Flyover country it is not.
The Midwest offers a variety of landscapes, ripe for exploration with aclassic road trip.
In addition to pretty views, this area ofWisconsinoffers unexpected culinary delights in tiny river towns.
Courtesy of Travel Wisconsin
There, check out theHarbor View Cafe, which has been impressing visitors since 1980.
Those who prefer a hoppy beverage can stop at thePotosi Brewerynear the end of this road trip.
A nice way to break it up into a two-day trip is with an overnight stay near the vineyards.
Layne Kennedy/Getty Images
For an upscale bite, stop intoCerulean, and for more laidback fare, consider theBoatHouse Restaurant.
After your time in the capital city, head south to Bloomington, home to Indiana University.
This college town offers both a picturesque campus and a walkable downtown area.
Getty Images
You’ll be on the road for at least five hours on this trip.
Start in the Windy City, after enjoying some of its famous deep-dish pizza.
Highlights include theLincoln Home, hisPresidential Library and Museum, and theLincoln Tomb.
Kelly Griffin/Travel + Leisure
Next, journey onward to St. Louis.
The bridge is even on the National Register of Historic Places.
The property boasts atasty eaterywith a James Beard Award-winning chef as well as a full spa.
Getty Images
Plus, it’s close to another must-visit St. Louis attraction for kids: the interactiveCity Museum.
Getting from Chicago to St. Louis takes approximately five hours.
Part of the Arrowhead Region in northeast Minnesota, this drive belongs on any U.S. road trip bucket list.
Getty Images
Walk alongBob Dylan Wayfor a glimpse of the folk music legend and his childhood home.
Consider sipping some artisan spirits atVikre Distillery, which offers views of the famedAerial Lift Bridge.
Road-trippers should also plan to fill up on pizza at longtime favoriteSven and Ole’sin Grand Marais.
Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure
From roughly May to October, intrepid explorers canconsider an extensionto Michigan’s remote and gorgeousIsle Royale National Park.
Even though it’s super-touristy, everyone should visit at least once.
Also, try the well-awarded brews atSpearfish Brewing Company.
Outdoorsy types may also enjoy a visit toCuster State Park, the largest in the state.
Be sure to sample the beer atSoo Brewing Company, shortened to Soo Brew by locals.
It will addd about 75 miles to the trip, however.
Be sure to build in time to try some of this destination’s famous fudge, too.
If not, you’ll still enjoy a brilliant display of stars there.
End your trip on the gorgeousLeelanau Peninsula, Michigan’s answer to Wisconsin’s storied Door County.