Midwest USA Holidays

Midwest USA

The wide open expanses of the American Midwest are indelibly linked to Route 66. This iconic and historic highway snakes its way through the heartland of the US, crossing the mighty Mississippi River on its 2,500 mile journey between Chicago and Los Angeles.

America’s Great Plains have always been a springboard to adventure. This is the region that inspired Mark Twain to write Huckleberry Finn, the starting point for pioneers heading west and the eastern base of the Pony Express. During the 1930s America’s ‘Mother Road’ again served a new generation moving to California. Affectionately known as the ‘Windy City’, Chicago has something for everyone – sport, food, fabulous music and a breathtaking skyline to match. Travelling south and west, pass small country towns, family owned diners and motels, stop in spirited St Louis, explore the Ozarks and Oklahoma. In winter, when the weather in Illinois is unfavourable, a Route 66 self-drive tour can be started in the Oklahoman capital, Oklahoma City. For further details on planning a Midwest USA holiday, get in contact with a USA specialist.

Holiday Ideas for the Midwest

Gas pump in desert along Route 66 in USA

16 DAYS

Ultimate Route 66 Road Trip

from £2900 - £3400
per person

21 DAYS

Route 66 and Highway 1

from £3600 - £4000
per person

17 DAYS

Route 66 in Reverse - Los Angeles to Chicago

from £2500 - £3000
per person

14 DAYS

Historic Route 66

from £2500 - £2800
per person

Start Planning Your Holiday

When to visit the Midwest

The best time to visit the Midwest USA is generally between late April and to mid October, however this does vary state by state. If you are looking to drive Route 66 from Chicago, May to October is the optimal time, with May, June, September, and October being our preferred travel months. July and August are extremely popular months to travel but do bear in mind that the western states experience extremely high temperatures during this period. A road trip along Route 66 or through other Midwest states is best avoided between November and March due to heavy snowstorms and icy roads which can severely interrupt travel.

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

NOV

DEC

BEST TIME

GOOD TIME

LOW SEASON

OFF SEASON

This is a general overview suggesting when to travel in the country. Please note that this may not directly apply to any specific itinerary or region.

What to do in the Midwest

From North Dakota to Kentucky, the USA’s Midwest region is made up of 12 states. The landscape across these states is generally flatter than the rest of the country with rolling grasslands and prairies, however there is some elevation in the forms of valleys and hills, for example, the Ozark Mountains in Missouri. South Dakota boasts national parks such as the Badlands which boasts steep canyons and towering spires as well as the Black Hills National Forest which is home to two historic monuments carved into the granite peaks. One of these is Mt. Rushmore which depicts four revered American presidents, the other is the Crazy Horse Memorial which is a tribute to a Native American tribal leader. Chicago, located on the shores of Lake Michigan in Illinois, is the region’s most prolific city offering an excellent range of museums and art galleries, world-class shopping, exciting sporting events and endless choices of jazz and blues music venues. Chicago is also the starting point of Route 66, an iconic road trip through the heart of continental America that combines spectacular scenery, famous landmarks and quintessential American cuisine.

Book with confidence with Pettitts Travel

We are here to take the stress out of your holiday, to provide you with impartial well-informed advice and assist you in navigating regulations and guidelines to ensure your trip goes as planned.