These Are The Midwest’s 3 Must-Visit Cities For 2026, According To Local Experts

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Ah, the Midwest — no oceans, no palm bushes, and blistering chilly winters.

Yet, come springtime, this sprawling area of the U.S. turns into a hotspot for vacationers who get pleasure from huge cityscapes holding thrilling occasions and concrete delights.

If you are turning into a gray-beard like me, maybe you bear in mind 90’s Hostess commercials with the punchline, “where’s the cream filling?”.

That’s primarily what the Midwest is throughout spring — a candy spot for vacationers as the center of the nation makes for brief flights and straightforward weekend getaways regardless of the place you depart from.

Here at Travel Off Path, we’re consistently on the prowl for the newest journey tendencies. In this case, native consultants at Midwest Living caught our eye, revealing 3 underrated cities you need to go to this yr.

Indianapolis, Indiana: No Longer Just A Sports Town

There’s no trendier Midwest metropolis than Indy. In reality, it is the one one on this checklist that had a document yr for tourism.

This metropolis’s longstanding status as a sports activities city with nothing else to do is shifting. Yes, the Pacers went to the NBA Finals in 2025, sure, they performed host to the NCAA championship video games, and sure, NASCAR followers arrive in full pressure for the Indianapolis 500 annually, however there’s a lot extra to cheer for past sports activities and St. Elmo’s well-known cocktail sauce.

Indy is opening quite a few main resorts in 2026, together with a free-to-enter Contemporary Art Museum, amongst different already in place points of interest, akin to Newfields and Indiana State Museum, at all times price a go to.

And although this capital metropolis is on a record-setting tear, you do not really feel packed in such as you do in close by Chicago.

Indy makes for a fantastic nature vacation spot as effectively, whether or not it is the scenic man-made Central Canal downtown to benefit from the outside, blissful hikes in Eagle Creek Park, or perhaps a stunning seashore day alongside Lake Michigan’s Caribbean blue waters at close by Indiana Dunes National Park with Chicago’s towering skyline within the distance.

Kansas City, MO: 2 States, 1 Incredible City

While not breaking customer data, Kansas City is not far behind Indy so far as being a scorching title.

What’s most stunning is the Missouri aspect of KC is not what’s on the up and up — it is the namesake of Kansas.

Sports followers should wait to cross state strains for his or her beloved Chiefs, however vacationers will benefit from the metropolis’s quieter, less-touristy half.

But that will not final for lengthy. You would possibly consider Margaritaville being synonymous with seashore cities, however the fashionable resort planted roots in Kansas City, Kansas simply final summer season.

That’s to not say exploring Missouri is not price it. There’s the bustling City Market, Union Station, and the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, all worthy of trying out.

But if there’s one factor to stay up for that’s 2026 particular, it is the extremely anticipated opening of Rock Island, a sprawling leisure complicated straddling the Kansas River.

Of course, it goes with out saying, it does not matter which state you are in — barbecue is a must-try right here.

Since Michelin has by some means skipped meting out any stars to KC barbecue joints, you may should take our phrase for it that no-frills Joe’s KC BBQ lives as much as the hype as an area favourite.

Cleveland, Ohio: This Place Rocks In More Ways Than One

Despite not getting a lot love, Ohio is an superior vacation spot to go to, with Cincinnati, Columbus, and Cleveland anchoring a trio of worthwhile cities.

That mentioned, the colourful riverside metropolis of Cleveland leads the cost of those 3 for 2026 with ample new enticements to make your method right here.

If Cleveland has one declare to fame, it is actually not the Browns — it is the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

While you possibly can determine for your self if such musical legends as The Beastie Boys are labeled as rock music, there isn’t any denying that it is Cleveland’s largest points of interest, and it is set to be even higher this yr.

According to Midwest Living, the corridor is including 50,000 sq. toes that features new exhibit areas, a dwell live performance venue seating as much as 1,000 attendees.

But that is not the one beginner to town. Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is ready to debut the primary section of its largest venture in additional than a century, Primate Forest.

Our favourite addition is the brand new Cleveland Water Taxi, making downtown exploration extra enjoyable than ever, with riverside hotspots just like the East Bank Entertainment District.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist primarily based in San Diego has visited 36 nations and written over 1000 articles with a deal with sharing his personal journey experiences and shining a light-weight on lesser-known gems.