10 Beautiful Midwest Destinations For Families
I’d like this year to be a year of beauty and wonder for my kids. How about you? The good news is that you don’t have to travel far to encounter some truly beautiful or unique places. There are so many beautiful Midwest destinations! Here are a few of my family’s favorites so you, too, can have a year of beauty and wonder with your family.
UPDATED: This post was first published in 2017 and was updated in June 2026 with new details and closures.
If you have any additions to this list, please let me know! I’m always on the hunt for new places to visit.
Botanica, The Wichita Gardens
Where: Wichita, Kan.
Why it’s beautiful: Obviously, being a botanical garden, things are going to be beautiful. Must-see pretty spots at Botanica include the koi pond and Chinese Friendship Garden.
Why kids will like it: You must take the kids to the whimsical Downing Children’s Garden to see the Monster Woods, musical maze, the familiar storybook character statues and, being Kansas, the yellow brick road.
Clear Lake
Where: Clear Lake, Iowa
Why it’s beautiful: Like most Midwestern lakes, there’s something serene and appealing about the quiet lapping waves on a shore. But, the bonus with Clear Lake is that it’s a getaway without being far from modern conveniences. The town of Clear Lake is literally right at the water’s edge, with great dining options and cool brewery and distillery.
Why kids will like it: There are a couple beaches to choose from where kids where it’s shallow enough for littles to enter the water safely. My kids particularly remember Clear Lake for its Fourth of July festival…and the chance to stay overnight in a yurt.
Coronado Heights Park
Where: Lindsborg, Kan.
Why it’s beautiful: Coronado Heights sits on a sandstone bluff looking over flat pastures. The beauty is in the view, yes, but also the stark contrast of an ancient-looking castle set on the plains.
Why kids will like it: The castle, obviously. It’s not really a castle, but go ahead and let them believe there was once a small, medieval castle just northwest of Lindsborg.
Bonus: Don’t just visit the park and miss out on the charming town of Lindsborg. The town wears its Swedish heritage with pride, and it’s utterly charming to visit.
Ledges State Park
Where: Madrid, Iowa
Why it’s beautiful: This park is an unexpected treasure in the middle of Iowa. The walk along the sandstone gorge carved out by a tributary of the Des Moines River is unforgettable.
Why kids will like it: Playing in the water is a big draw. But I like to think part of the fun is Canyon Drive, a route that passes through the sandstone gorge and is often partly submerged under water. The bigger the splash, the better.
Loess Hills
Where: Western Iowa and Missouri
Why it’s beautiful: We’ve hiked a few trails in western Iowa’s Loess Hills, and each have had their own unique beauty about them. Trails along these unique formations can sometimes lead to rolling hills or steep bluffs, and have views of prairies or forests. You’ll find them along the eastern edge of the Missouri River flood plain.
Why kids will like it: There is so much room to run here. Plus, some places like Hitchcock Nature Center have fun toboggan runs in the winter.
Missouri Botanical Garden
Where: St. Louis, Mo.
Why it’s beautiful: This huge botanical garden has spaces that appeals to everyone, but the most beautiful, to me at least, is the 14-acre Japanese Garden. It’s peaceful with its path around the lake, and everywhere you look, you see pure beauty.
Why kids will like it: The kids enjoyed feeding the Koi fish at the Japanese Garden and looking for turtles around lake. However, you’d be making a huge mistake if you skip the seasonal Doris I. Schnuck Children’s Garden. It’s a lot of fun (and be sure to pack their swimsuits).
Smith Falls
Where: Cherry County, Nebraska (nearest city is Valentine, Neb.)
Why it’s beautiful: Located in Smith Falls State Park, this 63-foot waterfall is the tallest in Nebraska. You don’t forget the first time you ever see this waterfall.
Why kids will like it: You hear the waterfall before you actually see it, which thrills children to no end. The fun part, though, is that you can stand under the water…if you dare (it’s very cold no matter the season, and the water hits you pretty hard).
Bonus: Getting to Smith Falls from Omaha is half the fun – you drive through the beautiful Sandhills of Nebraska. Plus, most people opt to canoe or tube the Niobrara River to Smith Falls State Park, which in my opinion, is another beautiful thing to experience.
Sylvan Lake
Where: Black Hills, South Dakota
Why it’s beautiful: Sylvan Lake is found within Custer State Park in South Dakota, which is itself, a truly unique and wonderful destination. Visit Custer, and make sure Sylvan Lake is on your list of stops. This gorgeous lake is a worthy destination for any family, either for an easy hike, water sports, or a waterside picnic.
Why kids will like it: The trail around lake is mostly easy, but it turns out, the challenging points are the sections my kids loved. This is a spectacular spot to immerse yourself in nature.
Table Rock Lake
Where: Stone County, Missouri
Why it’s beautiful: Table Rock Lake is a reservoir in the expansive Ozarks region of southern Missouri (and expands well into Arkansas). I particularly enjoy Table Rock because it offers a peaceful escape from the frenzy of nearby Branson, Mo.
Why kids will like it: Water sports and small cliff jumping is a big appeal here. If you plan ahead, you can rent a houseboat to extend your stay on the water.
Toadstool Geologic Park
Where: Harrison, Neb.
Why it’s beautiful: This is Nebraska’s very own Badlands. It’s off the beaten path, and much smaller than South Dakota’s Badlands, but the park is just stunning to hike.
Why kids will like it: I suspect they like it because they’re imagining they’re on the moon. At least, that’s why I liked the park. The trail can be challenging for young children, though, and seriously panic-inducing for parents who bring their young children. Hike with care.
