When it comes to summer fun, the Midwest might not be the first region that comes to mind—but it absolutely should be. The Heartland offers a rich blend of scenic beauty, vibrant community events, and family-friendly activities that turn ordinary summer days into unforgettable memories. From bike rides across Iowa to exploring lush state parks and attending small-town festivals, there are endless ways to enjoy the warmer months and enhance your healthy living goals throughout the region. Here are some of our favorite options.
Pedal-Powered Adventures: RAGBRAI and More
One of the crown jewels of Iowa’s summer lineup is RAGBRAI—the Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa. This iconic week-long event draws thousands of cyclists from across the country and beyond to ride across the state, from the Missouri River to the Mississippi. It’s not a race, but a celebration. Riders stop in small towns along the way, enjoying live music, home-cooked food, and a true slice of Midwestern hospitality. RAGBRAI is about community as much as cycling, and it welcomes riders of all experience levels, making it a perfect event for groups of friends or even families with teens.
If you’d prefer a shorter ride or a more casual biking experience, Iowa and surrounding Midwestern states boast extensive bike trails. The High Trestle Trail near Madrid, Iowa, features a stunning 13-story-high bridge with LED lighting that makes evening rides especially magical. Meanwhile, Minnesota’s Root River Trail and Wisconsin’s Elroy-Sparta Trail offer equally scenic routes through wooded landscapes and charming towns.
Midwest Summer Festivals: Small Towns, Big Celebrations
This time of year is synonymous with festivals, where local pride, music, food, and crafts come together. These events are not just fun—they’re immersive cultural experiences you can share with your sober social circle and make new memories.
For example, the National Balloon Classic in Indianola, Iowa, is a nine-day hot air balloon festival and truly a feast for the eyes. Enjoy early morning launches or evening “balloon glows,” where the balloons light up against the night sky. Live music, food vendors, and a laid-back atmosphere make this a great outing. But if you want to book a ride, do so in advance.
Explore your artistic side by visiting the Des Moines Arts Festival in our state’s capital, Art on the Square in Madison, Wisconsin, the Minnesota Fringe Festival, and Summerfest in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
And if your focus on summer fun just isn’t complete without eating something on stick, every state in the Midwest is ready to entertain with annual fairs.
Get Outside: State Parks, Lakes, and Natural Wonders
One of the best ways to manage stress more effectively is to spend more time outdoors. The Midwest’s natural beauty shines in summer, offering countless opportunities to unplug and explore. Iowa is home to hidden gems like Maquoketa Caves State Park, where families can hike through forest trails and discover caves carved out over centuries. For boating, fishing, or swimming, Lake Okoboji is a must-visit—especially for families looking for a week-long vacation filled with water activities and lakeside relaxation.
In neighboring states, outdoor lovers will find adventures like canoeing through the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in northern Minnesota, rock climbing at Devil’s Lake State Park in Wisconsin, or sand sledding at Indiana Dunes National Park. These spots offer activities that engage all ages and don’t require expensive gear or long travel.
Camping is another popular pastime, whether it’s pitching a tent at a state park or renting a cozy cabin. Many parks offer family programming and ranger-led hikes that are both fun and educational. Also, regain your sense of wonder by visiting certified dark sky parks in Nebraska, Illinois and, if you’re ready for a good road trip, northern Michigan.
Be a Fan or Participate: Sporting Events for All Ages
Midwestern summers are full of exciting, affordable sporting events. Along with great major league teams in Chicago, Kansas City, Minneapolis, and St. Louis, add minor league games to your roster, too, especially those in Des Moines, Omaha, and the Quad Cities, for family-friendly atmospheres complete with fireworks, mascot races, and theme nights.
For a unique twist, check out the Field of Dreams movie site in Dyersville, Iowa. You can walk the famous cornfield diamond, play catch, or attend special events like the MLB at Field of Dreams games, when held.
Also, consider participating in various Highland Games, which combine great Celtic culture with the prowess of caber tossing, hammer throwing, and other feats of skill that enthusiasts describe as “CrossFit Meets Game of Thrones…with more tartan.” And for something really different, try quadball—”a mixed-gender sport merging rugby, dodgeball, and tag with brooms,” according to U.S. Quadball.
Ivory Plains: Helping You Thrive
When people first enter addiction treatment, they often wonder what life will be like in recovery and if they’ll ever have “fun” again. At our inclusive residential rehabilitation program in Adair, Iowa, our board-certified professionals help you define what matters most, and provide the right tools so you can create a healthy lifestyle that helps you stay curious and explore the world with joy. If this is the solution you’ve hoped to find, talk to a member of our admissions team today.
