Summer in the Midwest is the time to head north, head outside, and explore! From harbor towns, to Great Lakes vacations, to hiking trails, here are seven midwest summer vacation ideas for families, couples, and outdoor lovers all within eight hours drive of Chicago!

Best Midwest Summer Vacation Spots for Families & Outdoor Lovers:

The Midwest is often overlooked when it comes to vacations, but there are plenty of beautiful destinations in the Great Lakes Region and beyond! Here are some of the best places for summer vacation in the Midwest:

Why me? Hi there, I’m Maddy! You might notice this article is often written in first person. That’s because it was written by a real person, me! I grew up in the Midwest and spent my summers as a kid exploring Northern Michigan. In my early 20s I worked as a wilderness guide on Lake Superior and throughout Wisconsin and Minnesota. Today, I still work as an outdoor guide & guidebook writer and am committed to exploring the beautiful Midwest! I care so much about the beautiful places here, and can’t wait to share them with you!

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What to pack for a Midwest Summer Vacation:

Depending on where you visit in the Midwest and what time of year, conditions can be changeable! For any outdoor adventure trip in the Midwest, especially along the Great Lakes, I recommend…

• 2 lightweight, long hiking pants. I wear a size 8 and am short, and find the REI trailmade to be super flattering as well as the Kuhl freeflex.
• A fleece. Any fleece will do, but I really love my Patagonia Synchilla
• Wool baselayers. Five years of heavy paddling and my Smartwool baselayers are the only wool baselayers I’ve had that have really stood the test of time. For seven days, pack four baselayer tops. 
• Study hiking boots. I like my Bridger Mids. Working in outdoor retail I literally never had anyone try on these shoes and not buy them. Pair with Darn Tough hiking socks and pack at least five pairs. In the rugged areas, trekking poles are also a great choice!
• hiking sandals
• Quick dry shots: I love the Stio Goodwin and CFS Drifter waterproof shorts.
• A puffy jacket. It can be cool even in the summer near the lakeshore, especially evenings. I’ve had this one for 3+ years and it’s super packable, warm, lightweight and durable.
• If camping, a tent, packable sleeping bag (Nemo Disco) and pad (comfortable sleeping pad): Read my budget tent recommendations here!
• A day hiking pack: I love my Perimeter 35L. I was gifted this pack a few years back and it’s still my go-to day pack; a savvy packer can easily pack for a seven day hiking trip in this bag. 
• A raincoat. I love the Moss Raincoat from Helly Hansen; It’s affordable, cute, and super durable.
• the Midwest Adventure eBook Bundle!
• A National Parks Pass 

1) Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Michigan

Located just outside of Traverse City, Michigan the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is home to towering sand dunes over Lake Michigan! This National Lakeshore has some of the best sunset views in the state, beautiful beaches, sandy rivers for kayaking and canoeing, and has the added bonus of close proximity to Traverse City.

A one week, $25 entry pass is required. This goes toward paying for trail and beach maintenance, and paying the rangers who work to keep you safe, wildlife safe, and our beautiful parks beautiful!

Sleeping Bear Dunes is a four hour drive from Detroit, five and a half hours from Chicago, seven hours from Milwaukee, and 11 hours from Minneapolis.

Sleeping Bear Dunes for Families:

An excellent destination for families, kids will love playing on the beaches, and the Pierce Stoking Scenic Drive is a beautiful and rewarding trip for everyone in the family. Check out the Platte River for family-friendly river tubing options, or swing by Tiffany’s Cafe in Empire for ice cream before you hit the beach.

Sleeping Bear Dunes for Adults:

Adults looking for an outdoor lovers trip can hop on a ferry and head out into the Manitou Islands, one of the best backpacking destinations in lower Michigan. Traverse City is wine country, so be sure to check out wine tasting tours in the area. Looking for a moderate, less trafficked hiking trail in the Sleeping Bear Dunes? Check out the Alligator Hill Trail.

Read: 25 Best Things to do in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

2) North Shore, Minnesota

Lake Superior’s North Shore has some of the most beautiful scenery the Midwest, and some of the best hiking trails in the country! The North Shore is easily one of the best summer vacation spots in the Midwest. Hike along the Superior Hiking Trail, canoe any number of the inland lakes, or chase waterfalls in any one of the many state parks along the shore!

The North Shore is a three hour drive from Minneapolis, eight hours from Chicago, seven hours from Milwaukee, and 12 hours from Detroit.

North Shore for Families:

The North Shore has plenty of awesome family friendly adventures! Visit Gooseberry State Park for an ADA-accessible waterfall viewing, or hike Cascade River State park to see 7 waterfalls in less than one mile. Fun eats for the whole family include World’s Best Donuts in Grand Marais, Rustic Inn Cafe in Castle Danger, and Hungry Hippie Tacos in Grand Marais.

North Shore for Adults:

Whether you’re looking for a couples getaway or solo road trip, hiking weekend or skiing, the North Shore of Lake Superior is one of the best Midwest vacation destinations for outdoor lovers! Tackle sections of the difficult Border Route Trail outside of Grand Marais, or bag some of the incredible routes in Tettegouche State Park. For dinner, visit the picturesque Angry Trout Cafe on the harbor or head up the Gunflint Trail and visit Popular Haus for cocktails and one of the most unique (and delicious!) menus in town!

For a relaxing evening and unique experience with Norway vibes, visit Sisu & Löyly Nordic Sauna on Lake Superior.

Read: 30 Best Things to do on the North Shore (by a local guide!)

3) The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Located at the tip of Wisconsin are 22 beautiful islands riddled with sea caves, cliffs, spiky pine trees, and wildlife! The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is well known for it’s sailing and sea kayaking, but the Bayfield Peninsula also has excellent hiking, sightseeing, and food and drink spots as well!

The Apostle Islands are a seven and a half hour drive from Chicago, a six hour drive from Milwaukee, four hours from Minneapolis, and ten and a half hours from Detroit.

Apostle Islands for Families:

Activities around Bayfield and the Apostle Islands are probably best appreciated by families with kids over 12! Most (safe) sea kayaking outfitters will not take children younger than 12 out on Lake Superior due to safety concerns. Instead of base camping in Bayfield, families with younger children might have more fun basing their trip in Ashland, Wisconsin and taking a day trip up to Cornucopia or Bayfield! Ashland has a greater variety of restaurants and more easy hikes to waterfalls!

Families visiting Bayfield will love the hike to Lost Creek Falls in Cornucopia, visiting Meyers Beach (hike will likely be difficult for young children), or cruising the Apostle Islands. Note that cruises are longer and can be boring for young children.

Apostle Islands for Adults:

Bayfield and the Apostle Islands are a perfect couples getaway, and sea kayaking the Apostle Islands is a bucket-lister for most outdoorsy Midwesterners! Book a day trip to the sea caves with Lost Creek Adventures or Trek & Trail.

But wait! The Meyers Beach sea caves are the most well known and most popular of the sea caves, but did you know almost every single island in the Apostle Islands has sea caves on its northeastern end? This is because the northeastern end of the islands is exposed to the full force of Lake Superior, carving sea caves out of sand stone and depositing that sand in sandy beaches and sandpits at the southern ends.

Read: 30 Things to do in the Apostle Islands (by a sea kayak guide!)

The best way to explore the hundreds of sea caves in the Apostle Islands is to book an overnight sea kayaking tour with either Lost Creek Adventures or Trek & Trail!

Note: Lake Superior is NOT safe to kayak for beginners, and a sea kayak is strongly recommended. Read about why here.

4) Red River Gorge

Looking for a unique adventurous summer vacation idea outside the Great Lakes Region? Head to Eastern Kentucky and discover the Red River Gorge, home to winding rivers, climbing routes, hiking trails, and spectacular natural arches.

The Red River Gorge is seven hours from Chicago, eight hours from Milwaukee, six hours from Detroit, and 13 hours from Minneapolis.

Red River Gorge for Families:

Basecamp at Natural Bridge State Resort Park for family friendly camping and excellent beginner level trail access. Don’t want to camp? Reserve a private cottage through the park. Want a unique adventure the kids will remember forever? Book a kayak tour with Gorge Underground to experience where kayaking meets spelunking and take a guided kayak tour of underground caves! Swing by Miguels Pizza for deliciously greasy pizza and a fun picnic setting.

Red River Gorge for Adults:

Start off the morning at the Daniel Boone Coffee Shop then hit the trails! Spend the day sightseeing the beautiful arches, and pack lunch to go. One of the best thing about the Red River Gorge is it is treehouse Airbnb heaven; check out the Ravine Treehouse, Theodore Tiny Cabin, or the Lions Lair for unique stays in the Red River Gorge.

Read: Best Hiking Trails in the Red River Gorge

5) Isle Royale National Park, MI

Located 16 miles off coast from mainland in Lake Superior, Isle Royale National Park is an incredible Midwest summer vacation spot for backpackers, wildlife lovers, and National Park geeks!

Isle Royale for Families:

Eighteen miles offshore of mainland and accessible only by boat or seaplane, Isle Royale can be a challenging visit for large families. Families can basecamp at Washington Creek campground, a short walk from Winidigo ranger station where the ferry drops off. Here, most campsites have a shelter, firepit, and picnic table. Between the nearby ranger station and excellent trail access for day trips, Washington Creek makes a perfect location for families to set up camp for a few days and get to know the island.

Not a camping crew? Stay instead at Rock Harbor Lodge on the other side of the island. Here, you’ll find more excellent trail access, a small restaurant, and the nearby dockside storm at Rock Harbor.

Isle Royale for Adults:

Isle Royale is the perfect vacation spot for backpackers, wildlife lovers, and sea kayakers! For route plans, camping information, and more for sea kayakers, backpackers, and canoeists, check out Hidden Gems of the Northern Great Lakes: A Trail and Paddling Guide (see below for a discounted download!).

Read: How to Visit Isle Royale National Park

6) The Keweenaw Peninsula

By far the best semi-under the radar vacation destination in the Midwest, the Keewanaw Peninsula is located at the very tip of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and has some of the best mountain biking trails in the state!

The Keweenaw Peninsula is six and a half hours from Minneapolis, five and a half hours from Milwaukee, seven hours from Chicago, and nine hours drive from Detroit.

Keweenaw for Families:

Families will love hunting for agates along the beaches, visiting Eagle River Falls, or driving Brockway Mountain! Spend a day at the beautiful Bete Gris Beach, one of the best quiet beaches in Michigan. For the perfect tranquil stay near Copper Harbor, stay at Fresh Coast Cabins.

Keweenaw for Adults:

Head out on a day trip sea kayaking tour to Montreal Falls, or tackle some of the best mountain biking trails in the state of Michigan! After, visit the adorable Brickside Brewery.

Check out the best things to do in Michigan’s Keweenaw

7) Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore might be the best known Midwest summer destination! Due to overcrowding and overuse of the park, this year (2022) the park is introducing entrance fees. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is not the place to go if you’re looking to avoid crowds, but a great spot to hike and backpack, and for experienced sea kayakers!

The Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is a six hour drive from Detroit, four and a half hour drive from Milwaukee, six hour drive from Chicago, and a seven hour drive from Minneapolis.

Pictured Rocks for Families

Families visiting the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore will love the short and easy hike to Munising Falls, or for older families book a guided sea kayaking day trip! Go early in the morning to snag a parking spot at Munising Falls, and be sure to check the weather before booking a sea kayaking tour. Moderate to strong winds can make for a bumpy ride and may not be comfortable for everyone.

Check out Pictured Rocks Pizza for dinner, and camp at 12-mile beach campground (reservations required) for the best camping in the area.

Note: Lake Superior is NOT safe to kayak for beginners, and a sea kayak is strongly recommended. Read about why here.

Pictured Rocks for Adults

The Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is an excellent getaway for outdoor lovers! The long day hike of the Chapel-Basin Loop offers some of the best day hiking in Northern Michigan, and thru- hiking or sea kayaking from Grand Marais, Michigan to Munising offers a longer, backcountry option. Permits are required for overnight stays in the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

Be sure to check out the Falling Rocks Cafe and Bookstore for morning coffee, and hit East Channel Brewing for an evening drink.

Read 30 Things to do in the Pictured Rocks

8) Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota is one of the most interesting places in the Midwest for a summer vacation! Here you’ll find badlands, the adorable western town of Medora, and wild horses.

Theodore Roosevelt for Families

Theodore Roosevelt National Park is one of the best national parks in the Midwest for families, with plenty of wildlife and easy hikes. This park can be very hot in the summer, so be sure to pack plenty of water. Check out the Painted Canyon Visitors Center, and drive the scenic loop to look for praire dogs and wild horses.

Theodore Roosevelt for Adults

In addition to plenty of family friendly activities, there are several difficult/strenuous hikes in Theodore Roosevelt National Park for visitors looking to challenge themselves. The Maah Daah Hey Trail is 7.1 miles one way and runs through a large portion of the park. In addition, the 10.3 mile Petrified Forest Trail will take hikes through Badlands and past wildlife.

9) Bellaire, Michigan

Looking for a quiet trip to a cozy Northern Michigan town with lakes, breweries, and plenty of hiking? Bellaire, Michigan is one of the best Midwest summer vacation destinations for a quiet and relaxing getaway.

Bellaire, Michigan for Families

Tucked away north of Traverse City, Bellaire is a great spot to rent a cabin on a lake. Take children for an easy hike in the Grass River Natural Area and keep your eyes peeled for river otter! In the evening, head over to the neighboring town of Alden on Torch Lake for ice cream from the Higgins Store.

Bellaire for Adults

With plenty of hiking, mountain biking, and paddling routes to choose from, adult adventurers can fill their day with sunshine before heading to the popular Short’s Brewery for delicious food and beer.

Check out the best things to do in Bellaire Michigan

10) The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness

Looking for one of the most classic summer vacation trips for adults and children alike? Head to the Boundary Waters of Northern Minnesota to embark on a wilderness canoe camping adventure.

Never been canoe camping before? No problem. Check out this guide to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness for families.

11) Grand Marais, Minnesota

Looking for the best destination in the midwest for outdoor lovers? You’re looking for Grand Marais, Minnesota. This classically beautiful town is nestled on the Northern shore of Lake Superior, and has plenty of hiking, paddling, and waterfalls!

Grand Marais, Minnesota for Families

Take kids to the beautiful and easy hiking at Cascade River State Park where you can see 7 waterfalls in just one mile! After, head into town to grab lunch at Hungry Hippie Tacos.

Grand Marais for Adults

Grand Marais, Minnesota has a lot more to offer for adult visitors than for families, but nonetheless can be a wonderful destination for either. Adults will love tackling any of the many day hikes in the area, checking out the unique Sisu and Loyly Nordic Sauna (hey I used to work here say hi for me!!), and eating at the delicious My Sister’s Place.

Looking for more on Grand Marais and the North Shore? Check out the Midwest Adventure eBook Bundle for hidden waterfalls, free campsites, fall color ideas, the best places to eat and more!

12) Ely, Minnesota

Ely, Minnesota is a rough and tumble off the beaten path Midwest summer vacation destinations. Book a stay at one of the Ely Log cabins for a peaceful retreat, hike the Bass Lake Loop and swim in a waterfall pool, and visit the International Wolf Center.

13) Ashland, Wisconsin

Looking for a getaway on Lake Superior? Head up to Ashland, Wisconsin to check out countless waterfalls and the beautiful Wisconsin Northwoods. Take a day trip up to the Apostle Islands to make it an epic adventure, or check out make of the beautiful day hikes near Ashland.

Plan a Northwoods waterfall road trip centered on Ashland, Wisconsin!

14) The Great River Road, Wisconsin

Looking for a unique Midwest family vacation with great hiking, lots of history, and the best ice cream you can find? Visit Wisconsin’s Great River Road running along the Mississippi River.

Great River Road (Wisconsin) for families:

Wisconsin’s Great River Road has a number of short, family friendly hikes throughout the region as well as excellent ice cream stops! Check out the easier hikes in Wyalusing State Park, and consider renting a canoe to check out the Mississippi and Wisconsin Rivers in the area.

Great River Road for adults:

The Great River Road offers plenty to do for adults as well, from a booming brewery scene in downtown Lacrosse, to some of the more challenging hiking like Brady’s Bluff and Perrot Ridge in Perrot State Park.

Check out a guide to the Great River Road!

15) Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, Michigan

For one of the most beautiful hiking and backpacking destinations in the Midwest, head out to the Porcupine Mountains in Michigan! The Porkies are home to beautiful waterfalls, lakes, rivers, and of course mountains that are the remnants of a stratovolcano from 1.1 billion years ago!

Permits are required, and campsite reservations are strongly recommended as well.

The Porcupine Mountains for families:

The Porkies are an excellent beginner-friendly backpacking destination with plenty of low milage but beautiful route options (think Mirror Lake loop!) for true backpacking as well as backcountry cabins you can reserve in advance. If you’re not looking to backpack with kids, head to one of the car camping sites and tackle shorter hikes like the Lake of the Clouds overlook and the Presque Isle River route.

The Porcupine Mountains for adults:

You really won’t find a better place in the Midwest more beginner-friendly for backpacking, so strap on your boots and sign up for some milage! The Porkies have moderate ups and downs and generally easier terrain than backpacking places like the Superior Hiking Trail or Border Route Trail, and more variety per mile than most other Midwest Destinations.

If you’re not a backpacker, the Porkies might make you one.

Keep in mind that this is the wilderness! Permits are required, cell service is spotty, black bears can be a problem so learn how to hang your food in advance. There are several river crossings so bring adventure sandals. Pack out all trash and waste including apple cores, orange peels, and toilet paper as per wilderness area guidelines.

Check out a detailed guide to the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park!

16) Shawnee National Forest, Illinois

Looking for a taste of the Ozarks in the Midwest? Southern Illinois’ Shawnee National Forest is easily one of the prettiest destinations in the Midwest. I recommend visiting in early spring while temps are lower and waterfalls are running!

Shawnee National Forest for Families:

The Shawnee has several shorter hikes and makes for a fun family friendly camping destination! Arrive early to snag a spot, and be sure to keep kids close at hand in the Garden of the Gods cliffs area.

Shawnee National Forest for Adults:

Tackle some of the longer and harder hikes in the Shawnee National Forest like Jackson Falls, or head over to wineries! There are so many incredible hikes of varying difficulty in this area to experience!

Check out a weekend guide to visiting the Shawnee National Forest!

Looking for more Midwest Adventure Ideas?

• Read about 9 Incredible Michigan Road Trip Ideas
• Explore the best winter travel destinations in the Midwest!
• Check out the most beautiful Great Lakes Destinations!

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