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When it comes to idyllic getaways, the Midwest delivers more than most travelers expect, especially if you know where to look. Scattered across its lakes and shorelines are a handful of charming islands that feel worlds away, each offering its own blend of natural beauty, local character and a slower pace you’d expect in the South. Whether you're after bike rides through car-free streets, artisan boutiques and historic inns or breezy afternoons along secluded beaches, these lesser-known destinations rival coastal escapes in New England and Europe.
From the horse-drawn carriages and historic cottages of Michigan’s Mackinac Island to the lively wine trails and lakefront views of Ohio’s Put-in-Bay, the region is full of unexpectedly idyllic getaways. Add in Door County’s Washington Island, Minnesota’s Madeline Island and Wisconsin’s Rock Island State Park, and you’ve got the makings of a picture-perfect vacation, no ocean required.
Related: The 5 Best Small-Town Summer Escapes According to Getaway Guru Samantha Brown
1. Put In Bay, Ohio
Put-in-Bay may be best known for its party scene and countless bars that rival Vegas, but beyond the lively bars and tourist-clad golf carts is family-friendly charm with a foodie twist. Just a quick ferry ride from Port Clinton delivers you to an island boasting historic architecture and lore, boutique stays and lakefront dining.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R28ekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R48ekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframeCheck into the stylish Anchor Inn Boutique Hotel, complete with European-inspired rooms and a wraparound porch, or opt for the Victorian charm of the Park Hotel for a stay that’s equally colonial as it is haunted. Spend the day touring Heineman’s Winery and its on-site Crystal Cave, browsing the independent shops along Delaware Avenue and exploring the limestone cliffs and walking trails of South Bass Island State Park. For dinner, grab a table at The Keys for island cocktails and Caribbean-inspired seafood with panoramic views of the water and the monument. Other notable restaurants include The Goat Soup & Whiskey for a refined dinner off the main drag or The Forge, an upscale creperie that serves everything from sweet crepes to pork belly bites.
2. Mackinac Island, Michigan
Mackinac Island’s timeless charm is no secret, and there’s a reason thousands of visitors flock to this car-free isle every summer. For a stay that’s tucked away from the bustle of downtown, book a few nights at The Inn at Stonecliffe. This hilltop estate offers sweeping views of the Mackinac Bridge, spacious suites and cottages and a serene, woodsy setting that feels like a true retreat.
Spend your days biking the eight-mile M-185 loop around the island (cars aren’t allowed here), wandering the wildflower-lined trails of Mackinac Island State Park, photographing the famed Arch Rock or touring the gardens and famously long porch of the Grand Hotel—film buffs will recognize it from the cult-classic Somewhere in Time. For a leisurely lunch, head to the waterfront patio at the Pink Pony, and don’t miss dinner at The Woods, a Bavarian-inspired hideaway serving wild game and classic cocktails that’s just a few steps from Stonecliff. With horse-drawn carriages clip-clopping past and lilacs perfuming the air, Mackinac feels like a storybook escape.
Related: 19 Best Things to Do on Mackinac Island—a Gorgeous Getaway in the Midwest
3. Washington Island, Wisconsin
Washington Island, just a quick ferry ride from the northern tip of Door County, feels like a place suspended in time. Known for its Scandinavian heritage and rugged beauty, the island is best explored slowly: by bike, kayak, or simply on foot. Start with a stop at Fragrant Isle, the largest lavender farm in the Midwest, where rows of violet blooms stretch toward the horizon and the farm shop sells everything from essential oils to housemade truffles.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R2iekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R4iekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframeTake a dip at Schoolhouse Beach, famous for its smooth, white limestone rocks, or explore the island’s wooded trails and hidden coves at Jackson Harbor Ridges. For lunch, grab a seat on the patio at Island Café & Bread Company, known for fresh pastries and just-caught whitefish sandwiches. End the day at Stavkirke, a dramatic, hand-built stave church nestled in the woods, before watching the sunset from the top of Mountain Park Tower. There are no chain hotels here, just cozy inns and rustic cabins.
4. Madeline Island, Minnesota/ Wisconsin
Madeline Island is the largest of Wisconsin’s Apostle Islands, despite technically being in Minnesota waters. A quaint escape that feels like a secret worth keeping (it’s accessible only by ferry from Bayfield), this Lake Superior gem offers a quiet charm that’s all about barefoot days and stargazing nights. Explore the windswept beaches and dense forests of Big Bay State Park, paddleboard along sandstone cliffs or rent a bike to cruise the island’s laid-back roads.
In town, stop by Café Seiche for seasonal dishes like the strawberry salad or Lake Superior white fish with lake views, or grab a scoop of handcrafted ice cream or a slice of pizza from the beloved Grampa Tony’s restaurant and bar. Art lovers shouldn’t miss the Madeline Island Museum or the many artist studios tucked into cabins and barns.Stay at Old Rittenhouse Inn, which sits right across the bay in Bayfield, for a romantic escape with gorgeous views and easy access to the island.
5. Devils Island, Wisconsin
Devils Island, the northernmost island in Wisconsin’s Apostle Islands, feels like the final frontier of Great Lakes adventure, and the remoteness is part of its charm. Accessible only by ferry from Bayfield (like Madeline Island above), this tiny island is ideal for day hikers and paddleboarders craving untouched wilderness and no crowds. Pitch your tent at the backcountry campground near the historic lighthouse, or book a spot in the nearby Siskiwit Bay Lodge for a bit more comfort before crossing over.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R2rekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R4rekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframeSpend your days navigating the rugged coastal trails, kayaking through sea caves carved into red sandstone or climbing the old lighthouse for bird’s-eye views of the vast waters. While there are no permanent restaurants on Devils Island itself, Bayfield’s lakeside cafés are your gateway for morning coffee or lake-to-table fish dishes before you head into the wild.
6. Beaver Island, Michigan
Beaver Island, perched in the northernmost waters of Lake Michigan, is as close to Canada as you can get. Reachable via a scenic 45-minute ferry from Charlevoix, this serene escape offers miles of quiet shoreline, forested hiking trails and a quaint vibe only found in the Midwest. Stay at the charming Beaver Island Lodge, where cozy rooms overlook the water and the on-site restaurant draws from local fish and farm produce.
Spend your days biking the public roads (cars are few) to explore hidden coves, visiting the historic Holy Cross Church or kayaking around the island’s lesser-known islets, like Garden and High Islands. For a taste of island life, stop into Sunset Restaurant for hearty fare and friendly company or pack a picnic and stroll down to Kelly’s Beach, where sunsets burn bright over the lake.
Related: 5 U.S. Towns With Major European Vibes
6 Idyllic Getaways That You Won't Believe Are in the Midwest first appeared on Parade on Jun 28, 2025
This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 28, 2025, where it first appeared.
