Skylines, lakefronts and food scenes pull in different directions here: big-city energy against small-town charm and a few college towns that punch above their weight. Pick the one you would actually book a weekend in.
1ChicagoThe Midwest's giant, famed for its lakefront skyline, architecture, deep-dish pizza and museums.1000pts
2St. LouisGateway to the West, home to the Gateway Arch, Forest Park and a legendary baseball and barbecue culture.862pts
3DetroitThe Motor City, with Motown music, the Detroit Institute of Arts and a revitalised riverfront.665pts
4Grand RapidsA Michigan city known for craft beer, ArtPrize and a lively downtown on the Grand River.596pts
5MilwaukeeA Lake Michigan city with the Calatrava-designed Art Museum, festivals, breweries and a lively RiverWalk.517pts
6Saint PaulMinnesota's capital, known for its grand Cathedral, historic Summit Avenue and Mississippi bluffs.517pts
7ColumbusOhio's capital and a college-town powerhouse with the Short North arts district and a top-rated zoo.423pts
8MadisonWisconsin's lakeside capital on an isthmus, with a grand Capitol, farmers' market and Terrace views.423pts
9Kansas CityA Missouri city famed for barbecue, jazz heritage, fountains and the Country Club Plaza.423pts
10ClevelandA Lake Erie city home to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and a revived downtown and arts district.423pts
11CincinnatiAn Ohio River city of hills, historic architecture, Findlay Market and chili with its own style.310pts
12MinneapolisA lake-dotted Minnesota city with a strong arts scene, Mississippi riverfront and the Walker Art Center.310pts
13IndianapolisIndiana's capital, home of the Indy 500, big sports events and a walkable downtown.310pts
14Ann ArborA Michigan college town with the University of Michigan, Big House football and a lively downtown.310pts
15OmahaA Nebraska city known for its world-class zoo, Old Market district and the College World Series.0pts
Photo credits
- St. Louis — Sam valadi, CC BY 2.0
- Milwaukee — Michael Hicks (Mulad), CC BY 2.0
- Saint Paul — Quintin Soloviev, CC BY 4.0
- Kansas City — Stephen Edmonds, CC BY-SA 3.0
- Cleveland — Erik Drost, CC BY 4.0
- Cincinnati — EEJCC, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Minneapolis — BpA9543, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Indianapolis — Chris Bowman, CC BY 2.0
- Ann Arbor — Chriswaco, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Omaha — Tony Webster from Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States, CC BY 2.0
