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Note: All travel is subject to frequently-changing governmental restrictions—please check federal, state, and local advisories before scheduling trips. 

We love a good road trip and they’ve been a very popular way to vacation in these D.C. (during COVID) times.  Sure, there are plenty of banner road trips you’ve probably heard of already, like Route 66 or PCH in California, but there’s a spectacular stretch of road in the Midwest just begging you to visit. The Great River Road National Scenic Byway goes on for 3,000 miles, often hugging the banks of the Mississippi River from Minnesota all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. We’re partial to the Midwest portion. Beginning in Minnesota, it runs along the Midwest borders of Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, and Missouri, and while there are dozens of killer stops along the way, we’ve narrowed down our must-sees just for you!

RELATED:  You don’t really know the Midwest until you’ve had these 26 iconic experiences

MINNESOTA

Start at the beginning: The Headwaters, in Ithaca State Park, are where the Mighty Mississippi not so mightily begins. At only 18-feet wide, the knee deep water is perfect for a quick, invigorating dip. While there, visit Douglas Lodge; built in 1905, it’s the oldest surviving building in the state park system.

Bemidji: You can’t do a road trip in this region without visiting the birthplace of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox! After snapping a selfie with this iconic duo, stroll along the Sculpture Walk or bike around Lake Bemidji.

Head north: In the Northwoods, experience a real Ojibwe pow wow and learn about the tribe’s Native culture. The Northwoods offers excellent fishing, too; one of the best places to do this is Norway Beach Recreation Center, a one-stop shop where you can fish, camp, swim, and bike.

City Center:  Separating the Twin Cities, you can stroll along the Mississippi River with Minneapolis on one side and St. Paul on the other. The Twin Cities are also home to several major league sports teams (MLB, NFL, NBA, MLS, NHL) so no matter the season, you’ll likely be able to catch a game!

Where to stay: Celeste of St. Paul is a boutique property located right in the heart of St. Paul, walkable to restaurants, super charming, and very affordable.

 

WISCONSIN

Little house on the Swedish prairie: The town of Stockholm, Wisconsin is a haven for artsy folks who often come here for inspiration. Plus it’s home to Stockholm Pie & General Store, a delicious pie shop known state-wide. Just slightly south of town, you’ll run into Pepin, birthplace of Laura Ingalls Wilder, author of beloved children’s series “Little House on the Prairie.” Aside from the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum, there’s also the LIW Wayside & Cabin, an exact replica of the “Little House in the Big Woods,” the first book in  the autobiographical series.

Where to stay: The Charmant Hotel is another boutique property, set on the river in La Crosse. Its. exposed brick and rustic decor make the property feel trendy and cozy at the same time. This historic property is pet friendly and has two great restaurants.

 

IOWA

Beautiful view: That’s what Bellevue translates to and the town lives up to the name. Enjoy dozens of hikes along the soaring bluffs of Bellevue State Park, and keep an eye out for the bald eagles the town’s so known for. The majestic bird of prey does not disappoint!

Lucky 4: The Quad Cities are a must stop! The cities of Davenport and Bettendorf on the Iowa side of the river and Rock Island and Moline on the Illinois Side are a stone’s throw from each other, so it’s worth hitting them all if you have time. You’ll find riverboat cruises, casinos, theaters, museums, and plenty of hikes, so there’s lots to do both inside and out. We love a morning ride through Sunderbruch Park Mountain Bike Trail followed by a leisurely happy hour at Wade River Winery in Davenport.

Where to stay: Hotel Julien, a charming downtown Dubuque hotel, boasts a full service spa, something you may be craving after some time on the road. Rooms are spacious and the hotel is walkable to the boardwalk. Be sure to hit up the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium.

 

ILLINOIS

Talking Houses: The Abraham Lincoln Project has put together an incredible historical experience in the town of Pittsfield called the Talking Houses. Honest Abe visited the this small town often from 1838 and 1858 and got to know the families there well. Many of the homes here are marked with the stories of the families who lived in them and their relationship with the president. It’s a fascinating window looking back in time.

Goat yoga in Galena: What better way to stretch out during a long road trip than goat yoga? Join in on the fun with a 45-minute yoga session with goats, followed by even more playtime with these jovial animals at the famous Goat Yoga Galena.

Ulysses S. Grant Home: When you’re finished with goat yoga, don’t leave town just yet. Pop on over to the historic Ulysses S. Grant home, also in Galena. The former home of the Civil War General-turned-18th-President of the United States is listed on the National Register of Historical Places and well worth the visit!

Where to stay: At Stoney Creek Quincy in Quincy, you’ll get a real woodsy-lodge feel. Buffalo check quilts adorn the beds and moose silhouettes are a favorite decor item. It’s pet friendly, and boasts a pool and hot tub!

 

MISSOURI

Mark Twain Caves: Embrace your inner Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn spirit and explore the cave complex so often described by Mark Twain in his stories. Located near Twain’s hometown of Hannibal, Missouri, the cave’s maze of passageways make it one of just a few labyrinth-style caves found in the world.

Mastodon State Historic Site: Dinosaurs are cool at any age, so no matter who you’re road tripping with, we guarantee everyone will enjoy a stop at the Kimmswick Bone Bed, an important paleontological area within Missouri’s Mastodon State Historical Site. View ancient artifacts, gaze at a full-fledged Mastodon replica, then venture on a hike out to where they originally found the dinosaur remains!

Where to stay: Why not end the trip with a bang and stay at the luxurious Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis. We love this downtown gem for its sumptuous accommodations and stunning city views. From either the rooftop pool or restaurant, you’ll have views of the St. Louis Arch and the Mississippi River.

Tagged: Chicago, Midwest, Minnesota, St. Louis

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Compass + Twine
Sarah Driggs and Lindsay Ridenour are the story-tellers behind the NYC-based luxury travel blog, Compass + Twine. Follow along on Instagram @compassandtwine as they unearth some of the best hotels and travel experiences around the globe. From scenic landscapes to local cafés, they reveal the true character of a destination, always highlighting the best place to stay on compassandtwine.com .

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