Top Midwest EV Road Trips

Top Road Trips for Electric Vehicles Midwest

Sarah MattieUpdated June 29, 2022

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People who think of the Midwest as "flyover country" don't know what they're missing. There are many great EV road trips across this part of America.Read on for routes that will take you through the Great Lakes area and many exciting cities in the Midwest.

Great Lakes Road Trip for EVs

The Great Lakes are nothing if not awe-inspiring. They hold 20% of the earth’s fresh water supply and are a hub for water activities, outdoor adventures, historic sites, and even amusement parks. There are plenty of opportunities to stop, admire the scenery, and have fun along this trip that starts in Duluth, MN and ends in Rochester, NY. The route is plotted from west to east, but can be taken in either direction. 1. Duluth, MNCanal Park218 Canal Rd.Duluth, MN 55802 Canal Park refers to itself as "Duluth Minnesota's Playground." This area juts out into Lake Superior and includes lodging, dining, and entertainment options. Whether you'd rather go fishing or watch a show or anything in between, Canal Park has something for you.Recommended: Guide to Kayak Financing 2. Eau Claire, WIHy-Vee Grocery Store2424 E Clairemont Ave.Eau Claire, WI 54701 This is a quick stop to restock supplies at the grocery store and grab a coffee. If you're hungry, check out the Milwaukee Burger Company. And if you’re looking for a place to picnic or simply enjoy some fresh air, there are several parks located nearby, on Lake Altoona, the Devil’s Pond, and Chippewa River. 3. Windsor, WIMousehouse Cheesehaus4494 Lake Circle Windsor, WI 53598There is no missing Mousehouse Cheeshaus as you make your drive. It literally has a giant mouse sitting on top of a piece of cheese on the roof. It's a retail cheese store with a deli (except on Tuesdays, which are for tacos). They also sell fudge, sausage, and other items to keep you feeling full on the road. 4. Porter, INIndiana Dunes Visitor Center1215 IN-49Porter,IN 46304 You can charge up at the visitors’ center, then head just a bit north to Indiana Dunes National Park and Porter Beach. There are several campgrounds here on the edge of Lake Michigan. 5. Lansing, MIWalmart409 N Marketplace Blvd.Lansing, MI 48917 This fast-charging station is a good place to restock on food and supplies. It’s about a 10-minute drive from Anderson Nature Park, where you can get back to nature with a brisk walk through the woods. 6. Bay City, MIMeijer2980 Wilder Rd.Bay City, MI 48706 Once you've charged up enough, head a bit northeast to get to Bay City State Park, located on the edge of Lake Huron. Here you can fish, boat, hike, and even camp if you’re looking for a serene spot to spend the night. 7. Sandusky, OHStrawberry Hill8606 Hayes Ave.Sandusky, OH 44870 Thrill-seekers, this is the charging station you’ve been waiting for. Once you’re done charging up, take a 20-minute drive to Cedar Point This famous amusement park boasts 70 rides that span from tame and family-friendly to loop-de-loop insanity. 8. Erie, PAWest Erie Plaza913 W Erie Plaza Dr.Erie, PA 16505 This charging station is located right on the edge of Lake Erie. Once your car is done charging, head out to the Presque Isle Peninsula, where you can enjoy public beaches and the Presque Isle Lighthouse, built in the 1800s. If you’re interested in putting around, there are several golf courses located nearby. 9. Rochester, NYRochester NY East End Garage475 East Ave.Rochester, NY 14604Rochester is on the shores of Lake Ontario, completing your Great Lakes tour. This charging station is at the center of many activities. You can easily walk to the Rochester Contemporary Art Center (RoCo) and the Eastman Theatre. The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park at Manhattan Square is a bit farther away, but definitely worth a visit.

EV Road Trip Through Major Midwestern Cities

The Midwest may be one of the nation’s most underrated regions, but not for long! This route takes you through some of the Midwest’s largest cities so you can fully experience the culture and charm of America’s heartland. The Midwest EV road trip starts in Kansas City, MO and ends in Detroit, MI. It’s plotted moving west to east, but you can drive it from east to west, too. 1. Kansas City, MO1KC Place Parking Garage1200 Main St.Kansas City, MO 64105 This charging station is right by the Arvest Bank Theatre (more commonly called the "Midland"), a performance space often used by musicians. It's also near the Power & Light District, which is a group of nightclubs, the Kansas City Music Hall, and a variety of other theatres and local restaurants. 2. Columbia, MOGerbes Supermarket1729 Broadway St.Columbia, MO 65203 This is a place to charge up and restock your travel supplies. It's close to Shetler Gardens, a botanic garden with a plot for the visually impaired. If you drive a few miles east, you'll encounter Shakespeare's Pizza, a favorite of Mizzou students. 3. St. Louis, MOSt. Louis Union Station360 S 18th St.St. Louis, MO 63103 It would take days to list all of the cool things to do near Union Station in St. Louis. A few standouts are the St. Louis Aquarium, the Enterprise Center, where touring musicians and comedians perform, and Aloe Plaza. 4. Atlanta, ILPublic Parking Lot246 SE Vine St.Atlanta, IL 61723 Once you’re done charging, head northeast just a bit and turn left. You're now at the Paul Bunyon statue, which is a statue of Paul Bunyon holding a giant hot dog. If that's not reason enough to make this stop, you could always check out the Route 66 Arcade Museum or Atlanta Museum. 5. Chicago, ILPrudential Plaza130 E Randolph St.Chicago, IL 60601 The Prudential Plaza is the center of just about everything in Chicago. Once you've parked, you can walk to Millennium Park, the Riverwalk, and even downtown Chicago with ease. There’s no shortage of artsy, historic, educational, and just plain unique attractions (gangsters and ghosts tour, anyone?) to enjoy. If you’re going to stop anywhere for a few nights, you may want to make it the Windy City. 6. Cincinnati, OHFindlay Market1801 Race St.Cincinnati, OH 45202 Findlay Market is the oldest public market in Ohio. It is open year-round with 50 full-time merchants, a ton of street performers, and many events. It's also near the William Howard Taft National Historic Site, known as the birthplace of our 27th president. 7. Toledo, OHMaumee Bay Brew Pub27 Broadway St.Toledo, OH 43604 After charging, head over to Middlegrounds Metro Park, a park on reclaimed land located along the Maumee River. Here, you can kayak or enjoy a nice picnic. Or, if you have a few hours to kill while your car charges, you can walk to Fifth Third Field to watch the Toledo Mud Hens Minor League baseball team play. 8. Detroit, MIBuhl Parking Garage525 Griswold St.Detroit, MI 48226 This charging spot gives you access to several things that make Detroit a very cool place to visit. The Monument to Joe Louis "The Fist," Hart Plaza on the Detroit Riverfront, and the Detroit Windsor Tunnel crossing into Canada are nearby.

Experience the Midwest in Your EV

The Midwest might sometimes be overlooked as a travel destination, but it has so much to offer. You can boat, fish, camp, and take in nature’s beauty along the Great Lakes. If you’re more of a history buff or culture chaser, there’s so much to do and see in the Midwest’s major cities.Whatever your reason for wanting to take a road trip in your EV, the Midwest welcomes you. If you’re looking for other ways to get the most out of your car, auto loan refinancing could help. By refinancing your current car loan, you may be able to lower your monthly payments and secure better terms than your original loan. Compare auto loan refinancing rates in minutes and without affecting your credit, today. Ready for more adventures on the open road? Check out our guides for top EV road trips in other parts of the country:

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About the Author

Sarah Mattie

Sarah Mattie is a researcher and writer with an education background. She's passionate about teaching others about financial issues and has written extensively for a variety of degree sites and financial institutions. Her writing covers credit cards, lending products, and paying for college, among other economic topics.

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