7 Must-See Natural Wonders in the Midwest

Meandering trails with mountain vistas and pebbled coves surrounded by sandstone cliffs probably don’t come to mind when you think of the Midwest. This region of the United States is better known for its historic homesteads, rolling farmland, and mom-and-pop restaurants and shops, but the heart of America is also an incredible place to experience the great outdoors — if you know where to look. From steep canyons to cascading waterfalls, here are seven must-see Midwestern natural wonders, from Minnesota to Ohio.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore – Michigan

With sand bluffs that tower up to 450 feet above Lake Michigan on Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is home to the world’s largest collection of freshwater sand dunes. The dunes were shaped by glaciers over millions of years and are a stunning sight in any season. One of the park’s highlights is the famous Dune Climb, a strenuous yet rewarding climb up a 284-foot-tall sand dune that can take up to four hours to complete. The lakeshore is also popular for its beautiful campgrounds, Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, canoeing on the Crystal and Platte rivers, and forested trails for hiking, cross-country skiing, biking, and snowshoeing. 

Chimney Rock National Historic Site – Nebraska

Jutting out from the flat plains of Nebraska is Chimney Rock, one of the most historically significant natural landmarks in the Midwest. Rising 325 feet above the North Platte River valley, the stone spire is visible for miles and was an important marker for travelers on the Oregon, California, and Mormon trails in the 19th century. According to the National Park Service, the landmark was mentioned in more emigrant diaries than any other landmark on the journey to the American West. And long before westward expansion, the area around Chimney Rock was home to Indigenous groups such as the Lakota and Cheyenne peoples, whom you can learn more about at the adjacent visitor center. 

Maquoketa Caves State Park – Iowa

One of Iowa’s most unique attractions, Maquoketa Caves State Park features a winding 6-mile trail system that welcomes first-time and experienced spelunkers alike. A popular destination for hikers since the 1860s, the state park features a number of unusual geologic formations, including a 1,100-foot cavern nicknamed “Dancehall Cave” and a scenic natural bridge hovering 50 feet over a creek. If you’re planning a trip, keep in mind that the caves in the park are closed every year from October 15 to April 15 as they are a hibernaculum for overwintering bats. 

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore – Wisconsin

Located at the northern tip of Wisconsin’s Bayfield Peninsula, the Apostle Islands are located within the ancestral homeland of the Indigenous Ojibwe peoples. With 21 islands in total and a 12-mile shoreline along Lake Superior, the park is ideal for kayaking, boating, camping, and even exploring ice caves in winter. Established in 1970, the national lakeshore has the largest collection of lighthouses in the National Park System (with a total of nine). Visitors flock to its sandy coves and stunning caves on the water, which are particularly mesmerizing at sunrise and sunset. 

Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness – Minnesota

At more than 1 million acres, Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness has so much to offer that it’s nearly impossible to cover it all. Located on the border between Ontario, Canada, and Minnesota, the pristine park comprises woodlands, rocky coves, glacial lakes, towering cliffs, and canyons in the Superior National Forest. The area contains more than 1,200 miles of canoe routes, 12 hiking trails, and more than 2,000 designated campsites, which means those seeking solitude in nature have plenty of options. Just be sure to pack bear spray, as wildlife encounters are common.

Monument Rocks – Kansas

It’s not every day that you’ll come across massive chalk formations in the middle of the Midwest. But, indeed, the Monument Rocks in Gove County, Kansas, are an otherworldly sight — particularly at dawn and dusk, when the pale limestone formations stand out on the Kansas prairie. If you’re driving through the Sunflower State, it’s well worth stopping to take a look at this unusual natural wonder, but be aware that climbing on the rocks is not permitted. 

Hocking Hills State Park – Ohio

Picturesque in every season, from ice formations in winter to vivid fall foliage, Hocking Hills State Park is an Ohio gem that locals love. Featuring a series of cascades ranging in size, the park is popular for waterfall hikes through ravines and hemlock-shaded gorges. Other activities include stargazing at John Glenn Astronomy Park, rock climbing, zip-lining, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and rappelling. The park’s Ash Cave is the largest recess cave in the state; another highlight is the “Rock House,” a tunnel-like corridor situated up a 150-foot cliff.