We all understand how superb Chicago is from its blue-water shores, towering luxe lodges, and array of vibrant neighborhoods within the Midwest’s sole metropolis.
But there are various different locations to find if large cities aren’t your jam.
The Midwest can typically be misrepresented. It’s not a boring hellscape with unending corn fields like tacky road-trip motion pictures painting.


Cities like St. Louis and Indianapolis are 2 of my private favorites that may wow you as underrated getaways, however I’m not enjoying tour information at present.
Today, we’re handing the keys to the skilled group at Midwest Living, who clearly concentrate on this sprawling area of the U.S. day in and time out.
Their newest piece revealed 25 of the Midwest’s top gems. We handpicked 4 that we really feel will not be solely stunning, however ones that many vacationers skip, in the end making your go to extra genuine and nearly crowd-free.
1) Indiana Dunes: The Prettiest Shores You’ve Never Heard Of


Not to modify to the South, however George Strait as soon as sang about ‘oceanfront property in Arizona’, which is clearly a track about stretching the reality.
We’re not making an attempt to trick you — as laborious as it could be to consider, Indiana has stunning seashores.
Whether you are one in every of many visiting recording-breaking Indy or shoving Portillo’s scorching canines down your gullet within the “Windy City”, Indiana Dunes National Park makes a stunning spring and summer time journey to get pleasure from the great thing about Lake Michigan.
To be actual, there are 3 miles of shoreline alongside America’s most sought-after lake because it exudes shades of the Caribbean.


Our one piece of recommendation: If you lease a automobile, attempt to rating an Indiana plate for the in-state entry rate of $7, in any other case it greater than doubles to $15 for out-of-staters.
2) Madison: One Of America’s Most Underrated Capitals
If you’ve got flirted with a visit to Madison earlier than, it is possible been for one in every of a pair of causes:
College soccer or Wisconsin’s famend fall foliage.
But these are too far off to consider proper now.
Madison is a 3-season vacation spot and the primary of these 3 is true across the nook.


Since lots of Madison’s tourism derives from a fall inflow, spring is the right time to go to ample museums, one in every of 600+ eating places, and take within the waterfront surroundings backdropped by a staggering Capitol.
This metropolis is essentially thought of secure and inexpensive too, however what makes Madison really one-of-a-kind is the truth that its postcard cityscape is sandwiched by 2 totally different lakes, Lake Mendota and Lake Monona.
3) Milwaukee: Sore Reputation Deters Tourists From Waterfront Delights
You hardly hear of anybody vacationing in Milwaukee, with Chicago being so shut and extra accessible.
But let’s not look over the truth that this metropolis with the declare to fame of its booming beer scene resides on the exact same vivid shoreline that Chicago does, besides it is largely locals who pour in to get pleasure from it.


Of course, we would be remiss to not point out the truth that Milwaukee would not precisely have the very best repute.
But downtown tells a really totally different story — scenic waterfronts, full of life public areas, and revitalized neighborhoods.
In different phrases, Milwaukee is a type of cities individuals like to misjudge.
The sore spot is its crime ranges. Milwaukee got here in twenty fourth in U.S. News & World Report’s annual ‘most harmful’ list.


4) Fox Valley: Discover Illinois’ Charming Side
Chicago might steal the highlight, however Illinois’ Fox Valley is the place vacationers discover charming cities, blissful magnificence, and never a crowd in sight.
You’ll discover riverfront attraction in all places because the Fox River pierces by way of a number of cities filled with walkable townscapes match for a Hallmark movie set.
Not to shove it in Midwest Living’s face, however we scoured the map and picked 4 cities we really consider you will love at first sight:
Oswego: a peaceable retreat the place leafy parks, river views, and wide-open trails
Geneva: an upscale (but laid-back) escape with Third Street’s boutiques, cafes, and wine bars
Batavia: a relaxed riverfront city with the Fox River Trail and the realm’s greatest craft brewery clusters
St. Charles: the liveliest of the bunch; historic downtown, Riverwalk, and buzzing stay music scene
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