Best Places to Visit in Michigan
• 8 in Best Weekend Getaways in the Midwest
  

Rating:

• 8 in Best Weekend Getaways in the Midwest
  

Kansas City is located on the western side of Missouri, along the border with Kansas. It's famous for its BBQ, jazz history, and fountains. In the famous 18th & Vine Jazz District, the American Jazz Museum shares a facility with the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. With gigantic shuttlecocks out front, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art holds almost 40,000 works of art, ranging from ancient to modern collections.

Kansas City is a welcoming city filled with down-to-earth Midwesterners who smile at strangers as they walk by on the street. But Kansas City is also cool: The Power & Light District is filled with stylish clubs and restaurants, as well as similarly trendy 20- and 30-somethings. The city is also culturally rich, with several unexpectedly good institutions like the Nelson-Atkins Museum. Furthermore, the city's history as a trading center in 1821 and as a key halt on the Oregon Trail in the early 1800s lends itself to an engaging tale. Parts of this history may be seen in the National World War I and Arabia Steamboat museums.

Kansas City's jazz and barbeque are unrivaled, but the city has also successfully ventured into other genres of music and food (more on that in the dining section). To avoid confusion, Kansas City is located in both the Show-Me State of Missouri and the Sunflower State of Kansas. If you're a visitor, you'll probably spend most of your time on the Missouri side because that's where the majority of the city's top attractions are.

Best Hotels in Kansas City:

• The Fontaine
• 21C Museum Hotel Kansas City
• Crossroads Hotel

The Best Things to Do in Kansas City:

• The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
• Arabia Steamboat Museum.
• Boulevard Brewing Company.

Ranking + Rating

• 10 of the Best Weekend Getaways in the Midwest
  

Despite housing the Wisconsin state Capitol and the flagship campus of the University of Wisconsin System, Madison has a small-town feel. Though it is likely best known as the location of the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus, the city is much more than that. With its five lakes, 200 miles of bike and hiking trails, and trendy food and drink culture, Madison is consistently named as one of the greatest places to live in the country.

Though overshadowed by more metropolitan towns to the east, such as Milwaukee and Chicago, the capital of America's Dairyland provides an excellent retreat, particularly for budget-conscious families. Many of the best sites are not only free but also kid-friendly; the Henry Vilas Zoo, the Olbrich Botanical Gardens, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum are all must-sees for families traveling with children. Meanwhile, cultural lovers and foodies will be equally delighted with a trip down State Street due to the abundance of museums and cafés ranging from the university campus to the bustling Capitol Square. No matter how you spend your days exploring, you'll want to cap off an evening (or two) watching the sunset with a brat and a pitcher of beer at the Memorial Union Terrace. This is one of the best weekend getaways in the Midwest. You should know about it and try it.

The Best Hotels in Madison, WI:

• The Edgewater
• The Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor's Club
• DoubleTree by Hilton Madison Downtown

The Best Things to Do in Madison, WI:

• University of Wisconsin – Madison Memorial Union
• State Street
• The Wisconsin State Capitol

Ranking + Rating:

• 11 in Best Weekend Getaways in the Midwest
  

This 78-square-mile city is responsible for giving the world so much more than just LeBron James and Halle Berry. In fact, without Cleveland, the United States would be very different: Cleveland was once (and still is) an industrial powerhouse thanks to its booming steel industry and manufacturing plants. The city produced much of the raw materials—specifically steel—used during the Industrial Revolution that contributed to the overall development of the country. And although Cleveland might not exactly come to mind when planning a city vacation, it should—for multiple reasons. Not only is it a culinary mecca and an outdoor adventurer's paradise, but this northeastern Ohio city, located on the shores of Lake Erie, is going through some monumental changes. Changes like cleaner streets and parks and the introduction of new hotels and trendy restaurants only add to the already lengthy list of things to do and see.

Cleveland has all the hustle and bustle you'd expect of a big city, but still manages to maintain a small-town feel. Its 23,000 acres of parks and nature preserves provide an easy escape from the city, while the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Cleveland Museum of Art pay homage to the city's rich history. Cleveland is a place that appeals to nature-lovers, sports fans, and foodies alike. And who knows, you may even turn into what Clevelanders call a "Cleveland-gelical" by the end of your trip.

Best Hotels in Cleveland

• The Ritz-Carlton, Cleveland
• InterContinental Cleveland
• The Metropolitan at The 9: Autograph Collection

The Best Things to Do in Cleveland:

• Cleveland Metroparks
• The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
• West Side Market.

Rankings:

• 1 in Best Places to Visit in Ohio
• 16 in Best Weekend Getaways in the Midwest
  

Rating:

• 16 in Best Weekend Getaways in the Midwest
  

Grand Rapids is a Michigan city on the Grand River, east of Lake Michigan. On the outskirts, the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park has a tropical conservatory and multiple gardens. Its art collection includes works by Auguste Rodin, Henry Moore, and Ai Weiwei. Downtown, the Grand Rapids Art Museum spotlights Michigan artists in its rotating shows. Grand Rapids is known for its many breweries dotted around town.

This city in western Michigan, located on the banks of the Grand River, is sometimes disregarded in favor of the more well-known metropolises that sit across Lake Michigan, such as Chicago and Milwaukee. However, Michigan's second-largest city provides a worthwhile retreat due to its diverse cultural activities, breweries, and closeness to Lake Michigan beach villages. Grand Rapids, named for the Grand River that runs through the city, was first inhabited by Hopewell Indians 2,000 years ago. After a timber boom brought in craftspeople, carpenters, and woodworkers, it became recognized as "America's Furniture Capital" more than a century later.

Grand Rapids has grown into a contemporary metropolis with globally known attractions, but it has not forgotten its roots. Visitors can learn about local history at the Grand Rapids Public Museum, one of the country's oldest museums, or national history at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum (Ford is undoubtedly the city's most famous native). In between tours, have a pint or two to understand why Grand Rapids is known as "Beer City, USA," or explore local markets to see why the area is usually cited as one of the world's top growing regions.

The Best Hotels in Grand Rapids:

• JW Marriott Hotel Grand Rapids
• Amway Grand Plaza, Curio Collection by Hilton
• Canopy By Hilton Grand Rapids Downtown

The Best Things to Do in Grand Rapids:

• Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum
• Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.
• Grand Rapids Public Museum

Rankings:

• 4 in Best Places to Visit in Michigan
• 17 in Best Weekend Getaways in the Midwest
  

Rating:

• 17 in Best Weekend Getaways in the Midwest
  

Cincinnati is a city in Ohio, on the Ohio River. The Over-the-Rhine district is known for its 19th-century architecture, including Findlay Market, which has food and craft vendors. To the north is the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. The Cincinnati Museum Center encompasses history, science, and children's museums in the art deco Union Terminal. Works spanning 6,000 years are on display at the Cincinnati Art Museum.

Acclaimed author Charles Dickens observed: "Cincinnati is a lovely city; bright, lively, and energetic." And people completely agree. Although parts of Cincinnati's neighborhoods are in disrepair, the winds of revival are blowing strongly through the city. Look no farther than the historic Over-the-Rhine (OTR) area for proof: This area is home to the famed Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra as well as the popular Findlay Market, which attracts hundreds of foodies on weekends. Downtown is another illustration of this resurgence; examples include the recently renovated riverside Great American Ball Park and the pedestrian-friendly Fountain Square.

But there's more to Cincinnati than just urban development. Some of the more pastoral areas have remained just as pastoral. A walk through the Spring Grove Cemetery & Arboretum will convince you of that point, as will Eden Park, which spreads out beside the Cincinnati Art Museum. So it should be no surprise that Dickens also said, "The inhabitants of Cincinnati are proud of their city as one of the most interesting in America, and with good reason."

Best Hotels in Cincinnati

• Hotel Covington, Cincinnati Riverfront
• 21c Museum Hotel Cincinnati
• The Lytle Park Hotel, Autograph Collection

The Best Things to Do in Cincinnati:

• Eden Park
• Spring Grove Cemetery & Arboretum
• The Cincinnati Art Museum

Rankings:

• 2 in Best Places to Visit in Ohio
• 19 in Best Weekend Getaways in the Midwest
  

Rating:

• 19 in Best Weekend Getaways in the Midwest
  

There are new parks. Museums are expanding. A vibrant state fair A developing gastronomic scene These are just a few of the reasons Columbus continues to draw an increasing number of tourists each year. This low-cost Midwest destination may surprise you; it's packed with culture and scenery that appeal to a wide range of people. Art enthusiasts may indulge their passion at the Columbus Museum of Art, while foodies can visit the North Market and the city's many restaurants. Meanwhile, baseball lovers may attend a game at Huntington Park or cheer on the Ohio State football team at Ohio Stadium. In the summer, hundreds of thousands of visitors rush to Columbus for its annual (and stunning) state fair, which has concerts, amusement rides, local cuisine, and more.

In terms of culture, this capital city is also a college town, with roughly 50,000 students attending The Ohio State University on a huge campus north of downtown. The college is surrounded by the expected cheap eateries and boisterous clubs, but there are also more sophisticated options in places like Easton Town Center and the scenic German Village. (Did you know that in the early nineteenth century, German immigrants dominated the settlement of Columbus?) So, like the city's namesake, unfurl the sails and let your compass guide you around this central Ohio metropolis. You might wish to relocate here after your stay.

The Best Hotels in Columbus, OH:

• Hotel LeVeque, Autograph Collection
• Hilton Columbus/Polaris
• The Hilton Columbus Downtown

The Best Things to Do in Columbus, OH:

• North Market
  
• Huntington Park
• German Village

Rankings:

• 3 in Best Places to Visit in Ohio
• 22 in Best Weekend Getaways in the Midwest
  

Rating:

• 22 in Best Weekend Getaways in the Midwest
  

Detroit is not a popular vacation destination for many visitors. It serves as a stopover on a business trip or a gateway to the adjacent University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. This portrayal may be accurate if you base your opinion of Detroit only on negative headlines, but upon closer study, you'll realize that this city is a hidden gem for adventurous tourists. While it is true that Motor City has fallen on hard times-both economically and politically-and that some of its abandoned areas give the city an unsettling, post-catastrophe look, there is elegance in its resolute regeneration (it self-identifies as "America's Great Comeback City").

Looking past its recent history reveals a city with French roots: The city of La Ville d'Etroit was founded in 1701 and was subsequently likened to Paris for its remarkable beauty (the "Paris of the West" was its nickname thanks to its architecture and grand avenues). Scratch a bit beyond the surface, and you'll discover that much of the city's beauty is still present (some of the old art deco skyscrapers still stand, such as the Guardian Building). Sign up for one of the top Detroit tours to learn more about the city's history.

Alongside these remnants of Motown's flourishing past, you'll also find signs of its rebirth, with Marriott investing in hotel renovations and openings, and reinvigorated green spaces (like the Heidelberg Project) bringing much-needed life to previously desolate areas of the city. So don't discount Motor City just yet. It could be the great comeback kid of the 21st century.

The Best Hotels in Detroit

• The Shinola Hotel
  
• The Townsend Hotel
• MGM Grand Detroit

The Best Things to Do in Detroit:

• The Detroit Institute of the Arts
• Motown Museum
  
• The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History

Ranking + Rating

• 23 in Best Weekend Getaways in the Midwest