American Midwest – Wonder. Wander. Repeat.

Sun, Sand, and Surf in the Midwest

When you think of the Midwest, your mind probably wanders through a highlight reel of endless rows of corn, fried foods smeared with grease and ranch dressing, small towns with three-digit populations, farmers with John Deeres backing up traffic on two-lane country roads, and flat, boring landscapes for miles. If you’re familiar with my blog, you are no stranger to my adamant, pro-Midwest posts. Since I was born and raised in the Midwest, I have made it my mission to debunk the stereotypes that ride alongside our country’s heart and soul. Though we do love country music, backyard barbecues, and star-studded bonfires, the middle of the country is filled with some of the most incredible landscapes that will leave you stunned. We may not have mountains or oceans, but we have incredible beaches and sand dunes along our Great Lakes, breathtaking waterfalls, and surprisingly hilly trails with towering ledges, cliffs and overlooks that will have you thinking you may’ve just stepped into the American West.

Adventures in Eastern Upper Peninsula

When you think of Michigan, your mind most likely wanders to the mitten-shaped state just north of Indiana, also known as the Lower Peninsula. You may think of things like cherries, sand dunes, or Motown. But what sits on top of Michigan’s “mitten” contains some of the most beautiful landscapes, waterfalls, mountains, and outdoor adventure hotspots. That’s right, I’m referring to the Upper Peninsula. This 16,377 square-mile piece of land that is separated by Lakes Michigan and Huron is packed full of terrains to admire and adventures to embark, no matter the season. Whether you want to paddle, fish, or jet one of the three bordering Great Lakes, hop on a ferry to visit an island, view the Northern Lights, lounge on a beach, summit a mountain, snowmobile down unpaved backroads, axe your way through an ice cave, or chase waterfalls, head on up to the UP!

Paddling Pictured Rocks

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore stretches 42 miles along the coast of Lake Superior in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. From Munising to Grand Marais, there is no shortage of sights to see, coastlines to paddle, and trails to hike. Its fifteen miles of 200-foot picturesque cliffs have been naturally sculptured into impressive formations such as arches, castle turrets, and caves. With 73,236 acres of land and a hundred miles of trail systems to explore, Pictured Rocks is an essential addition to your ever-growing bucket list.

Elephant Rocks, Shut-Ins and the Arch

This is such an unusual, heartbreaking time in our country. A pandemic swirls around us, causing businesses to close–some never to reopen again–millions of citizens to become unemployed, and sadly, even the outdoor spaces that we use as our escape from the world have shut their gates. Luckily, our country has seen some light at the end of the tunnel, and places have begun the slow process of reopening, including state and national parks. While thousands flocked to beaches and overcrowded pools over Memorial Day weekend, my wife and I chose to spend our holiday weekend in the woods.

Conquering Rock Scrambles

Rock scrambles are a fun way to hike, incorporating a unique perspective to the trail. It’s not exactly rock climbing, but it’s definitely not walking either. I describe rock scrambling as climbing jagged, uneven rocks, often with treacherous gaps or unclear paths, at a steep incline with moderate to strenuous required exertion. Some of my very favorite trails that we’ve hiked have featured these intense beasts. For now, I’m going to focus on our most recent rock scrambling adventure.

Along the Thornapple River

Michigan is one of those states that, when mentioned, doesn’t spark a lot of “oohs” and “ahhs” from most people. Only Midwest natives truly seem to be aware of the hidden gems that dot the state. But even further, only a handful have probably set foot in each of these spots. From the coastal sand dunes scaling one of America’s Great Lakes to the mountainous, island-speckled Upper Peninsula, Michigan is home to some of the most beautiful places in America. I will dedicate a post later this summer to my favorite spots in the Great Lakes State, but for now, I’m going to tell you a little bit about a lesser-known, unlikely-placed spot that has quickly become one of my favorite summer places to recommend to Midwesterners.

Nelson Ledges: A Well-Kept Secret

Nelson Kennedy Ledges is one of Ohio’s best-kept secrets. With its steep, mossy ledges and cascading waterfalls, this park is a hikers’ dream playground. Don’t let the small size underestimate its wealth. The ledges are a bite-sized paradise that every avid hiker needs to explore!

Midwest Garden of the Gods

When you hear someone say “Garden of the Gods,” your mind most likely reels an image loop of the rocky Colorado paradise. But have you ever heard of the Garden of the Gods that resides in the Midwest? That’s right; there is a beautiful, rocky haven in southeast Illinois. I am consistently shocked at the astounding number of people who live in Illinois or a surrounding state that haven’t heard of this utopia. In fact, I shared photos of our adventures on a Facebook travel page that I’m apart of, and several Illinois residents commented on my post, flabbergasted that such a place exists near their hometown. Just five hours south of Chicago lie these western-vibe trails that yearn for hiking boots to step along their paths. Midwesterners, let me show you what’s in your backyard!

An Abandoned Amusement Park

Have you ever stopped to consider what our state parks were before they were deemed “state parks?” Before state governments began funding, operating and protecting these parks, the lands were prairies, wetlands, seashores, battlefields, etc. Learning the history of our protected lands proves to be very interesting, especially when it came to discovering what one of Indiana’s newest state parks once was. In the 1920s, nearly a century ago, Charleston State Park was a booming, popular amusement park. Named Rose Island, this theme park not only offered thrilling rides, but a dining hall, a swimming pool, and a mini zoo. However, in 1937, a massive flood destroyed the theme park, covering the entire area with ten feet of water. Aside from an amusement park, it was also a recreational area used for church camps in the 1800s and served as part of the Indiana Army Ammunition Plant. In 1996, the land was given to Charlestown State Park, which became Indiana’s newest state park.

Kayaking Through Underwater Sea Caves

Crystal clear, jewel-colored water. Zebra mussels etching the lake’s bottom. Cliffs jutting into the horizon. Sunsets painting the sky. Sea caves carved into rocks. All of these attributes describe one magical place. Cave Point in Door County, Wisconsin.