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.

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

For those who’re turning into a gray-beard like me, maybe you bear in mind 90’s Hostess commercials with the punchline, “the place’s the cream filling?”.

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

Right here at Travel Off Path, we’re always on the prowl for the newest journey developments. On 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 Simply A Sports activities City

There isn’t any trendier Midwest metropolis than Indy. Actually, it is the one one on this checklist that had a report yr for tourism.

This metropolis’s longstanding fame as a sports activities city with nothing else to do is shifting. Sure, 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 power 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 lodges 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, all the time 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 an excellent nature vacation spot as properly, whether or not it is the scenic man-made Central Canal downtown to benefit from the outdoor, 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 Metropolis, MO: 2 States, 1 Unimaginable Metropolis

Whereas not breaking customer information, Kansas Metropolis is not far behind Indy so far as being a scorching title.

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

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

However that will not final for lengthy. You may consider Margaritaville being synonymous with seashore cities, however the fashionable resort planted roots in Kansas Metropolis, Kansas simply final summer season.

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

But when 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.

In fact, it goes with out saying, it would 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 must take our phrase for it that no-frills Joe’s KC BBQ lives as much as the hype as a neighborhood favourite.

Cleveland, Ohio: This Place Rocks In Extra Methods Than One

Regardless of 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 definitely not the Browns — it is the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

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

In keeping with Midwest Dwelling, 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.

However that is not the one beginner to the town. Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is about to debut the primary section of its greatest challenge 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 Financial institution Leisure District.

Sam Sears

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