Midwest Towns with European Flair
I absolutely love traveling to Europe, but sometimes my schedule, my travel budget, and even global pandemics make that a challenge!
Never fear, because there are several Midwest towns that offer a European flair. I asked fellow travel bloggers to share their favorite spots in the Midwest that remind them of Europe.
These four towns will make you feel as if you have traveled across the pond without, leaving the Midwest.
And without the expense or jet lag!
Frankenmuth, Michigan
Recommended by Amy Piper of Follow the Piper
Frankenmuth: A Taste of Bavaria in Michigan
Frankenmuth Michigan, Michigan’s Little Bavaria, sits at the intersection of traditional Bavaria and modern Michigan. In 1845, fifteen Lutheran missionaries from Franken, Germany, established today’s Frankenmuth. Now, more than three million visitors experience Frankenmuth’s German legacy annually.
Frankenmuth makes German food memories with a Michigan spin.
Black Forest cake, sausage, pretzels, and beer incorporate Michigan products like cherries, fried chicken, buffalo, and microbrews.
Brewing beer has been a tradition in Frankenmuth since its beginnings. It continues today with Michigan ranking fifth in the nation for the number of microbreweries. Frankenmuth’s Oktoberfest is the only German government sanctioned Oktoberfest outside of Germany.
The 150-year-old Frankenmuth Brewery is the oldest in Michigan. Sample their beer through the pretzels with beer cheese dip, the French Onion soup, or their beer-battered onion rings. All these dishes pair well with their burgers and craft beer. For a lighter option, pair a Michigan cherry salad with Hefeweizen Ale. Fifteen-minute tours of the brewery start at Noon and occur hourly.
Become a German baker and roll your own German-style pretzels at the Bavarian Inn. Daily classes take place at 2:30 p.m. except for holidays. Make reservations (989-652-9941) with two-hour advance notice and pre-payment of $6.49 per person.
Elk Horn, Iowa
Recommended by Sara Broers of Travel with Sara
Iowa is home to the Danish Windmill in Elk Horn, Iowa. Here is where Danish people gather to celebrate.
Elk Horn is home to the largest rural Danish settlement in the United States. Architectural enthusiasts will appreciate the Danish architecture that is featured in the smaller homes in town. A fun variety of foods will also entertain you, as you can easily find a Danish pastry or an award-winning Iowa tenderloin while in town.
People come from all around the globe to this small Iowa town to learn about their Danish heritage.
Mineral Point, Wisconsin
Recommended by Kylie Neuhaus of Between England and Iowa
Mineral Point, Wisconsin was established by Cornish miners that came over from England in the early 1800s. When the mines in Cornwall were exhausted, they looked to Wisconsin to continue their trade.
The town today still has British flair, and it is said to be ‘The Most Cornish Town in the USA’! The miner’s built their houses to look like those that they had left in England. Visitors can take a tour of Pendarvis, a group of 3 stone houses with Cornish names.
In the USA the main road that passes through a town is called ‘Main St’, however, in the UK, it’s known as a High Street. Mineral Point’s ‘High Street’ has a candy store that stocks British sweets and a personal favorite of mine is ‘The Mineral Point Collection’ which has British groceries and products. There are several different art galleries in the town. Mulberry Pottery makes its pots out of clay shipped over from St Austell in Cornwall.
Every year in September, Mineral Point holds ‘Cornish Fest’, a 3-day festival that celebrates their Cornish heritage.
There are traditional performances and events, a Cornish Pasty supper, and the ‘Taste of Mineral Point’ food festival.
Click here to learn even more about Mineral Point.
German Village, Ohio
Recommended by Tanya Shelburne of Traveling Tanya
Located in central Ohio, just south of Columbus, is German Village. Settled by German immigrants in the 1800s this area still boasts a strong German vibe.
Wander the charming cobblestone streets and imagine you are in Deutschland! Get your fill of sausage, sauerkraut, and other German-inspired cuisines at Schmidt’s Sausage Haus.
Then wander over to Schmidt’s Fudge Haus for a sweet treat and browse the impressive collection of nutcrackers at The Red Stable gift shop.
Sit back and relax for a bit at Hausfrau Haven, a friendly wine shop with an adjoining bar. Enjoy your favorite German beer or wine and mingle with the locals as well as other travelers who have discovered this quaint Midwest town.
If you are a book lover, you can’t leave German Village without stopping at The Book Loft!
Get lost in the more than 32 rooms of books as you wind your way through this massive bookstore with every genre of literature imaginable.
Discover all there is to love about German Village, Ohio right here.
What other Midwest towns make you feel as if you have been transported to Europe? Comment below…and I’ll start packing my bags!
Wherever the road takes you, make it a joyous journey,
Traveling Tanya
P.S. Subscribe to my email list here and never miss out on any of Traveling Tanya’s exciting excursions or travel tips…plus I’ll send you my free Packing List!
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