Top 5 Midwest National Parks and Lakes to Visit This Summer

For Midwesterners, summer can never come soon enough. Now that we have finally caught a break from our seemingly endless winter, many of us are looking forward to enjoying as much time as possible outdoors. If you're looking to explore all the nature and wildlife that the Midwest has to offer, there is no better way to do so than by visiting one of the many state and national parks!

If you are new to the region or new to outdoor adventures, take our advice and check out these incredible national parks!

Top 5 Must-Visit National Parks in the Midwest Region

  1. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Empire, MI: Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, you'll get to experience stunning views of the water from the bluffs, nestled 450 ft. above the lake. As if these breathtaking views weren’t enough, Sleeping Bear Dunes is also popular for its beautiful night time views that will definitely leave you wanting to visit again and again!
  2. Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Bayfield, WI: These groups of islands create the perfect escape for outdoor enthusiasts, offering plenty of fun and excitement in camping, kayaking and exploring the caves along the beautiful shores.
  3. Voyageurs National Park, International Falls, MN: Surrounded by beautiful forests, lakes, waterfalls, and cliffs, #3 on our list will make for an amazing road trip with friends. Like Apostle, Voyageurs is also an ideal travel destination for  camping, hiking, and canoeing.
  4. Shawnee National Forest, Herod, IL: Shawnee is home to incredible rock formations, known as Garden of the Gods, the Little Grand Canyon, Trail of Tears State Park, and countless other local attractions for those who love history.
  5. Maquoketa Caves State Park, Jackson County, IA: Nestled along rock formations, scenic overlooks, and of course, a few caves here and there, Maquoketa is located in an area that was never glaciated in the last ice age, meaning when you get there, you'll have the unique chance to discover thousands of years of natural erosion and fantastic organic hiking trails.

After all your summer adventures, be sure to visit our GiftWorksPlus website for custom travel frames and unique souvenirs that are available in designs for all your favorite state and national parks!