Midwestern United States, Geographic region in central United States
The Midwestern United States stretches from the Rocky Mountains to the Appalachians, covering twelve states with flat prairies, cornfields, and cities like Chicago and Detroit. The landscape shifts from endless farms in Iowa and Kansas to the shores of the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River valley.
French traders built outposts along the Mississippi in the 1600s before settlers from the East arrived decades later. Railroad construction in the 1800s turned the region into an agricultural and industrial hub for the growing nation.
Family farms and small towns shape the daily rhythm, where neighbors greet each other on main streets and gather for summer festivals in the town square. Local diners serve dishes passed down through generations, from brats to cherry pie, and church suppers remain a regular social event across the countryside.
Travelers cross the region on major highways that link cities and rural areas, with gas stations and rest stops appearing at regular intervals. Winters can be harsh with snow and ice, while summers turn warm, so pack clothing for the season you visit.
The region holds more than 100 agricultural universities that develop new crop varieties and machinery to improve yields. Many of these research centers offer visitor programs where you can watch experimental planting methods and modern equipment in action.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
