15 Amazing Free Tourist Attractions in the Midwest
Disclaimer: We are not paid to promote any restaurant, hotel, activity, product, or attraction. All opinions are subjective and based on our personal experience. Your experience may be different.
6. Cincinnati Art Museum
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
This free art museum is one of the country’s oldest and best. It was founded in 1881 and can claim the title as the first purpose built art museum west of the Alleghenies. Not only is it the best attraction in Cincinnati, but admission and parking are both free all year round! The collection is quite large and includes 67,000 pieces spanning over 6000 years. From European and American paintings and sculptures, to Native American art, to decorative arts and design, you will find a bit of everything here. The East Asian Art collection, featuring art from China, Korea, and Japan is not only impressive, but one of the oldest collections of its’ kind. The South Asian Art and Antiquities collection is also outstanding. Here you will find architectural fragments from Khirbet et-Tannur as well as ceramic vessels and sculptures from ancient Greece, Rome, and Egypt.
Learn more about the Cincinnati Art Museum
7. Cleveland Art Museum
Location: Cleveland, Ohio
Cleveland’s wonderful art museum is one of the attractions I find myself going back to again and again. The collection is extensive (more than 45,000 pieces spanning 6000 years) and free for all to enjoy. The building itself is also quite gorgeous. Highlights include: Marilyn x 100 by pop art icon Andy Warhol, Nataraja, Shiva as Lord of Dance from South India (Chola period, 900-1200s), Water Lilies by Claude Monet (1915-1926), and The Dream by Salvador Dali (1931).
Learn morea bout the Cleveland Art Museum
8. Lake Erie beaches
Location: Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Michigan
Lake Erie is the 4th largest of the 5 Great Lakes and the 11th largest in the world. The water is the shallowest and warmest of the Great Lakes which makes it a prime destination for summer swimming. Buffalo, Erie, Toledo, and Cleveland all are located within close proximity to a number of top rated beaches. The best way to cool down on a hot and humid summer day in Northern Ohio/Pennsylvania is to head to the Lake Erie beaches. With 11 pubic beach options, there is something here for everyone. Hiking, picnicking, and biking are more ways to enjoy some fun-in-the-sun. Cleveland area beaches are fantastic for seaglass hunting!
Check out a few of the best Lake Erie beaches in Ohio and Pennsylvania
9. Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail
Location: Cleveland to New Philadelphia, Ohio
This ~100 mile trail travels along the historic Ohio and Erie Canal. This is the same path which was used by mules to pull boats from 1827-1913. Along the lengthy course, which runs from Cleveland to New Philadelphia, there are many attractions and beautiful sights to take in. A leisurely bike ride through the 20 mile section transversing through the gorgeous Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a great place to start. The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad offers a really cool Bike/Hike Aboard program where you can bike/walk one direction and take the train another (the train can be flagged down at any boarding station along the trail). Best part of all – you will receive a discount over the regular train admission price.
Towpath map and attraction guide
10. Lincoln Park Zoo
Location: Downtown Chicago
Lincoln Park Zoo was founded in 1858, making it the 4th oldest zoo in the nation. The zoo holds a lot of historical significance. It’s one of the only free zoos in the country so definitely take advantage if you are seeking budget friendly entertainment in The Windy City. Lincoln offers 49 acres to explore with over 200 beautiful animal species calling the zoo home. Best of all are the gorgeous city views! The zoo hosts many unique events. If your visit happens to fall over Christmas, be sure to check out Zoo Lights (free on Mondays, $5 otherwise) – easily one of Chicago’s most festive holiday light shows!
Zoo parking is free for the first half hour (side street parking is available but is hard to find. Consider biking from the Lakeshore Path).
