At first glance, the Midwest region of the
United States appear to be just a patchwork quilt
of cornfields, speckled with an occasional barn or
factory. But this north-central region of the United
States, located in the 'heart of it all,' has continually
represented the essence of America's history and rich
cultural diversity.
One of the great presidents Abraham
Lincoln grew up and lived in Illinois
and Indiana. Canton, Ohio, the birthplace
of the National Football League, now boasts
the Pro Football Hall Of Fame, and Cleveland
houses the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame. Surviving
stretches of the infamous Route
66 span across Illinois, offering a
step back in time to when thousands drove down these
twisting roads in the 1920s in search of a better
life. Mark Twain depicted life in America's
heartland in his novels, often set on the legendary
Mississippi River which forms borders between
Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois.
Lakes Superior, Huron, Michigan, Erie, and
Ontario offer breathtaking scenery, relaxing
getaways on their many islands, and numerous outdoor
pursuits including whitewater rafting, surfing down
giant sand dunes, exploring historical lighthouses,
sailing and water ski-ing.
Not yet exhausted? Trade the great outdoors with
the thriving nightlife of Chicago, Detroit,
Cleveland, and Milwaukee to find out what
keeps America's heartland beating.
Read background and travel
essentials for the Great Lakes region
