How Well Do You Know The Midwest Part Of The US?
As much as we love our country’s many attractions, it’s hard not to crave a far-flung vacation to a place that has cobblestone streets, like Europe.
But if an over-the-top overseas trip isn’t in the cards for you at this moment, or even if you’re merely in the mood for a fun weekend getaway, don’t worry:
You can find plenty of quaint little towns throughout the Midwest that mimic all the charm of the continent, without any of the expensive flights or even any passport requirements.
Whether you’d prefer walking along a canal-lined Dutch settlement or raising a beer with some friends at a recreated Bavarian village, these unique gems offer a taste of the regional food, drink, and culture you’d expect to discover overseas, kitschy fun included.
So ditch your passport and check out these 8 Midwestern getaways that look like they’re straight out of a European postcard!
Frankenmuth, MI
This midwest location still carries the same charm it did when it was first founded as a Bavarian mission colony for Lutherans in 1845.
Affectionately referred to as “Little Bavaria,” this central Michigan town’s colorful, wood-heavy architecture looks like it’s been transported right out of a Franconian village.
To get the entire Bavarian experience, stop by one of Frankenmuth’s German restaurants for schnitzel, soft pretzels, and overflowing beers. And even take a tour on the historic, paddle-powered Bavarian Belle Riverboat to learn about the town’s roots.
Fans of Christkindlmarkt decor will also be pleased to know the town is home to Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland, which is known to be the world’s largest year-round Christmas store.
New Glarus, WI
Many people from the midwest visit New Glarus for its fantastic brewery, home to delicious brews like Moon Man and Spotted Cow that are only available when you cross the Wisconsin border.
We recommend you take a walk through the village’s downtown, and you’ll soon realize why the charming locale is nicknamed “Little Switzerland.”
Named after Glarus in Switzerland, New Glarus’ chalet-style buildings, Swiss restaurants and museums, and gently hilled areas make for an almost Alpine experience.
To heighten the effect of this midwestern place, you should visit during their yearly folk heritage events like Polkafest in June. You definitely won’t be bored if you choose to give this town a try!
Pella, IA
Established in 1847 by a group of Dutch immigrants, the prairie side town of Pella is home to structures with classically Flemish stepped gable designs, a canal that includes a working drawbridge, the tallest active grain windmill in the country, and lots of other Netherlands-inspired features.
It even has a wooden shoemaker shop and a decorative pond that’s shaped like a wooden shoe. Go on a picnic with some gouda cheese and Dutch letters, a buttery puff pastry filled with almond paste, in one of the town’s flower-filled parks.
And be sure to also visit this midwest dream in springtime to catch their annual Tulip Time festival.
Washington Island, WI
Back in the late 19th century, a few groups of Scandinavian immigrants crossed the dangerous Death’s Door passage. It was a turbulent six-mile strip of water that connects Lake Michigan and Green Bay.
They settled in Washington Island, found near the northeast tip of the Door County peninsula.
Today, you can embark on a scenic…and much safer, half-hour ferry ride to get to the small island community of Washington Island, which is home to a few galleries, gorgeous beaches, a spread-out, and Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm.
And you’ll also be greeted by one of the country’s oldest Icelandic communities. Who knew you could find a location like this in the midwest?!?
You can explore the island’s Nordic roots at places like the Jacobsen Museum. It has a huge collection housed in Danish immigrant Jens Jacobsen’s log cabin home, or even the Norwegian-inspired Stavkirke church.
Holland, MI
Holland, Michigan is appropriately named.
This midwestern beauty was founded on Lake Michigan’s shores by Calvinist separatists sometime in the late 1840s, and the town proudly flaunts its Dutch origins.
While visiting, when you’re not splashing around at the beach, you can get a glimpse of turn-of-the-century Holland on the charming grounds of Nelis’ Dutch Village, where you can shop, eat, and even take a class on anything from Stroopwafel making to Klompen, a traditional Dutch dance.
But if you just want to explore, take a walk around Windmill Island Gardens to spot a 250-year-old genuine Dutch windmill. If you go in the spring, you can spend your days strolling among the millions of beautiful tulips at Veldheer Tulip Gardens.
The town even hosts an annual flower-filled Tulip Time Festival in May.
Niles, IL
Most of the township of Niles looks like any other suburban Chicago location. But if you were to visit a plaza on an otherwise unassuming retail strip at 6300 W Touhy Avenue, you’d find a pleasantly European surprise, right in the midwestern part of our country!
A half-sized duplicate of the Leaning Tower of Pisa! It was built in 1934 to conceal a water tower. The Leaning Tower of Niles stands 94ft tall with a 7.4ft tilt to mimic the charm of its Italian namesake.
Fun fact: Niles even considers Pisa as a sister city. Take a trip to the plaza for a few photo ops, and don’t worry! No one will blame you if you do the touristy pushing pose. Bring a picnic basket and hang out among the surrounding fountains, gardens, and 30ft reflecting pool.
Helen, GA
Helen hasn’t always looked like a Bavarian town. This midwest location was turned into an alpine village in 1960 to make it more appealing to tourists. And today, even some of the street names are in German.
The town boasts the Blue Ridge Mountains as a backdrop, and it sits along the Chattahoochee River, making it the perfect spot for any outdoor enthusiast.
Since it’s also in the heart of Northeast Georgia, it offers travelers many outdoor sports adventures like hiking and tubing, along with wine tasting at the many vineyards close by. The area has Native American history and an arts community near Sautee Nacoochee.
Lindsborg, Kansas
If, for you, Kansas is just a state that you drive through on your way from point A to B, it’s definitely time you hop off of Interstate 70 and do some exploring!
Known as “Little Sweden,” Lindsborg is a haven in the midwest for homemade Swedish crafts like the painted Dala horses, which line the streets of this quaint town. Their bakeries offer those distinctive Swedish treats like lingonberry bars and pancakes.
And every other year, there’s the Svensk Hyllningsfest, a festival where residents dress up in traditional Swedish clothing to celebrate the Swedish pioneers that created the community back in 1868. You’ll surely want to bring your camera for this trip!
Let us know in the comments below if you’ve visited any of these beautiful midwest towns, and tell us about your experiences.
And if you’re looking for some even more great ideas of where you should “Wander” next, we think you’ll enjoy: 10 Interesting US Mining Towns Where People Struck Gold
