Guide for a Family Trip to Midwest cities of US from the UK
Ever thought of a family trip visiting the American Midwest from the UK? We know, when you plan to travel to the USA, the Midwest is the last place you would think to visit. But in this blog, you will find a comprehensive guide to travel in the sublime Midwestern cities of the USA from the UK, along with a complete travel itinerary.
The Midwest is an ideal location for family tours, especially for people who love outdoor activities. The cities in the Midwest have a relaxed economy, making it an affordable destination for UK citizens. Moreover, there is no lack of tourist attractions and outdoor activities, which makes it fun for children and family members. Some worth visiting Midwest cities of the USA that UK tourists include:
- Chicago, Illinois
- Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Indianapolis, Indiana
- St. Louis, Missouri
Midwestern Cities are easily reachable from the UK and very suitable for a family-friendly trip that will make your holiday memorable. Now, let’s find out how you can travel to the Midwestern USA, and the documents you need to carry to get a smoother entry at the airports.
Flights & Travel Logistics
Multiple flights travel directly to the Midwest of the US. Here are some of the most popular flight routes taken by travelers:
- London Heathrow (LHR) to Chicago O’Hare International (ORD)
- London Heathrow (LHR) to Minneapolis St. Paul (MSP)
There are also connecting flights from Manchester to Indianapolis, Detroit, and other Midwestern locations. However, these take a longer time, and sometimes, the layover can be too long.
You will also need to meet certain entry requirements, such as the visa, which we will cover later on in the blog.
Best months to visit for family travel
Typically, May to October is considered the ideal time to travel to the Midwest of the US. During this time, places like Chicago, Wisconsin, and Indianapolis remain very enjoyable. If you are planning a family-friendly trip, you can avoid the winter months because of the harsh winters.
Top Midwest Cities & Attractions for Families
Here are some of the best Midwest cities to visit on a family trip from the UK:
Chicago, Illinois
One of the most visited Midwestern cities in the USA, Chicago is mostly famous for its iconic cuisine and tourist attractions. Millennium Park, which is one of the most signature attractions of the city, is the home of the public art called Cloud Gate. Besides, you can experience an enchanting aquatic life in the Shedd Aquarium. Finally, it would be a fun ride for your kid to get on the Ferris wheel at the Navy Pier.
Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota
Minneapolis, located in Minnesota, is another Midwestern city that is very popular because of its key attractions. From the shopper’s paradise Mall of America, to the unique skyline, this city has something for everyone. Alongside, you can enjoy 53-foot deep Minnehaha Falls in the Minnehaha Park, which is a great place to spend some time.
Indianapolis, Indiana
This is a great place if you are visiting the Midwest of the US with your family, especially with your kids. The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is an excellent place to start. From Space discoveries to dinosaur displays, this museum has everything you can imagine, which will amaze your children.
Indianapolis Zoo is also an excellent place to travel with family, where you can find more than 1400 animals. You will not want to miss the Dolphin Presentation, which can be very memorable for the kids.
St. Louis, Missouri
A Midwestern city tour to St. Louis, Missouri, can also be a great way to spend your holiday with your family. From the iconic Gateway Arch to City Museum, this place is well known for its panoramic views and historic buildings.
Family-Friendly Accommodations
Since you are traveling with your family, you have to think about safety and relaxation. Therefore, choose only those accommodations that have quality amenities like pools, breakfast, and adjoining rooms. Here are some common types of accommodations for travelers to the Midwest.
| Accommodation Options | Why It is Important |
| Popular Hotel Chains | These are the ideal staying options for families traveling to the Midwestern cities. These hotel chains have all the necessary amenities that will make your stay more comfortable and safe. |
| Vacation Rentals and Airbnb, and VRBO | If you are looking for more flexible options in terms of affordability, you can consider taking rentals from Airbnb or VRBO. If you are looking for longer stays, this can be your option. |
| Lodges | Lodges are considered only when the stay is for a shorter period. It is also good for convenience for traveling a larger area. Many travelers rent a lodge and plan their day trips around that area, so it’s best to visit the nearby attractions. |
Table 1: Different Types of Accommodation Options Travelers can try on a Midwestern tour
Pro Tip: This is important to find an accommodation as per your travel plan and look for locations nearest to the attraction points.
Food Options
Midwestern American cuisine is filled with amazing, mouthwatering flavors. These foods go by the identity of these places. Known as America’s ‘Heartland’, Midwestern cuisines are all about taste and richness. Here are some of the iconic foods you can try:
Iconic Foods to Try in the Midwest
- Chicago Pizza: Very popular in Chicago and now, worldwide, this pizza variant is a must try.
- Chicago Hot Dog: Classic hot dog, with mustard and white onions. Made with beef.
- Toasted Ravioli: A type of fried Ravioli, very popular in St. Louis.
- Pork Tenderloin Sandwich: A big fried pork cutlet comes in a sandwich-like wrap.
Hygienic Options for Kids
While traveling with kids, you have to be very serious about your and your children’s hygiene. Washing hands before and after consuming the food is one of the best practices. Make sure you visit only those food joints who have a good reputation among their customers and maintain proper hygiene and cleanliness.
7 day Midwest Itinerary for a family traveling from the UK to the Midwest of the USA
Here is an example itinerary you can use to plan your next trip to the Midwest. The tour will start from Chicago, Illinois and end in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Day 1: Arrival in Chicago
You will arrive at Chicago O’Hare International Airport by either taking a direct flight from Heathrow or connecting flight from Manchester.
Activities
- Look for hotels near downtown or Navy Pier as it is one of the most popular area here.
- As part of the day plan, you can stroll around the Millennium Park, to see ‘The Bean’.
- Enjoy local cuisines like Deep-dish Pizza.
Since it’s day 1, make sure you take proper rest to recover from jet lag.
Day 2: Exploring Chicago
Start your day by visiting Shedd Aquarium or Field Museum. Take a gentle stroll with your family around the Lakefront walk. In the afternoon, take your children to ride the centennial wheel and also to Chicago’s Children Museum. Do not miss the ice cream and lakeside fun. Pay a visit to the Willis Tower where you can have a breathtaking view of the entire city from the Sky deck.
Day 3: Road Trip to Wisconsin Dells
You will easily find car rentals, which will help you reach Wisconsin Dells within a 3 hour drive. You can always check-in the family resorts or can take Airbnbs. Spend the evening in the indoor waterpark, which your children would definitely love.
Day 4: Waterparks and Nature – Wisconsin Dells
Take part in the scenic boat-ride in the Upper Dells. Experience a classic American Diner at a local restaurant.
Day 5: Travel to Minneapolis, Minnesota
Ready for another road trip? It would take 3.5 hours from Wisconsin to travel to Minneapolis by car. Enjoy the picturesque farmland while you drive. You can check-in at any Downtown or Suburb hotel or lodge, as per your convenience. At the evening, take a relaxing walk around Minnehaha Falls Park.
Day 6: Mall of America Tour
Exploring the Mall of America is a very fun experience. Explore Nickelodeon’s Universe, the amazing indoor amusement park and SEA Life Aquarium. This is quite literally the shopper’s paradise, so you can shop your hearts out here. Moreover, there are multiple family restaurants in the mall that you can try along with your family.
Day 7: Fly Back Home
If you want, you can give a quick visit to the Science Museum located here. In the afternoon, you can take a rental car and head to Minneapolis, St. Paul Airport from where you can take your connecting flight to Manchester.
Now that you have the itinerary all sorted, let’s circle back to the entry requirements.
Entry requirements
UK people who are looking to spend their holidays in the USA require some key documents. No USA tourist visa is required for UK citizens for traveling to the USA. An Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is provided to UK tourists visiting the USA for a 90-day or shorter period of time. Here are the documents required and ESTA information you need to know before traveling to the Midwestern USA.
Documents Required
UK residents visiting the USA require these documents:
- A valid passport with 6 months’ validity from the date of departure.
- An ESTA document, which guarantees your stay of less than 90 days.
How to Apply for an ESTA to Travel to the USA?
For a traveling period of more than 90 days, a USA visa for UK citizens must be obtained. However, it is generally recommended to get an ESTA for each family member while planning a family trip to the Midwestern cities of the USA.
To apply for an ESTA, here is what you need to do:
- Prepare your valid passport. Remember, everyone traveling to the USA must have an individual passport and ESTAs.
- Apply for ESTA online from the official ESTA website, which is maintained and controlled by the US Customs and Border Protection
- Fill up the application form by filling it thoroughly with the details that are in your passport.
- Pay the ESTA application fee with your valid debit or credit card
- It takes a maximum of 72 hours to process your ESTA application.
An ESTA is typically valid for two years or until your passport’s validity ends. You can travel multiple times during this period of two years to the USA.
Can Everyone from the UK Get the ESTA?
No, this is applicable to UK citizens only, that is, those who can hold a British passport. Since the UK is a visa-waiver country for the USA, only valid British passport holders can apply for an American ESTA; anyone residing in the UK but holding citizenship of a different country will have to get an USA tourist visa (provided they are not from a Visa Waiver nation). You will not get an ESTA if you have any kind of immigration issue. Moreover, if you have a criminal history in the UK or any other country, your ESTA application will be rejected.
Plus, if you have any other reason to travel to the UK apart from tourism and business, ESTA is not the right documentation to obtain. Similarly, you can not take part in any type of part-time job during your vacation in the USA using the ESTA. Although getting an ESTA does not solidify your entry to the USA, the final decisions are made by the customs authorities of the USA. Staying more than 90 days using an ESTA is also considered illegal and can lead to penalties like a ban on re-entering the country for 3 to 10 years.
Hence, it is important to check important details and requirements before applying for an ESTA for the USA.
Plan Your Dream Midwestern America Tour!
Planning a Midwest trip from the UK? Take your time choosing the right destination and prepare your documents for an American ESTA for a smoother travel experience.