Classic Kia’s Travel Guide to Exploring Amazing National Parks of the Midwest and the Northeast!

Sep 28, 2022

There’s something about that crisp, autumnal air in September and October that really inspires us to get outside and enjoy nature. Whether you’re taking a trek into the wilderness on foot, or you’re taking a road trip in your new car from Classic Auto Group, there’s no shortage of gorgeous National and State Parks to explore across the country.

Today we’re highlighting our picks for great National Sites and Parks in the Northern Midwest and Northeastern US, as well as beautiful state parks of Illinois. So get your hiking boots and camping gear ready, because you’re not going to want to miss these gorgeous preserved wilderness areas!

Let’s learn about National Parks together!

What is a National Park?

National Parks are protected lands managed by the United States of America’s federal government agencies. These are large areas of land with wide open spaces waterfalls, natural vistas, trails, and recreational resources and etcetera, all made available to the national public. Nearly 80,000 acres of wilderness are protected through the National Parks System so that the American People may experience the great outdoors and our heritage. Many of them also serve as wildlife preservation areas for reintroduction, rehabilitation, and reintegration of endangered species. As of August 18th in 1970, the National Park System was defined as “any area of land or water now and hereafter administered by the Secretary of the Interior through the National Park Service for park, monument, historic, parkway, recreational, or other purposes.”

How Many National Parks are there in the United States?

At the time of publication, there are 423 national park sites across the US with parks located in almost every state and US territories (including Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and Guam.)

Retro style travel poster design for the United States. Scenic image of mountains and pine trees at sunset. Limited colors, no gradients. Vector illustration.

What are some National Parks, National Monuments, and National Sites to visit in the Northeastern/Northern Midwest United States?

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Empire MI is located in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula along the shore of Lake Michigan. The 71,000 acres of pristine protected lands includes North and South Manitou Islands; it’s also known for its incredible, scalable dunes of “The Dune Climb” and “Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail” which winds through the forests.
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in Bayfield, WI encompasses 21 islands and 12 miles of mainland coastal protected areas. In addition to the incredible bluffs on the shores of Lake Superior, it’s also home to the largest collection of historic lighthouses in the nation!
Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest in Rhinelander WI spans a jaw dropping 1.5 million acres of unspoiled wilderness across Wisconsin’s Northwoods. You’ll find no shortage of outdoorsy activities such as canoeing, hiking, cycling, paddling, cross-country skiing, camping, fishing, and more.
Shawnee National Forest in Herod IL encompasses 289,000 stunning acres of parkland located in Southern Illinois and nestled between both the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. Visitors will find breathtaking scenic views from the top of great canyons and sandstone cliffs, and stunning crystal clear waters and rocky streams. The many lakes, ponds, waterfalls, rivers, and streams of the area are perfect for fishing and swimming, and the sprawling prairies and woodland trails are perfect for hiking, cycling, trail running and more.
Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge in Thomson IL is the longest, contiguous river refuge in the continental US at 261 miles in length! The refuge includes protected wetlands, islands, marshes, and floodplain forests, many of which are accessible only by boat. Some portions of the refuge are open to seasonal hunting, trapping, and fishing but they do have very restrictive regulations.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio sits along the Cuyahoga River between Cleveland and Akron. The parklands contain several waterfalls, including the gorgeous Brandywine Falls! You can find ample opportunities for hiking, or perhaps catch a ride through the park on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad which runs through it. It also includes The Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail from the Erie Canal’s original path, and explores the history of the 19th century waterway at the official Canal Exploration Center.
Indiana Dunes National Park in Porter IN has 15 miles of gorgeous shoreline along the southern banks of Lake Michigan. The park is home to some of the highest dunes towering over the lake at nearly 200 feet high with impressive views and landscapes of the area! It’s also an incredible destination for birdwatching, wildlife enthusiasts, and nature photography!