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Midwest Marriott Loop
A 7-day driving loop through classic Midwest cities, lakefronts, river towns, and big-name museums — with Marriott stays suggested by area, not specific hotel names.
7days
27stops
Day 1: Chicago lakefront first taste
4 stops
Depart
09:00
Millennium Park
09:30
Art Institute of Chicago
12:30
Navy Pier
16:30
Day 2: Chicago to Milwaukee lake road
4 stops
Depart
09:00
Milwaukee Art Museum
10:45
Historic Third Ward
13:30
Harley-Davidson Museum
16:30
Day 3: Milwaukee to Madison lakes
4 stops
Depart
09:00
Wisconsin State Capitol
10:45
Memorial Union Terrace
13:00
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
16:00
Day 4: Madison to Minneapolis river & city
4 stops
Depart
08:30
La Crosse Riverside Park
11:30
Mill City Museum
15:30
Stone Arch Bridge
17:30
Day 5: Twin Cities to Iowa capital
4 stops
Depart
09:00
Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
10:00
Clear Lake
13:30
Pappajohn Sculpture Park
16:30
Day 6: Des Moines to Kansas City flavor
3 stops
Iowa State Capitol
09:15
Country Club Plaza
13:30
National WWI Museum and Memorial
16:00
Day 7: Kansas City to St. Louis finish
4 stops
Depart
08:30
Warm Springs Ranch
10:45
Gateway Arch National Park
14:30
Forest Park
17:00
Heads Up
- 1. Marriott works best here by choosing areas near downtowns or landmark districts, then comparing parking fees before booking.
- 2. In Chicago and Minneapolis especially, parking can change the real nightly cost more than the room rate.
- 3. Keep a light jacket handy even in warmer months — Great Lakes and riverfront evenings can turn breezy fast.