last edited Dec 11, 2019
Overview of the Midwest and Great Plains
Overview
This part of the United States consists of 8 states in the Midwest (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, and Wisconsin) and 5 in the Great Plains (North and South Dakota, Kansas, Nebraska, and Oklahoma). Together, they span from the Canadian border to the Southern states, forming a vast region of over 2 million km² between the American East and West. Flat and monotonous overall, it is bordered on one side by the Appalachian Mountains (to the east) and on the other (to the west) by the Rockies.
While this part of the country enjoyed its heyday during the westward expansion, it is now synonymous with a "rural, quiet, and conservative America," with a few large urban areas concentrating most of the population. For many travelers, it remains little more than a transit zone, though a few spots—starting with Chicago or the shores of the Great Lakes—deserve a stop.
Key Facts
- Type of place: tourist region.
- Location: A vast region between the East and West.
- Local time: The region spans three time zones, though most of it is on "Central Time."
-- "Eastern Time": for Ohio and large parts of Indiana and Michigan.
-- "Central Time": for the majority of the region.
-- "Mountain Time": only applies to the western edges of the two Dakotas, Nebraska, and Kansas.
- Major cities: Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, Kansas City, St. Louis...
- Population: 71,819,000 inhabitants (2015).
- Area: 2,310,946 km².
- Density: 31 inhabitants/km².
- Highest point: Harney Peak (2,208 m) in South Dakota.
- Lowest point: St. Francis River (70 m) in Missouri.
- Coastline: No access to the sea, but thousands of kilometers along the Great Lakes.
Tourism
Though this part of the country (outside Chicago) is often overlooked by foreign tourists, it still offers a few attractions that appeal to North American visitors. This is especially true for the Great Lakes region, from Minnesota to Ohio, which draws nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts year-round—hiking and beaches in summer, skiing and other winter activities in colder months. Beyond these few spots, tourism is not a major industry, and crowds remain minimal.
Travel Essentials
- By air: France-Chicago round trip for 380 to 850 €.
- Backpacker daily budget:
- Best for accommodation:
- Best way to get around: Car.
- Risks:
- Best time for weather/crowds/prices: From May to early October, though July-August sees slight crowds in a few tourist spots like the Great Lakes.
- Interests (out of ): Nature / ; Adventure ; Culture ; Relaxation/Holidays .
- Website: