The Midwest on Wheels: A Route That Will Inspire

Sometimes, cities start to sound the same. Each day feels like a copy of the one before. On days like these, the urge to break free from routine and just drive becomes especially strong.

One of the best routes to consider is the drive from Minneapolis to Chicago. It’s logical, beautiful, and full of life. Along the way, you’ll find lakes, art, architecture, food, nature, personality, and a certain soulful character.

And while this stretch of the journey is impressive on its own, there's more to come—we’ll continue the route in our next article.

Minneapolis, Minnesota: the city of lakes, Nordic calm, and an artistic heart

Our journey begins in Minneapolis, a city that reveals itself over time. It breathes, it lives, and with every hour, it becomes more familiar.

Start with the scenic Chain of Lakes, a group of five lakes right in the city. It’s especially peaceful in the early morning, when the water is still cloaked in mist and the air smells like pine.

Just outside downtown, you'll find the Walker Art Center and its iconic sculpture garden. The Spoonbridge and Cherry sculpture is one of Minneapolis’s most recognizable symbols, and it tends to stay with you.

The North Loop neighborhood is perfect for those who love good coffee, local design boutiques, and vintage shops. It carries an air of creative chaos and inspiration.

With a vehicle like the Lexus GX 550 and its spacious cargo space, travel becomes easier. You can pack everything you need for impromptu stops and relaxing pauses. Every pull-off becomes a mini picnic with a view you won’t want to leave.

Madison, Wisconsin: college town coziness on the lakefront

The road to Madison is one of the most enjoyable: rolling green hills, open roads, occasional cars, and wide farmland. The scenery is meditative—almost like it’s made for clearing your head.

Madison brings a different kind of energy: lighter, younger. The city center is cozy, and the Wisconsin State Capitol is stunning in both scale and beauty. It’s open to visitors, and if you're lucky, you might catch a guided tour.

Be sure to walk down State Street, where guitarists play on the corners, the air smells like coffee and pizza, and the urge to just keep walking takes over.

A few blocks away lies Lake Mendota, a perfect spot for a picnic. Pull out a blanket and thermos from the back storage in the Lexus GX and let time slow down. A simple lakeside moment turns into a movie scene: sunshine, quiet, a light breeze, and the sense of being at ease.

Milwaukee, Wisconsin: beer, art, and industrial charm

The next stop is Milwaukee, where the rhythm of the journey shifts. It’s more industrial, a little rougher, but full of character. That contrast adds an edge to the route.

The first stop should be the Milwaukee Art Museum, designed by Santiago Calatrava. Its “wings” open each morning like a greeting to the sun. It’s more than a museum—it’s a symbol of the city and its ambition.

Then, head to the Historic Third Ward, where old warehouses have been transformed into boutiques, galleries, and coffee shops.

Don’t miss Lakefront Brewery. It’s more than just a tour—it’s a full-on experience with jokes, stories, and a lively vibe. And the local bratwurst might just be the culinary surprise of the trip.

If you’re a road trip enthusiast, camping with the Lexus GX 550 is incredibly convenient. It easily fits not just your luggage, but everything you need for comfortable outdoor living—from a sleeping platform to a mini kitchen.

Chicago, Illinois: the final chord of the road trip

Driving into Chicago feels like entering another universe. Skyscrapers rise on the horizon like beacons, and the city slowly draws you in with its energy and endless rhythm.

Make sure to stop at Millennium Park to see the iconic Cloud Gate. And don’t miss the Architectural Boat Tour, a cruise through downtown where the city’s history is told through its buildings. It’s a unique and striking way to view the skyline from a new perspective.

Then, simply wander through the neighborhoods. Pilsen with its Mexican murals and street food. Or the bohemian Wicker Park, home to record stores and moody bars.

Each district feels like its own little world, with its own voice, rhythm, and scent. The city is complex but inspiring. It’s easy to get lost in—and just as easy to find yourself again.

New cities and discoveries are waiting ahead—from the street art of Indianapolis to the green parks of Cincinnati.

A road trip gives you the freedom to change direction on the fly, stop wherever beauty appears, and bring everything you need along the way—thanks to the storage space in the Lexus GX.

In the next article, we’ll continue this virtual journey through Chicago and head toward Indianapolis, Cincinnati, and Columbus.