The Midwest, in the United States of America, is also known as America's heartland and consists of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. This region is referred to as the "heartland" as these 12 states contribute to most of the United States' agriculture industry.

The Midwest is often unfairly stereotyped by Americans who live on the East and West Coasts of the United States. Though it's true that the Midwest's political views are more conservative than those of individuals on both coasts, it is still fairly diverse with a wide variety of cultures, languages, and religions, especially in the large cities, such as Chicago, Detroit, Des Moines, Minneapolis, and St. Louis. The large cities also tend to be liberal in terms of politics.

As a traveler, you should consider traveling to the Midwest to expand your horizons, gain new experiences, and learn from challenges. Midwestern food is a must-try for any tourist visiting the region. From St. Louis' toasted ravioli to Cincinnati's Cincinnati Chili Spaghetti, there's something for everyone, and no one will leave hungry after filling up on unique comfort food favorites. Read on for more details, so you can plan a trip to the heartland soon.

Let's start with Illinois, then continue with the rest of the Midwestern states mentioned in the introduction. Illinois, also known as the Prairie State, is historically known for prairies in the region. Fast forward to the present, as Illinois is known for its iconic landmarks, historic sites, outdoor activities, vibrant music and performing arts events, and scenic drives. Illinois is also known for its diverse cuisine, from Chicago-style pizza to Italian beef sandwiches to Illinoisian beers, such as Bourbon County stout, Zombie Dust pale ale, and King Henry barleywine ale.

Indiana, a.k.a. the Hoosier State, is known for its history, but its future is just as good. Indiana's unique blend of experiences, such as the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame, the Indiana Dunes National Park, and the Indy 500, is perfect for travelers of all types. Indiana is also in the lower price range, meaning a traveler could enjoy local cuisine (i.e., a roast beef Manhattan, a breaded pork tenderloin sandwich, etc.) before an Indianapolis Colts or an Indiana Fever home game. In addition, the Children's Museum of Indianapolis is perfect for children.

Kansas is known for its sunflowers and is therefore also called the Sunflower State. Kansas is also famous for its diverse landscapes, from the Flint Hills to the Tallgrass Prairies, and wildlife and outdoor activities, such as the Cheyenne Bottoms, Quivira National Wildlife Refuge, etc. In addition, the Kansas State Fair is annually held in Hutchinson and showcases Kansas' agricultural heritage while offering a wide variety of entertainment, including livestock shows and food vendors.

Michigan, or the Great Lakes State, is famed for its natural beauty and outdoor activities, such as boating, fishing, and swimming. Michigan is also known for its cultural attractions, as Detroit is the birthplace of Motown music, Ann Arbor is the home of the University of Michigan, and Mackinac Island is a unique destination where cars are banned and visitors can only visit by bike or horse-drawn carriage.

Minnesota, also dubbed the North Star State, is renowned for its fascinating history and diverse, unique landscape. Minnesota has more than 10,000 lakes, the reasoning behind its other nickname: the Land of 10,000 Lakes, which would serve outdoor enthusiasts of all levels. Minnesota's art and music scene is top-tier, with musicians such as Bob Dylan and the late Prince (1958-2016) and art talent like self-taught artist Philipo Dyauli, best known for his bold color palettes and murals celebrating the Black and Brown communities, and contemporary impressionist Heather Friedli, widely known for her painting of Minnesota and beyond.

Missouri, also referred to as the Show-Me State, is known for its big cities and small towns. From the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Mo., to the Union Station in Kansas City, Mo., Missouri's wide variety of attractions would attract travelers from all walks of life. The Budweiser Brewery in St. Louis is a must-see attraction, thanks to its free brewery tours that teach people of all ages about the brewing process that brings to life one of America's most iconic beer brands.

Ohio, the Buckeye State, is known for its natural wonders, cultural hotspots, and thrilling amusement parks. Ohio's rich history can be found in its museums, historic sites, and local communities. Ohio is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, thanks to its Lake Erie, Hocking Hills region, and Horseshoe Falls. In addition, Ohio is home to many museums, such as the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and the Harriet Beecher Stowe House.

Nebraska, or the Cornhusker State, is celebrated for its natural beauty, cultural experiences, and outdoor adventures. Nebraska's dark skies and minimal light pollution make it a top location for stargazing. In addition, the food scene in Omaha, Neb., is vibrant, thanks to restaurants like Dante, an Italian restaurant featuring scratch-made pasta, locally sourced produce, cheese, and meat, and fresh produce, and Yoshitomo, a Japanese restaurant specializing in tasting plates, a diverse set of sushi, and a thoughtfully curated wine, sake, cocktail, and Japanese beer selection.

North Dakota, also referred to as the Peace Garden state, boasts stunning natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and unique attractions — a hidden gem for travelers. North Dakota is half of the United States-Canada state line with Manitoba, Canada. North Dakota is also home to 63 wildlife refuges, providing opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife viewing. In addition, North Dakota reflects its cultural diversity through locally sourced beef, corn, wheat, and much more.

South Dakota, the Mount Rushmore State, is famous for — you guessed it — the Mount Rushmore National Memorial located in the Black Hills and sculpted between 1927 and 1941 by artist Gutzon Borglum and company. The Mount Rushmore National Memorial features four iconic American presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. In addition, South Dakota's Black Hills, Badlands, and Native American tribes can round out any traveler's trip.

Wisconsin, dubbed the Badger State, is acclaimed for its natural landscapes, cheese and culinary delights (i.e., bratwurst, deep-fried desserts, etc.), vibrant festivals and events, and year-round outdoor activities. Wisconsin's big cities, such as Milwaukee and Madison, provide travelers with an urban atmosphere with a lively nightlife, and small towns, like Green Bay, Bayfield, and Cedarburg, offer top-tier gameday experiences at Green Bay Packers games and top-notch shopping, arts, and historical sites.

From delicious regional cuisine to diverse cultural experiences and stunning natural landscapes, the Midwest offers a unique and unforgettable travel experience. So pack your bags and get ready to explore America's heartland – you won't be disappointed.