Experience These Unforgettable Midwest Summer Activities

There are many ways to enjoy summer in the Midwest. Some prefer to explore the region’s natural beauty, while others would rather immerse themselves in its major cities. Let’s look at unique activities to help visitors and residents get the most out of a Midwest summer.

Summer is a time to experience the great outdoors, and outdoor enthusiasts may find no better place in Iowa to explore than the network of captivating caves at Maquoketa Caves State Park. Maquoketa Caves State Park boasts a vast and picturesque landscape with unique geology at every turn. An exceptional six-mile trail takes you through its main attractions, providing an active and delightful way to spend a summer day. For those who want a longer stay, the park offers campgrounds for overnight visits.

Missouri’s Ozark region is one of the most popular summer destinations in the Midwest, known for its mountains, forests, waterfalls, and scenic bodies of water. The area’s many lakes attract crowds of visitors looking to enjoy world-class boating, angling, and water sports. Lake of the Ozarks and Table Rock Lake, two oft-visited sites in the Ozarks, are ideal for those looking to beat the summer heat. With numerous waterfront resorts, the Ozarks is also a desirable spot for a summer vacation. 

Nothing can beat the family-friendly spectacle of a summer fair, and the Nebraska State Fair is one of the Midwest’s top festivals. This year, the fair will be on Grand Island from August 25th to September 4th. It will have all the classic ingredients of a great fair, including agricultural exhibits and competitions, delectable festival food, live entertainment, and carnival rides and games. 

Renowned for its scenic plains and prairies, Kansas’s natural settings provide breathtaking scenery. During the summer, the Prairie Spirit Trail is a prime destination for nature lovers eager to observe Kansas’s environment and all it offers. The Prairie Spirit Trail, formerly a railroad right-of-way, now serves as a large state park with a picturesque trail winding through forests, meadows, and small cities. Hiking or biking on this trail, which is more than 50 miles long, is a popular summer activity, and you’ll find bike rentals, hotels, and restaurants conveniently located alongside it.

Kansas City boasts a delicious fresh cuisine landscape, and it is best known for its barbecue and charming diners. During the summer, many flock to the city’s top-notch patios and food festivals. Several summer events provide residents and visitors with a sample of the city’s renowned food culture, including the Kansas City Feastival, the Heart of America Hot Dog Festival, and the Greek Food Festival.