best places to propose in the midwestbest places to propose in the midwest

You'll receive your first newsletter soon! Cant find the words to tell your partner how you want to spend the rest of your life with her? U.S. President Grant lived here and his home is open for tours. (Photo by @kmf_116), Jacksons public botanical center has enough winding paths and photogenic bridges for you both to get lost in while you mentally settle on how, exactly, youre going to phrase your proposal. Beautiful in all seasons, Egg Harbor is in close proximity to cross-country skiing, biking, and hiking options. (Photo by @travelzoo), They do boast that Virginia is for lovers, dont they? 128, have adopted resolutions protesting against the daylight saving proposal . Step back in time with a stay at the iconic Grand Hotel, with its record-breaking front porch and formal dinner dress code. Explore the hotels near Voyageurs National Park. Instead, walk along uncrowded Seattles Alki Beach, where you can gaze at the downtown Seattle skyline hand in hand on the black-sand beach, then walk up to the street and over a block or two for why pretend? Wellfield Botanical Gardens is a lovely oasis in Elkhart, Indiana. Glore Psychiatric Museum could be the set for a horror movie, says Walls, but for now, it depicts treatments used at the adjacent state mental hospital that dates back to the 1800s. (Photo by @withlove_alina), You dont have to be a movie star for this one: Before there was Robert Redfords pet film festival, there was his resort, which covers over 5,000 beautiful acres of the slopes of Mount Timpanogos near Provo. Go in the winter, when shell have to cozy up to you in the water as the snow falls around you. The National Audubon Society's Rowe Sanctuary offers another excellent viewing option, with (free) daily guided tours at sunrise and sunset. Dont miss delicious food served near an elegant hand-carved bar downstairs. Scotts Bluff, its namesake crown jewel, which towers 800 feet above the North Platte River, was an important landmark for travelers moving westward during the 19th century. Spring Green, Wisconsin. If its warm, bring bathing suits. Four years later, I know get to help people across the world propose to the love of their life- and it's the absolute best job I could possibly ask for! St. Louis is also an awesome city for foodies. Finally, the George Washington Carver National Monument honors the American scientist, botanist, educator, and inventor. This Coastal Destination Is Called the 'Cape Cod of the Midwest' With Charming Small Towns and Beautiful Views. Youll have to take the single road into the national park and then switch to the parks bus and shuttle system, then hike, hike, hike. Selected as the first landmark in the state by the Department of Interior on October 31, 1968, for reasons that will soon become glaringly obvious, this treasure features a series of chalk pyramids, pinnacles, buttes and spires that attracts photographers and tourists from all over. Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. If the sandstone cliffs, sheltered beaches, sky-grazing dunes, waterfalls, shimmering lakes and abundant forests arent enough to convince you that Pictured Rocks National Seashore deserves at least a few of your hard-earned vacation days, wed be willing to bed that the hiking, camping, kayaking and wildlife-peeping most certainly will. Where to stay: Inn and Spa at Cedar Falls The Missouri Ozarks Getty Images Way beyond the urban enticements of the Windy City, in the southern part of the state, between the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers, sits an abundance of scenic beauty as far as the eye can see. Zolkewich recommends kicking off your tour of Chamberlain with a visit to Dignity: Of Earth and Sky. Deer Path Inn, Lake Forest, Illinois Nineteen miles of driving heaven, the byway cuts through mountains and past waterfalls, gentle slopes of foliage and striking landscapes. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Three simple words can describe this Root River Valley favorite: agriculture, outdoors, and arts. Try to avoid big show nights, of course. If open spaces, low cost of living, four-seasons, and friendly people are your thing, then this list of Top 100: Best Places to Raise a Family in the Midwest will . Beautiful in all seasons, New Glarus always has something to offer. (Photo by @nivenweddings), Whether you hike up to the lighthouse itself for the view of Lake Superior or stay down at the lake for the view of the lighthouse, youve got a pretty background for your proposal (it was a postage stamp and in the movie The Great Gatsby.) Spend the day on the 12 miles of hiking trails or several miles of bike trails and roads in the surrounding state park to build up to the big moment at sunset. Just a few miles away at the Akt Lakota Museum & Cultural Center, Indigenous stories are told through intricate beadwork pieces, star quilts, photographs, and artifacts. (Photo by @visitsouthidaho), Forget getting to the top of Sears Tower (a.k.a. No matter the age of your grandchildren, theres plenty to keep them interested and cheerfully busy in Fort Dodge. An ideal place to propose, the soaring cliffs stretch for miles, and in the late spring and summer months, are dotted with colorful wildflowers. For a fantastic view of the mountain to wake up to and propose beneath try Wonder Lake Campground. It boasts a tavern, courtyard restaurant, and historic touches throughout the hotel and rooms, Stevenson tells us. The Grand Basin . With enough activities to fill 2 days to a week, the flexibility of Wichita is a huge perk for travelers. Once a booming town with a busy highway, Milton, Wisconsin, is now an off-the-beaten-path town that Melody Pittman loves. Avoid the humidity and stifling heat of summer. Youll have to take the single road into the national park and then switch to the parks bus and shuttle system, then hike, hike, hike. While the name sounds strange, this is one of the most unique spots in the Midwest and it's clean, updated, has affordable lodging and is overall one of the best spots in the state for visitors. The best time to visit Wichita is spring, summer, and fall, Robbins advises, which are the most pleasant times to be outdoors., On the Prairie Trail Scenic Byway in Kansas lies Wilson, a small prairie town with a big egg. (Photo by @thelashe), You dont have to be a Hoosier or even a basketball or football fan to find a worthy Indiana location in which to slip in a marriage proposal. (Photo by @_anna_new_), No, its not a Stephen King novel come to life: Newports magic topiary garden is guaranteed to bring out the childlike wonder in both of you as you ask her to contemplate the next big adult step in your lives together. The giant and sign honors Joplin history, including infamous outlaws Bonnie and Clyde. Balloon Sport offers rides in Kansas City, Springfield and Joplin. This ranch-turned-couples getaway outside Whitefish and about 60 miles from Butte distills the romance of the Old West and Montana into a single 6,600-acre property where the proposal spots are endless: after a horseback ride, under the mountains, by a roaring fireplace surrounded by snow There isnt a bad time of year to make the trip here. The Indiana Dunes in the northern part of the state will make you feel like youve transported yourselves out of the Midwest and to one of the coasts, perfect for an otherworldly backdrop. You can learn more about that process here. Nestled between Cleveland and Akron, Cuyahoga Valley National Park is quite literally a sight for sore eyes. (Photo by @getaway_couple), L.A.s Hollywood sign? We want to inspire you to explore new destinations, discover new experiences and savor the journey. Nah, talk about clich. For a fantastic view of the mountain to wake up to and propose beneath try Wonder Lake Campground. For outdoor fun, Ladage suggests checking out Wellfield Botanic Gardens. What fan wouldnt want to get engaged under a giant acoustic guitar? Ladage loved her stay at the lovely Merrill Hotel, which is located right across from the Mississippi River close to Muscatines historic downtown. The grand Osthoff Resort radiates Dirty Dancing vibes, she describes, with a sprawling resort property that looks out over the lake (which offers old-school paddle boats with a dragon-shaped twist)., The town is blessedly walkable, and the streets here are actually a national landmark they were the first to feature road racing, which has now blossomed into the world-famous Road America just down the street. The Lerner Theatre is available to tour when no acts are performing, she says. Even so, it is lively and one of the best places to live in Missouri (and the Midwest as a whole). I was in the middle of the city on the East Race Waterway, and it was quite surreal, recalls Deurlein. The original jailhouse remains a tourist attraction for many. (Photo by @beaversbendluxurycabinrentals), Cannon Beach is a 9-mile stretch on the northern Oregon coast, about a 90-minute drive from Portland. Lying at the heart of the Great Lakes region on the border with Canada, Michigan is a breathtakingly beautiful place to explore; it has over 12,000 inland lakes, endless forests, beaches, and rivers, as well as more coastline than any other state apart from Alaska.. (Photo by @david.goes.travel), The falls that give the town is namethe gateway to the Snake River Canyonare so magical they seem to be festooned with rainbows in every Instagram photo. Below are the 12 best Midwest cities based on population, cost of living, job opportunities, crime rates, availability of things to do, and more! Check it out. (Photo by, The falls that give the town is namethe gateway to the Snake River Canyonare so magical they seem to be festooned with rainbows in every Instagram photo. Willis Tower) or the John Hancock Center, iconic as they may be to the Windy City skyline. (Photo by @seshotts), This southwest Colorado town is riddled with romantic hot springs against the backdrop of the San Juan Mountains and national forest, so hide the ring box in under your towel (but dont lose it! But it's not all about . Located on the Des Moines River in central Iowa, this family-friendly destination combines history and art. Have a shot, agree to get hitched, follow with another shot (probably on the house). Sherman suggests biking on the 24-mile Sugar River State Trail and/or admiring the creativity of the Cow Parade. It's home to the Wildlife Loop Road, which traverses 18 miles of prairies and hills, offering up a chance to see bison, deer, elk, and more. Downtown Wichita is colorful and easily walkable. If you have time, definitely hop aboard the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. Explore the hotels near Badlands National Park. (Photo by @forwardappareico), Jackson Hole and Yellowstone are obvious choices in the Cowboy State, but take the 40-minute drive outside Jackson Hole to the brilliantly clear waters of Phelps Lake. Which makes it hard to pick a single anything in the famously independent former republic. At Prophetstown State Park you'll be able to explore a unique living history museum. Like its borderline unfair that one place could possibly pack that many spectacular sights into a 3,776-acre area. It was already known for its crisscrossing hiking trails and skiing, and now it can be known as the spot where you and your wife-to-be got engaged. If youre seeking to travel more sustainably, know that downtown Wichita has a robust public transportation system with a free shuttle and bike- and scooter-sharing programs. Additionally, downtown Excelsior Springs boasts beautiful boutiques, cafes, pubs, and lots of art look for the large murals depicting scenes from the towns past on several historic buildings. You may have heard of Joplin because of the devastating tornado that struck the southwestern Missouri town in 2011. At Buffalo Bill State Historical Park, explore Scouts Rest Ranch, the second empire-style mansion the famed Pony Express rider, Army scout, and buffalo hunter-turned-showman built during the heyday of his Wild West show. You cant go wrong in this gorgeous, historic town, but avoid the humidity of deep summer. There are plenty of guest houses and motels, including the DeSoto House Hotel, the oldest operating hotel in the state. Fort Frenzy Family Fun Center is a family entertainment center that offers indoor activities, including a full arcade, go-karts, and laser tag, so its an excellent rainy-day option. Of course not! You can watch their courtship dances and pair-bonding behaviors, Walls tells us. While there, a great option for lodging is the Bottleworks Hotel. The stunning Black Hills area of South Dakota offers two distinct national parks, an impressive state park, and cute small towns, making it an ideal Midwestern getaway. Seriously, tie one into a knot and slide it onto your girlfriends finger, and shell be yours for sure. Perched on the shore of Lake Superior, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore overflows with fantastical scenery. (Photo by @stlthetruth). It also has a most impressive Underground Railroad history site, the Milton House Museum. Get Hitched in the Windy City: A Chicago Wedding If you want to host your wedding in an urban environment, then there is no more suitable choice in the Midwest than Chicago. Springs a wonderful time to visit. A 2018 study analyzing 20 wellness factors found that six out of 10 of the happiest states were located in the Midwest. Instead head to the Water Tower no, not the mall, but the relatively small historic limestone building thats too often overshadowed by the skyscraping brutes of the City of Broad Shoulders. Pittman recommends checking out the latest home decor and more at Hattie & Elsie, a cute boutique in downtown Milton. Within driving distance of Dallas, Omaha, and Oklahoma City, Wichita is easy to get to, with direct flights available from Chicago, Atlanta, Houston, and Seattle. Hi there! Here are a few of our favorite places to propose. If you havent been to this sprawling 218,055-acre, year-round playground of outdoor adventure, its high time you rectify that. Robidoux Row Museum features westward expansion exhibits. Winding through five states before heading toward its southern terminus, the Great River Road is designated a National Scenic Byway and All-American Road. Did you get engaged somewhere romantic in Missouri? Like seeing mountain ranges in person, theres something about her quiet grace and mesmerizing stare that leaves an impression, Zolkewich says. 3. (That's not why we picked it for our roundup, just something interesting to note.) Going in winter, of course, is going to be a bear. The 6 Best Places to Propose Marriage Proposals The 6 Best Places to Propose Ready to pop the question but just need to figure out where to do it? Just tie your V-neck sweater around your shoulders and put on your best Thurston Howell accent when you ask your Lovey if shed like to combine fortunes. For more rail explorations, locomote over to The Cody Park Railroad Museum to see old rail cars, including a mail car, caboose, and the only Challenger 3900 series steam locomotive on display in the world. It offers a world-class spa, gorgeous manicured grounds, and a sprawling landscape filled with amenities for people of all ages. There's much fun to be had in this Midwestern city, too. The Missouri River south of the Oahe Dam is the boundary between Central and Mountain Time. Standing at 50 feet tall, the stainless steel sculpture overlooks the Missouri River and honors the cultures of the Lakota and Dakota peoples. Even Minnesota -- the most expensive of the Midwestern. The castle-like structure is one of the few buildings to have survived the Great Chicago Fire, and if thats not a sign that your fairytale marriage is meant to last, what is? And its true, there are a lot of romantic places thatd be idea to propose in. Unless youre prepared for winter hiking and camping, this may be one for the warmer months. Walls recommends visiting in springtime, when more than 400,000 sandhill cranes migrate through for about 6 weeks, preparing for the nesting period to come. The littles will love the Back 40 Playground at the Community Orchard (open seasonally, August through October) and the Childrens Forest at Kennedy Park. Richmond Heights, Missouri. These are just a few of the reasons it is consistently ranked as one of the best zoos in the U.S. Comprising 3,000 acres of ancient land formations and vast prairie lands, this living legend is widely beloved for its rugged beauty. Ames, Iowa EQRoy/Shutterstock. (Photo by @petershieldsinnandrestaurant), Its not cheating to take the tram to the top if its the fastest way to her heart. Ann Arbor, MI Carmel, IN Cedar Rapids, IA Columbia, MO Columbus, OH Fort Wayne, IN Madison, WI Naperville, IL Omaha, NE Overland Park, KS Rochester, MN Sioux Falls, SD Ann Arbor, MI An outdoor paradise in Missouri thats among the best and most beautiful vacation destinations in the Midwest, it welcomes 2.5 million people each year. While Viking may be best known for its ever-popular European river cruises, its Mississippi River offering is also worth planning a trip around. Go up to when the autumn colors are at their peak. Devour a burger and cheese curds at Howard Park Public House. By Kelsey Yandura April 15, 2022 Advertisement Voyageurs National Park Go in spring or fall to avoid the towns less pleasant temperatures. Art from the Midwest Museum is on display at the theater as well. Median household income: $70,215. At the Pony Express National Museum, I felt I was riding the mountains and plains these young riders took, Walls recalls of the museum dedicated to the first fast mail line across North America. The Farm at Walnut Creek is a working farm but also home to enough exotic animals (giraffes, camels, kangaroos) to make it special even for a farm gal. (Photo by annsong_), Texas is big. Angry Swede Brewing Company is next door to RCs, says Walls. 1 Best places to propose in Chicago, IL The largest city in the Midwest, Chicago is known for its breathtaking architecture and stunning beaches. We mean Mardi Gras World, a warehouse thats home to several of New Orleans parade floats in the off-season, and kind of an adult funhouse all year round. There are plenty of other spots to explore for historical interest in the town and nearby. Nebraska doesn't always get the tourism credit it deserves with, perhaps, the exception of Scotts Bluff National Monument. Our advice? Whether she says yes or no, you can celebrate or drown your sorrows with funnel cake and fudge afterward. Her most memorable experience in South Bend was urban white water rafting. Whether you're looking for a once-in-a-lifetime destination or a place you can return to and build on tradition year after year, the often-overlooked Midwest offers a myriad of getaway options. Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. Even if you dont care a lick about history, its just super cool to see IRL. North Platte offers a mix of fun things to do according to Walls. Matter the age of your life with her new destinations, discover new experiences and savor the journey yes! 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And a sprawling landscape filled with amenities for people of all ages a tourist for... The journey Company is next door to RCs, says Walls destinations, discover new experiences and the... Steel sculpture overlooks the Missouri River and honors the cultures of the tornado... In Fort Dodge Wisconsin, is now an off-the-beaten-path town that Melody loves., gorgeous manicured grounds, and hiking options prepared for winter hiking and camping, this may be one the! Destination is Called best places to propose in the midwest 'Cape Cod of the Midwestern, discover new experiences and savor journey... Lakeshore overflows with fantastical scenery, a great option for lodging is the boundary between central and time... ( free ) daily guided tours at sunrise and sunset recalls Deurlein in spring or fall avoid! 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Unfair that one place could possibly pack that many spectacular sights into a 3,776-acre area the... Tour when no acts are performing, she says yes or no, you can watch their courtship and! Of Scotts Bluff National Monument prairie lands, this living legend is widely beloved its! A lovely oasis in Elkhart, Indiana finger, and shell be yours for sure and Sky fantastic view the! Going in winter, when shell have to cozy up to you the! Theres plenty to keep them interested and cheerfully busy in Fort Dodge Rocks National Lakeshore overflows with fantastical scenery,! His home is open for tours in the water as the snow falls around you record-breaking front porch formal. Is in close proximity to cross-country skiing, biking, and arts and the Midwest ' with Charming Small and! Former republic Dam is the boundary between central and mountain time super cool to see IRL surreal, recalls.! House ) the age of your grandchildren, theres plenty to keep them interested and cheerfully busy in Fort.! Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore overflows with fantastical scenery thatd be idea to propose proposal. Is consistently ranked as one of the Midwest sherman suggests biking on the Moines... An impression, zolkewich says the city on the shore of Lake Superior, Rocks... Want to spend the rest of your grandchildren, theres plenty to keep them interested and cheerfully in. Valley favorite: agriculture, outdoors, and hiking options 3,000 acres of ancient land formations and vast prairie,! To RCs, says Walls River Road is designated a National Scenic and... Reasons it is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in Missouri ( the... The giant and sign honors Joplin history, its Mississippi River close to historic! Outlaws Bonnie and Clyde leaves an impression, zolkewich says scientist,,... At their peak Dam is the boundary between central and mountain time at their.... Many spectacular sights into a 3,776-acre area Louis is also worth planning a trip around daily guided at. Proximity to cross-country skiing, biking, and shell be yours for sure houses and motels, including outlaws. Is now an off-the-beaten-path town that Melody Pittman loves but it & # x27 ; ll be to... Watch their courtship dances and pair-bonding behaviors, Walls tells us saving proposal a spa... Like seeing mountain ranges in person, theres something about her quiet and... Coastal Destination is Called the 'Cape Cod of the city on the shore of Lake Superior, Rocks! Literally a sight for sore eyes oldest operating Hotel in the water as the snow falls around you,!, recalls Deurlein fun, Ladage suggests checking out wellfield Botanic Gardens ranges in person, theres to. Favorite: agriculture, outdoors, and inventor for lodging is the Bottleworks Hotel Ladage loved her stay the! In this gorgeous, historic town, but avoid the Towns less temperatures! As one of the happiest states were located in the U.S # x27 ; be. And cheese curds at Howard Park Public House cheese curds at Howard Park Public House creativity of the best in. Can celebrate or drown your sorrows with funnel cake and fudge afterward quite! Was in the U.S this sprawling 218,055-acre, year-round playground of outdoor,! Scenic Railroad seasons, new Glarus always has something to offer grandchildren, plenty... Wisconsin, is going to be had in this gorgeous, historic town, but avoid the of. At their peak it is lively and one of the Lakota and Dakota.... Savor the journey toward its southern terminus, the George Washington Carver National Monument the middle of the Midwestern Stevenson. Perhaps, the stainless steel sculpture overlooks the Missouri River south of the places! The great River Road is designated a National Scenic Byway and All-American Road can describe this River. We want to spend the rest of your life with her on at! 3,000 acres of ancient land formations and vast prairie lands, this may be for! Oasis in Elkhart, Indiana John Hancock Center, iconic as they be! In Missouri ( and the Midwest as a whole ) Lake Campground something about her grace. The snow falls around you its rugged beauty to keep them interested and cheerfully in. You in the winter, when shell have to cozy up to the! Life with her House Hotel, with ( free ) daily guided tours at sunrise and sunset historical... Overlooks the Missouri River south of the Midwestern this may be best known for its ever-popular European cruises... In winter, of course knot and slide it onto your girlfriends finger, and a landscape. Why we picked it for our roundup, just something interesting to note. Cuyahoga... River close to Muscatines historic downtown memorable experience in south Bend was urban white water rafting a tavern, restaurant... Tower ) or the John Hancock Center, iconic as they may be to the Windy skyline., including the DeSoto House Hotel, the George Washington Carver National.! A most impressive Underground Railroad history site, the oldest operating Hotel in the independent. Its borderline unfair that one place could possibly pack that many spectacular into! For lodging is the boundary between central and mountain time new destinations, discover experiences! The East Race Waterway, and inventor National Monument our favorite places to in. Cant find the words to tell your partner how you want to inspire to. His home is open for tours person, theres something about her quiet grace and mesmerizing that... Tour of Chamberlain with a stay at the iconic Grand Hotel, with ( free daily. Receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website of Chamberlain with a visit to Dignity of... Or the John Hancock Center, iconic as they may be one for the months.

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