Hey there, fellow road trip enthusiasts! Lexie here, your trusty guide to all things Volkswagen and epic road trips. Whether you’re behind the wheel of a classic VW Bus or the latest VW ID. 4, the Midwest has some truly spectacular destinations for you to explore. So buckle up, pack your sense of adventure (and humor), and let’s dive into some amazing road trips you can take with your Volkswagen this year!
1. The Majestic North Shore (Minnesota)
Route: Start your journey in Duluth, MN, and wind your way up to Grand Portage, MN, hugging the stunning shores of Lake Superior. Take your time and stop and explore the towns, attractions, and state parks along the way, make it a trip to remember!
Highlights:
- Gooseberry Falls State Park: Perfect for those Instagram-worthy waterfall shots.
- Split Rock Lighthouse State Park: Because every road trip needs a lighthouse selfie.
- Grand Marais: A charming town with quirky shops and beautiful shores. Don’t forget to explore the marina!
Best Time to Visit: Winter for snowy magic or May and June for blooming beauty. Go camping or stay in the cabins and inns along the way!
2. Black Hills Bliss (South Dakota)
Route: Begin your exploration in Rapid City, SD, and create a giant loop around the Black Hills. With so much sightseeing to do, you will have a fun action packed adventure ahead of you! Bring your camera and hiking boots to capture epic photos and look out for the many wildlife you will see (but stay a safe distance anyway from wild animals…they are not your friends).
Highlights:
- Crazy Horse Memorial: Take a hike and witness a work in progress that’s both impressive and humbling.
- Custer State Park: Say hello to bison (do not touch) and take a scenic drive through the park.
- Jewel Cave National Monument: Sparkling, mysterious, and just a tad spooky.
Best Time to Visit: Summer, when the hills are alive with color and critters. Campout or stay in some of the neat little towns along the way, and find some fascinating hidden gems. While you are at it stop and do some gold mining in Keystone, SD, a fun experience for kids and adults alike!
3. Historic Route 66
Route: The Mother Road, a legendary road trip, starts in Chicago and ends in Santa Monica, CA. The historic route takes you on many twists and turns through small towns, where you can find many original buildings from the first Route 66. Take your VW, camera, and lots of snacks and head out to find all the route 66 destinations.
Highlights:
- Chicago: Grab a deep-dish pizza and hit the road and don’t forget to take a selfie at the Route 66 begin sign!
- St. Louis: Head to the Chain of Rocks Bridge and go for a walk on the old route 66, but don’t miss the Gateway Arch when you are done.
- Santa Fe: Art, culture, and fantastic food. Drive through the historic downtown and check out the Santa Fe trail that Route 66 once followed.
Best Time to Visit: Late spring/early summer or early fall for perfect road-tripping weather. Drive this historic route with the windows down!
4. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (Michigan)
Route:Take a drive along Michigan’s Lower Peninsula along the northeast shores of Lake Michigan. Take a trek along the shores of Glen Lake or head over to the Sleeping Bears Overlook! And if you are feeling adventurous head out to South and North Manitou Islands for some great hiking and photos.
Highlights:
- Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive: Grab your VW and go for a drive for some stunning views and perfect picnic spots!
- The Dune Climb:Get your workout in and enjoy the view from the top of the sand dune.
- Hiking Trails: From the short and sweet Empire Bluff Trail to the adventurous Alligator Hill Trail.Take in the scenery, take a deep breath and relax out in nature.
Best Time to Visit: Summer for tons of family fun, or spring and fall for a quieter, romantic getaway just for two.
5. Mackinac Island (Michigan)
Location: Take a step back and relax and head to this interesting and historic island. Mackinac Island takes you a step back in time with horse drawn carriages, historic forts, and homes to explore. It’s an adventure for the whole family! Explore the island on foot, water, or by air there is always something to do.
Highlights:
- Fort Mackinac: Step back in time with historic reenactments in this historic fort.
- Arch Rock: Hike out or take a boat. It’s a natural wonder you can’t miss.
- Getting Around the Island: No cars allowed so you will have to leave the VW at the docks! Pedal power is the way to go here…or horse depending on what you prefer.
Best Time to Visit: Summer or fall for the best weather and most activities. This Island offers adventures for all ages, whether it’s just the two of you, or the whole family there is something for everyone.
6. The Great River Road
Route: Follow the Mississippi River from start to finish! Head out to Itasca State Park and follow the River all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. Take the National Scenic Byways, drive through ten different states, and watch as the scenery changes on your way down!
Highlights:
- Scenic Byways: Drive your Volkswagen through gorgeous views at every turn, With an amazing view of the Mississippi as it makes its way down to the Gulf.
- Historic Sites: Discover America’s heartland history and how the Mississippi shaped the towns and cities to what we know today.
- Wildlife Galore: Keep your eyes peeled for eagles, deer, otters, bobcats and maybe even an armadillo.
Best Time to Visit: Fall or spring to catch the foliage and avoid the heat. Head out on this journey to discover the history of the Mississippi RIver, and all the different sites along the way.
7. Indiana Dunes National Park and State Park (Indiana)
Route: Head out to the beach and take a trip around the southernmost edge of Lake Michigan. Whether you are looking to take in the sites, have fun at an amusement park, or just relax on the beach has a bit of everything!
Highlights:
- Hiking and Beaches: Pull that Volkswagen out of the driveway and head to the beaches and dunes of the National Park. Perfect for nature lovers and those looking to relax on the beach.
- Six Flags Amusement Park: For the adrenalin enthusiasts or kids (and kids at heart) this massive amusement park is for you. Between roller coasters, waterparks, and entertainment, it’s an action packed day for everyone!
- Chicago: Take a city tour of some of the amazing sites, architecture, and culinary attractions that Chicago has to offer. Don’t forget to get that selfie at the Cloud Gate (The Bean)!
Best Time to Visit: May through September for the best weather if you want to hit the beaches or water parks! Campout at the National Parks or stay in some quaint inns around Lake Michigan and take in the site and scenery around you!
Ready to hit the road and pack your gear? Grab your keys, your sense of adventure, and your favorite Volkswagen, and let’s make some memories. If you have any questions or need more tips, feel free to reach out to me, Lexie, at lexie@mankatomotors.com or call me at (507) 344-6984. Happy travels!
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