Described as agreeable and welcoming, the Midwest is a great destination for first-time U.S. travelers. Below is some general information about the states that make up this area of the country and what they are known for.

Geography

The Midwest is made up of 12 states. These include Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. These states are mostly flat and prairie-like, making them ideal for farming. The exception to this is the southernmost part of this region, which is more elevated with rolling hills that graduate into mountain ranges, and the northernmost part of the region which is somewhat forested. To the west of the area lies the Mississippi while Lake Michigan is situated in the center.

 

Popular Locations

Chicago, Detroit, Minneapolis, and Saint Louis are among the most visited cities within the U.S. namely for their infrastructure and landmarks like Millennium Park or Willis Tower, in Chicago, and The Arch, in Saint Louis. The Wisconsin Dells, Black Hills, and Mackinac Island are popular tourist destinations for families and those interested in historical landmarks.

For more information on weekend getaways and destinations for short trips in the U.S. click here >

 

Climate

The Midwest experiences all four seasons. There is a great variation between the highest and lowest temperatures. Summers can see temperatures of between 90- and 100-degrees Fahrenheit while winter temperatures can drop well into the negatives. The Midwest does experience a moderate rain and snow during the year. Northern parts of the region experience the greatest precipitation.

Visitors to the Midwest should be conscious of seasonal temperatures while traveling and pack accordingly. It is always a good idea to pack extra layers especially if traveling to Michigan or areas of Illinois Closer to the lake as this can make for relatively cooler temperatures, especially in the evenings.

For more information on weather patterns in this region click here >

 

Culture

As mentioned, Agriculture is the primary driver of the Midwest’s economy. Common crops include corn, oats, and wheat. The “Breadbasket” and the “Corn Belt” are popular names for this spread of land. In addition, animal agriculture is a large industry. The most popular animals to raise in this region are pigs and cows. The reason for this being that beef, pork, and dairy from the Midwest are in high demand.

Popular cuisine in the Midwest includes pizza, as made popular in Chicago, barbeque, a nod to the southern states, and fresh seafood, thanks to the Great Lakes.

 

Midwest Clinical Experiences

Does the Midwest sound like a great place for clinical experience? We offer a multitude of clinical experiences in these areas. To view the experiences, we offer in each state click on the links below:

 

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