The upper Midwest, which consists of the states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Iowa, South Dakota, and North Dakota, is synonymous with lush greenery and picturesque nature. Tourists flock to many sites in this region all year round to indulge in a retreat far away from the hustle and bustle of the noisy, traffic-packed cities. With its economy increasingly relying on tourism, the Upper Midwest of the USA is definitely not to be missed if you are a fan of nature and the outdoors. We have compiled the crème de la crème of national parks in the region in this article. Scroll down to learn about the best national parks in Upper Midwest, USA.
1. Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Wisconsin
This is one of the protected areas in the United States and is operated by the National Park Service (NPS). The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore includes a total of 21 islands that rest on the shores of Lake Superior in Bayfield, Wisconsin. Visitors flock to this place for its gorgeous and historic lighthouses, sea caves of sandstone, lush forests, and a diverse range of flora and fauna. You can spend a great day at the beaches and cliffs that surround the islands.
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Wisconsin
Address: 415 Washington Ave, Bayfield, WI 54814, United States
Website: Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Wisconsin
Opening hours: Open 24 hours
Price: Free
2. Mount Rushmore National Memorial, South Dakota
This national park in South Dakota is nestled in the midst of bountiful nature, forests, and streams. It is dedicated to the four Presidents of the United States and upholds their immense contribution to the country. The stalwarts are George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln respectively. If you are visiting this park in summer with the family and kids, you can have the little ones participate in one of the special programs at the Sculptor’s Studio. A Junior Ranger program also lets them learn about the history of Mount Rushmore through an array of fun activities.
Mount Rushmore National Memorial, South Dakota
Address: 13000 SD-244, Keystone, SD 57751, United States
Website: Mount Rushmore National Memorial, South Dakota
Opening hours: 5am - 9pm (daily)
Price: Free
3. Keweenaw National Historical Park, Michigan
Situated in Michigan, Keweenaw National Historical Park, one of the must-see national parks in the Midwest, is home to the oldest and largest lava flow on Earth, and the only place in the US where prehistoric aboriginal mining happened. There are a total of 21 heritage and historical sites in the park, and they all vary in layout, purpose, and many more. Among the heritage sites is the AE Seaman Mineral Museum, showcasing a huge collection of minerals and copper; Delaware Copper Mine, a tour to the oldest copper mines in the park; Fort Wilkins Historical State Park, a then-fort with a lighthouse offering a majestic seaside view; and many more.
Keweenaw National Historical Park, Michigan
Address: 25970 Red Jacket Road Calumet, MI 49913
Website: Keweenaw National Historical Park, Michigan
Opening hours: Sunrise - Sunset (daily)
Price: Free
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4. Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota
Boasting magnificent views and gorgeous natural landscapes and one of the top national parks in the Midwest, Theodore Roosevelt National Park is one that must not be missed during your trip to the region. Located in North Dakota, the park has three sections, which are connected by the Little Missouri River and the Maah Daah Hey Trail. The park is lush with canyons, mountains, ranches, and many more. It is famous among visitors for its scenic routes throughout its horse trail, hiking pathways, and wildlife viewing. There are three campgrounds here, and the park has various wildlife living in it.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota
Address: PO Box 7, Medora, ND 58645
Website: Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: 15 USD
5. Badlands National Park, South Dakota
This park is located in South Dakota and it is home to a vibrant collection of geological deposits. It is also said that extinct animals like the saber-toothed cat were once found here. If you plan to visit here, there are many things you can do to enjoy this place to the fullest. This includes exploring the vast area and its various trails, visiting the Wall Drug where you can make your ice cream and donuts, and sightsee at Minuteman Missile National Historic Site.
Badlands National Park Day Tour (Small Group)
Duration: 8 hours
6. Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota
This one-of-a-kind national park in the Midwest region is the world’s first cave to be designated as a national park and is one of the longest in the world. Its box work is said to be unique and is the densest system in the world. Wildlife roams the grass of the park, whereas at the bottom lies the mesmerizing cave. You can book various tours offered here to explore the natural beauty of the cave, with trails of varied difficulties. Apart from that, you can also book to explore sections of the undeveloped cave, all with the guidance of rangers.
Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota
Address: 26611 US Highway 385, Hot Springs, SD 57747
Website: Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
7. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Featuring mineral stains that come to life in a kaleidoscope of colors when seawater touches the sides of ancient cliffs, this park is well known among adventurers. Apart from the mind-blowing natural landscape by the vast ocean, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore also boasts white beaches, beautiful waterfalls, gargantuan dunes as well as picture-perfect lighthouse towers. There is also a myriad of hiking trails that will bring you to secluded streams and lakes, among others. The park is where the famous Grand Portal is, where the eroding cliff forms an archway that allows a passageway for kayaking.
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Address: 1505 Sand Point Road, Munising, MI 49862
Website: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
8. Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota
Located in Minnesota, Voyageurs National Park is immensely famous among canoeists, kayakers and boaters. The park is rife with islands, making the area look like a mosaic of land and ocean. It has a breathtaking landscape, caused by geological events such as volcanoes and earthquakes. This is where you should head to if you want to have a scenic view during your fishing activities. What’s more, the park comes to life after the sun sets, with millions of stars and occasional meteors. The park is your go-to place if you want to experience the surreal Aurora Borealis against the backdrop of a starry night.
Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota
Address: Voyageurs National Park Headquarters, 360 Hwy 11 East, International Falls, MN 56649
Website: Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
9. Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, Indiana
Located along the lines of Lake Michigan’s southern shore, Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore is where you need to be if you love sandy beaches and magnificent coastlines. The park has every type of landscape you will want to explore during your visit, including long-stretching beaches, dunes, oak savannas, gorgeous wetlands, picturesque rivers, and green forests. Lake Michigan is a sight worth experiencing, capturing the awe of visitors with its lush forests, peaceful waters as well as diverse flora and fauna.
Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, Indiana
Address: 1215 IN-49, Porter, IN 46304
Website: Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, Indiana
Opening hours: 6am - 11pm (daily)
Price: 6 USD
10. Isle Royale National Park, Michigan
This secluded national park is situated in the middle of Lake Superior. It is remote, only accessible by water or air. It houses the Isle Royale as well as hundreds of neighboring islands. The park is rich with natural history and heritage, hosting great biodiversity consisting of unique flora and vibrant fauna. Apart from that, the park, which boasts two huge developed areas, has 36 designated camping grounds in total. Windigo, the first area, has campsites, showers and more; whereas the other area, Rock Harbor, also offers a restaurant and lodge.
Isle Royale National Park, Michigan
Address: 800 East Lakeshore Drive Houghton, MI 49931
Website: Isle Royale National Park, Michigan
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: 7 USD
Explore natural beauty at the national parks of the Upper Midwest
The Upper Midwest region should definitely be in your bucket list of places to visit to satisfy the adventurer in you. These memorable parks are a must-visit at least once in your lifetime. There is something in the upper midwest for every type of traveler; be it the nature lover, the fishing enthusiast, avid explorer or even the geology fan. Visit the parks on the list and make the trip of a lifetime!
Frequently asked questions about national parks in the Upper Midwest
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