From River Trails to Skyline Views: Summer on the Road in the Heartland

1 week
1,300 miles
3 unique cities

What started out as a baseball road trip idea quickly turned into a Midwest adventure that had us walking miles through Cedar Rapids, biking around Minneapolis, and kayaking down the Milwaukee River.

Come along as we share highlights, including iconic destinations, must-see murals, and beautiful natural pathways, designed to inspire and motivate you toward your own adventure.

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(at no extra cost to you). Thank you for choosing to wander with us. We hope your adventures are filled with as much joy and awe as we’ve experienced!

What’s a road trip without a few quirky Americana stops along the way? With the help of our beloved Roadside America app, we found the perfect half-way point on the first leg of our road trip: Normal, Illinois.

With just a short detour off I-74, we found Carl’s Ice Cream Factory. Outside the ice cream shop stands 14-foot-tall Carl, the ice cream muffler man. Inside you’ll find premium, fresh-made hard ice cream, burgers and more.

 

First Stop: Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Cedar Rapids wasn’t exactly a “destination” for us… more like a convenient stop on our way to Minneapolis. But, with a little research, we found the second-largest city in Iowa was rich in history and cultural offerings.

In one full day exploring the city, primarily on foot, you may walk through downtown, along Cedar River, out to New Bohemia and into the Czech Village.

Spend some time in the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, learn about local artist Grant Wood, and then drive a little out of town to find the American Gothic Barn.

If murals are your thing, you could easily spend a full day or more just exploring the many murals scattered throughout the downtown area, each paying tribute to the hard-working people of the region, local artists or entertainment.

Another thing we loved about Cedar Rapids is the noticeable environmental awareness the city is designed with. There are dedicated walking paths along Cedar River and uniquely reformed natural areas like Mt. Trashmore.

Where to stay:

Tru by Hilton Cedar Rapids Westdale

Things to do:

Get inspired at Cedar Rapids Museum of Art

Visit New Bohemia & Czech Village District

Explore Brucemore Mansion

Hike Mt. Trashmore

Catch a show at Paramount Theatre

 

Second stop: Minneapolis, Minnesota

If you’re a baseball fan, make time to catch a game at Target Field to cheer on the Minnesota Twins. And, if you can, take a behind-the-scenes tour of the stadium before the game. You’ll learn a lot about the eco-friendly stadium and the planning that went into building it in the middle of the city, as well as take a tour through parts of the stadium most of us never get to see.

Minneapolis celebrates art and the artists that call this area home. In the downtown area you’ll find murals dedicated to Bob Dylan and Prince. On the edge of downtown is an 11-acre Sculpture Garden with iconic art including the Spoonbridge & Cherry. And nestled in the greenery of Minnehaha Regional Park is a sculpture dedicated to Hiawatha and Minnehaha, immortalized in Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s poem, “The Song of Hiawatha.”

Around Minneapolis is the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway - a 51-mile paved path perfect for exploring the city on bikes. The trail system also includes interconnected walking paths and trails perfect for exploring on your own.

If you prefer guided tours, check out these from Viator:

Where to stay:

Tru by Hilton Minneapolis Downtown

Things to do:

Cheer on the Twins at Target Field

Bike along the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway

Stroll through Sculpture Garden

Shop local at the Mill City Farmers Market

Paddle on the Chain of Lakes

 

Last Stop: Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Another day, another baseball game. This time at American Family Field, home of the Milwaukee Brewers. But first, we took a tour of the city along the Milwaukee River.

Lined with restaurants, breweries and more, kayaking on the river is a great way to spend a summer day. You can rent kayaks from Brew City Kayak and go at your own pace or join a group tour like the Milwaukee Cheese Curd Kayak Tour.

And for all you foodies, don’t miss a chance to browse through the Milwaukee Public Market.

Where to stay:

Tru by Hilton Milwaukee Downtownale

Things to do:

Kayak the Milwaukee River

Go shopping and take a cooking class at the Milwaukee Public Market

Cheer on the Brewers at American Family Field

Sip your way around Milwaukee’s beer scene