Wisconsin and the Midwest

Arrive Chicago, the Windy City!

Over the next couple of days you can see some of what the largest city in the Midwest has to offer.

Explore Chicago’s iconic architecture and step inside The Art Institute of Chicago, home to the largest collection of Impressionist works outside Paris and a stunning array of contemporary masterpieces in the Modern Wing. Stand before timeless classics like Nighthawks, and journey across the globe through galleries dedicated to the art of ancient Greece, Japan, Africa, and the Americas—each space offering its own story and perspective.

Just steps away, the Chicago Riverwalk stretches along the south bank of the Chicago River, a lively urban promenade brimming with public art, museums, restaurants, and water-based activities. Whether you’re strolling, dining, or taking in the river views, it’s a vibrant spot where the city’s energy meets its scenic waterways.

Visit Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower, the highest observation deck in the United States. On a clear day, it offers views of the city stretching across four states and up to 50 miles. One of its standout features is The Ledge—five glass-floor balconies that extend 4.3 feet from the tower, made of three layers of half inch-thick glass laminated into a single, seamless unit.

Continue west along I-88 out of Illinois, crossing into Iowa and continuing on I-80 toward Cedar Rapids.

Once there, stroll along the Cedar River, admire public art, and explore the local murals scattered throughout downtown. Cedar Rapids hosts a variety of seasonal festivals, farmers’ markets, and community events—check local calendars ahead of time for live music, food festivals, and other happenings.

Decorah is a scenic town in the Driftless Area, known for its dramatic limestone bluffs, clear rivers and picturesque waterfalls, including Dunning’s Spring Park, making it a popular spot for hiking, trout fishing, kayaking and cycling. The town proudly celebrates its Norwegian heritage at the Vesterheim Norwegian American Museum — the largest Norwegian-American museum in the United States — while Luther College adds to its vibrant atmosphere with a thriving arts scene, local breweries, independent shops and lively seasonal festivals.

You may wish to stop at Dyersville, home to the iconic ‘Field of Dreams’, en-route between Cedar Rapids and Decorah.

Mason City, Iowa, is home to the Historic Park Inn—the only remaining hotel in the world designed by renown architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

Design enthusiasts can experience Wright’s signature style and original vision while enjoying modern comforts. Each of the 27 rooms preserves the hotel’s historic character, thoughtfully blending timeless design with contemporary amenities. With 27 unique layouts, every stay offers a fresh and distinctive experience.

Get an early start today for a scenic drive through the rolling farmland of the Midwest. After checking into your hotel, prepare for two days of exploration in Minneapolis, where you can visit the Minneapolis Institute of Art, enjoy live theatre and comedy, and take in breathtaking views of the Mississippi River.

Just a short 15-minute drive away, Mall of America® offers a full day of entertainment. As the largest shopping mall in the United States, it spans over 5.6 million square feet across four floors and features more than 500 stores, from high-end brands to unique specialty shops. Beyond shopping, the mall is home to Nickelodeon Universe®, a 7-acre indoor theme park, with roller coasters and attractions for all ages. Visitors can also explore SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium, an interactive underwater experience with thousands of sea creatures. With over 50 restaurants and a variety of casual dining options, Mall of America provides a full day of fun, tax free shopping on clothing and shoes making it a must-see destination for families and travellers alike.

La Crosse is rich in culture and history, from the Victorian architecture of Hixon House Museum to the art exhibitions, live music, and theatre performances at the Grand Theatre and Pump House Regional Arts Center.

Set along the Mississippi River with dramatic bluffs and scenic landscapes, the city combines natural beauty with small-town charm. Whether you enjoy outdoor adventure, scenic drives, history, or sampling craft beer and local cuisine, La Crosse offers a surprisingly diverse and rewarding experience.

From La Crosse, enjoy a scenic drive to Wisconsin’s state capital, Madison. Along the way, you can admire the rolling countryside and lakes of southern Wisconsin. In Madison, explore the stunning Capitol Square, stroll along the city’s lakeshores, and experience the vibrant arts and café scene

One hour west of Madison, outside the village of Spring Green, is Taliesin, the 800-acre estate and home of America’s most famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a premier example of organic architecture that serves as a masterpiece of Prairie-style architecture. Dedicate a half-day for touring the estate with its many buildings. Have lunch at the Frank Lloyd Wright Visitor Centre Café. Summer and autumn visitors can take in an evening performance at the American Players Theatre, the country’s second-largest professional outdoor theatre situated on 110 acres of hilly woods and meadows along the Wisconsin River. Enjoy an evening meal at one of many small-town restaurants.

When you arrive in Green Bay start with a guided tour of Lambeau Field, home of the iconic Green Bay Packers, and visit the nearby Packers Hall of Fame to experience the heart of American football culture. Afterwards, enjoy a relaxing stroll through the Green Bay Botanical Garden or along the scenic Fox River Trail for some fresh air and waterside views. In the afternoon, explore local history at the Neville Public Museum, then round off your visit with dinner at a traditional Wisconsin supper club, sampling regional favourites like cheese curds and locally brewed craft beer before heading back to your accommodation.

Milwaukee – the state’s largest city, home to over 580,000 people. Spend your time exploring all that Milwaukee has to offer, from a scenic walk along the Lake Michigan shoreline to the iconic Milwaukee Art Museum, whose winged Brise-Soleil can be seen for miles, opening like a bird in flight. The museum houses over 30,000 works, ranging from contemporary art to classical masterpieces.

No visit to Milwaukee would be complete without experiencing the Harley-Davidson Museum, which features over 450 motorcycles, including historic bikes such as a classic Harley-Davidson police bike and Elvis Presley’s 1956 Harley-Davidson KH V-Twin, owned by the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. These standout motorcycles highlight both the city’s rich motorcycle heritage and its pop culture connections, making them visitor favourites.