Midwest Travel: A Fresh Perspective
While Palm Beach and London might be on everyone’s radar, the Midwest is gaining attention these days.
With new hotel openings and unique tourist experiences, America’s Heartland is buzzing with excitement.
“We’re really putting in the effort to create valuable experiences,” said Michelle Coffel, a luxury travel advisor from Columbus, Ohio. “You can enjoy high-quality offerings without breaking the bank.”
Coffel believes spending money in the Midwest offers more value compared to other regions. As airfares rise along the coast and beyond, many families are choosing to explore closer to home.
“No matter where you’re from, being in the Midwest means you’re welcomed warmly, and people genuinely appreciate your visit,” Coffel said. “I think it’s hard to compare the hospitality here with other places.”
From vibrant food scenes to serene lake getaways, it’s clear the Midwest has a wealth of opportunities—much more than initially meets the eye.
Columbus Cocktails
“It’s not just cornfields in the Midwest,” Coffel highlights. Take Junto, for example, the first indie lifestyle hotel in Columbus. “It’s definitely a hot spot,” she adds.
Opened in 2023, Junto is located in a renovated warehouse surrounded by art galleries and venues in the Franklinton Arts district. It boasts all the amenities that savvy travelers expect from a city hotel. Guests can enjoy the cafe, named Maudin after a cow linked to a past homecoming queen. The hotel offers gear rentals like kayaks and bikes, along with a complimentary shuttle service for Ohio State football games (starting at $249 per night).
So why Columbus? This city is home to Quarry Trails Metro Park’s Via Ferrata, a one-of-a-kind experience. Plus, popular spots like Bar Robird are gaining recognition with semi-final status in the 2025 James Beard awards, while Restaurant Agni is touted as one of Bompeytt’s best new eateries for 2024.
It’s a city well worth exploring for food and drink.
Glamping in Minnesota
About an hour north of Minneapolis, you’ll find Sweet Briar Ridge, opened in 2024 with an expansion planned for 2025. This glamping destination, set amidst meadows and forests, features unique safari-style tents, all with meticulous attention to detail.
The owner’s, Brie and David Rogers, spent years searching for the perfect land to create a unique getaway, and they found it. Sweet Briar Ridge occupies 56 acres of private land ideal for hiking and snowshoeing, with local wildlife areas and parks nearby. Guests can indulge in craft beer and delicious pizza at nearby breweries. The Rogers also partner with local businesses to enhance stays, offering services like massages, guided fishing trips, and private dining experiences.
Each of the three domes on the property provides plenty of privacy, high ceilings, expansive windows, and even kitchens. With amenities like campfire kits for s’mores and spacious bathrooms, you can unwind in comfort (prices starting at $214 per night).
Wisconsin Dairy Delights
The Seven Acre Dairy Company in Paoli, Wisconsin, is revitalizing a historic dairy farm with new attractions and offerings.
This location has roots dating back to 1888 when local farmers established a cheese factory. In 2021, the community banded together to save it, transforming it into a restaurant, cafe, event space, and even a boutique hotel (from $149 per night).
The newly launched Little Cloud restaurant features chef Ben Serum, who once trained at Noma in Copenhagen, collaborating with celebrated cheese maker Anna Landmark. Together, they craft exclusive dishes using locally-made cheese and butter.
Serum emphasizes how vital it is to form strong connections with local producers, stating, “It’s truly a dream to work with one of the best cheese makers in the nation.”
Relax in South Dakota
A new adult-only resort called Short Glass Resort aims to bring a fresh luxury experience to South Dakota. Located near Spearfish, it combines stunning natural beauty with stylish accommodations.
This venture, started by Rachel Headley and Jared Cap—known from a reality series—offers a new vision for luxury in this sparsely luxurious state. The resort features chic Danish-style bungalows with private decks overlooking a river and multiple swimming holes for a unique cowboy experience. They also offer curated picnics, yoga sessions, and guided park tours, along with farm-to-table meals at the on-site restaurant (starting at $1,215 per night).
Wisconsin’s Treetop Villas
Wisconsin Dells is often recognized for its water parks and amusement rides, but a brand new offering is changing that perception. The Treetop Villa opened this year, presenting a collection of luxurious tree-top suites (starting at $500 per night).
These accommodations boast full kitchens, gas fireplaces, and lake-facing balconies equipped with hot tubs. Inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural style, the suites provide ample privacy and stunning views (starting at $250 per night).
The villa underwent a complete renovation from its previous location nearby and coincidentally opened alongside Dawn Manor, a historic property recently moved and restored to feature lively bars and restaurant spaces, all while honoring local history. This fusion of contemporary design and historical charm offers a refreshing perspective on a region once defined by its theme parks.
