Gorgeous Outdoor Areas to Explore Across the Midwest

Dogwood Canyon Nature Park | Image credit: Hannah Bickford

The Midwest is known for having beautiful outdoor destinations. This significant part of the U.S. stretches across environments such as the Great Lakes, plains, forests, and more. Exploring these areas is an ideal way to see all that America’s Heartland offers. 

As we enter the year’s warmer months, there will be boundless opportunities for residents and visitors to explore the Midwest. But where to go? We are here to help narrow it down by briefly looking at some of the top outdoor areas to visit across the Midwest.

Nebraska

Nebraska’s natural beauty is defined by its expansive open spaces with vast prairies and farmland. But the natural scenery is quite diverse. Let’s look at two of Nebraska’s premier natural destinations.

Pine Ridge National Recreation Area: Pine Ridge National Recreation Area is a spacious area comprising over 6,600 acres of scenic terrain, including pine forests and meadows. It is a destination for hiking, horseback riding, and camping in the summer, and is popular for cross-country skiing in the winter.

Snake River Falls: Snake River Falls is an incredible waterfall, one of the most gorgeous spots in the state. Pine trees surround the waterfall, which flows into the Niobrara River through various canyons. This is more of an off-the-beaten-path destination, but one worth visiting. 

Niobrara River | Image credit: Jeffrey Hamilton

Iowa

Iowa is famous for its rugged natural landscapes, which include roaring rapids, unspoiled forests, and incredible biodiversity. It is a haven for nature lovers, with plenty to see, but let’s look at two of its most stunning natural locales.

Maquoketa Caves State Park: If you are intrigued by exploring unique environments, this park is for you. With vast caverns in incredible subterranean environments, this park is a one-of-a-kind destination. More than six miles of trails link the cave system to other natural sites within the park.

Pikes Peak State Park: Pikes Peak State Park is a beautiful park on a national scenic byway. It has more than 11 miles of trails winding through forests and bluffs. The park is most famous for its vantage point at the end of an uphill trail that overlooks the nearby Mississippi River and miles of unspoiled forest.

Maquoketa Caves State Park | Image credit: Venti Views

Missouri

Missouri might be the Midwest state most renowned for its natural beauty, with caves, mountains, and crystal-clear lakes. The state is a tourism hotspot due to its unparalleled beauty; let’s look at some natural sites to see while in Missouri. 

Taum Sauk Mountain State Park: Taum Sauk Mountain State Park is a massive state park in the Ozarks. It encompasses Taum Sauk Mountain, the highest natural point in the state, and has densely wooded areas with meadows and glades, excellent views from the top of the mountain, and limited crowds. 

Dogwood Canyon Nature Park: Dogwood Canyon is another scenic Ozark destination. This park highlights why this region is a nature lover’s dream, with 10,000 acres consisting of forests, rivers, and waterfalls. It is a destination for fishing, hiking, biking, horseback riding, and many other outdoor activities. 

Dogwood Canyon Nature Park | Image credit: Hannah Bickford

Kansas

Kansas is famous for its sprawling plains stretching as far as the eye can see, its rugged rivers, and its unique native wildlife. It has vast protected wilderness areas and picturesque natural sites to explore. Let’s look at two of Kansas’s top natural destinations.

Cedar Bluff State Park: Cedar Bluff State Park is a huge park along the vast Cedar Bluff Reservoir with beautiful geologic formations. This area is a hub for outdoor fun, with hiking and biking trails, fishing areas, boat launches, campgrounds, and even an archery range. 

Clinton State Park: Clinton State Park encompasses over 1,500 acres, with thick forests and waterfront hiking trails. It borders Clinton Lake, a destination for catfish and walleye anglers. 

No Comments Yet

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.