Farmland to freeways, architecture and agriculture. The Midwest represents the blue-collar types that fuel America's industry. With beautiful lakes and rolling plains, we bound into the Midwest to embrace the locals and their 'funny accents'. The laid-back banks of Big Muddy provided some shade from the heatwave, and we took in all the sights to see from
Chicago to
St. Louis. In a place many call home (myself included) its hard to pack up and hit the road again, but a new adventure always awaits past the next corn field!
Ohio
With death-defying heights at
Cedar Point, and calming waves at Lake Erie,
The Buckeye State offered the perfect combination of excitement and downtime. After we took in some of the world's highest roller coasters, the serenity at
Glen Helen Nature Preserve was the right choice to doze off after an afternoon picnic.
Photo by Virago Vagabond Photo by Howdymike
Michigan
What better to do at
The Great Lakes State than to cruise the Great Lakes? From the border to the UP (that stands for the
Upper Peninsula) boating, kayaking, and canoeing were on our minds. And what is better to sooth muscles that are sore from rowing with some libations at one of Michigan's many
wineries?
Photo by Vanilla Sugar Photo by goblue01
Indiana
Fun fact: A hoosier is simply an inhabitant of Indiana. So although
The Hoosier State might be a bit redundant, we were anything but baffled at the natural beauty of the cave systems that dot this part of the country. And we weren't sick of driving just yet- we buckled up, threw it in top gear, and did some laps at the
Indy 500.
Photo by RoBoNC Photo by neshie
Illinois
The Prarie State, the Land of Lincoln; call Illinois what you like, we called it a good time.
Chicago offers as many sights and sounds as any other city in the world- the Bean in
Millennium Park is a member favorite. And one of the great American presidents- Abe Lincoln- lived in
Springfield; you can still tour his home today.
Photo by Owen Lipsett Photo by RoBoNC
Wisconsin
A gem of the Midwest, Wisconsin might conjure images of cheese (it
is America's Dairyland, after all) and beer (see below), and while these things are great and dandy, the state offers up plenty of natural beauty. With the nautical nature of
Milwaukee, the outdoorsy northwoods,
and the quaint serenity of Door County, The Badger State is a favorite among many tourists.
Photo by jhartmann13 Photo by MilwVon
Minnesota
Since we were on a watery kick, it only makes sense that our next stop was Minnesota (plus, the highway led us there). Often called the land of 10,000 lakes,
The North Star State sent us into a frenzy with its fishing and floating (if you don't know what this is, get a floatie and just sit out in the middle of a lake). Add some great
art in
Minneapolis and you'll never want to leave.
Photo by melissabowman Photo by travellingdave
Iowa
The farmland just keeps on rolling into
The Hawkeye State. With fields and fields aplenty, corn and soybeans stretch as far as the eye can see. The
Amana Colonies showed us a whole new life in America, and while we are on the subject, there is nothing more American than
baseball (we hear if you build it, they will come).
Photo by btwood2 Photo by RoBoNC
Missouri
The last stop this week was the Gateway to the West.
The Show Me State showed us the history of the western half of the United States. Manifest Destiny rang in our ears as we rode up the infamous
Gateway Arch (do not attempt if you are claustrophobic or acrophobic) and we had to take a ride on the steamboats that cruise along the
Mississippi River.
Photo by smallplasticman Photo by VA_Traveler
Previously on Road Trip:
The SouthNest week on Road Trip: The Great Plains
Posted by jhartmann13 (JJ Hartmann)