Madison, Wisconsin is a great small city on a lake of their own, home to the University of Wisconsin.
The Great Lakes region has a ton to offer, including lots of areas designated as National Lakeshore.  Minnesota is known for its 10,000 lakes, and I was surprised to learn that Wisconsin actually has more lakes than its rival Minnesota! Madison, Wisconsin is a great small city on a lake of their own, home to the University of Wisconsin.  Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio is one of the largest national parks in this region. More things to check out as a solo traveler in the Midwest: Ann Arbor, Michigan, Kansas City, Missouri, and Gateway Arch National Park in St. Louis. ‍