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 Bridgestone Arena 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 MGM Grand Detroit Casino and Campus Martius Park, 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 NZ$369 per night from 13 Mar to 14 Mar
NZ$369
13 Mar - 14 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! (9,882 reviews)
Great location, beautiful historic hotel with clean, updated rooms.

Reviewed on 11 Feb 2026

Congress Plaza Hotel
Hotel Riu Plaza Chicago

Hotel Riu Plaza Chicago

4 out of 5
150 East Ontario Street Chicago IL
The price is NZ$266 per night from 4 Mar to 5 Mar
NZ$266
4 Mar - 5 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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (3,327 reviews)
The great customer service, clean room, and enjoyed the free breakfast.

Reviewed on 11 Feb 2026

Hotel Riu Plaza Chicago
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Suites Houston by the Galleria

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Suites Houston by the Galleria

4 out of 5
5353 Westheimer Rd Houston TX
The price is NZ$216 per night from 22 Feb to 23 Feb
NZ$216
22 Feb - 23 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Houston. Enjoy an outdoor pool, breakfast (surcharge) and a free local area shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (3,360 reviews)
Staff was great!

Reviewed on 13 Feb 2026

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Suites Houston by the Galleria
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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. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,898 reviews)
Compared to Memorial District, the Museum District was up to par in terms of the art & area. Will definitely stay here again if I am in the area.

Reviewed on 5 Feb 2026

Hotel Zaza Houston Museum District
Waterfront Lodge - Bowling, Pool, Mtn Views

Waterfront Lodge - Bowling, Pool, Mtn Views

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 ...
Sure—here’s a more relaxed, natural version that still reads very positive:We had a great stay and really enjoyed the place. The home was clean, comfortable, and had everything we needed. Check-in was easy, and the host was responsive and helpful. The location worked out perfectly for our trip, and ...

Reviewed on 4 Jan 2026

Waterfront Lodge - Bowling, Pool, Mtn Views
Luxe Smoky Mountain Cabin: Indoor Pool & Fire Pit!

Luxe Smoky Mountain Cabin: Indoor Pool & Fire Pit!

3 out of 5
Sevierville TN
Stay at this cottage in Sevierville. Enjoy free parking, balconies and in-room fireplaces. Popular attractions Dollywood and Island at Pigeon Forge are located ...
Luxe Smoky Mountain Cabin: Indoor Pool & Fire Pit!
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

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

A big piece of Chicago's soul, an ancient stadium that keeps alive the quirky, edgy madness of baseball.

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

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
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

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
Bourbon Street showing street scenes and a city

Bourbon Street

The birthplace of jazz is a vibrant city boulevard where the history and music of New Orleans comes to life.

Bourbon Street

Activities

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

NZ$135
per adult
84% of travellers recommend
New York Explorer Pass: Visit 2-10 Attractions and Save Up to 50 Percent
Edge Observation Deck at Hudson Yards

Edge Observation Deck at Hudson Yards

NZ$65
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Edge Observation Deck at Hudson Yards
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Experience Tickets

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Experience Tickets

NZ$81
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Experience Tickets
New York Harbor Lights Evening Cruise

Circle Line: New York Harbor Lights Evening Cruise

NZ$73
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Circle Line: New York Harbor Lights Evening Cruise
The Lion King On Broadway

The Lion King On Broadway

NZ$290
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
The Lion King On Broadway
Private Central Park Adventure Tour

New York: Central Park Walking Personalized Self-Guided App Tour

NZ$8
per adult
New York: Central Park Walking Personalized Self-Guided App Tour
See all activities in Central United States