When you begin planning a vacation, where does your mind go? Somewhere tropical? The mountains? The beach? What about the Midwest?
You may not think of the Midwest as a top travel destination, but retirees are increasingly finding that there are plenty of great reasons to visit this region of the country.
Whether your ideal vacation is relaxing in nature, or exploring new cities, Vikki Gerrard La Crosse WI, recommends checking out some of these Midwestern areas.
Michigan
When planning your retirement travels, don’t forget about the great state of Michigan. With its many lakes and rivers and charming small towns, Michigan is a great place to relax and enjoy your golden years. Plus, Vikki Gerrard of La Crosse WI advises there are plenty of mountain activities to add to your bucket list and keep you busy, from golfing and fishing to hiking and biking.
Mackinac Island
A popular retirement destination in Michigan is Mackinac Island. This beautiful island is located in Lake Huron and is known for its Victorian-style homes and buildings and its stunning views of the water. There are also plenty of things to do on the island, including golfing, shopping, and visiting the historic Fort Mackinac.
Attraction — Fort Holmes, Fort Mackinac, Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse, Arch Rock, Mackinac Island State Park
Ideal duration — 1–2 days
Best Time to Visit — May to October
What to eat — Mackinac Island Fudge, Mackinac Island rum, Mackinac Island ice cream, Oatmeal Chocolate cookies.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshorey
Another great spot in Michigan for retirees is Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. This park is located along the shores of Lake Michigan and features beautiful dunes and various hiking trails. There are also several small towns nearby, which are perfect for exploring or shopping.
Attraction — Dune Climb, Empire Bluff Trail, Good Harbor Bay Beach, Sleeping Bear Dunes Overlook, Glen Haven Beach
Ideal duration — 1–2 days
Best Time to Visit — Spring and fall
Where to eat — Joe’s Friendly Tavern, Empire Village Inn, Shipwreck Café
Detroit Institute of Arts
Retirees looking for a bit of culture will want to check out the Detroit Institute of Arts. This museum is home to an extensive collection of art, as well as a variety of educational programs. An on-site cafe is also perfect for grabbing a bite to eat after exploring the museum.
Attraction — Auguste Rodin – The Thinker, Vincent van Gogh – Self-Portrait, Henri Matisse – The Window, William Adolphe Bouguereau – The Nut Gatherers, Claude Monet – Rounded Flower Bed
Ideal duration — 3–6 hours
Best Time to Visit — Around 4 pm
Where to eat — Kresge Court, Café DIA
Henry Ford Museum
The Henry Ford Museum is another excellent option for retirees looking for a bit of history in Dearborn. This museum is dedicated to the life and work of Henry Ford and the history of the automotive industry. There are also a variety of interactive exhibits, making it perfect for those who want to learn more about this vital part of American history.
Attraction — Ford Rouge Factory Tour, Giant Screen Experience, Detroit Institute of Arts, Campus Martius Park, Motown Museum, Fox Theatre, Fair Lane, Home of Clara and Henry Ford, Automotive Hall of Fame.
Ideal duration — 3–6 hours
Best Time to Visit — 9:30 AM–5 PM.
Where to eat — Lamy’s Diner at The Henry Ford Museum, Plum Market The Kitchen, A Taste of History
Wisconsin
If you’re looking for a retirement destination that offers a variety of activities, natural beauty, and charming small towns, then Wisconsin is a great option. Vikki Gerrard loves that the state is home to many lakes and rivers and several state and national parks. There are also plenty of cultural attractions, such as museums, art galleries, and hidden beauties in Wisconsin.
Devil’s Lake State Park
Devil’s Lake State Park is an excellent option for those who love the outdoors. This park is located in Baraboo and features beautiful scenery, hiking trails, and various outdoor activities. There are also several small towns nearby, which are perfect for exploring or shopping.
Attraction — Parfrey’s Glen State Natural Area, Pewit’s Nest, Baxter’s Hollow, Man Mound Park, Balanced Rock Winery
Ideal duration — 2–3 days
Best Time to Visit — October or early spring
What to eat — Driftless Glen, Little Village Cafe, Broadway Diner, Tumbled Rock Kitchen & Brewery
The House on the Rock
The House on the Rock is a must-see for travelers and one of the state’s most popular tourist attractions. This bizarre and unique house is located on a 60-foot chimney rock and features a variety of odd and fascinating things, from an enormous carousel to a collection of dolls.
Attraction — Governor Dodge State Park, Taliesin Preservation: Frank Lloyd Wright Visitor, Wyoming Valley School Cultural Arts Center, Tower Hill State Park
Ideal duration — 3–3.5 hours
Best Time to Visit — 3 PM
Where to eat — 400 Springs Restaurant LLC, The Turn Pub and Grill, Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant, Buck & Honey
Cave of the Mounds
The Cave of the Mounds is another excellent option for retirees looking for a bit of history. This cave is located in Blue Mounds and is known for its well-preserved fossils and stunning calcite formations. There are also a variety of guided tours available.
Attraction — Tyrol Basin, Troll Hunt, Driftless Historium, Blue Mounds State Park
Ideal duration — 2 – 4 hours
Best Time to Visit — Spring, Summer, and Fall
Where to eat — Hooterville Inn, Grumpy Troll Brewery, Sjolinds Chocolate House, Bistro 101, Aztlan Mexican Grill
Ohio
Ohio is an excellent choice for retirees looking for a mix of urban and rural destinations. The state’s capital, Columbus, offers plenty of cultural attractions that Vikki Gerrard, loves to explore, while the smaller towns and cities offer a more laid-back lifestyle. There are also many parks and outdoor activities, and the best theme parks to enjoy in Ohio.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Cuyahoga Valley National Park is an excellent option for those who love the outdoors. This park is located in Cuyahoga Falls and features beautiful scenery, hiking trails, and various outdoor activities. There are also several small towns nearby, which are perfect for exploring or shopping.
Attraction — Brandywine Falls, Blue Hen Falls, Ledges Trailhead, Brecksville Reservation, Boston Mill Visitor Center, top thrill disaster — tallest roller coater
Ideal duration — 2–3 days
Best Time to Visit — Late spring and Mid-autumn
Where to eat — Fishers, Leo’s Italian Social, Beau’s on the River
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is a must-see for retirees who love music. This museum is in Cleveland and features rock and roll history exhibits and various interactive exhibits. An on-site cafe is also perfect for grabbing a bite to eat after exploring the museum.
Attraction — Great Lakes Science Center, Playhouse Square, West Side Market, Greater Cleveland, The Arcade
Ideal duration — 2 – 4 hours
Best Time to Visit — Summers
Where to eat — All Access Cafe, Nuevo Modern Mexican and Tequila Bar, Marble Room Steaks and Raw Bar, The Burnham Restaurant
The Pro Football Hall of Fame
The Pro Football Hall of Fame is perfect for retirees who are sports fans. This museum is located in Canton and features exhibits on the history of professional football and various interactive exhibits. An on-site cafe is also perfect for grabbing a bite to eat after exploring the museum.
Attraction — McKinley Presidential, Canton Museum of Art, MAPS Air Museum, Massillon Museum, William McKinley National Memorial
Ideal duration — 3 – 4 hours
Best Time to Visit — During the week of the Hall of Fame induction
Final Thoughts
These are just a few of the many great destinations in the Midwest. Whether you’re looking for a bustling city or a more laid-back lifestyle, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for in this region of the country.
Next time you’re ready to start planning a getaway, consider these Midwestern destinations.
Where is the best place for senior citizens to travel?
These are some of the places to travel for senior citizens – Portugal, Costa Rica, Mexico, Spain.
Which country is best for retired life?
Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, and Ireland are some of the best places for retired life.
What is the cheapest and safest country to retire?
The cheapest places to retire abroad include Panama, the Philippines, Portugal, Malaysia, Mexico, Thailand and Vietnam.
