The Midwest

Overview

The Midwestern United States, also referred to as the Midwest, consists of 12 states in the north-central United States. Chicago is the most populous city, followed by metropolitan areas such as Metro Detroit and Minneapolis–St. Paul, the “Twin Cities.” Diverse landscapes include sandhill grasslands, deciduous forests, prairie, farmland, two Great Lakes, thousands of smaller lakes, and three important waterways including the Ohio River, the Missouri River, and the Mississippi.

Visitors come to the Midwest for its nature, waterways, wide open spaces, pioneer history and historic landmarks, big-city architecture, affordable attractions, and distinctive culture and arts scenes. Some of the country’s best museums and galleries are here, particularly in Chicago and Detroit. Visitors also come to travel historic Route 66 – and, of course, to experience the friendly people of the Midwest.