Central United States Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

the old abandoned "gingerbread house" in carter county, ky.
Every time I pass by this place I say I need to stop. The last time I did the gate was closed and locked, so I couldn't get inside, but this time the gate was open. You can see it from the expressway. It used to be a gas station and fireworks store, but now it is just an empty lot with a couple old ferris wheels and other carnival equipment. It is very eerie and beautiful though, if you see it I'd stop and walk around a minute.
Amazing waterfall with a blue hole for swimming located near Stone Door in Gulf Savage State Park. Nice hike but was a little tricky after a recent ice storm. Hike a little further up and there's another set of falls and a swinging bridge. All this found in the Cumberland Gap in TN, believed to be created from a meteor a bazillion years or so ago!
The Gateway Arch, or the St. Luis arch to the West. Part of the Jefferson National Memorial. The observation deck is 630 feet up and is the tallest manmade monument in the United States. It opened in 1967 and you could either walk to the top or take a very interesting elevator to the top, small capsules that fit five people and zig zag their way to the top in four minutes. As I drove into St. Luis it can be seen above the horizon and because it is stainless steel shines bright as you come in. To anyone who can, I would say go, Seeing it in person it is immense! When seeing it form a distance it doesn't really look that big, but up close, looking straight up to the top it is incredible!
Another close up of the main waterfall at rock island state park! I love this plae

Where to stay in Central United States

Downtown Chicago featuring a city

Downtown Chicago

Known for its fascinating museums, stunning river views and gorgeous architecture, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Chicago. Top attractions like Michigan Avenue and Navy Pier are major draws. Catch the metro at State Station or Clark-Lake Station to see more of the city.

Downtown Chicago
Downtown Nashville which includes a city, a sunset and boating

Downtown Nashville

4/5(93 area reviews)

The fantastic nightlife and great live music are just a few highlights of Downtown Nashville. Make a stop by Broadway or Nissan Stadium while you're exploring the area.

Downtown Nashville
French Quarter featuring a city, heritage architecture and street scenes

French Quarter

4.5/5(151 area reviews)

Known for its fantastic nightlife and great live music, there's plenty to explore in French Quarter. Check out top attractions like Bourbon Street and Canal Street, and jump on the metro at Dumaine St Station or Ursulines Ave Stop to see more of the city.

French Quarter
Discovery Green showing city views, modern architecture and a high-rise building

Downtown Houston

4/5(25 area reviews)

Gourmet restaurants acclaimed theatres and top sights from Toyota Center to Daikin Park – discover Downtown Houston, a destination also famous for its sports teams.

Downtown Houston
Downtown Austin showing street scenes and an administrative building

Downtown Austin

4.5/5(37 area reviews)

Downtown Austin is popular for its fantastic nightlife. Explore top sights like Sixth Street and Paramount Theatre, and you can get around town on the metro at Downtown Station.

Downtown Austin
United States of America featuring a bay or harbor, landscape views and a city

Downtown Detroit

4/5(9 area reviews)

Known for its great live music and first-class casinos, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Detroit. Check out top attractions like Campus Martius Park and Detroit Opera House, and jump on the metro at Campus Martius Station or Cadillac Center Station to see more of the city.

Downtown Detroit
Congress Plaza Hotel

Congress Plaza Hotel

3.5 out of 5
520 South Michigan Avenue Chicago IL
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is 3.053.430 ₫ per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
3.053.430 ₫
3.584.422 ₫ total
1 Apr - 2 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Chicago. Enjoy 2 restaurants, 2 bars/lounges and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8/10 Very Good! (9,997 reviews)
renovate room barhroom

Reviewed on 22 Mar 2026

Congress Plaza Hotel
Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown River North

Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown River North

4 out of 5
600 N State St Chicago IL
The price is 3.428.994 ₫ per night from 29 Mar to 30 Mar
3.428.994 ₫
4.025.295 ₫ total
29 Mar - 30 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free breakfast, room service and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (5,773 reviews)
The staff was super helpful and friendly. The room was clean and the bed was super comfortable! Perfect place to walk to lots of things.

Reviewed on 22 Mar 2026

Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown River North
Hotel Riu Plaza Chicago

Hotel Riu Plaza Chicago

4 out of 5
150 East Ontario Street Chicago IL
The price is 3.620.030 ₫ per night from 29 Mar to 30 Mar
3.620.030 ₫
4.990.687 ₫ total
29 Mar - 30 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and 2 bars/lounges. Popular attractions Michigan Avenue and Chicago Riverwalk ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (3,600 reviews)
We loved the breakfast and how convenient the hotel is from the Magnificent Mile and the river walk.

Reviewed on 23 Mar 2026

Hotel Riu Plaza Chicago
See all 305,773 properties in Central United States
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Hotel Zaza Houston Museum District

Hotel Zaza Houston Museum District

4.5 out of 5
5701 Main Street Houston TX
Stay at this luxury aparthotel in Houston. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,926 reviews)
Great vibe

Reviewed on 22 Mar 2026

Hotel Zaza Houston Museum District
Mint House Nashville Marathon Village by Kasa

Mint House Nashville Marathon Village by Kasa

4 out of 5
808 14th Ave N Nashville TN
Stay at this aparthotel in Nashville. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Broadway and Nissan Stadium are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (148 reviews)
It was a very great/outstanding unit. It’s more of an apartment style, which was lovely. Though the check in process was trash. It was outstanding over all.

Reviewed on 22 Mar 2026

Mint House Nashville Marathon Village by Kasa
Deer Ridge Mountain Resort

Deer Ridge Mountain Resort

2.5 out of 5
3710 Weber Rd Gatlinburg TN
Stay at this condo in Gatlinburg. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a picnic area. Popular attractions Bent Creek Golf Club and Little Pigeon River are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (206 reviews)
We lived our stay here and will hopefully be returning next year! Kids loved the heated indoor pool we loved the views of the Smokey Mountains from the balcony.

Reviewed on 19 Mar 2026

Deer Ridge Mountain Resort
See all properties in Central United States
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

River Walk featuring night scenes and a river or creek

River Walk

5/5(21 reviews)

River Walk is just one of the places to see in San Antonio, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Discover the great live music and shops in this walkable area.

River Walk
Wrigley Field featuring a city, a sporting event and city views

Wrigley Field

4.5/5(40 reviews)

Catch an event at Wrigley Field during your trip to Chicago. Stroll along the lakeside or experience the entertainment choices in this vibrant area.

Wrigley Field
Gulf Shores Beach showing a coastal town, general coastal views and a beach

Gulf Shores Beach

5/5(1 review)

Nothing says holiday like spending a lazy day at Gulf Shores Beach, a popular beach in Gulf Shores. Experience the great live music or attend a sporting event in this relaxing area.

Gulf Shores Beach
The twisted maze of roller coaster track inside the massive Mall Of America unintentionally symbolizes the crazy American "buy an spend" zeitgeist.

Mall of America

4.5/5(10 reviews)

You can find the perfect gifts to bring home when you visit Mall of America, a popular shopping spot in Bloomington. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.

Mall of America
American Airlines Center

American Airlines Center

Catch an event at American Airlines Center during your trip to Dallas. Experience the great live music and fascinating museums in this vibrant area.

American Airlines Center
Air Force Security Forces K-9 handler, and her military working dog, seek out drugs inside a training house.

Lackland Air Force Base

Lackland Air Force Base is just one of the places to see in San Antonio, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Discover the entertainment venues and shops in this family-friendly area.

Lackland Air Force Base