Central United States Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

the old abandoned "gingerbread house" in carter county, ky.
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!

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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

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 showing a city, street scenes and heritage architecture

French Quarter

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 which includes a high-rise building, a square or plaza and a city

Downtown Houston

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 which includes street scenes and an administrative building

Downtown Austin

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

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
The price is AU$278 per night from 21 Mar to 22 Mar
AU$278
21 Mar - 22 Mar
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! (9,933 reviews)
Great historic vibe, but feels old.

Reviewed on 9 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 AU$204 per night from 19 Mar to 20 Mar
AU$204
19 Mar - 20 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! (5,741 reviews)
Nice

Reviewed on 9 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 AU$260 per night from 24 Mar to 25 Mar
AU$260
24 Mar - 25 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! (3,495 reviews)
Plenty of stores and restaurants around. Great location downtown. Short walk to the river. Very clean and new.

Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026

Hotel Riu Plaza Chicago
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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. ...
Hotel Zaza Houston Museum District
Luxe Waterfront Mtn Views Bowling Pool Pickleball

Luxe Waterfront Mtn Views Bowling Pool Pickleball

Sevierville TN
Stay at this family-friendly holiday home in Sevierville. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, private pools and a water park. Popular attractions Ober Mountain and Next To Heaven ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (32 reviews)
The host was very welcoming. We had a last minute issue come up and they were very responsive and worked with us on our scheduling.

Reviewed on 19 Feb 2026

Luxe Waterfront Mtn Views Bowling Pool Pickleball
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 ...
Mint House Nashville Marathon Village by Kasa
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(14 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 fascinating museums and shops in this walkable area.

River Walk
Dollywood showing rides and signage

Dollywood

This amusement park owned by country singer Dolly Parton lures fans with its roller coasters and children’s rides, museums and live music and theater shows.

Dollywood
Wrigley Field which includes a city, central business district and a sporting event

Wrigley Field

4.5/5(21 reviews)

Chicago’s world-renowned baseball ground, Wrigley Field is an iconic stadium where you can learn about the all-American sport and even catch a game.

Wrigley Field
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(8 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
Gulf Shores Beach showing a coastal town, general coastal views and a beach

Gulf Shores Beach

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
Scene of Chicago street bridge with traffic among modern buildings of Downtown Chicago at Michigan avenue in Chicago, Illinois, United States, Business and Modern Transportation concept

Michigan Avenue

5/5(5 reviews)

You can find the perfect gifts to bring home when you visit Michigan Avenue, a popular shopping spot in Chicago. Amble around this vibrant area's riverfront and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Michigan Avenue

Activities

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Experience Tickets

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Experience Tickets

AU$68
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Experience Tickets
Edge Observation Deck at Hudson Yards

Edge Observation Deck at Hudson Yards

AU$50
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Edge Observation Deck at Hudson Yards
Go City: New York Explorer Pass - Entry to 2 to 10 Top Attractions

New York Explorer Pass: Visit 2-10 Attractions and Save Up to 50 Percent

AU$113
per adult
84% of travellers recommend
New York Explorer Pass: Visit 2-10 Attractions and Save Up to 50 Percent
Deluxe Helicopter Tour

Ultimate Manhattan Highlights Helicopter Tours

AU$367
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Ultimate Manhattan Highlights Helicopter Tours
New York Harbor Lights Evening Cruise

Circle Line: New York Harbor Lights Evening Cruise

AU$62
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Circle Line: New York Harbor Lights Evening Cruise
Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour + Pedestal Access

Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour: All Options

AU$88
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour: All Options
See all activities in Central United States