Looking for the best midwest spring break ideas? Winter in the midwest can be long, and by the time spring rolls around it’s time to head somewhere warm or explore close to home. From warmer destinations to alternate adventures near home, here are the best spring break ideas for Midwest adventure lovers!

why this blog? Hi there! My name is Maddy and I am a Mdiwest-based adventure and outdoor guide and I have been since 2018! I work full time in the outdoor industry, still actively guiding Midwest wilderness trips and also as a freelance writer. I’m committed to providing you the best info on Midwest adventures, told by someone who both cares about and knows the region well. I truly believe that there is so much here to explore, and I’m happy to show you around!

Spring Break Ideas for Midwest Adventures:

Whether you plan to hop on a flight or stay closer to home for your Midwest spring break, I’ve got you covered!

1) Red River Gorge, Kentucky

One of the best spring break destinations in the Midwest is Kentucky’s Red River Gorge! Here, you’ll find the highest concentration of natural sandstone arches outside of Arches National Park (allegedly and according to some park promotional materials). There’s excellent rock climbing, great hiking, a cute coffee shop or two and a number of nice campgrounds to choose from making the Red River Gorge one of the best Midwest spring break destinations.

April and May make for decent camping weather, with early May and late April being especially nice with the blooming Mountain Laurel.

READ: Best Hiking in the Red River Gorge

2) Shawnee National Forest, Illinois

Illinois’ Shawnee National Forest is tucked away in the very south of the the state and home to a lot of really unique geology! This is a great camping and hiking destination for families or people looking for Jungle Book vibes but in the Midwest. You can find lots of canyon-like features, caves and waterfalls. Garden of the Gods is probably the coolest place to visit in the area with first-come, first-serve camping near by!

Similar to the Red River Gorge, true spring will happen in April and even March and it’s likely to already be fairly warm by the beginning of May, making the Shawnee National Forest a great outdoorsy spring break especially for people from Chicago.

READ: Weekend Guide to the Shawnee National Forest

3) Las Vegas Hiking Trip

Personally, I’m a big fan of a Desert Spring Break Moment! Catch a flight to Vegas and grab a rental car. Generally, flights from midwest hub airports to Vegas are super affordable, and with a group of friends, this can easily be a less expensive alternative to a tropical vacation.

Check out places like Valley of Fire State Park, the Grand Canyon, Zion National Park, Joshua Tree, or Red Rock!

READ: Hiking near Vegas: Desert Spring Break

4) Northern Wisconsin Waterfall Road Trip

If your spring break doesn’t have to be cold and wilderness is more important, consider diving into a Northern Wisconsin Waterfall Road Trip. Here, you’ll find both winter car camping options and budget-friendly hotels. Personally I think the best part of a Northern Wisconsin spring break is the lack of crowds. Up here in the spring it can really feel like you have a beautiful place entirely to yourself.

Check out Copper Falls State Park, Pattison State Park, and the hiking and waterfalls of the Bayfield Peninsula.

READ: Northern Wisconsin Road Trip Itinerary

5) North Shore of Minnesota Cabin Vacation

If you’re looking for a classic Midwest adventure destination but without the crowds, you probably want a spring trip to the Minnesota North Shore! Head up in the month of April or even early may for moody fog, lingering snow, and the first roar of waterfall season. PLUS! This is the only time of year your likely to really feel the North Shore is still wild without the crowds of summer and fall.

You can’t miss Cascade River State Park in the spring (above, left), Grand Portage’s High Falls, cozy cabin time, and if you’re lucky a full moon rise over the lake.

READ: Best Things to do on the North Shore, MN

6) Grand Canyon Hiking Trip

Looking for an outdoorsy trip, but somewhere warmer? Take a spring trip to the Grand Canyon for red rocks, sunshine, backpacking opportunities (plan ahead!) and a chance to get a head start on your camping season.

Last spring (2024) my friend and I decided to backpack Havasu Falls Trail for Spring Break and it was honestly the best choice ever. It was a pretty brutal hike (I work as an outdoor guide, but I didn’t train AT ALL for this) but gorgeous and a really interesting experience all around. Different from other backpacking trips, Havasupai has an almost Disney-like vibe as it is such a bucket-list destination. It’s hard to really convey the extent to which this natural place has been altered by tourism without experiencing it yourself, made further complex by that the hike itself is on the land and through the community of the Havasupai Nation.

READ: How to Hike the Havasu Falls Trail

7) The Florida Keys

The most traditional Midwest Spring break is a trip to Florida, and one of the best places to head is the Florida Keys! While this is definitely a popular (and pricey) option, popular things are in fact, popular for a reason!

The Florida Keys are the perfect Midwest spring break destination for adventurers who know then need sun, salt air, and a swim. Here, you can take a tour of tidal mangroves by kayak, snorkel, and lounge on a beach.

READ: Things to do in Key West by Planet with Sara

8) Sleeping Bear Dunes, Michigan

Looking for a place that feels tropical but is still the Midwest? Head to Traverse City and the Sleeping Bear Dunes for your Midwest Spring break. Here, you can rent a cabin, dress up warm, and enjoy the blend of seasons as winter meets summer in the months of March, April, and May.

The Sleeping Bear Dunes have great hiking and beautiful clear water as well as sandy beaches. Nearby, Traverse City is the perfect blend of a classic, Up North harbor town and a city with so many great places to eat and things to do!

READ: Best Things to do in the Sleeping Bear Dunes

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9) US Virgin Islands National Park

For a unique and tropical midwest spring break idea, head to Virgin Islands National Park! Travel to the Virgin Islands has the feel of travelling abroad, but none of the logistics. Here you can hike (there’s SO much good hiking) kayak, snorkel, beach yourself, check out ruins and history, and so much more!

Check out the Ram’s Head Hike, Trunk Bay, and Cinnamon Beach!

10) Upper Peninsula Michigan

Looking to experience some true solitude and wilderness on your Midwest spring break? Head to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan! The Upper Peninsula is often relatively quiet even in the summer; in the spring it’s a ghost town and it’s prime waterfall season.

In the spring, expect a lot of the boat tours and typical things to do in the Upper Peninsula to be closed, but worry not! Many restaurants, bookstores and bakeries will still be open, and lodging prices are likely to be reduced, making it a really great time for a road trip. One of the most common questions I get about travel in the Upper Peninsula is about driving: is it safe with the snow, and do I have to worry about running out of gas?

Remember that people live up here year-round, and it’s Michigan, not the tundra! There are very few sections of road where you would run out of gas, and you’d have to really mess up. I’d fill up at about a quarter tank minimum. Regarding snow, just watch the weather and plan around significant snowfall, same as anywhere and avoid seasonal unplowed roads. Spring up here will likely still feel like winter!

READ: Ultimate Guide to the Upper Peninsula

11) Bayfield, Wisconsin

For a Midwest Spring Break with Gilmore Girls and Maine vibes, head up to Bayfield, Wisconsin. With unique boutique hotel options like St. James Social and Seagull Bay Motel, hikes to frozen waterfalls and above sea caves, and an adorable main street, Bayfield, Wisconsin is basically the perfect quiet destination to pretend you live in a Hallmark Movie.

Check out the Mainland Sea Caves Trail, Amnicon Falls State Park, and Mt. Ashwabay for late season cross country skiing.

READ: Best Things to do in Bayfield, Wisconsin

resources for planning your next midwest adventure…

• The cheapest way to travel is to sleep in your car! Check out a beginner’s guide to car camping.
• Ready for a road trip but not sure where to start? Here’s a road trip packing list (PLUS how to organize your car and meal plan ideas!)
• Looking to dive into something a little more gritty? Check out the best backpacking trails in the Midwest!
• Oh you’ve never been backpacking but want to try? Here’s a deep cut guide to everything you’ll want to know before your first backpacking trip from meal planning to how to pack and route planning.

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