When I first moved to the Midwest, I didn’t expect to fall in love with its state parks. Growing up near the ocean, I thought nothing could compare to the sound of waves or the smell of salty air. But over the years, I’ve discovered that the Midwest has its own kind of magic—rolling prairies, hidden waterfalls, quiet lakes, and trails that seem to stretch forever. And perhaps the best part? Many of these parks are perfect for family adventures.
I’ve taken my kids to countless parks across Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and beyond, but there are seven that stand out—not just for their beauty, but for how much they engage children’s curiosity and sense of wonder. Here’s my personal list, along with the little moments that made each visit unforgettable.
1. Starved Rock State Park, Illinois
The first time we visited Starved Rock, it was early spring. The snow had just melted, and the waterfalls were roaring. My kids couldn’t believe that such dramatic canyons existed just a couple of hours from Chicago. We hiked to St. Louis Canyon, where the walls rose high above us, dripping with water. The kids splashed in shallow streams, pretending they were explorers discovering a hidden world.
Why it’s great for kids:
- Short, manageable trails with big payoffs (waterfalls, canyons)
- Wildlife spotting—deer, eagles, and even raccoons
- Picnic areas perfect for a mid-hike snack
2. Devil’s Lake State Park, Wisconsin
If you’ve never seen a lake surrounded by towering quartzite bluffs, Devil’s Lake will take your breath away. We went in late summer, and the kids spent hours swimming in the clear water while I grilled hot dogs nearby. Later, we climbed the East Bluff Trail, where the view made even my restless eight-year-old stop and say, “Wow.”
Why it’s great for kids:
- Sandy beaches for swimming and sandcastle building
- Easy access to restrooms and concessions
- Rock formations that spark imagination (“That one looks like a giant turtle!”)
3. Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio (Yes, it’s a national park, but it feels like a state park)
We stumbled upon Cuyahoga Valley during a road trip and ended up staying an extra day. The Towpath Trail was perfect for biking with the kids, and the train ride through the park was a huge hit. My youngest still talks about the moment we spotted a great blue heron gliding over the river.
Why it’s great for kids:
- Scenic train rides that break up the hiking
- Waterfalls like Brandywine Falls that are easy to reach
- Educational visitor centers with hands-on exhibits
4. Turkey Run State Park, Indiana
Turkey Run is where my kids learned that hiking can be an adventure, not a chore. The trails wind through sandstone gorges, across suspension bridges, and along streams you can wade through. We went in autumn, and the leaves turned the whole park into a golden wonderland.
Why it’s great for kids:
- Unique terrain that feels like a natural playground
- Shallow creeks for safe water play
- Plenty of shaded trails for hot summer days
5. Itasca State Park, Minnesota
Standing at the source of the Mississippi River is something every child should experience. At Itasca, you can literally walk across the river on stepping stones. My kids loved telling their friends back home, “We walked across the Mississippi!” We rented bikes and explored the quiet forest roads, spotting chipmunks and red squirrels along the way.
Why it’s great for kids:
- Iconic “headwaters” experience
- Gentle bike paths and nature programs
- Cabins and campgrounds for overnight stays
6. Maquoketa Caves State Park, Iowa
This park is pure magic for adventurous kids. We brought headlamps and spent the day exploring caves of all shapes and sizes. Some were big enough to walk through upright, while others required crawling on hands and knees. My kids felt like real-life treasure hunters.
Why it’s great for kids:
- Dozens of caves to explore safely
- Short distances between attractions
- Shaded picnic spots for breaks
7. Brown County State Park, Indiana
Known as the “Little Smokies,” Brown County is stunning in the fall. We visited during peak foliage, and the hills looked like they were on fire with reds, oranges, and yellows. The park’s nature center had interactive displays that kept the kids engaged while I enjoyed a quiet coffee on the porch.
Why it’s great for kids:
- Horseback riding for beginners
- Scenic drives with plenty of overlooks
- Family-friendly hiking trails
Traveling with kids isn’t always easy—there are meltdowns, forgotten snacks, and the occasional scraped knee. But somewhere between the sound of leaves crunching under little feet and the laughter echoing across a quiet lake, I realized these trips were giving us more than just fresh air. They were giving us stories we’d tell for years.
I can still picture my youngest, face sticky with marshmallow, pointing at the night sky and asking if the stars followed us home. Maybe they did. Or maybe it’s just that the best parts of these parks—those small, perfect moments—have a way of staying with you, long after the backpacks are unpacked.