While many travelers outside of the U.S. may not have the Midwestern region of the country at the top of their destination lists, according to the National Travel and Tourism Office’s Overseas Visitation Estimates, there are many great cities to explore in this area, including these.
Chicago
Chicago has received numerous accolades when it comes to the world’s best cities to visit. Insider named it one of the planet’s the best destinations to travel to in 2018, it boasts a thriving music scene and is considered one of the hottest spots for foodies. Bon Appétit magazine even named it the “Restaurant City of the Year.”
You’ll find lots more to do here than dine on specialties like deep-dish pizza and taking in a live show. The Windy City is an art enthusiast’s paradise, with world-class museums like The Art Institute of Chicago which displays one of the world’s finest collection of Impressionist paintings, including works from icons like Picasso, Warhol and Dali. Visit one of the top aquariums in the world, Shedd Aquarium, take in all the entertainment at the Navy Pier, shop Michigan Avenue (AKA The Magnificent Mile), and if it’s baseball season, catch a Cubs game at historic Wrigley Field.
Indianapolis
Indiana’s largest city is worth visiting for its auto racing alone, home to the Indianapolis 500, the biggest single-day sporting event in the world, as well as hosting many other major racing events year-round and the chance to get behind the wheel of an Indy car, traveling over 150 miles per hour. If you’re a racing fan, you may want to consider looking for your next home among the Indianapolis real estate that’s available.
But this city offers non-racing fans plenty too, like Mass Ave, a five-block art district with galleries, eclectic boutiques, quirky shops, eateries and theaters that serve as the city’s cultural hub. Enjoy a day out at the Indianapolis Zoo and stroll the picturesque streets in the Lockerbie Square Historic District, downtown’s oldest remaining residential community. Free walking tours will bring you visit 25 historic homes that were built here between 1855 and 1930.
Kansas City, Missouri
Kansas City is legendary for its BBQ and jazz, just some of what’s on offer in Missouri’s largest city. Check out the American Jazz Museum which honor’s K.C.’s musical heritage, dine on BBQ at one of any number of fantastic spots like Q39 and Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que and sample some of the live music scene by heading to the Power and Light District. With Harley-Davidsons made here, Harley fans can even take a tour of the factory to see how the impressive bikes are built.
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Minneapolis boasts multiple records, including being home to America’s largest mall, Mall of America with over 500 stores, and aquarium and an amusement park. It also has the second most theater seats per capita, behind only New York City and miles of trails to walk alongside the country’s second longest river. The Minneapolis Institute of Arts showcases nearly 80,000 works that span over 5,000 years, and it’s all free to explore. Baseball fans can enjoy a Twins game in the season while NFL fans can watch the Vikings play a home game by visiting during the latter half of the year.
