10 Best Midwestern Honeymoon Destinations In The US

Now that you’re done with your wedding, it’s time to start living life as a newlywed couple. But first…enjoy all the hard work you did in planning your wedding and go on your honeymoon. Treat yourself to a new destination, see new sights, and celebrate your love. A honeymoon is a great way to relax after all the wedding stress and really enjoy your first few days of married life with your spouse.

Honeymoon Destinations in the Midwest

A honeymoon doesn’t have to be in a destination spot. It can be wherever you want it to be. Today we’re sharing 10 cool honeymoon places in the Midwest. Yes, you read that correctly. The Midwest has some great romantic spots that are perfect for couples either local to or new to the Midwest. Some of these spots are good if you are doing a mini-moon and just want to get away for a few days. Let us know if you check out any of these places. 

1. Mackinac Island, Michigan

If you and your spouse are history buffs, this is the place for you! Mackinac Island is part of Michigan and is surrounded by Lake Huron. It boasts beautiful Victorian-era architecture making you feel as if you just traveled back in time. The best time to go would be late spring or early summer, however, these are also peak tourist times. There are many things to do on the island: sunset boat rides, walking tours to Arch Rock, horse and buggy rides, fudge-making classes, biking, and more. You can stay in beautiful cottages or even one of their several bed and breakfast places. Don’t forget to try their special fudge ice cream! 

2. Chicago, Illinois

If you enjoy the hustle and bustle of life, then Chicago is your place for the perfect honeymoon. The magnificent hotels will leave you in awe. We recommend splurging at Waldorf Astoria, Thompson Chicago, The Gwen, or LondonHouse. There are a ton of things to do in Chicago such as going to Skydeck Chicago at the Willis Tower, Cloud Gate (aka The Bean), walking on the beach, sunset cruise on Lake Michigan, Navy Pier, Buckingham Fountain, and much more.

The best times to go to Chicago would be in the summer and early fall. If you want a day away from city life, then no worries! You can drive an hour and a half away to find yourself at Starved Rock State Park. Take leisure strolls in their countless easy hikes or get to know your partner for the longer more difficult hikes.

3. Door County, Wisconsin

Known for being a romantic getaway spot in the fall, Door County is a peninsula between the city of Green Bay and Lake Michigan. The best times to go here would be from May to October, however, we recommend going in the fall so you can see the beautiful fall colors. Door County has several state parks, so make sure you embrace nature in Potawatomi State Park and Rock Island State Park, stargaze in Newport State Park, and enjoy the picturesque beauty of Cave Point State Park.

For wine lovers, there are also several wineries to check out here as well. Before leaving Door County, make sure you try the cherry pie. They’re also known for their mouth-watering cherries.

4. Branson, Missouri

For those that enjoy a good live show now and then, Branson is your heaven. They are known for live shows and have many exciting new performers. You can also try out different water sports at Table Rock Lake, check out the replica of the Titanic, or take a stroll through the historic downtown. While peak season is in the summer, we recommend you go in the spring. The weather is great and there’s less foot traffic. While in Missouri, you can also drive around four hours and check out St. Louis. There’s the arch, botanical gardens, St Louis Union Station, and more. It’s like taking two big trips in one! If you do go to St. Louis, close out your trip with some frozen yogurt at Ted Drewes.

5. Pictured Rocks National Park, Michigan

Michigan is such a big and great state, that we recommend couples to also check out Pictured Rocks. For that adventurous couple who loves camping, this is your honeymoon paradise for the fall. There are campgrounds in the park, as well as another lodging in the nearby cities of Munising and Grand Marais. The scenic national park will leave you in awe on every hike you go. Some popular hikes include Miners Castle Overlook, Superior Overlook, Sand Point Marsh Trail, and Miners Falls Trail. There are also breathtaking waterfalls close by such as Tahquamenon Falls, Spray Falls, and Sable Falls. 

6. Milwaukee, Wisconsin

If you can only getaway for the weekend, then Milwaukee is just the spot. It’s great for brewery lovers and we recommend checking out Lakefront Brewery or Eagle Front Brewery. There are more than 30 breweries in Milwaukee so nothing is stopping you if you want to spend a day doing a brewery tour. You can also take a stroll along the Milwaukee RiverWalk and enjoy the river views. Check out Blu Bar & Lounge for some cocktails and rooftop views. You can spend the next day checking out Devil’s Lake which is about an hour away from Milwaukee. There are several hiking trails, but the views of the lake are incredible!

7. Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

Another great spot if you can only do a weekend getaway in Lake Geneva. The perfect time to go would be in the summer so you can walk around the cute downtown area. If you go during the winter, make sure to check out the Ice Castles. Side note- buy the tickets early since the ice castles sell out quickly. There are other cool things to do here such as horseback riding, relaxing at the spa, ziplining, skydiving, and taking a hot air balloon ride.

Lake Geneva is great in the sense that there’s something for everyone. There are museums if you like history, exhilarating adventures for the thrill-seekers, and spas for those who just want to relax and do nothing. While you’re in Lake Geneva, check out the Tristan Crist Magic Show for an event that will make you believe in magic.

8. Cincinnati, Ohio

Are you and your spouse a fan of chili and culture? Then Cincinnati is for you. Just kidding! There are so many things to do in Cincinnati- spend some time walking in Eden Park, check out the crypt under St. Francis Seraph Church, walk the Brooklyn Bridge of Ohio known as John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge, stay at the Netherland Plaza Hotel to get free access to the Carew Tower’s observation deck, stargaze at the Cincinnati Observatory, take a winery tour, and so much more! You can also drive about an hour to Hocking Hills State Park. The best times to go to Ohio would be spring or fall so you can see the beautiful flowers or fall foliage.

9. Rapid City, South Dakota

Another idea for the couple who loves history is Rapid City. It goes without saying that Mount Rushmore is definitely one of those things that you should check out. You can also spend a day at Badlands National Park and learn about geologic formations, view the night sky, or check out the sunrise. If Badlands is not on your list, try Custer State Park. With some couple’s luck, you might get to see some wildlife such as moose, elk, and more. If you’re wishing you were in Norway instead, visit Chapel in the Hills to get that Norwegian feel.

This is a wooden chapel that gives homey and peaceful vibes. Lastly, end your day with skyline views at Skyline Wilderness Area Park. You can never go wrong on when to visit here, however, spring, summer, and fall are the best seasons!

10. Holland, Michigan

It’s no surprise that Michigan comes on our list yet again. If you’re planning a honeymoon in May, then Holland is a must! It’s the place to go to experience the tulip festival. The beautiful colors of the tulips are breathtaking! Afterward, catch the sunset at Tunnel Park. This is a great place if you want to just do a weekend getaway, but you can also extend your trip and check out other cool places nearby Holland. You can drive an hour to see the beautiful St. Joseph’s lighthouse or you can drive an hour and a half to Ludington and check out Big Sable Lighthouse, North Breakwater Lighthouse, or Little Point Lighthouse.

Also Read: The Ultimate Honeymoon Packing Checklist Every Couple Needs

Conclusion

Who knew that the MIdwest would have some great romantic spots? While some of these are good for weekend trips, it will be one weekend that you will not forget. These are some great spots to try if you are in a time crunch and want to do a honeymoon before your normal life starts. Which spot are you planning to try? Are there other hidden gems in the Midwest that we should add to our list?