8 days in Midwest Itinerary

A huge and vibrant city, Chicago is home to top-notch theaters, shops, museums, galleries, and restaurants.

Chicago is known for museums, parks, nightlife, zoos & aquariums, and childrens museums. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: explore the world behind art at The Art Institute of Chicago, get curious at Museum of Science and Industry, get up close and personal with brilliant marine life at Shedd Aquarium, and enjoy breathtaking views from Skydeck Chicago - Willis Tower.

To see other places to visit, maps, photos, and other tourist information, read Chicago travel planner .

The Route module can give you travel options from your home to Chicago. In June, daytime highs in Chicago are 81°F, while nighttime lows are 63°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 17th (Wed) so you can travel to Saint Louis.

Test the local claim that Saint Louis is second only to Washington, D.C.

Saint Louis is known for museums, zoos & aquariums, parks, historic sites, and nightlife. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: make a trip to The Gateway Arch, pause for some serene contemplation at Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis, learn about wildlife with up-close encounters at Saint Louis Zoo, and stroll around Forest Park.

To see where to stay, photos, traveler tips, and other tourist information, read our Saint Louis trip maker site .

Traveling by flight from Chicago to Saint Louis takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train and flight; or drive. While traveling from Chicago, expect a bit warmer days and about the same nights in Saint Louis, ranging from highs of 87°F to lows of 67°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 20th (Sat) early enough to travel to Branson.

Nestled in Missouri's beautiful Ozark Mountains lies one of the country's most attractive vacation towns for year-round family entertainment.

On the 21st (Sun), explore the activities along Table Rock Lake and then cool off at Silver Dollar City. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: examine the collection at Titanic Museum, then have some family-friendly fun at 7D Dark Ride Adventure, then take in the architecture and atmosphere at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, and finally have some family-friendly fun at Escape Code.

To find photos, traveler tips, maps, and other tourist information, read Branson trip itinerary site .

Traveling by combination of flight and car from Saint Louis to Branson takes 4 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In June, daily temperatures in Branson can reach 84°F, while at night they dip to 65°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 22nd (Mon) so you can travel back home.