Favorites from the Great Lakes
Regions of the United States
Southeast | Appalachian Highlands | Mid-Atlantic | New England | Great Lakes | Great Plains | Southwest | Mountain West | Pacific Northwest | California | Non-Contiguous
Headlined by Chicago, the Great Lakes region is highlighted by its major cities. Each have their own unique characteristics which has secured their inclusion on this list. The states in this area are Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Below are my favorite places in the region along with links to the photo albums for each state.
Chicago, Illinois
The third largest city in the United States, Chicago has no shortage of things to do. The parks, museums, and architecture are all world class. For sports fans Wrigley Field is a bucket list experience.
Detroit, Michigan
Detroit may be overlooked because of its reputation of a dangerous city but it is actually a beautiful place. While there are some neighborhoods that you should NEVER go to, downtown and other parts of the city have experienced a revitalization. There is so much pride that residents have for their city and it is apparent just walking around. The public art and architecture are probably my favorite thing to see.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
What makes Milwaukee stand out is the food and drink scene. The city is known for its cheese, beer, and bratwurst and it does not disappoint. Going up to nearby Green Bay for a Packers game is also a fun experience.
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Minneapolis is a blend of urban and rural. The Mississippi River and the Chain of Lakes are among the great open spaces around the city. Downtown and other trendy neighborhoods also make it worth a visit. Nearby points of interest include St Paul and Bloomington, home to Mall of America.
Northeast Ohio
While Cleveland is a notable city in itself, the main reason for including Northeast Ohio on this list is the number of attractions within the area. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Pro Football Hall of Fame, Cedar Point are all must see. Cuyahoga Valley National Park, located just south of Cleveland, preserves the rural surroundings of the Cuyahoga River.
