Midwest travel guide: From Chicago to Detroit and beyond

When you think of travel destinations in the US, the Midwest may not immediately spring to mind. But that’s about to change. In June, British Airways (BA) is launching its new route from Heathrow to Cincinnati, making it a whole lot easier to explore the region.

This is a place that should definitely be on your radar. Made up of 12 states in the north-central region, including sprawling Chicago and comeback city Detroit, the Midwest has the kind of wide-open landscapes that encapsulate the best of American scenery, from glacial lakes and mountain ranges to canyons and wild forests.

Move into the cities, and you’ll find laid-back, friendly towns with buckets of Midwest charm and hospitality. Even better, they often offer better value than the big-ticket destinations on the west and east coasts.

If you do decide to lay your head in Detroit, Chicago or ‘Queen City’ Cincinnati, be sure to read our Midwest cities travel guides, which also have you covered when it comes to the best hotels to stay in during your visit.

Here are some of the best Midwestern spots to whet your appetite…

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Cincinnati, Ohio

With the launch of the new BA route, Cincinnati is set to have a bit of a moment in the spotlight. And rightly so – this friendly riverside city has a charming mix of heritage buildings and skyscrapers; a burgeoning food scene, and even a world-famous hippo called Fiona. Born prematurely in Cincinnati Zoo, Fiona quickly became a social media star, with people flocking from all over the globe to see her.

To get a taste of the city, stroll around Findlay Market, a historic building with a mix of produce stalls and street food, like Colombian arepas, mac and cheese and loaded hot dogs. For a taste of old-school Americana, the American Sign Museum displays 100 years of classic signs from all over the US, from neon motel signs to hand-painted billboards. Make the most of the waterside location by walking or cycling the Ohio River Trail, a waterside park that hugs the edge of the river for 10 miles. If you fancy swapping states, you can nip over the Roebling Suspension Bridge just to say you were in Kentucky – the state border is right on the bridge.

How to get there: Fly from Heathrow to Cincinnati with British Airways.

Chicago, Illinois