Youll experience a couple of weeks of rowdy college fans, crowded bars, and pure fun! Morgensen tells us. Finally, the George Washington Carver National Monument honors the American scientist, botanist, educator, and inventor. Way beyond the urban enticements of the Windy City, in the southern part of the state, between the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers, sits an abundance of scenic beauty as far as the eye can see. This New Glarus cow wears traditional Swiss Bernese folk attire. Once you get to the top, with its stunning views (go in the fall for the foliage! Willis Tower) or the John Hancock Center, iconic as they may be to the Windy City skyline. You can go for the high vantage point of the Overlook Tower, down closer by one of the . Perched on the shore of Lake Superior, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore overflows with fantastical scenery. Walter Cronkite Memorial pays tribute to one of the best newsmen of the 20th century, Walls tells us. Its just over an hour and a half from both Cleveland and Columbus, and youll want to go in spring, when there are plenty of baby farm animals to coo at. It was already known for its crisscrossing hiking trails and skiing, and now it can be known as the spot where you and your wife-to-be got engaged. April 18, 1927: "Two organizations, The St. Joseph County Ministerial association and the Typographical union, No. 6. Experience abundant natural beauty in northern Minnesota's Voyageurs National Park. Known as the "crown jewel of Michigan" or "pearl of the Great Lakes," Mackinac Island offers a nostalgic feel since no cars are allowed here. Angry Swede Brewing Company is next door to RCs, says Walls. Comprising 3,000 acres of ancient land formations and vast prairie lands, this living legend is widely beloved for its rugged beauty. Its about three and a half hours from Oklahoma and two hours and 45 minutes from Dallas, but a weekend in the wilderness with a wedding date at the end is worth the trip, no? (Photo by @moxiemitsubishi), Yeah, we know, we know: You go to Vegas for the quickie wedding and Reno for the quickie divorce. Walls recommends dining at J. C. Wyatt House, Fredrick Inn Steakhouse, Boudreauxs Louisiana Seafood & Steaks, and RCs Lunch Car. Or pop the question among the parchment-colored aging barrels of a distillery like Heaven Hill. Whether you prefer taking it easy and just going for a leisurely stroll surrounded by breathtaking beauty or tackling more strenuous trails, Hocking Hills State Park is a destination that should be included on any self-respecting Midwest bucket list. It really is a place that keeps you as busy as you want to be and soothes your soul in the best possible way, declares Deurlein. backdrop for any proposal. St. Louis is also an awesome city for foodies. (Photo by @visitalexva), Dont bother with the overpriced Space Needle and its so-so restaurant, or the mobs at Pike Place Market. The Inn and Spa at Cedar Falls is the perfect place to unwind, unplug and enjoy your own personal cottage. For all you Midwest guys, we've rounded up the top 15 most popular and unique places to propose around the Lou. Stops in the Midwest include Red Wing and St. Paul in Minnesota; La Crosse in Wisconsin; Burlington and Dubuque in Iowa; and Hannibal and St. Louis in Missouri. Its about 125 miles from Washington, D.C., but you definitely dont want to make the trek if theres bad weather or youre not a skilled climber. Its New England: Go in the summer and avoid the winter. Since then, this little town on the outskirts of the Ozark Mountains has recovered very nicely, Carol Colborn assures us. A quintessential Midwest town, Fort Dodge, Iowa, oozes Midwest nice according to Amy Piper. The Sandia Mountains just outside Albuquerque offer amazing views of both the city and the desert, especially at sunrise or sunset, but once you get down to ask her to marry you, you can tell her the most amazing sight of all was her saying yes. Were talking Minnesota here, of course, so save this trip for late spring, summer or early autumn. The perfumed blossoms and dazzling colors (especially if you go in late May) will make your proposal go as smoothly as possible. Walk hand in hand through the botanical gardens, take in the Gateway Arch, or explore Grant's Farm. Patee House Museum & the Jesse James Home showcases the two things St. Joseph is famous for: the Pony Express headquarters and the place where outlaw Jesse James was shot and killed. Not so enchanted by the Mississippi? Number 9 is sure to take their breath away! (Photo by @littlefamilygarden), When you think quaint New England towns, youre basically thinking of this community of under 3,000 four and a half hours from New York City. This Kansas City Art Deco landmark is sure to make sparks fly! If you go in the summer, you can enjoy kayaking or boating on the Galena River that runs through the center of town. The castle-like structure is one of the few buildings to have survived the Great Chicago Fire, and if thats not a sign that your fairytale marriage is meant to last, what is? (Photo by @poppiesflowerdesign), Nearly all of old Savannah makes for a romance-steeped stroll when youre with the right person, and there are too many painting-like spots for you to take a solemn minute to stop and ask her what you want to ask. While there, a great option for lodging is the Bottleworks Hotel. Chicago, the biggest city in the region, ranks near the bottom in our study, and other major urban centers. Nearby, the Precious Moments Chapel features Sistine Chapel-inspired murals. Mackinaw . No visit to South Bend is complete without a tour of Notre Dame, according to Deurlein, who says, Youve seen it in the movies, but its a thrill to stand before Touchdown Jesus.. The reservoir offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities, making Pierre a four-season destination. The original jailhouse remains a tourist attraction for many. Obviously, you want to go when the weather lets you enjoy the garden, in spring or summer, preferably. 9 LITTLE-KNOWN LAKE MICHIGAN BEACHES WHERE CROWDS ARE FEW AND FAR BETWEEN. The Indy 500 is also the largest single-day sporting event globally. Watch for wild turkeys, coyotes, and whitetail deer. Go from spring to mid-summer to see the puffins all over the monolith like peeping little candy corns. The Indiana Dunes in the northern part of the state will make you feel like youve transported yourselves out of the Midwest and to one of the coasts, perfect for an otherworldly backdrop. Massimo Borchi/Atlantide Phototravel/Getty Images, 13 Best Small Towns in Michigan for a Charming Midwest Getaway, 10 Best Small Towns in Wisconsin for Serene Views, Charming Hotels, and Delicious Food, 9 Stops You Should Make on a Great River Road Trip. You can always drive back to Jackson Hole after to celebrate afterward with a nice (expensive) dinner, but hiking Phelps Lake itself is free. The town might be small but the attractions are mighty in Chamberlain, says Shel Zolkewich of the south central South Dakota town nestled at the crossroads of Interstate 90 and the Missouri River. Whether she says yes or no, you can celebrate or drown your sorrows with funnel cake and fudge afterward. Instead, make the trip up Mount Tantalus to Tantalus Lookout, day or night, to enjoy a rare urban landscape of Honolulu. Hi there! Take your love on a trip back in timeget on bended knee at a replica of the Titanic's Grand Staircase in Branson. Hocking Hills State Park Camping Ohio. What are you, a tourist? (Photo by @armstrongcreativeimag), You dont need Meryl Street or Clint Eastwood to do a romantic tour of the bridges of Madison County, and many of the famous, picturesque covered bridges of the county seat provide a perfect spot for a special, all-American, love-of-your-life moment. Many know St. Louis as the Gateway to the West, but St. Joseph also has that claim to fame, sans fancy arch. An International Dark Sky Park, this area meets stringent light population regulations and boasts northern lights views, epic stargazing, and a night ranger program. Every few minutes, theres another gem that's somehow more impressive than the last. Wyalusing State Park Wisconsin. Pine Creek Grist Mill, the oldest grist mill this side of the Mississippi, is just a short drive away in Wild Den State Park. Topekas jewel box of horticultural delights, the gardens crown Lake Shawnee like a bridal headdress of flowers, with lots of hidden nooks and Technicolor crannies where you can spend a minute or two asking the most important question of your life. Any time of year is a good time to go antiquing, visit quaint shops, and enjoy the food on Main Street. Enjoy a glass of Big Buck Blueberry wine at Timber Hill Winery and stay for trivia or live music. Located along Lake Michigan this city has a unique combination of a busy industrial city and a relaxed lifestyle. Go in the warmer months. Midwestern getaways everyone should experience at least once. Those interested in art will find Fort Dodge Grain Silo Mural and the Blanden Memorial Art Museum an educational experience. Here, you are transported to a simpler time filled with home-baked Americana at every turn, describes Robyne Stevenson. With enough activities to fill 2 days to a week, the flexibility of Wichita is a huge perk for travelers. Within driving distance of Dallas, Omaha, and Oklahoma City, Wichita is easy to get to, with direct flights available from Chicago, Atlanta, Houston, and Seattle. Hikers will love its eight trails that cover 18 miles. The manor-type estate was recently renovated and features large rooms, a lovely outdoor pool area, and a terrific spa with several treatment rooms. Fort Frenzy Family Fun Center is a family entertainment center that offers indoor activities, including a full arcade, go-karts, and laser tag, so its an excellent rainy-day option. Nestled between Cleveland and Akron, Cuyahoga Valley National Park is quite literally a sight for sore eyes. Theyre perfect for a casual stroll before going out to grab a runza for dinner oh, and whats this in my pocket? For a fantastic view of the mountain to wake up to and propose beneath try Wonder Lake Campground. Its the perfect trip to take the grandkids on during summer vacation, Piper tells us. After moving from Texas, she and her husband rambled about the Midwest in a camper for a couple of years before finally settling on 35 acres in their home state of Kentucky. For more rail explorations, locomote over to The Cody Park Railroad Museum to see old rail cars, including a mail car, caboose, and the only Challenger 3900 series steam locomotive on display in the world. The classic US road trip Route 66 starts in Chicago Illinois and passes through the Midwestern states of Missouri and Kansas before crossing into Oklahoma and continuing west all the way to Los Angeles, California. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, in Michigans Lower Peninsula, is one of the most scenic spots in the entire Wolverine State. Of course not! An ideal place to propose, the soaring cliffs stretch for miles, and in the late spring and summer months, are dotted with colorful wildflowers. Nebraska doesn't always get the tourism credit it deserves with, perhaps, the exception of Scotts Bluff National Monument. The Windy City has tons of wonderful venues, like the Grove Redfield Estate, Newberry Library and Loyola University. And a big bonus for wine lovers: There are two local vineyards, Four Horses and a Dog and Fence Stile. The Gateway Arch is Missouris most recognizable monument, but its never really swamped with visitors, which is a shame, because its a beautiful structure (with lots of Instagram-worthy engagement-announcement possibilities) and the park is a pleasant place to spend an afternoon. Like its borderline unfair that one place could possibly pack that many spectacular sights into a 3,776-acre area. Sore eyes cow wears traditional Swiss Bernese folk attire widely beloved for its rugged beauty view... 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