Spring in the Midwest is a vibrant season of renewal, especially for birdwatchers eager to witness the awe-inspiring migrations that define the region. Millions of birds take to the skies, creating a spectacle that attracts enthusiasts from across the country. If you’re looking to find the best birdwatching spots in the Midwest, there’s no shortage of options. From world-class birdwatching destinations like Horicon Marsh in Wisconsin to the stunning parks and natural areas along the Great River Road, you’ll find unparalleled views of soaring eagles and migrating songbirds, not to mention parks teeming with sandhill cranes and shorebirds, throughout the spring season.
These destinations provide unforgettable opportunities to witness nature’s grand performances and represent some of the best birdwatching spots in the Midwest. Beyond birdwatching, the Midwest in spring offers countless ways to soak up the season. Farmers’ markets reopen, featuring fresh produce and artisanal goods, while botanical gardens burst with blooms. Outdoor enthusiasts can hit the scenic trails of the top Midwest State Parks, peddle to a new adventure on top-rated Midwest bike trails, or paddle along the region’s winding rivers and abundant lakes.
For a cultural fix, many Midwestern cities host spring art festivals, live music events, and culinary showcases celebrating the region’s diverse flavors. Whether you’re savoring a farm-to-table meal at the top Midwest restaurants or enjoying a riverside stroll, the Midwest in spring is a feast for the senses. When it’s time to rest, the Midwest Association of Independent Inns offers some of the best places to stay in the Midwest, combining charm, comfort, and personalized service. Our curated collection of Inns, Bed and Breakfasts, Cabins, and Vacation Rentals provides an inviting retreat after a day of exploration. Whether you’re chasing bird migrations or enjoying local festivals, you’ll find no better places to stay in the Midwest. Book your spring break trip today!
Best Birdwatching Spots on the Great River Road
Though fall on the Great River Road is a stunning visual feast, this magnificent drive along the Mississippi River comes alive each spring. Stretching over 3,000 miles from Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico, the Great River Road National Scenic Byway connects travelers to the river’s rich cultural and natural legacy. In spring, the route is a haven for birdwatchers, as the Mississippi River Flyway becomes a bustling corridor for migratory birds. With vibrant wildlife, charming river towns, and scenic overlooks, the Great River Road is the ideal spring escape for those seeking a mix of outdoor adventure and cultural discovery.
Springtime along the Great River Road showcases the region at its finest, with blooming wildflowers and lush landscapes providing a colorful backdrop to your travels. Birdwatchers can head to hotspots like Minnesota’s Weaver Bottoms, where waterfowl flock to the wetlands, or Wisconsin’s Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge, a favorite for spotting herons, eagles, and pelicans. Iowa’s Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge is another must-visit, featuring dramatic bluffs and countless migratory species. Beyond birding, visitors can explore local farmers’ markets, riverfront trails, and cultural sites like Mark Twain’s boyhood home in Missouri.
Each state along this route offers unique attractions, making the Great River Road a perfect destination for a spring road trip. For birdwatching enthusiasts, the Great River Road is hard to beat. Here are some of the best places to enjoy birdwatching along this iconic route:
- The Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge is one of the best birdwatching spots in the Midwest. This massive refuge encompasses parts of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Illinois and is a birdwatching paradise. Thousands of birds pass through this area each spring and fall.
- In Wisconsin, don’t miss a stop at Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge. Though it sits along the Mississippi River and offers plenty of wetland habitat, the refuge is large and also encompasses forests and meadows, which means it attracts various bird species. This is a great spot to spot sandhill cranes and a range of waterfowl and songbirds.
- In Iowa, you’ll find beautiful views of the Mississippi River and excellent opportunities for birdwatching at Pikes Peak State Park, one of the best birdwatching spots in the Midwest. This park features high bluffs that make it easy to spot eagles and other raptors as they hunt along the Flyway.
- Mississippi Palisades State Park near Galena is also a great spot to get up high and enjoy the views and birds as they make their way along the Great River Road.
- Hok-Si-La Park, near Lake City, Minnesota, is located along Lake Pepin, a natural resting spot for migratory waterfowl and raptors. It’s one of the best birdwatching spots in the Midwest. This park isn’t too far from Weaver Bottoms, which is a stunning place to see the spring migration but is best known for its fall migration of Tundra Swans.
- Another great stop along the Great River Road in Minnesota is Frontenac State Park in Red Wing. This segment of the Great River Road is famous for its concentration of hawks, eagles, and other raptors, making it one of the best birdwatching spots in the Midwest.
- Head to Merrick State Park in Wisconsin for a great view of migrating waterfowl and songbirds. It’s one of the quieter spots along the Great River Road, far away from the busy spring crowds that you’ll find in other, more popular birdwatching spots in the Midwest.
- Nelson Dewey State Park in Wisconsin is another hidden gem perfect for birdwatching on the Great River Road. This park overlooks the Mississippi River, affording visitors plenty of peace and serving as one of the best birdwatching spots in the Midwest.
- Big River State Forest in Illinois is just off the Great River Road, but the forested spaces here are excellent for spotting warblers, woodpeckers, and other woodland birds.
- If you’re looking for a multifaceted destination packed with history and one of the best birdwatching spots in the Midwest, head to Iowa’s Effigy Mounds National Monument. The elevated trails here are perfect for spotting eagles and other migratory species.
7 More of the Best Birdwatching Spots in the Midwest
Spring in the Midwest offers a front-row seat to nature’s most captivating spectacles: the annual bird migration. Millions of birds journey along the Mississippi River Flyway and beyond, making the Midwest a paradise for birdwatchers. From vibrant warblers flitting through the trees to majestic sandhill cranes calling across wetlands, the region’s varied landscapes provide incredible opportunities to witness this seasonal marvel. Whether strolling through a state park or exploring a wildlife refuge, birdwatching in the Midwest is an unforgettable experience for enthusiasts of all levels.
- Horicon Marsh, Wisconsin, is one of the most extensive freshwater marshes in the U.S., famous for its flocks of waterfowl and warblers in spring. It’s an unbeatable destination and, aside from spots along the Great River Road, ranks as one of the best birdwatching spots in the Midwest.
- Big Marsh, Illinois, is an urban birdwatching gem in Chicago that attracts waterfowl, shorebirds, and grassland species.
- Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuge in Minnesota is one of the best birdwatching spots in the Midwest. Its prairie habitat is perfect for spotting sharp-tailed grouse and meadowlarks.
- The Shawnee National Forest in Illinois offers birding enthusiasts diverse habitats that attract warblers, tanagers, and hawks.
- If you want an excellent opportunity to witness the Sandhill Crane Migration, head to the Sandhill Wildlife Area in Wisconsin.
- Another exceptional place to witness the annual Sandhill Crane Migration, and one of the best birdwatching spots in the Midwest, is Niobrara State Park in Nebraska. In addition to an unprecedented opportunity to witness this magnificent migration, the park offers scenic vistas where you can spot raptors, woodpeckers, and meadowlarks.
- In Minnesota, over 250 bird species, including loons and osprey, are found in the Chippewa National Forest. It’s one of the best birdwatching spots in the Midwest.
Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a curious beginner, these spots offer incredible opportunities to enjoy spring migration in the Midwest.
The Best Places to Stay in the Midwest This Spring
The Midwest is brimming with incredible destinations that deliver more than just great scenery and attractions—it’s a region where genuine hospitality takes center stage. Whether you’re looking to explore some top Midwest cities or you’d prefer a nature break in the region’s teeming parks and wildlife areas, you’ll find no shortage of fantastic things to do in the Midwest. From the bustling cities of Minnesota and Wisconsin to the rural areas and charming small towns of Iowa, Illinois, and Nebraska, there’s no shortage of places to explore and things to do. And when it comes to finding the best places to stay in the Midwest, we’ve got you covered.
The Midwest Association of Independent Inns offers an exceptional collection of Bed and Breakfasts, boutique hotels, and cozy cabins across the region. These properties aren’t just a place to sleep—they’re an invitation to experience the heart of the region. With thoughtful amenities, warm service, and unique touches, these accommodations provide a refreshing alternative to cookie-cutter hotels, making your trip truly unforgettable.
Every property has its own personality, from historic inns steeped in stories to cabins tucked away in peaceful settings. Expect comfortable rooms, delicious homemade breakfasts, and local hosts eager to share their knowledge of the area. Whether you’re strolling through a lively downtown, exploring nature trails, or enjoying some of the best birdwatching spots in the Midwest, staying at these unique properties connects you to the authentic spirit of the region. This year, elevate your travels with a stay at one of the finest places to stay in the Midwest and discover why this region is so beloved by travelers. Book your stay today!
