A Heartland Baseball Road Trip: Twins, Brewers, White Sox and Cubs
This road trip takes us to the heart of baseball, in the heart of America! We’ll kick off this loop in Minneapolis at Target Field, home of the Minnesota Twins. After an unforgettable ride through the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and a relaxing couple of days on Mackinac Island, we’ll continue along the shores of Lake Michigan to Milwaukee to visit the Brewers. Next, we’ll make our way to Green Bay for a stop at Lambeau Field, then wrap up with visits to both the Cubs and White Sox in Chicago. Buckle up!
Minneapolis – Target Field
Nestled on the upper stretches of the Mississippi River in Minnesota, Minneapolis offers a mix of vibrant urban culture and scenic green spaces. The city is a thriving metropolis with cultural venues, theaters, and iconic attractions. Whether you’re here for baseball or beyond, there’s much to see and do.
Target Field opened in 2010 to replace the Metrodome. Located in downtown’s Warehouse District, it combines natural beauty with urban sophistication. Enter through the park-like Target Plaza, where you’ll find a 1,500-pound bronze glove and statues of Twins legends. The stadium is known for its stunning architecture and breathtaking views of downtown Minneapolis.
Official Minnesota Twins Website
Must-see attractions in Minneapolis:
- Guthrie Theater: One of the premier cultural institutions, offering timeless dramatic performances and contemporary works since 1963.
- Mall of America: With over 500 stores and an indoor theme park, the Mall of America is a mega-mall that could fit seven Yankee Stadiums inside it.
- Minneapolis Chain of Lakes Regional Park: A network of interconnected lakes with trails perfect for biking, walking, and boating.
- Minnehaha Park: Famous for the 53-foot Minnehaha Falls, offering picturesque views and outdoor adventures.
- U.S. Bank Stadium: The state-of-the-art home of the Minnesota Vikings, featuring off-season tours and major events.
Official U.S. Bank Stadium Website
Mackinac Island – A Scenic Detour
On your way to Milwaukee, take a detour through Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to the picturesque Mackinac Island. This beautiful, car-free island in Lake Huron is known for its historic charm, natural beauty, and famous fudge shops. Explore Mackinac Island State Park, covering over 80% of the island, and take a horse-drawn carriage tour for a truly unique experience.
Must-see spots on Mackinac Island:
- Mackinac Island State Park: A must-see for nature lovers, with hiking trails and scenic overlooks.
- Mackinac Island Butterfly House & Insect World: A vibrant indoor habitat filled with hundreds of butterflies from around the world.
- Downtown Mackinac Island: Stroll through a historic district filled with quaint homes and boutique shops.
Milwaukee – American Family Field & Lambeau Field
Next, we head to Milwaukee, home of the Milwaukee Brewers. Known for its craft beer scene, vibrant neighborhoods, and sports culture, Milwaukee offers something for everyone.
American Family Field, home of the Brewers, features a retractable roof, ensuring that even rainy days can’t ruin the fun. The stadium is also famous for its quirky Uecker Seats and the sausage race during the 6th inning.
Things to do in Milwaukee:
- Lakefront Brewery: A must-visit for craft beer enthusiasts. Taste some of Milwaukee’s best brews while learning about the city’s beer-making history.
- Harley-Davidson Museum: Explore the iconic history of Harley-Davidson motorcycles, with a vast collection of bikes and memorabilia.
- Milwaukee Art Museum: Famous for its striking architecture and impressive collection of art.
- Milwaukee RiverWalk: A 20-block stretch featuring public art, dining, and shopping along the riverfront.
While in Wisconsin, take a detour to Lambeau Field in Green Bay. This legendary NFL stadium, home of the Green Bay Packers, is the oldest continually operating NFL stadium. A visit to Lambeau offers a deep dive into Packers history and the chance to tour the iconic stadium.
Chicago White Sox and Chicago Cubs
Guaranteed Rate Field and Wrigley Field.
Guaranteed Rate Field – Home of the Chicago White Sox
Located on the South Side, Guaranteed Rate Field is a modern stadium built for comfort, excitement, and a true South Side baseball experience. One of its standout features is the “exploding” scoreboard, which has been thrilling fans since its early days—expect dazzling fireworks whenever the White Sox hit a home run.
Foodies will love this ballpark, as it offers some of the best local eats, including smoked wings, Chicago-style bratwurst, and the famous elote (Mexican street corn). The concourse is spacious and fan-friendly, making it easy to grab a bite and explore. Beyond the game, there’s a family-friendly Fundamentals Deck, packed with activities for younger fans to sharpen their baseball skills.
Wrigley Field – Home of the Chicago Cubs
Just a few miles north, Wrigley Field is a baseball cathedral, rich with history, charm, and nostalgia. Built in 1914, it stands as the second-oldest MLB stadium, and stepping inside feels like a journey back in time.
The most iconic feature? The ivy-covered outfield walls, which add a classic touch and make for dramatic catches. The manual scoreboard, perched above center field, remains hand-operated to this day, adding to Wrigley’s old-school appeal.
Wrigleyville, the vibrant neighborhood surrounding the ballpark, elevates the experience even further. Before or after the game, fans can stop by Murphy’s Bleachers or The Cubby Bear to grab a drink and soak in the electric atmosphere. Whether you’re catching a daytime game under the sun or an evening showdown with the lights casting a golden glow, Wrigley Field is baseball at its most timeless.
Must-see attractions in Chicago:
- Millennium Park: Home to the famous Cloud Gate (aka “The Bean”) and Crown Fountain, this is a must-see for any first-time visitor to the city.
- The Magnificent Mile: Shop till you drop along this bustling stretch of Michigan Avenue, filled with high-end retailers and top-tier restaurants.
- Chicago Riverwalk: A 1.25-mile pedestrian walkway along the Chicago River, offering stunning views and plenty of dining and recreational opportunities.
- The Second City: Chicago’s famed improv comedy theater, which has launched the careers of many famous comedians.
- Soldier Field: One of the oldest stadiums in the NFL and home to the Chicago Bears, this lakefront venue combines history, architecture, and gridiron glory.
This road trip offers a perfect mix of baseball, history, and some of the best cultural attractions across the Midwest. Enjoy your time on the road and the games at each ballpark!
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The Sport Lady has been a lifelong sports enthusiast. She believes that sports have the power to unite people, create common bonds, and foster shared experiences. As a wife and mother of sports lovers, she is passionate about her favorite teams and cherishes every opportunity to watch them play. For her, every day is game day!