Charming Downtown Areas in the Midwest

Many of the Midwest’s scenic downtown areas have much to offer visitors, from appealing dining and entertainment options to beautiful architecture and captivating histories. We are here to help you choose the best places to visit, with a look at some of the most delightful downtown areas in the Midwest.

Gorgeous lakes and forests surround Branson, a celebrated tourist hotspot in the Ozarks. Renowned as one of the Midwest’s premier entertainment hubs, Branson’s historic downtown offers a vast array of live music venues and restaurants. Lean into the city’s festive spirit at Branson’s Lights of Joy Christmas Drive-Thru, just a short drive north of downtown. 

St. Louis is a bustling city known for its iconic architecture, including the Gateway Arch. Downtown, the heart of the city, features world-class dining destinations with some of the best BBQ in the country. And its entertainment venues regularly present A-list talent.

Omaha is a major city along the Missouri River.​​ The Old Market, Omaha’s historic downtown core, contributes to this busy community’s status as a prominent Midwest destination. While there, you can enjoy some of the best steaks in the country, cobblestone streets, art galleries, and picturesque riverfront parks. The holidays bring Omaha’s Holiday Lights Festival, consisting of numerous luminous displays throughout the city. 

Winterset is a small town with a welcoming atmosphere, and its delightful downtown area provides visitors with an idyllic escape from the big city. It has historical buildings, tasty bakeries, locally owned businesses, and the John Wayne Birthplace Museum. Also, the city hosts holiday spectacles, including the Winterset Festival of Lights. 

Surrounded by gorgeous scenery, Manhattan is a picturesque city at the confluence of the Kansas and Big Blue Rivers. As home to Kansas State University, the city’s vibrant downtown exudes a collegiate ambiance. Downtown Manhattan offers excellent dining and nightlife options, and the town bursts with life during college football Saturdays.

The historic community of Leavenworth is a distinctly eclectic downtown with numerous locally owned businesses, specialty shops, and boutiques. Also known as a festive hotspot, Downtown Leavenworth hosts annual seasonal celebrations, including its notable Leavenworth Christmas Market, a German-style holiday market featuring locally produced goods.

Wichita, a charming metropolis along the Arkansas River, serves as one of Kansas’s economic and cultural cores. Downtown Wichita is home to several museums, hundreds of shops and restaurants, and a lively riverfront boasting scenic parks and businesses. Illuminations at Botanica is a can’t-miss holiday event with a brilliant display of lights, happening now through December 30th.

Lee’s Summit, a charming suburb of Kansas City, is a popular destination thanks to its award-winning downtown. Filled with locally owned stores and restaurants, Downtown Lee’s Summit offers many unique options to enjoy. And with beloved seasonal events such as the Farmers Market Holiday Mart, it stands as a celebrated holiday hotspot. 

Kansas City is a famous urban destination along the Kansas border. The winding Missouri River passes through Downtown Kansas City, which hosts numerous museums, a delicious food scene with some of the best BBQ in the country, and live music venues. And events such as Enchant Christmas at Legends Field contribute to Kansas City’s vibrant holiday atmosphere.