Are Wisconsin/Minnesota/Dakotas/Nebraska/Iowa worth visiting for a first time trip to USA?

Question

Whilst most foreigners would want to head to New England-New York/Florida/California, for some reason I have this strange desire to tour around Wisconsin/Minnesota/Nebraska/N&S Dakota/Iowa. But I don't have a driving licence. Is it still possible to travel extensively around these states, including small towns, by say local bus, trains ect. What do these states have to offer, I'm interested in a tour around Millers Brewery in Milwaukee, is this a good day out?

Answer 1

It is difficult, but not impossible, to get around the Midwest without a car. You will likely take either buses (Greyhound or Jefferson Stages) or long-distance trains (Amtrak). Even the buses don't go to many truly small towns, though, and the bus stops are often at truck stops along the interstate highways, rather than in the town centers. You may have to walk (or hitchhike) quite a distance to get to the places you want to see. Also bus fares are not cheap, and your traveling companions may not be people you'd necessarily want to meet. If you have plenty of time, you may find it easier to take the train for short distances. While Amtrak is notorious for almost always running late, it will take you right to the middle of many small towns.

As for what there is to see, most visitors are surprised by how scenic the Midwestern landscape is. Wisconsin and Iowa are mostly rolling hills. Minnesota and Nebraska are flatter. The Dakotas are very flat in the east and mountainous in the west. Much of Minnesota and Wisconsin are heavily forested, while the other states are mostly covered with farmland. There are some very scenic small towns, particularly along the Mississippi River and in nearby regions of Wisconsin and Iowa. (I grew up in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, which is a lovely old town you can get to easily by train or bus.) The cities also have a lot to offer. Minneapolis would be the largest city in the region you are asking about, and it has lots of interesting museums and the type of nightlife you'd expect in a major metropolitan area. I personally don't care a lot for Milwaukee, which is an old industrial city. Others do like it, though. The brewery is interesting, though I like the Anheuser Busch brewery in St. Louis (also close to the general area you mention) better.

Answer 2

Here are some good sites to look at http://www.exploreminnesota.com/
http://www.travelsd.com/
http://www.ndtourism.com/
http://www.travelwisconsin.com/

If you go to like the Twin Cities in MN there are many different places to go. There would also be bus trips available from there to go to different places say to Duluth, MN or Fargo, ND. Wisconsin Dells is another very tourist area. Bus service isn't as extensive as it use to be. But take a look at the sites. There are plenty of places with a bus ride between them that could keep you very busy. They would also talk about transportation on the site. There are many resorts, fishing, history, etc. It all depends on what you are interested in.

Hope that helps! Safe traveling!

Answer 3

Visiting the areas that you indicate is most rewarding for those who see it by car. Train service is limited to Amtrak. If you fly you don't see anything and must rent a car at your destination. The midwestern United States is truly an area best seen by automobile as distances are great and public transportation in all but the largest cities, either inadequate or non-existent.

Answer 4

The main busline in the midwest is "Jefferson Lines". But it will be hard to get around these areas without a license as taxis are not very common, especially in smaller communities.

If you have some serious cash, you could hire a driver/tour guide.

Answer 5

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Answer 6

Public transportation stinks in the states in rural areas. Not much in the cities that are small as well. You could rent a van and sleep in it. Try Montana and you can see lots in a much smaller area than 4 states. Just lots of corn in mid west.

Answer 7

Check out this site and click on "states / usa" go to iBtraveling.com and you'll be able to see what these states have to offer.