Summer Getaways in the Midwest

Memorial Day has come and gone, and that means it’s (un)officially summer! Bring on the cookouts, sundresses, and adventures! We’re starting to plan out a few small weekend trips, and I thought I’d share our ideas. Here are five easy getaways in the Midwest (and beyond) for your summer weekends.

Put in Bay, OH

I grew up spending weekends with my family on Lake Erie, so nothing feels more festive than heading to the islands. Put in Bay is just a hop, skip, and a ferry from home, and it’s one of our favorite places to getaway in the summertime. We’ll cruise the island roads on our bikes and stop at the many wineries and quaint shops that dot the lakeshore. Then we’ll pitch our tent at the state park, have a cookout (and s’mores, obviously), and fall asleep under the stars.

Where to Stay:

I love camping, so South Bass Island State Park (starting at $27.00 per night) is my jam. It’s a great family friendly atmosphere, and being outside is the whole point anyway, right? If you’re not a happy camper, there are tons of private rental homes and B&Bs across the island. Check out Ashley's Island House or Island Club Rentals.

Fallingwater and Pittsburgh, PA

We’re excited to check out this Frank Loyd Wright home in Bear Run, PA (about 90 minutes outside Pittsburgh). Built in 1936 for the Kaufmann family (remember Kaufmann’s department store?) and now turned museum, this house hangs over a 30-foot waterfall and is called one of the best architectural feats in American history. We’ll make a day of it by exploring our favorite parts of Pittsburgh while we’re at it.

What to Do:

There are tons of great things to do in Pittsburgh. I love the Mattress Factory, a contemporary art museum with stunning immersive exhibits. The Andy Warhol Museum is also a must-see. And if Ben has anything to say about it, we’ll probably also go to a Pirates game. The stadium has a great view of the river, and there are nachos, so it’s fine I guess.

Hocking Hills, OH

Hocking Hills was my very first camping experience last year, and I loved it! It’s the crown jewel of Ohio’s natural beauty with impressive waterfalls, undisturbed forests, and massive gorges. I’d love to spend more time hiking the trails and getting off the beaten path. You’ll have no trouble finding a campsite, cabin, or rental home, because the entire area is dedicated to outdoor adventure.

Get Your Thrills:

There are all kinds of adventure tours in the area. I highly recommend the Hocking Hills Canopy Zipline Tour. It was my first time ziplining and the guides were great! They make you feel comfortable and confident, and they know a ton about the area. It’s a great way to experience the forest hands on (literally).

Traverse City, MI

I’ve never actually been here, but we have a few friends in the area and hope to make the trip out to visit this summer. Doesn’t it look beautiful? I’m a sucker for an interesting landscape. I can’t wait to hike the gorgeous trails along the coast of Lake Michigan, climb the massive Sleeping Bear dunes (and slide to the bottom) and swim in that crystal blue water.

Things to Do:

Hike the Empire Bluffs trail for one of the best views in the Midwest, and catch the Cherry Festival in July.

Martha’s Vineyard, MA

This one is more of a drive than the others, but we’d love to take a trip out to Martha’s Vineyard. Typically it would be way out of our price range, but the island has a few beautiful campgrounds and a highly rated hostel that would make it much more affordable. I’d love to don my best nautical navy stripes and sit on the beach with a book and a beer. Or explore the island’s impressive scenery and adorable shops (Back Door Donuts are a must).

Get Around:

Martha’s Vineyard is only accessible by ferry and airplane, but you’re on the island getting around is a breeze. Public buses run between the major towns, and most areas are very bike friendly.


We’re also hoping to take a trip out to California to visit friends later this year. I’d love to drive down the Pacific coast from San Francisco to LA. Do you have any fun plans this summer?