
Underrated adventures in the Midwest you never knew existed
Paddling through sea caves to hiking ancient mounds — these lesser-known Midwest activities should be on your list.
To many, the 12 states that make up America’s Heartland — roughly twice the size of France — are just “flyover country.” But those who venture into the region of endless cornfields and sleepy small towns soon discover the Midwest’s many offbeat activities and hidden charms. From kayaking in Wisconsin’s sea caves to road-tripping through Iowa’s European towns, there’s something for everyone. Whether you love history, the outdoors, or food, it’s time to get off Route 66 and have a little adventure. Here are seven underrated things to do in the Midwest that will make you wonder why you didn’t come sooner.
The most underrated activities in the Midwest at a glance
Best for history: Exploring the Cahokia Mounds in Illinois
Top choice for families: Hiking Devils Tower (Wyoming), touring Rapid City and Deadwood (Saskatchewan)
Best for nature lovers: Kayaking through sea caves on Wisconsin’s Apostle Islands
Best for art enthusiasts: Admiring folk art in Lucas, Kansas, and vintage Americana at the American Sign Museum in Ohio
Most unique choice: Climbing the Sleeping Bear Dunes, Michigan

Climbers flock to Devils Tower year-round, except in June, when Native American rituals are held at the site.
1. Hike the mystical Devils Tower in Wyoming
Dramatically rising from the prairie, Devils Tower is sacred to the Lakota and Cheyenne tribes. Located two hours northwest of Mount Rushmore, many overlook this geological wonder in favor of the famous “Symbol of America.” Few people know that Devils Tower is America’s first national monument, established by President Roosevelt in 1906.
Insider tip
Book a (haunted) room in the Hotel Alex Johnson in Rapid City — one of America’s oldest and spookiest hotels. No less than six dead presidents, plus Cary Grant and Alfred Hitchcock, have stayed here.
How to experience it
The best time to hike the Tower Trail is at sunrise when the morning light casts dramatic shadows on the hexagonal columns of Devils Tower. After the hike, explore the hidden Midwestern gem Rapid City, where you can shake hands with 43 life-size presidential statues, and stop at nearby Deadwood for Wild West re-enactments.
Join a hiking tour of Devils Tower

Kayaking the freshwater sea caves of the Apostle Islands is a popular way to explore this hidden gem of the Midwest.
2. Paddle through Wisconsin’s hidden sea caves
The Apostle Islands boast a maze of red sandstone caves formed by the relentless waves of Lake Superior. While the Peninsula Park Caves are a popular attraction on Wisconsin’s north shore, these natural masterpieces near Bayfield remain a hidden gem. In winter, they turn into frozen chambers with giant ice pillars.
What not to miss
Don’t miss the epic sea caves on the northern shore of Devils Island, and keep an eye out for the ten historic lighthouses that dot the archipelago.
How to experience it
Exploring the Apostle Islands Sea Caves by kayak is one of the most underrated things to do in the Midwest during summer. First-time kayakers can join a guided excursion or explore the caves by boat. Visitors can even walk into the otherworldly ice temples when Lake Superior freezes over during winter and ice conditions are stable.
Explore Wisconsin’s best experiences

Amana residents celebrate the arrival of spring each May with a traditional German Maifest.
3. Discover European villages in Iowa
Often deemed flat farmland with no tourist attractions, Iowa offers an authentic slice of Europe in the middle of America that isn’t overly touristic (yet). Exploring its enchanting villages on a road trip is easily one of the best off-the-radar activities in the Midwest.
Highlights
The Amana Colonies showcase seven historic villages preserving their German culture through architecture, crafts, and cuisine. Pella is home to the tallest working Dutch windmill in the United States. Decorah’s Nordic Fest in July is a must-visit for a truly Norwegian experience.
How to experience it
Start in Pella for Frisian cheese and Dutch architecture. Further east, the Amana Colonies transport you back to 19th-century Germany. Time your visit for spring or fall festivals such as “Maifest” or Oktoberfest. Drive north to Decorah, where you’ll find the best lutefisk (lye-soaked cod) outside of Norway and the insightful Vesterheim Museum.

S. P. Dinmoor's Garden of Eden is the oldest intact folk art environment in the United States.
4. Check out grassroots art in Lucas, Kansas
In central Kansas, the town of Lucas proves that extraordinary art can flourish anywhere — even in the underrated Midwest. From the quirky “World’s Largest Collection of the World’s Smallest Versions of the World’s Largest Things” to the Garden of Eden, this town is full of fun photo ops.
Highlights
Lucas earned its title as the “Grassroots Art Capital of Kansas” through quirky creations like Bowl Plaza, the most artistic public restroom you’ll ever see. Don’t miss the Garden of Eden, a bizarrely beautiful sculpture installation created by a local visionary.
How to experience it
Start exploring at the Grassroots Art Center, walking past folk art installations created by self-taught artists. Visit in spring or fall when mild weather makes outdoor art walks most enjoyable.
Find other underrated activities in Kansas

Photo: Bcgood1973
The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is one of the lesser-known treasures of the Midwest.
5. Scale the mighty Sleeping Bear Dunes in Michigan
This natural Midwestern gem is located on the northwestern coast of Lake Michigan, near the “Cherry Capital” Traverse City. The Sleeping Bear Dunes are about 2,000 years old and rise 450 feet (137 meters) above the lake.
Highlights
On clear days, the Empire Bluff outlook offers superb views across the lake to Wisconsin.
How to experience it
The Dune Climb is undoubtedly one of the most unusual things to do in Michigan. For the best climbing conditions, tackle the challenging ascent during summer mornings before the sand heats up, or enjoy the stunning views at sunset. If you don’t want to break a sweat, take the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive for accessible viewpoints.

At its 13th-century peak, Cahokia in present-day Illinois was home to more people than medieval London.
6. Explore an ancient Native American city at Cahokia Mounds
The Cahokia Mounds is a UNESCO World Heritage site that preserves North America’s largest pre-Columbian city north of Mexico. Located just outside St. Louis, Illinois, the 80 mysterious mounds are the last remnant of the continent’s first true metropolis. Most pass this forgotten city on the first leg of Route 66, making it a genuinely underrated experience in the Midwest.
Highlights
Check out “Woodhenge,” the wooden stakes the Cahokians used to mark the seasons. Monks Mound is the most prominent mound of the complex, boasting a larger base than the Pyramid of Giza.
How to experience it
Start at the interpretive center to learn about the site’s significance, then climb Monks Mound for panoramic views. Visit during sunrise or sunset for the best light.

Photo: THEMACGIRL*
Exploring commercial art at the American Sign Museum is a perfect non-touristy activity in Cincinnati.
7. Discover vintage Americana at Cincinnati’s Sign Museum
If you’re into art and Americana, visiting the most extensive public collection of vintage signs at the American Sign Museum is your ideal offbeat activity in Ohio. Located in Cincinnati’s Camp Washington neighborhood, this museum celebrates the art of American advertising like no other place in the United States.
Insider tip
Stop by the Neonworks of Cincinnati shop in the same building for an enlightening demonstration of neon-bending (literally).
How to experience it
This Cincinnati museum offers guided tours, where you’ll learn about sign-making techniques and preservation. Take your time to see everything from early hand-painted signs to elaborate neon creations that once lined the streets of America. Many signs are still working, creating a vibrant backdrop for photos.
Find other epic experiences in Cincinnati
Underrated things to do in the Midwest: FAQs
What is unique about the Midwest?
The Midwest offers unique natural wonders, quaint small towns with European heritage or quirky art, and distinctive sites of Native American history. From ancient metropolises like the Cahokia Mounds in Illinois to European villages like the Amana Colonies in Iowa, this region boasts many one-of-a-kind experiences. Other unusual activities found only in the Midwest include walking through icy sea caves in Wisconsin or climbing 450-foot sand dunes in Michigan.
Where is the best place to visit in the Midwest during the summer?
The Apostle Islands in Wisconsin stand out as an ideal summer destination in the Midwest. At this time of year, the calm waters of Lake Superior are perfect for kayaking through the archipelago’s red sandstone sea caves and exploring the historic lighthouses. Michigan’s Sleeping Bear Dunes are another excellent summer choice, but climbing this natural phenomenon is best done before the midday sun heats the sand.
Which city is at the heart of the Midwest?
Right on the coast of Lake Michigan, Chicago lies in the heart of the Midwest. It’s the region’s cultural and economic center. In addition to the city’s world-class attractions, some off-the-beaten-path activities in Chicago are well worth exploring, including the underground donut experience. You can also reach many hidden gems of the Midwest from Chicago, such as the Cahokia Mounds, the European villages of Iowa, or Michigan’s Sleeping Bear Dunes.
[HEADER IMAGE CREDIT] Flickr; Anthony G. Reyes. Some rights reserved