The Midwest region of the United States is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country, with rolling hills, pristine lakes, and stunning mountain ranges.
One of the best ways to experience the natural beauty of the Midwest is by taking a scenic drive, especially in the midwest. From the Great River Road along the Mississippi River to the Kancamagus Highway winding through the White Mountains, there are countless routes that offer breathtaking views and opportunities for outdoor adventure.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the best scenic drives to take in the Midwest and what makes them so special. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, these drives are sure to leave you in awe of the natural beauty of the region.
1. Great River Road
The Great River Road is a scenic route that follows the Mississippi River from Minnesota to Louisiana. The Midwest portion of the route runs through Iowa, Illinois, and Missouri and offers stunning views of the river, historic towns, and rolling hills.
The Great River Road is not just one road, but a network of scenic routes that offer different perspectives on the river and surrounding landscapes. Whether you’re driving through the bluffs of Iowa or the rolling hills of Missouri, there’s always something new to see along the route.
The Great River Road offers some of the best views of the Mississippi River in the Midwest. It’s also steeped in history, with many historic sites and museums along the route.
From the birthplace of Mark Twain in Hannibal, Missouri, to the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site in Collinsville, Illinois, there are countless opportunities to learn about the history of the region.
The Great River Road passes through many charming river towns, each with its own unique character and attractions.
From the artsy town of Galena, Illinois, to the quaint village of McGregor, Iowa, there are plenty of opportunities to explore local shops, restaurants, and attractions.
The Great River Road offers access to a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, fishing, and boating.
Whether you’re looking to explore the river by kayak or hike through the rolling hills, there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure.
2. Tunnel of Trees.
 The Tunnel of Trees is a scenic drive in Michigan that runs along the shores of Lake Michigan. The route is lined with towering trees and offers breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding countryside.
The Tunnels of Trees is a special scenic drive that is known for its natural beauty, unique experience, charming towns, outdoor recreation opportunities, and seasonal beauty.
It is a must-see destination for anyone looking to explore the beauty of the Midwest. The tunnel of tree drives takes you through dense forests, past sparkling lakes, and along the shores of Lake Michigan, giving you stunning natural beauty views of the region.
The Tunnels of Trees offers a unique driving experience that is unlike any other in the Midwest. The canopy of trees that arches over the road creates a feeling of being enveloped in nature, making it a memorable and special experience for drivers and passengers alike.
The route passes through several charming towns that offer opportunities to stop and explore local shops, restaurants, and attractions.
From the historic town of Harbor Springs to the quaint village of Good Hart, there’s plenty to see and do along the way. The Tunnels of Trees is located in an area of Northern Michigan that offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, fishing, and boating.
There are plenty of opportunities to explore the natural beauty of the region and enjoy outdoor adventures. The Tunnels of Trees is particularly beautiful during the fall season when the trees are ablaze with vibrant colors.
However, it is also a beautiful drive during other seasons, with wildflowers in the spring, lush greenery in the summer, and snowy landscapes in the winter.
3. Ohio River Scenic Byway.
The Ohio River Scenic Byway is a 943-mile route that follows the Ohio River through six states: Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois.
The route also passes through historic towns and offers access to outdoor activities like hiking and fishing. The Ohio River Scenic Byway offers breathtaking scenery, and stunning views of the Ohio River and its surrounding landscapes.
Along the route, you’ll see rolling hills, quaint river towns, and historic landmarks. The Ohio River has played an important role in American history, and the Ohio River Scenic Byway offers a chance to explore that history.
From the Underground Railroad to the Civil War, there are countless historic sites and museums along the route. The route also offers access to a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, fishing, and boating.
There are also several state parks and nature preserves along the route that offers opportunities for outdoor adventure. The Ohio River Scenic Byway passes through many charming river towns, each with its own unique character and attractions.
From the artsy town of Marietta, Ohio, to the historic city of Louisville, Kentucky, there are plenty of opportunities to explore local shops, restaurants, and attractions.
Since The Ohio River Scenic Byway passes through six states, each with its own unique culture and traditions. It’s safe to say it offers diverse cultures from the Pennsylvania Dutch communities in Pennsylvania to the bourbon distilleries of Kentucky, there’s plenty of diversity to explore along the route.
4. The Lake Michigan Circle Tour.
The Lake Michigan Circle Tour is a 1,100-mile scenic route that takes travelers around the entire perimeter of Lake Michigan, passing through four states: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin.
The Lake Michigan Circle Tour is a special scenic drive that offers breathtaking scenery, outdoor recreation opportunities, rich history, culinary delights, and charming lakeside towns.
It is a must-see destination for anyone looking to explore the beauty and culture of the Midwest. The Lake Michigan Circle Tour offers stunning breathtaking scenic views of Lake Michigan and its surrounding landscapes.
Along the route, you’ll see towering sand dunes, sparkling beaches, and charming lakeside towns. The route also offers access to a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, fishing, and boating.
There are several state parks and nature preserves along the route that offers opportunities for outdoor adventure. The Lake Michigan region has a rich history, and the Circle Tour offers a chance to explore that history.
From the historic maritime town of St. Joseph, Michigan, to the charming Victorian-era homes of Ludington, there are countless historic sites and museums along the route.
The Lake Michigan region is known for its culinary delights, including fresh seafood, artisanal cheeses, and craft beers. Along the Circle Tour, you’ll have the opportunity to sample some of the region’s best food and drink.
The route passes through many charming lakeside towns, each with its own unique character and attractions. From the artsy town of Saugatuck, Michigan, to the bustling city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, there are plenty of opportunities to explore local shops, restaurants, and attractions.
5. Wisconsin Great River Road
The Wisconsin Great River Road is a 250-mile scenic route that follows the Mississippi River along the western border of Wisconsin.
The Wisconsin Great River Road offers stunning breathtaking scenic views of the Mississippi River and its surrounding landscapes.
Along the route, you’ll see towering bluffs, scenic overlooks, and beautiful river valleys. The route offers access to a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, fishing, and boating.
There are also several state parks and nature preserves along the route that offers opportunities for outdoor adventure.
The Mississippi River has played an important role in American history, and the Wisconsin Great River Road offers a chance to explore that history. From the Native American burial mounds of the Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge to the historic Fort Crawford in Prairie du Chien, there are countless historic sites and museums along the route.
The Wisconsin Great River Road is known for its culinary delights, including artisanal cheeses, craft beers, and locally sourced meats. Along the route, you’ll have the opportunity to sample some of the region’s best food and drink.
The Wisconsin Great River Road passes through many charming river towns, each with its own unique character and attractions. From the historic town of La Crosse, Wisconsin, to the scenic village of Stockholm, there are plenty of opportunities to explore local shops, restaurants, and attractions.
These are just a few of the many scenic drives to take in the Midwest. Whether you’re looking for fall foliage, mountain views, or lakeside scenery, the Midwest has something for everyone.
