St. Augustine said, “The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.” As students, be inclined to read a few more pages by checking out these places for prospective trips around the Midwest.

Fall Break is right around the corner, and many students are preparing to return home. For those choosing to stick around campus, there are a host of locations near Indianapolis that are worth taking a day or two to experience.

CHICAGO

There is no place in the Midwest that screams excitement more than Chicago. The third-largest city in the country, Chicago is host to a plethora of attractions spanning from museums and sports stadiums to theaters and concert halls.

“There are plenty of attractions in the city of Chicago,” freshman Chicagoland native David Pfeiffer said. “I personally like Millennium Park or Chicago Cubs and Bears games.”

Over Fall Break, students can swing by Soldier Field to catch a football game.

On the way, they can stop by the Museum of Science and Industry and later catch a show at the iconic Second City comedy club.

For music enthusiasts, Chicago offers a wide variety of concert venues.

Lincoln Hall is a welcoming venue for indie artists, while the Jay Pritzker Pavilion hosts notable jazz, classical and ballet acts.

Dining is a must in downtown Chicago. The city’s famous deep-dish pizza speaks for itself.

“There’s plenty of choices,” Pfeiffer said. “Chicago has famous pizza places like Giordano’s or Gino’s East.”

Only a three-hour drive from Indy, Chicago is well worth the trip and is a must for anyone who has yet to experience it.

NASHVILLE

Nashville, Tenn. is home to an assortment of acts and attractions that cater to students who feel  they have a bit of southern blood in them.

Another large metropolitan city, Nashville caters to sports and music fans.

LP Field, home of the Tennessee Titans, is the place to go for any football fan. Likewise, music fans can appreciate the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and dabble in the various concert venues throughout the city.

“Nashville is a host to almost any genre of music you can hope to find,” freshman Nashville native Ryan Hallquist said. “There’s a venue called Rocketown that has a lot of indie and metal bands, and a place called Exit/In also has similar shows.”

Furthermore, history buffs can visit the home of former President Andrew Jackson, as well as the Belle Meade Plantation.

While it is a bit farther than Chicago—approximately a five-hour drive—Nashville has plenty of excitement to fill a couple days.

CEDAR POINT

Cedar Point is an amusement park in Sandusky, Ohio, by Lake Erie.

“They have a lot of really good roller coasters there,” freshman Chris Hauser said.

Cedar Point is one of the largest and most famous theme parks in the Midwest. It was even ranked “Best Amusement Park in the World” by Amusement Today magazine in September.

The park hugs the Lake Erie peninsula with an impressive 16 roller coasters, providing riders a scenic  view before they plunge hundreds of feet back to earth.

There are dozens of other rides scattered throughout the park in addition to the scream machines.

If students take advantage of Cedar Point this week, they may check out the attached waterpark over the summer.

Soak City Water Park connects to Cedar Point and offers additional water attractions to the park’s already impressive lineup. It opens in May 2013.

There are countless things to do here, and it’s accessible enough to commit to for only a single day. For a five-hour drive, there’s no reason not to go.

INDIANAPOLIS

Though it’s only a few minutes away from campus, downtown Indianapolis is always an exciting place to visit and explore.

For many students—particularly freshmen—who have not yet had the opportunity to explore downtown Indianapolis, Fall Break is the best time to do it.

Indy is full of exciting museums that are worth the visit for anyone looking for a day to learn and relax.

The Indianapolis Museum of Art is right down the road from Butler University, and offers free admission. This one is a no-brainer for any student.

The Indiana State Museum hugs the canal downtown and offers a gorgeous look at historical exhibits.

Exhibits currently at the museum include a look at the history of corn and an exploration of African-American artists in Indiana.

There is also an IMAX theater there.

The Circle Centre Mall offers plenty of shopping options, and neighboring restaurants are equally varied.

History majors can indulge themselves with a trip to former President Benjamin Harrison’s home or a stroll through Crown Hill Cemetery.

Regardless of tastes, downtown Indy offers plenty of attractions worth spending a single day to experience.

Even for students leaving over Fall Break, these Midwest destinations are appealing year -round. Though some may require more travel than others, the travelling experience will be worth it.

For students sticking around Butler, get out there and keep the page turning.