There are a few Midwest national parks, but there are also many monuments and other attractions to enjoy. Let’s explore some of these great parks.
Each Midwest national park varies in landscape and hiking. For example, Badlands National Park has buttes and pinnacles, while Apostle Islands has cliff dwellings.
Voyageurs National Park has lakes and forests, and Theodore Roosevelt National Park has prairies and badlands. Thus, each park offers a unique experience for visitors.
The National Park Service Midwest Region covers 13 states. This area is responsible for 57 national park sites and 14 additional locations, ranging from less than one acre to more than one hundred thousand acres!
Here is a summary of the number of national park sites by category in the Midwest:
| Type | NPS Units |
|---|---|
| National Parks | 9 |
| National Monument | 10 |
| National Preserve | 1 |
| National Historical Park | 4 |
| National Historic Site | 17 |
| International Historic Site | 0 |
| National Battlefield Park | 1 |
| National Military Park | 1 |
| National Battlefield | 1 |
| National Battlefield Site | 0 |
| National Memorial | 4 |
| National Recreation Area | 0 |
| National Seashore | 0 |
| National Lakeshore | 3 |
| National River | 6 |
| National Reserve | 0 |
| National Parkway | 0 |
| National Trail | 0 |
| Other | 0 |
| Total | 57 |
This region was established along with other states as part of the United States in 1937, although five further states were added in 1949. The Midwest Region was first called the East-Central region, which is reflected in much of the work done here over the years.
National parks and monuments help preserve our history and culture and provide recreational opportunities for people of all ages. These parks allow you to enjoy nature’s beauty and find peace. In addition, these parks are also great places to take your family.
TL;DR
Here’s a table of our favorite National Park Service sights in the Midwest.
| National Parks | National Lakeshore & Historical Parks | National Monuments & National Historic Sites | National Scenic Byways |
|---|---|---|---|
| Badlands National Park, South Dakota | Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Wisconsin | Cahokia Mounds National Historic Site, Missouri | Lincoln Highway |
| Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota | Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Michigan | Lincoln’s Home National Historic Site, Illinois | Great River Road |
| Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota | Keweenaw National Historical Park, Michigan | Pipestone National Monument, Minnesota | Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway |
| Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio | Mount Rushmore National Memorial, South Dakota | ||
| Indiana Dunes National Park, Indiana | |||
| Isle Royale National Park, Michigan | |||
| Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota | |||
| Gateway Arch National Park, Missouri |
Best Midwest National Parks
Badlands National Park, South Dakota
Badlands National Park is a stunning natural landscape located in South Dakota. Whether you’re admiring the dramatic canyons, cliffs, spires, buttes, or pinnacles, there’s plenty to explore at this national park. With its wide variety of animals and uninhabited wilderness areas, the Badlands is a haven for those who love nature and wildlife.
You can see herds of bighorn sheep grazing among the rocks, coyotes trotting across the plains, and even mountain lions stalking their prey in the valleys below.
The park is also home to one of the most endangered species in North America – the black-footed ferret – which makes this national park truly one-of-a-kind.
Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota
Voyageurs National Park is a beautiful park in Minnesota known for its canoeing, kayaking, and boating. It is one of the best national parks in the country, and for justifiable grounds.
This Minnesota national park contains numerous islands that make them appear like mosaics of land and sea. Its breathtaking landscape has resulted from volcanic and earthquake eruptions. This will give you a scenic view as you go fishing.
A further advantage is that the park is re-opened when the sun rises, filled with thousands of stars and sometimes meteoric events. It’s the perfect place to experience the magical Aurora Borealis against an unrelenting starlit sky.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota
Theodore Roosevelt National Park is a park you cannot miss during your travel experience. The park in Northern Dakota has three sections anchored by the Little Missouri River and the Maah Daahhey trail.
The forest has various landscapes, including mountains, canyons, and farms. Its famous tourist attractions include scenic trails throughout the horse trail, hiking paths, and bird watching.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park also contains four camping sites and is home to several animals, making it perfect for wildlife viewing. These include bighorn sheep, elk, deer, wild horses, bison, pronghorn, and many more!
See Related: Things to Do in Grand Forks, North Dakota
Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio
Cuyahoga Valley National Park is the perfect destination for anyone looking to get out and explore the great outdoors.
Located right in the heart of Ohio, this 32,000-acre park is home to various beautiful landscapes, including rolling hills, deep forests, and rushing waterfalls.
The park also boasts miles of scenic trails perfect for exploring on foot or by bike. And for those who love snow sports, Cuyahoga Valley offers cross-country skiing and snowmobiling during winter.
Additionally, several historic sites, such as the Perkins Stone Mansion and Boston Store Visitor Center, are located within the park grounds.
Indiana Dunes National Park, Indiana
The Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore is an incredible area perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. This sprawling park stretches along nearly 15,000 acres of the southern shore of Lake Michigan, offering visitors a variety of exciting activities to enjoy.
Additionally, it is a great place for bird-watching enthusiasts or those who enjoy being outdoors. For a unique experience, you can also hop on the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore Train and tour the park from a new perspective.
This is one of the most popular national parks in the Midwest due to its proximity to Chicago. Be sure to plan accordingly for accommodation and visitation as this park gets crowded, especially during summer.
See Related: 14 Fun & Things to Do in Lafayette, Indiana
Isle Royale National Park, Michigan
Isle Royale National Park is a US National Park located in Michigan. It’s remote and only accessible by boat or aircraft – the nearest town is Houghton, MI, about an hour away by seaplane. Isle Royale has one large island and many smaller ones near Lake Superior.
The island is known for its unique flora and fauna, as well as its long natural history and rich heritage. There are 36 camping sites on Isle Royale, which has 2 hectares of total area.
If you want to visit Isle Royale National Park, you can only get there by seaplane, water taxi, or ferry from Houghton, Michigan; Copper Harbor, Michigan; or Grand Portage, Minnesota.
Once you’re on the island, there are plenty of trails to explore – and don’t forget to keep your camera handy to snap a few pictures of the stunning scenery.
See Related: Things to Do in Pierre, South Dakota
Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota
Wind Cave National Park is a beautiful natural park in South Dakota. It is home to the world’s first cave, which is designated as a national park, and the world’s longest cave. Wind Cave is also known for its dense boxwork, which is the most of any cave in the world.
Visitors to the park can enjoy a variety of tours that showcase the cave’s natural beauty, including different difficulty levels. You can also reserve tours of undeveloped caves with a guide. Wind Cave National Park is a great place to experience the natural wonders of caves while also enjoying some time in the great outdoors.
This is one of the best national parks in the Midwest for a road trip, and it pairs well with the many other great tourist attractions in South Dakota.
Gateway Arch National Park, Missouri
The Gateway Arch National Park is one of Missouri’s most popular tourist destinations. This 630-foot monument pays tribute to the explorers and settlers who journeyed westward and is an absolute must for any visitor to the area. The park offers plenty of activities for visitors, including a museum, film screenings, and ranger-led tours.
Best National Lakeshore & Historical Parks in the Midwest
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Wisconsin
If you’re looking for a great getaway for you and your family, look no further than Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in Wisconsin. This park offers a wealth of natural beauty and peace to enjoy, and it’s the perfect place to escape your busy life.
With 21 islands to explore along Lake Superior, there’s plenty to see and do here, and you can marvel at the stunning natural formations along the shoreline.
Once you step onto an island, it feels like you’re a world away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The islands are home to wildlife, including bald eagles, peregrine falcons, and ospreys. You can also find plenty of secluded beaches to relax on, as well as hiking trails that wind through forests and along cliffs.
In addition to camping sites and picnic areas, ranger-led programs are available. These programs range from guided hikes and kayaking tours to lessons on identifying different bird species.
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Michigan
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is a stunning natural landscape on Lake Superior’s shores in northern Michigan.
This awe-inspiring park is known for its striking mineral marks and kaleidoscopic colors, brought to life when the lake’s water glides along its ancient cliffs.
Pictured Rocks Lakeshore is a must-see destination for adventurers. It features white beaches, majestic waterfalls, towering dunes, and picturesque lighthouses.
See Related: Things to Do in Troy, Michigan
Keweenaw National Historical Park, Michigan
Keweenaw National Historical Park is an amazing site in Michigan, one of the oldest and most fascinating areas in the United States.
This historical park is home to a vast and unique lava flow and over 20 beautiful sites, each with its unique story and contribution to the park’s rich history.
At Keweenaw, you will find many must-see sites, including the AE Seaman Museum. This museum boasts an incredible collection of minerals and copper and interactive exhibits for visitors.
Also, the Delaware Coal Mines is not to be missed. Here, you can take a guided tour of Keweenaw’s oldest and most impressive copper deposits.
Finally, be sure not to miss Fort Wilkins Historical State Park, a newer addition to Keweenaw that offers visitors an opportunity to explore the fascinating story of Keweenaw through cycling tours, local events, and more.
National Monuments & National Historic Sites in the Midwest
The Midwest is full of stunning natural beauty, from rolling prairies to towering mountains and crystal-clear lakes. But many people don’t realize this area is also home to several fantastic national parks, monuments, and historic sites.
The National Park Service manages not just national parks but also national scenic byways, lakeshores, national historic spots, and national monuments.
Cahokia Mounds National Historic Site, Missouri
One of the most popular national parks in the Midwest is Cahokia Mounds, located just outside St. Louis, Missouri. This park is home to the remains of the largest Native American city north of Mexico, inhabited from about 700 AD to 1400 AD. Today, visitors can explore the mounds, see archaeological exhibits, and learn about the people who once lived here.
Lincoln’s Home National Historic Site, Illinois
Lincoln’s Home National Historic Site in Springfield, Illinois, is another great stop for history buffs. This site allows visitors to tour the home that President Abraham Lincoln and his family lived in for 17 years and learn about Lincoln’s early life and political career.
Pipestone National Monument, Minnesota
Pipestone National Monument is a fascinating place to visit, as it is the only place in the world where you can find red pipestone.
Native Americans have used this stone for centuries to make ceremonial pipes, and the monument is home to multiple cultural and historical exhibits that tell the story of the native peoples.
See Related: Things to Do in Pipestone
Mount Rushmore National Memorial, South Dakota
If you’re looking for an unforgettable family vacation, check out Mount Rushmore National Memorial! This incredible monument is located in the Black Hills of South Dakota and is home to one of the most iconic American landmarks. Here, you can see the faces of four American presidents carved into the side of a mountain.
There’s plenty to do at Mount Rushmore, even beyond admiring the monument. You can explore the many hiking trails that wind through the area, learn about the history of the presidents at the on-site museum, or take a scenic drive down one of the most beautiful roads in America.
And if you want to extend your stay in the area, there are plenty of other attractions to explore. You can visit the Crazy Horse Memorial, which is still under construction and will one day be the largest sculpture in the world. You can also go rafting or kayaking down some of South Dakota’s beautiful rivers.
Other national historic sites in the Midwest include the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site, Scotts Bluff National Monument, Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, Pullman National Monument, and Effigy Mounds National Monument.
National Scenic Byways in the Midwest
The Midwest is home to some of the country’s most beautiful National Scenic Byways. These roads wind through stunning landscapes and offer travelers a unique view of America’s heartland. Here are some of the best byways in the Midwest:
Lincoln Highway
The Lincoln Highway was the first transcontinental highway in the United States. This historic road runs from New York City to San Francisco and passes through thirteen states, including Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota. It is a great way to see the country and learn about its history.
Great River Road
The Great River Road is a national scenic byway that runs along the Mississippi River from Minnesota to Louisiana. This scenic route offers stunning views of the river and its many tributaries.
Travelers can also explore small towns and historic sites along the river, making this trip a great way to experience the diversity and culture of the Midwest.
Grand Rounds Scenic Byway
The Grand Rounds Scenic Byway is one of Minneapolis‘s best-kept secrets in the Mississippi National River & Recreation Area.
This fifty-mile route winds through the city and offers spectacular views of lakes, parks, and gardens. The byway also passes by some of the city’s most popular attractions, such as the Walker Art Center and the Minneapolis Institute of Arts.
Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway
Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway is another amazing Minnesota scenic drive. This byway follows the Saint Croix River for over 200 miles and offers stunning views of the river, its cliffs, and the surrounding wilderness. You can take a St. Croix Rainbow Beach excursion for a quick side trip.
National parks in the Midwest are a great getaway for travelers looking to enjoy nature’s beauty and find peace. These parks offer an escape from your busy life and a chance to explore some of America‘s most beautiful landscapes.
FAQ
How many National Parks are in the Midwest region?
There are nine National Parks in the Midwest region of the United States.
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