7 Midwest United States Travel Guide Books That Build True Expertise

Discover 7 Midwest United States Travel Guide books written by leading authors including Karla Zimmerman, Kevin Revolinski, Cathy Hester Seckman, and others.

Updated on June 28, 2025
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What if your journey through the Midwest could be transformed by the right guidebook? While many travelers rely on generic advice, these seven books dive deep into the unique culture, landscapes, and hidden treasures of the region. From Chicago’s vibrant neighborhoods to Wisconsin’s scenic byways, the Midwest offers more than you might expect — and these guides unlock its true potential.

Authors like Karla Zimmerman, with decades of travel writing experience, and Kevin Revolinski, whose knowledge of Wisconsin’s backroads is unparalleled, provide insights grounded in real exploration and thoughtful curation. Their books don’t just list sights; they invite you into the story of the Midwest, blending practical tips with cultural context.

While these expert-curated books provide proven frameworks, readers seeking content tailored to their specific travel interests and pace might consider creating a personalized Midwest United States Travel Guide book that builds on these insights. Tailored to your background and goals, such a guide can sharpen your discoveries and enrich your adventure even further.

Best for detailed Chicago neighborhood insights
Karla Zimmerman writes travel stories for newspapers, books, magazines and websites, contributing to over 80 guidebooks and anthologies across multiple continents. Based in Chicago, she brings firsthand knowledge and a deep connection to the city, enriching this guide with insider perspectives and practical advice tailored for both newcomers and seasoned visitors.
Lonely Planet Chicago (Travel Guide) book cover

by Ali Lemer, Karla Zimmerman··You?

The authoritative expertise behind this guide is Karla Zimmerman, a seasoned travel writer with extensive experience covering destinations worldwide and a particular connection to Chicago. You learn detailed insights about navigating Chicago’s diverse neighborhoods like Wicker Park and Hyde Park, plus practical tips on dining, cultural experiences, and avoiding tourist traps. The book’s 42 maps and up-to-date business listings reflect its careful fact-checking post-COVID, helping you plan efficient and personalized trips. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning traveler seeking hidden gems, this guide equips you with a blend of top sights and local secrets.

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Best for scenic Wisconsin road trips
Kevin Revolinski is an award-winning writer and photographer whose extensive travels and deep connection to Wisconsin inform this guide. With 15 books under his belt and features in major publications like The New York Times, he draws from rich experience to lead you through Wisconsin's hidden gems. His expertise, combined with detailed maps and insider tips, equips you to explore the state's scenic byways and local flavors with confidence.
Backroads & Byways of Wisconsin book cover

by Kevin Revolinski··You?

2020·288 pages·Midwest United States Travel Guide, Wisconsin Travel Guide, Travel, Midwest Travel, Wisconsin Travel

What if everything you knew about exploring Wisconsin was reinvented by Kevin Revolinski, whose deep local knowledge shines through every page? His guidebook steers you away from the typical tourist trails, offering scenic backroads that highlight the state’s lakes, parks, cheese culture, and friendly communities. You’ll find detailed driving routes like Cheese Country and the Great River Road, paired with practical tips on where to stay, eat, and explore, making it easy to craft your own adventure. This book suits travelers eager to experience Wisconsin’s authentic charm beyond the highway, especially those who appreciate insider insights and carefully mapped journeys.

Author of 15+ books
2021 PenCraft Book Award Winner
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Best for custom travel plans
This AI-created book on Midwest travel is carefully tailored to your background and interests. By sharing what you want to explore and your travel experience, the book crafts a personalized guide that fits your goals perfectly. Midwest travel covers a vast and varied region, so having a custom resource helps you focus on what truly matters to you. This approach turns broad travel advice into a clear and engaging plan designed just for your unique journey.
2025·50-300 pages·Midwest United States Travel Guide, Midwest Travel, Travel Planning, Destination Highlights, Cultural Experiences

This tailored book explores the rich tapestry of Midwest travel, designed to match your unique interests and background. It covers iconic destinations, hidden gems, cultural experiences, and practical travel logistics across the region. By focusing closely on what captivates you and your travel style, it reveals personalized pathways through diverse landscapes and vibrant communities. This personalized guide examines the best of urban and rural Midwest, from major cities to quiet natural retreats, enhancing your journey with relevant insights and local flavor. With a tailored focus on your specific goals, this book makes navigating Midwest travel more engaging and accessible, turning general advice into a clear, customized plan that brings your adventure to life.

Tailored Guide
Regional Travel Insights
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for themed Ohio day excursions
Cathy Hester Seckman is a prolific writer with a background in journalism and history. She has authored multiple books and articles, showcasing her expertise in travel and local history. This experience underpins Ohio Day Trips by Theme, a guide designed to help you navigate Ohio’s many attractions with ease by organizing destinations according to interests rather than geography. Her authoritative knowledge makes this book a handy companion for planning engaging and personalized trips across the Buckeye State.
Ohio Day Trips by Theme (Day Trip Series) book cover

by Cathy Hester Seckman··You?

2018·176 pages·Ohio Travel Guide, Midwest United States Travel Guide, Travel, Regional Guides, Ohio Travel

While working as a journalist and historian, Cathy Hester Seckman noticed how travelers often struggled to find activities tailored to their interests. This book organizes Ohio’s diverse attractions by themes such as Airplanes & Railroads, Festivals, and Outdoor Adventures, helping you choose outings based on what excites you rather than location alone. You’ll gain practical knowledge about dozens of destinations, including state parks, museums, and seasonal events, with suggestions for maximizing your visit. Ohio Day Trips by Theme suits singles, couples, families, and residents looking for fresh ways to explore the state without guesswork or endless planning.

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Best for structured Chicago itineraries
Kate Silver is a travel journalist with nearly 20 years of experience, writing for publications like Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, and Saveur. She is the author of Frommer’s Chicago Day by Day 2019 and Frommer’s EasyGuide to Chicago 2015, bringing deep local knowledge and a seasoned eye to help you make the most of your visit to Chicago.

Kate Silver leverages nearly two decades of travel journalism to craft a guide that helps you navigate Chicago with precision and flair. Instead of overwhelming you with endless options, this book offers curated, thematic itineraries—from an architectural tour of The Loop to family-friendly visits at Navy Pier—complete with bulleted maps and star ratings for hotels and restaurants. You'll learn how to organize your trip day by day, making efficient use of your time while discovering the city’s diverse neighborhoods and hidden gems. If you want a travel companion that balances detailed planning with flexibility, this guide suits both first-time visitors and seasoned travelers looking to refresh their Chicago experience.

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Best for foraging enthusiasts in Midwest
Lisa M. Rose is an herbalist and forager with a background in anthropology and a professional focus on community health. She leads foraging plant walks and teaches classes on edible and medicinal wild plants, bringing her expertise directly into this guide. Her experience makes this book a valuable resource for anyone interested in safely discovering and using wild plants native to the Midwest.
2015·318 pages·Midwest United States Travel Guide, Wild Plants, Regional Field Guide, Plant Identification, Ethical Harvesting

Lisa M. Rose, an herbalist and anthropologist focused on community health, brings a wealth of expertise to this guide on foraging wild edibles across the Midwest. You learn to identify and ethically harvest 115 wild plants, with clear color photos and seasonal availability charts enhancing your practical knowledge. Chapters include detailed profiles from burdock to wild peach, complete with tips for eating and preserving these plants. Whether you're new to foraging or seeking a dependable reference, this book offers specific, regionally tailored insights that deepen your connection to the local environment. It’s especially useful if you want a hands-on approach to discovering natural foods in states like Illinois and Michigan.

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Best for custom travel plans
This AI-created book on Midwest travel is tailored to your interests and skill level, based on what you want to explore during a 30-day adventure. By sharing your travel background and specific goals, you receive a tailored itinerary guide that focuses on the destinations and experiences most relevant to you. This personalized approach means you avoid generic advice and gain a travel plan designed just for your journey through the Midwest.
2025·50-300 pages·Midwest United States Travel Guide, Midwest Travel, Itinerary Planning, Local Culture, Scenic Routes

This tailored book explores the art of crafting a detailed 30-day itinerary to experience the Midwest's diverse highlights at your own pace. It covers a blend of iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and regional culture, all chosen to match your background and interests. By focusing on your specific travel goals, this personalized guide reveals how to weave together routes, accommodations, and activities into a seamless adventure. With an emphasis on gradual discovery, it examines local flavors, landscapes, and historical context, helping you navigate the complexities of planning extended travel. This approach ensures your journey through the Midwest is rich, engaging, and uniquely yours.

Tailored Guide
Itinerary Synthesis
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for birdwatchers identifying raptors
Stan Tekiela is a naturalist and wildlife photographer with over 30 years studying U.S. and Canadian wildlife. With a Bachelor of Science in Natural History, he has authored more than 190 educational books, including detailed state-specific field guides. His expertise and passion for wildlife led him to write this book to help you identify every bird of prey species found in the Western United States. Through his professional-quality photos and clear organization, Tekiela makes birdwatching accessible and engaging for both beginners and experienced naturalists alike.
2011·248 pages·Birds Identification, Regional Field Guide, Midwest United States Travel Guide, Wildlife Photography, Raptor Species

When Stan Tekiela created this guide, he aimed to simplify identifying birds of prey across the Western states by grouping species like hawks, eagles, and falcons for quick recognition. You’ll find detailed photos paired with naturalist notes that go beyond basic facts, helping you distinguish between similar raptors using the Quick-Compare section with sketches and silhouettes. The book suits both beginners and seasoned birders who want an efficient way to identify every Western raptor species. Whether you’re spotting an eagle in Montana or a falcon in Arizona, the organized layout and sharp images make identification straightforward and informative.

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Best for travelers exploring Midwest cities
DK Travel has been publishing travel guides for over 30 years, providing expert insights, helpful maps, and gorgeous photography. Their guides are designed to help travelers explore their dream destinations and create lasting memories. With a focus on comprehensive and easy-to-use formats, DK Travel aims to make every trip extraordinary.

What started as a commitment to clear, accessible travel guidance has shaped this guide into a reliable companion for exploring Copenhagen. DK Eyewitness draws on decades of travel expertise to present top attractions, from Tivoli Gardens to Rosenborg Castle, in concise top-10 lists that prioritize your time and interests. You gain practical insights into neighborhoods, dining, and cultural hotspots, supported by detailed maps to navigate effortlessly. Whether you're planning a quick city break or a longer stay, this guide offers a focused overview that suits travelers who want both inspiration and straightforward information without feeling overwhelmed.

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Conclusion

These seven books collectively spotlight the Midwest’s multifaceted charm: urban sophistication in Chicago, immersive local experiences in Ohio and Wisconsin, and the natural world’s bounty through foraging and birdwatching. If you face the challenge of planning a trip with limited time, start with Frommer’s Chicago day by day for efficient itineraries, and use Backroads & Byways of Wisconsin to explore scenic routes beyond the usual paths.

For travelers wanting to deepen their connection with nature, Midwest Foraging and Birds of Prey of the West Field Guide offer hands-on guidance that turns trips into learning journeys. Meanwhile, Ohio Day Trips by Theme provides a fresh approach to exploring the Buckeye State by matching your interests with destinations.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized Midwest United States Travel Guide book to bridge the gap between general principles and your specific situation. These books can help you accelerate your learning journey and discover the Midwest like never before.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Start with Lonely Planet Chicago if you're focusing on the city’s neighborhoods and culture. For broader Midwest exploration, Backroads & Byways of Wisconsin offers scenic routes and local insights ideal for road trip planning.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Midwest travel?

Not at all. Books like Frommer's Chicago day by day provide clear, day-by-day plans perfect for first-time visitors, while others like Midwest Foraging gently introduce specialized topics with accessible guidance.

What’s the best order to read these books?

Begin with a city guide like Lonely Planet Chicago to get urban bearings, then explore themed books such as Ohio Day Trips by Theme and Backroads & Byways of Wisconsin. For nature-focused interests, follow with Midwest Foraging and Birds of Prey of the West Field Guide.

Can I skip around or do I need to read them cover to cover?

Feel free to skip around. Most guides are designed for flexible use—dip into chapters or sections that match your itinerary or interests without needing to read sequentially.

Which books focus more on practical travel versus nature exploration?

Lonely Planet Chicago and Frommer's Chicago day by day focus on practical urban travel planning. In contrast, Midwest Foraging and Birds of Prey of the West Field Guide center on nature and outdoor activities.

How can I get a Midwest travel guide tailored to my specific interests and trip length?

These expert books offer valuable foundations, but personalized guides can bridge the gap by focusing on your unique goals and background. You might consider creating a personalized Midwest United States Travel Guide book to get targeted recommendations and itineraries crafted just for you.

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