Looking for the best national parks in the Midwest? This is the guide for you!
Did you know that the Midwest has national parks? As a lifelong Midwest local, I did not know this.
Seriously! My eyes were opened when I learned that nationally protected outdoor areas were indeed in my home region. The Midwest is known to be so flat (and “mid”), I seriously was not even aware of this.
From the towering sands of Indiana Dunes to the underground world of Mammoth Cave National Park, which holds the title of the world’s longest-known cave system, the Midwest offers an array of adventures.
Midwest National Parks
1. Indiana Dunes National Park
Location: Indiana
Indiana Dunes National Park stands out as a premier Midwest destination for its unique blend of landscapes and recreational activities.
The park offers over 50 miles of trails through diverse terrains, from rugged dunes to serene forests, catering to hikers of all skill levels.
Beach lovers will relish the 15 miles of pristine shoreline along Lake Michigan. (My favorite part of Indiana Dunes is the slow reveal of blue Lake Michigan from the hiking trails!)
Beyond its natural wonders, Indiana Dunes encourages visitors to explore the surrounding Beverly Shores area.
Beverly Shores has restaurants, shopping, and is home to the historic 1933 Worlds Fare Homes.
It’s easy to get to Indiana dunes via train or drive from Chicago.
Stay: Spring House Inn
2. Badlands National Park
Location: South Dakota
Badlands National Park in South Dakota is a remarkable Midwest gem, famed for its dramatic landscapes of layered rock formations, deep canyons, and towering spires.
Visitors are treated to tons of outdoor activities, with hiking being a top draw.
The park offers trails for all levels, including the easy Window Trail or the more challenging Saddle Pass Trail, showcasing the park’s unique geological features.
Wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate the chance to spot bison, bighorn sheep, and prairie dogs in their natural habitat.
Stargazing events are also a must-do, taking advantage of the park’s minimal light pollution for breathtaking views of the night sky.
Badlands National Park provides some of the best hiking in the Midwest!
Stay: Badlands Frontier Cabins
Book at Booking.com3. Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Location: North Dakota
Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota stands as a testimony to the rugged beauty and diverse ecosystems of the Midwest.
The park’s top activities include hiking the Painted Canyon Nature Trail, which offers breathtaking views of the colorful Badlands, and wildlife viewing, where bison, wild horses, and prairie dogs roam freely.
Scenic drives through the park provide easy access to many viewpoints and trailheads, making it accessible for all ages and abilities.
Additionally, the park honors its namesake’s conservation legacy, offering educational programs that inspire visitors to appreciate and protect natural spaces.
Stay: Little Missouri Inn & Suites Watford City
4. Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Location: Ohio
Cuyahoga Valley National Park, nestled in Ohio, offers a refreshing blend of natural beauty and recreational activities, making it a standout destination in the Midwest.
The park’s network of trails, including the popular Ledges Trail and Towpath Trail, caters to hikers of all skill levels, offering scenic views of waterfalls, lush forests, and rolling hills.
The Cuyahoga River, running through the heart of the park, provides opportunities for kayaking and canoeing.
The Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail invites visitors to step back in time as they explore the historical route by bike or on foot.
Stay: Sheraton Suites Akron Cuyahoga Falls
Read Next: Best Midwest Hiking
5. Voyageurs National Park
Location: Minnesota
Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota is a pristine wilderness area, offering visitors the unique opportunity to explore its beauty via water.
The park is well-known for its spectacular water-based activities, including kayaking, canoeing, and boating through its interconnected waterways and vast lakes.
Hiking enthusiasts can also find solace on land through trails that offer stunning views of the northern lights, dense forests, and rugged terrain.
Winter transforms the park into a snowy wonderland, ideal for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and ice fishing.
Read Next: Midwest Road Trips
6. Isle Royale National Park
Location: Lake Superior, Michigan
Isle Royale National Park, situated in the heart of Lake Superior, Michigan, stands as a beacon for adventurers seeking solitude and untouched nature.
Renowned for its rugged wilderness and isolated location, the park offers a paradise for backpackers, with over 165 miles of hiking trails winding through dense forests, past scenic overlooks, and alongside pristine lakes.
It’s a premier destination for kayaking and canoeing, allowing explorers to glide through crystal-clear waters, discovering hidden coves and shoreline campsites.
The park’s isolation contributes to excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, including the chance to spot moose and wolves in their natural habitat.
For those looking for a true escape, Isle Royale’s combination of adventure, scenery, and solitude makes it an unparalleled Midwest national park experience.
7. Mammoth Cave National Park
Location: Kentucky
Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky distinguishes itself as a premier Midwest national park primarily due to housing the world’s longest cave system.
Visitors have the unique opportunity to explore vast underground passageways filled with complex labyrinths and stunning geological formations on guided tours.
Above ground, the park offers over 70 miles of hiking trails through diverse ecosystems, along with activities like canoeing on the Green River, horseback riding, and biking.
Its underground cave adventures make Mammoth Cave a unique national park in the Midwest!
Stay: Grand Victorian Inn
8. Gateway Arch National Park
Location: St. Louis, Missouri
Gateway Arch National Park in St. Louis, Missouri, stands out for its unique combination of natural beauty and iconic architecture.
The park is centered around the Gateway Arch, a symbol of the United States’ westward expansion, offering visitors an unparalleled view of the city and the Mississippi River from its observation deck.
Though not known for extensive hiking trails, the park features beautifully landscaped grounds perfect for leisurely walks and picnics.
Additionally, the park hosts riverboat cruises, historical exhibits within the Museum at the Gateway Arch, and outdoor concerts, making it a versatile attraction for a wide range of interests.
Stay: Saint Louis Autograph Collection
Other Midwest Nationally Protected Areas
1. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Location: Along the shore of Lake Superior in Michigan
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is perched beautifully along the southern shore of Lake Superior in Michigan.
It is known for breathtaking views like multicolored sandstone cliffs, expansive beaches, and dense forests.
It stands out for its impressive hiking trails, such as the Chapel Loop, which grants hikers picturesque views of the cliffs and waterfalls.
Seasonal activities include kayaking or showshoeing. Its diversity in activities and natural features makes Pictured Rocks an exceptional choice within the National Park Service system!
Stay: The Beach Inn Motel
Read Next: Midwest Weekend Couples Getaways
2. Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
Location: Wisconsin
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in Wisconsin is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural history, making it a prime destination within the national park system.
The park is famed for its crystal-clear waters, historic lighthouses, and a cluster of 21 islands offering myriad activities for nature lovers and adventurers alike.
Visitors can explore a variety of hiking trails that meander through dense forests, revealing picturesque views of Lake Superior.
Kayaking along the rugged coastline allows for close encounters with sea caves, while winter transforms the area into a wonderland for snowshoeing, and witnessing the beauty of the frozen sea caves.
Stay: Sailor Springs Glamping
3. Nebraska National Scenic River
Location: Nebraska
Nebraska National Scenic River stands out as a gem within the national park service system due to its unspoiled natural beauty and the variety of outdoor activities it offers.
Ideal for kayaking and canoeing, the river provides a serene way to observe wildlife in their natural habitat.
The surrounding areas are dotted with hiking trails that cater to all levels of experience, from gentle walks to more challenging treks, each unveiling the unique landscapes of Nebraska.
Stay: Harmony Inn & Suites
4. Effigy Mounds National Monument
Location: Iowa
Effigy Mounds National Monument stands out within the National Park Service for its unique cultural and historical significance, housing over 200 prehistoric mounds built by Native American tribes.
These mounds, shaped like animals and birds, offer a glimpse into the ancient practices and beliefs of the indigenous peoples of the area.
Visitors can explore this sacred landscape through a network of hiking trails that provide both leisurely walks and more strenuous hikes, with opportunities to witness breathtaking views of the Mississippi River.
The park’s educational programs and guided tours enhance the experience, making it not only a place for outdoor activity but also for learning about the rich cultural heritage of the United States.
Stay: Carries Cabin
5. Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve
Location: Kansas
Located in Kansas, The Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve protects one of the last remaining areas of tallgrass prairie in North America.
Among the best activities are exploring its diverse hiking trails that meander through the serene prairie, providing both easy and challenging routes for different fitness levels.
Furthermore, the preserve offers unique opportunities for wildlife viewing, bird watching, and seasonal activities like prairie burns, which are both educational and mesmerizing.
Conclusion
Imagine exploring the hidden gems tucked away in the Midwest—vast landscapes that challenge the stereotype of the flat or mundane!
The Midwest’s national parks are a delightful surprise, waiting to reveal their stunning beauty and diverse ecosystems to those willing to discover them.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a peaceful retreat, the Midwest’s national parks welcome you!
