You don’t need a passport to stroll through a quant-but-bustling Dutch village or relax lakeside like you’re in northern Italy’s Lake District. In fact, you don’t need to fly at all—and ironically, some of the best destination dupes for these incredible European experiences are in the states we colloquially call “the flyovers.” In this post, we’ll explore several midwest towns that offer European flair—perfect for summer road trips, vacations, or cultural weekends (and all, of course, with excellent nearby RV parks so you can explore them in the most comfortable way possible). If you thought “European destinations in the midwest” was a nonsense phrase, buckle up for these five cities with international vibes that don’t require leaving the country.
The Netherlands in the Midwest
Who among us has not envisioned ourselves wandering down the cobblestone streets of Amsterdam or taking a cruise along its intricate system of canals? Or perhaps you’ve instead spent your time fantasizing about a day trip to nearby Lisse, which comes alive with Technicolor rows of tulips and other spring-blooming flowers each April?
1. Holland, Michigan
If you recognize yourself in the paragraph above, good news: There’s an incredible European destination in the Midwest that’ll have you thinking you took a flight to Schiphol without even remembering it. Holland, Michigan has it all, from old-world dutch architecture to calming canals and even windmills—specifically De Zwaan, the only authentic Dutch windmill operating in the United States. Originally constructed in the Netherlands in 1761, it was moved to Holland, MI in 1964—and is still hard at work grinding wheat down into flour all these years later.
Along with the visual spectacle of the windmill and the town itself, you might also enjoy that flour in the form of fresh, delicious Dutch baked goods from Deboer Bakkerij, which serves up sandwiches on daily baked bread as well as sweet treats ranging from Dutch currant buns to danishes. Finally, if you time your trip right, you can drop in on the Tulip Time Festival in early May, when more than six million tulip bulbs throughout the city explode into bright color.
- Dupe for: Amsterdam or Lisse, Netherlands
- Why: Dutch-style windmills, canals, tulips, and old-world architecture
- Things to Do: Visit Windmill Island Gardens, attend the Tulip Time Festival (May), shop Dutch bakeries and wooden shoe stores
- Campgrounds: Holland State Park, Oak Grove Resort, and many more
2. Pella, Iowa
Good news for those who really want to go to the Netherlands—there are not one, but two excellent Midwestern options for a destination dupe! If you’re more about the smaller towns that dot the Dutch countryside than, say, Amsterdam, Pella, Iowa is a worthwhile stop to consider. Tucked just an hour southeast of Des Moines, Pella, too, is home to historic Dutch-style windmills (including Vermeer Windmill, which, at 124 feet, is the tallest working grain mill in the country), a themed historical 19th-century Dutch village, and its very own early May Tulip Time Festival—which is smaller (more like 300,000 bulbs than six million), but no less brilliant. Time your trip right to catch a show at the Pella Operahouse, which has hosted artists ranging from Sister Sadie to Wendell Mobley and plenty of not-to-be-missed local talent. Plus, it’s surrounded by outdoorsy must-sees like Elk Rock State Park, Cordova Park (with a notable observation tower), and Red Rock Dam, which holds back the Des Moines River from its downstream flood potential—and creates Lake Red Rock, a large and beautiful reservoir perfect for water sports.
- Dupe for: Small towns in the Dutch countryside
- Why: Historic windmills, Dutch architecture, charming downtown
- Things to Do: Explore the Vermeer Windmill, enjoy Dutch pastries from Jaarsma Bakery, and visit during the Pella Tulip Time Festival
- Campgrounds: Roberts Creek Park, Howell Station, and more
Germany in the Midwest
Perfectly risen pretzels, hearty beers, and sturdy-looking Bauernhaus structures mean to withstand frigid winters of south Germany, it’s no surprise that so many people put Bavarian Germany on their to-visit list. After all, its vibe is basically what you’d expect if you imagined walking into a storybook. With Alpine peaks in the distance and the actual inspiration for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle—Neuschwanstein Castle—the scenery is nothing short of stunning. Pair all that with hearty fare and a convivial demeanor among hard-wintering locals, and, well, yes: Bavarian Germany is well worth the flight.
3. New Ulm, Minnesota
For those of us who’d rather not worry about the TSA weight limit, however, New Ulm, Minnesota offers a worthy stop. Among midwest towns that look like Europe, it’s a hard one to beat—often hailed as “the most German city in America,” New Ulm was founded by German immigrants all the way back in 1854. It’s been nothing but historic charm, gorgeous architecture, and rolicking yearly Oktoberfests ever since. (Or at least since 1981, as far as the yearly Oktoberfests are considered.)
Along with its Munich-style celebrations, 45-foot Glockenspiel clock tower, and an array of thematic food and drink options (including Schell’s Brewery, where you can enjoy a German-style pilsner or Vienna-style amber lager, among many others), New Ulm is also conveniently located amongst other exciting area attractions like Flandrau State Park and nearby Swan Lake, which is surrounded by protected wildlife management areas. Two hours west you’ll find Pipestone National Monument, a unique landscape that preserves more than 50 catlinite quarries Native Americans used to make—you guessed it—pipes, among other handcrafted goods.
- Dupe for: Bavaria, Germany
- Why: German-style buildings, glockenspiel, Oktoberfest celebrations
- Things to Do: Visit Hermann Monument, enjoy Schell’s Brewery, check out the Glockenspiel clock tower, attend Bavarian Blast in July
- Campgrounds: Flandrau State Park, Riverside Park, and more
Sweden in the Midwest
If you’ve never imagined yourself with a fjords-front view in Fjällbacka or taking a history-rich stroll through Sigtuna, you’re missing out on a beautiful daydream. This Scandinavian country is full of inimitable outdoor landscapes as well as picturesque small towns whose ancient streets and buildings hold the charm and stories of all the years they’ve seen. (Plus, the entire country observes fika, the custom of pausing for coffee and a sweet treat with colleagues and friends at any old time at all. What’s not to love?)
4. Lindsborg, Kansas
Even if the dream of a Swedish vacation is a brand new one for you, you’ll be delighted to know that America does have its very own slice of Nordic goodness in a place you might not expect. Lindsborg, Kansas is known as “Little Sweden USA,” and for good reason. Enjoy the Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum, which offers fascinating in-depth exhibits that detail pioneering life, as well as a restored 1898 flour mill. (Yes, that definitely qualifies as “old.”) Local eateries get in on the action by offering classic Swedish fare like meatballs with lingonberry jam—and the crowning jewel of it all is the Svensk Hyllningsfest, held biennially in October. Enjoy the smörgåsbord, observe traditional Swedish dancing, and the associated farmers market where you can shop for fresh produce and more. Lindsborg is also just a short drive from Kanopolis State Park, which is a great option for camping—along with the other excellent RV campground options in the surrounding area.
- Dupe for: Small towns in Sweden
- Why: Known as “Little Sweden USA,” the town celebrates Swedish heritage with Dala horses, folk art, and Scandinavian architecture
- Things to Do: Visit the Swedish Pavilion, shop for Swedish crafts, time your visit for Midsummer’s Festival or Svensk Hyllningsfest
- Campgrounds: Coronado Heights Park, Kanopolis Lake State Park, and more
Northern Italy in the Midwest
There are few places on earth that marry culture and sophistication with absolutely wild outdoors pursuits like Northern Italy. One moment you could be shopping in the chicest boutique you’ve ever encountered, and the next, heading into the alpine wilderness for world-class skiing or hiking opportunities—or just sitting back and enjoying a fresh, hot cup of coffee along the stunning shore of Lake Como.
5. Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
No matter what has you ideating on a trip to Milan and its surrounding locales, consider putting Wisconsin’s Lake Geneva a little higher up on your to-travel-to destination list. Just like its counterparts on the other side of the pond, Lake Geneva offers a unique blend of charm, history, and absolutely killer views, particularly when the fall season turns the leaves red against the lake’s deep cerulean blue. If you want to do more than enjoy the vista, you can take to the waters with a paddleboat, paddleboard, or jet ski—or, for the most adventurous travelers, sail above it on a parasailing venture. Along the shore, you’ll spot stately Gilded Age mansions tucked among the lush greenery that displays the change of the seasons so well, all in the shadow of the rolling nearby hills that make this destination a ski-worthy one. Don’t miss Big Foot Beach State Park for both beachside relaxing and its campground option!
- Dupe for: Italian Lakes region (Lake Como, Lake Garda)
- Why: Elegant lakeside villas, sailing culture, boutique shopping and wine trails
- Things to Do: Walk the Shore Path, rent a paddleboat, enjoy upscale lakefront dining, visit Riviera Beach
- Campgrounds: Big Foot Beach State Park, Lake Geneva Campground, and more
As you can see, even the most fabulous European destinations needn’t be so far away. By visiting Midwestern destination dupes, you can enjoy the scenery and culture of these places while still being able to travel in the supreme comfort of an RV. Driving makes it easy to bring kids, pets, and—yes—everything you want with you, including the kitchen sink. The same can’t be said for an airport security line, so let us know which of these destinations you plan on visiting! We can’t wait to hear about your adventures.
