Why Midwest National Parks Are a Must-Visit for Every Adventurer
The Midwest may not be the first place you think of when planning a National Park trip, but this region is home to some incredible protected lands. From remote islands to dramatic badlands and even an urban park, these Midwest National Parks offer a wide variety of landscapes and outdoor experiences. Whether you’re looking for scenic hiking, historical landmarks, or peaceful waterways, this guide will help you explore all the National Parks in the Midwest and plan your adventure.
What States Are Considered the Midwest?
The Midwest includes 12 states:
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- South Dakota
- Wisconsin
However, only 8 of these states have National Parks designated by the National Park Service (NPS). The following sections highlight each park, what makes it special, and how to plan your visit.
Midwest National Parks
The Midwest is home to National Parks spread across eight states: Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. Each park offers a unique experience, from the sandy shores of Indiana Dunes to the rugged badlands of Theodore Roosevelt, making this region a must-visit for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Indiana Dunes National Park (Indiana)
Located along the southern shore of Lake Michigan, this Indiana Dunes features rolling sand dunes, beaches, wetlands, and forests.
- Best hikes:
- West Beach Trail (1.1 miles) – Features sweeping views of Lake Michigan.
- Mount Baldy Trail (0.9 miles) – Leads to a towering sand dune with great views.
- Top scenic spots: Kemil Beach and Portage Lakefront, perfect for sunset views.
- Wildlife spotting: Over 350 bird species, making it a prime birdwatching destination.
- Best time to visit: Late spring through early fall for warm weather and swimmable waters.
Isle Royale National Park (Michigan)
Isle Royale is a remote island park in Lake Superior is one of the least-visited National Parks due to its isolation, making it a true wilderness escape.
- Best hikes:
- Greenstone Ridge Trail (40 miles) – A multi-day trek across the island.
- Scoville Point Loop (4 miles) – A scenic, moderate trail with great lake views.
- Wildlife: Moose, wolves, foxes, and otters.
- Getting there: Accessible only by ferry or seaplane from Michigan or Minnesota.
- Best time to visit: Summer; the park is closed from November through April.
Voyageurs National Park (Minnesota)
Voyageurs National Park is water-based park best explored by canoe, kayak, or houseboat.
- Best paddling routes: Kabetogama Lake and Rainy Lake.
- Best hiking trails:
- Cruiser Lake Trail (9.5 miles) – A great option for remote backcountry hiking.
- Blind Ash Bay Trail (2.5 miles) – Short but scenic.
- Unique experiences: Incredible stargazing—Voyageurs is a designated Dark Sky Park.
- Best time to visit: Summer for water activities; winter for snowshoeing and ice fishing.
Gateway Arch National Park (Missouri)
Gateway Arch is the smallest National Park, located in downtown St. Louis, focusing on American history and westward expansion.
- Must-do experience: Ride the tram to the top of the 630-foot Gateway Arch.
- Explore the history: The Museum at the Gateway Arch covers pioneer and Native American history.
- Best scenic walk: The Mississippi Riverfront trail offers fantastic views of the arch.
- Best time to visit: Spring and fall for mild temperatures.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park (North Dakota)
Theodore Roosevelt is rugged badlands park known for its wildlife and scenic drives.
- Best scenic drives:
- South Unit Loop Road (36 miles) – A classic drive with great overlooks.
- North Unit Scenic Drive (14 miles) – Less crowded but equally stunning.
- Top hikes:
- Painted Canyon Trail (1 mile) – Great for colorful rock formations.
- Caprock Coulee Trail (4.3 miles) – Offers solitude and varied terrain.
- Wildlife encounters: Bison, wild horses, prairie dogs, and elk.
- Best time to visit: Late spring through early fall.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park (Ohio)
Cuyahoga is located near Cleveland features waterfalls, lush forests, and a historic railway.
- Best hikes:
- Brandywine Falls Trail (1.4 miles) – Leads to a 65-foot waterfall.
- Ledges Trail (2.2 miles) – Features scenic rock formations.
- Unique experiences: The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad offers a historic ride through the park.
- Best time to visit: Year-round, but fall foliage is especially beautiful.
Badlands National Park (South Dakota)
Badlands National Park is known for its eroded rock formations, expansive prairies, and fossil beds.
- Best scenic drives:
- Badlands Loop Road (39 miles) – Offers panoramic views and wildlife spotting.
- Top hikes:
- Notch Trail (1.5 miles) – Famous for its rope ladder and scenic vistas.
- Window Trail (0.3 miles) – A short but stunning viewpoint walk.
- Wildlife: Bison, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, and rattlesnakes.
- Best time to visit: Spring and fall for cooler temperatures.
Wind Cave National Park (South Dakota)
Wind Cave is one of the longest caves in the world, known for its rare boxwork formations.
- Cave tours:
- Natural Entrance Tour (1.25 hours) – The best intro to Wind Cave.
- Candlelight Tour (2 hours) – A more adventurous experience.
- Above-ground activities: Rolling prairie landscape with bison herds and hiking trails.
- Best time to visit: Year-round, but summer has the most tour availability.
Midwest National Park Road Trip Itineraries
If you’re planning a Midwest National Parks road trip, here are a few itinerary ideas based on time and region:
- 5-Day Great Lakes Adventure: Indiana Dunes → Isle Royale → Voyageurs
- 7-Day Badlands & Black Hills Loop: Badlands → Wind Cave → Theodore Roosevelt
- City & Nature Combo: Gateway Arch → Cuyahoga Valley → Indiana Dunes
Midwest National Park Comparison Chart
| Park | Best For | Notable Features | Accessibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana Dunes | Beach lovers | Sand dunes, lake views | Easy, near Chicago |
| Isle Royale | Remote wilderness | Moose, kayaking | Difficult, ferry only |
| Voyageurs | Water activities | Canoeing, houseboats | Moderate, water-based |
| Gateway Arch | History & city visits | Iconic arch, museum | Easy, downtown St. Louis |
| Theodore Roosevelt | Wildlife & badlands | Bison, wild horses | Moderate, remote |
| Cuyahoga Valley | Waterfalls & history | Scenic railway, hiking trails | Easy, near Cleveland |
| Badlands | Unique landscapes | Dramatic rock formations | Easy, near Rapid City |
| Wind Cave | Caves & wildlife | Boxwork formations, bison | Moderate, tours required |
Final Thoughts
Midwest National Parks offer a surprising diversity of landscapes and outdoor experiences. Whether you’re looking for an island escape, a rugged road trip, or a mix of history and nature, the parks in this region deliver unforgettable adventures.
Have you visited any of these Midwest National Parks? Let me know which one is your favorite!
