<span style="vertical-align: inherit;">Scenic tour through the heart of the Midwest

Scenic tour through the heart of the Midwest

The shores of the Great Lakes are lined with vibrant urban areas, charming small towns and beautiful parks. Discover them on this road-trip organized for families. Across five states, you'll have the opportunity to experience countless adventures, taste delicious cuisine and enjoy the friendly atmosphere that is characteristic of the United States Midwest. The essentials: comfortable walking shoes, your favorite songs to listen to in the car and a good fork.


Starting Point: Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Fly to Milwaukee Wisconsin . You will land at General Mitchell International Airport, where you can rent a car. Then explore the beautiful city of Milwaukee, crossed by three rivers which then flow into Lake Michigan. This charming town is famous for its great beer brewing tradition. Take a boat trip down the Milwaukee Wisconsin River to relax and sample a few local beers while soaking up the views. Set aside some time to visit the shops, art galleries, and restaurants of Historic Third Ward, Milwaukee's arts and fashion district. Take a trip to the public market, which offers excellent regional products: the ideal place to stock up on homemade sausages and cheeses before hitting the road.


Chicago: a breathtaking city

Just over an hour's drive south of Milwaukee, the city of Chicago, Illinois captivates visitors with its outstanding architecture, world-class museums, and art-filled streets. Begin your visit with a cruise on the Chicago River. Guides will take you through the history of the city's towering skyscrapers and historical monuments. Then stroll along the Magnificent Mile, a stretch of Michigan Avenue lined with fashion boutiques and upscale restaurants. Follow this street south to Millennium Park, located across the Chicago River. It is in this park that the famous Cloud Gate sculpture (nicknamed "The Bean") is located. The reflection of the urban landscape on its rounded surface promises beautiful photos. To finish off the day, grab a drink at the Green Mill Cocktail Lounge, a place known for its explosive cocktails and its ties to Chicago's mob history.


Cultural delights in Columbus, Ohio

The road from Chicago to Columbus, Ohio, is an opportunity to experience the way of life of the inhabitants of the charming small towns of the Midwest. As soon as you arrive, you won't know where to turn: you can, for example, visit the German Village, a famous historic district, or stroll along the new Scioto Mile, the green lung of the city laid out on the edge of the river. In the evening, discover one of the city's microbreweries or take advantage of its extensive musical offer in one of the local clubs.

Along the way, Michael Jackson fans are sure to stop in Gary, Indiana , the birthplace of the legendary pop singer, to hike the dunes or bask on the shores of Lake Michigan in the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. .

Have fun in Cincinnati, Ohio

Your next stop is southwest of Columbus: the city of Cincinnati , Ohio has several attractions just for families, including the Cincinnati Zoo. This world-famous zoo, the second oldest in the United States, is home to dozens of fascinating animals, including tigers, gorillas, elephants and sea lions. If you love baseball, take a side trip to the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame & Museum or catch a game at the Great American Ballpark. For dinner, try the Cincinnati Chili, a Greek-inspired meat sauce served over spaghetti or a hot dog. The Skyline Chili offers you a generous plate.


Magical Moments in Grand Haven, Michigan

Drive northeast again to Grand Haven, Michigan , where on summer weekends the Musical Fountain water light and sound show delights locals and tourists alike. Get some exercise by taking a hiking trail in one of the many parks in the area or one of the great bike paths that run along the lake. In good weather, enjoy the beaches or take part in a fishing excursion. Take time to stroll the boardwalk and visit the Grand Haven Lighthouse.


City of Car Lovers: Detroit, Michigan

Head east, where you'll plunge into the heart of Michigan and cross vast agricultural plains and several quaint villages before reaching Detroit . Separated from Canada by the Detroit River, which connects the beautiful Lake St. Clair to Lake Erie, the city of Detroit is a must on the road to the Great Lakes for all car enthusiasts. Throughout the fir
st part of the 20th century, this Michigan city was indeed the cradle of the American automobile industry. To learn all about this part of Detroit's history, visit one of the city's many automotive museums. Detroit is also renowned for its contribution to the musical culture of the United States. While Motown Records is the record company that made the city famous, Detroit has also played a key role in the development of other musical genres, such as techno music and hip-hop. Visit the Motown Museum, the studio where the Jackson 5, The Temptations, The Supremes and other legendary stars recorded their gold records. Enough to fill up on good vibes before hitting the road to reach Indianapolis.


Ending point: Indianapolis, Indiana

End your road trip in Indianapolis , Indiana. Leave the wheel to watch the maneuvers of professional drivers on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway circuit, which organizes the Indy 500, a car race held every May. For a breath of fresh air, cruise the Central Canal aboard a gondola that will take you to the heart of White River State Park. This park is home to several popular attractions, like the Indianapolis Zoo and the Indiana State Museum. To end your getaway in style, there's nothing like dinner at the St. Elmo Steak House, a staple in downtown Indianapolis since 1902. You're fully satisfied as you can leave your rental car there. Indianapolis International Airport and board your flight home.