Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Minnesota
(Driving Time: 5 hours, Distance: 270 miles)
- This million-acre wilderness area offers unparalleled opportunities for canoeing, fishing, and experiencing nature in its purest form, with over a thousand pristine lakes and rivers to explore.
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Wisconsin
(Driving Time: 6 hours, Distance: 340 miles)
- With its stunning sea caves, lighthouses, and sandy beaches, this archipelago of 22 islands in Lake Superior is a true gem for kayaking, camping, and hiking adventures.
Black Hills National Forest, South Dakota
(Driving Time: 7 hours, Distance: 430 miles)
- From the iconic Mount Rushmore to the breathtaking Needles Highway, this sprawling forest offers incredible scenic drives, hiking trails, and opportunities to spot wildlife like bison and bighorn sheep.
Ozark National Scenic Riverways, Missouri
(Driving Time: 8 hours, Distance: 480 miles)
- Experience the rugged beauty of the Ozarks by floating down the crystal-clear Current River or Jacks Fork River, where you can swim in natural pools, fish for trout, and explore historic mills and caves.
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, Michigan
(Driving Time: 9 hours, Distance: 550 miles)
- With its towering virgin hardwood forests, rushing waterfalls, and pristine lakes, this vast wilderness area in the Upper Peninsula is a hiker's paradise and a true escape from civilization.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio
(Driving Time: 10 hours, Distance: 620 miles)
- Just outside of Cleveland, this underrated gem offers a unique mix of natural and cultural attractions, from scenic hiking trails and waterfalls to historic farms and the iconic Towpath Trail along the Ohio & Erie Canal.