On the banks of the Mississippi River in Missouri lies the Gateway Arch National Park, the safest national park in the United States, located in the heart of St. Louis. It is famous for its Gateway Arch, a stainless steel arch standing 630 feet tall, making it the tallest human-made monument in America. The Gateway Arch, completed in 1965, is known as the "Gateway to the West." Visitors can ride a tram to its summit for breathtaking panoramic views, visit the historic courthouse building, enjoy the well-maintained gardens, and stroll along the river. When discussing the top tourist attractions in America, one usually thinks of those in major cities like New York, Washington, and San Francisco. However, the Midwest has some attractions that combine natural wonders with stunning architecture, located in the twelve states generally considered part of the Midwest: Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota.The Great LakesIn the northern regions of the American Midwest, directly on the Canadian border, lies one of the world's greatest freshwater phenomena: the five Great Lakes. They are among the cleanest lakes in the United States and contain about 21% of the world's freshwater. Among them is Chicago in Illinois, a city nicknamed "the most beautiful city in the world" for its views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago River, its wide streets, charming neighborhoods, and beautiful scenery. One of Chicago's most famous landmarks is the Willis Tower, formerly known as the Sears Tower. This skyscraper, standing 1,483 feet tall, was completed in 1974, has 108 floors, and was the world's tallest building until 1996. Without a doubt, this magnificent structure is a symbol of Chicago and can be seen from almost every corner of the city. If you prefer to experience the feel of a historic American town that makes you feel as if you've traveled back in time, you should stay in the legendary town of Deadwood, which dates back to the Old West era and is located about an hour south of Mount Rushmore. Willis Tower, IllinoisThe Midwest isn't just about natural wonders and remote historical landmarks; it also includes some of the country's largest and most vibrant cities. On their shores are some of the most beautiful parks in the country, such as Isle Royale, a magnificent national park in Lake Superior. Also on the shores of Lake Superior is Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, known for its stunning rock formations and turquoise waters. Along the Great Lakes, there are countless charming destinations for a wonderful vacation, such as Duluth in Minnesota and Ashtabula in Ohio. Many major cities serve as excellent gateways to the Great Lakes. It is recommended to fly into Chicago O'Hare International Airport, Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, or Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport. The city of Traverse City, despite its small size, is an ideal base for exploring the remote and beautiful Upper Peninsula of Michigan, whose beauty increases with the changing colors of the leaves in the fall.Chimney Rock, NebraskaChimney Rock, visible for miles, is a natural wonder and a legendary landmark on the Oregon Trail. Many know it from the popular video game. It stands tall over the vast plains of Nebraska and is now a national historic site. Chimney Rock is over 300 feet high and contrasts sharply with the surrounding flat prairies. Although this rock, located in a remote corner of western Nebraska, has seen little change, its height is gradually decreasing; it has lost about 30 feet in the last 150 years. While its original height is not precisely known, and despite strong predictions of its collapse, it still stands proud, about 4 miles south of Bayard in Nebraska. If you want to see it for yourself, be prepared for a long journey, as the nearest major airports are in Denver, Colorado, and Cheyenne, Wyoming, both about a four-hour drive away. It's best to fly into Western Nebraska Regional Airport, which is 20 miles from Chimney Rock.Memorial, South DakotaThe Mount Rushmore National Memorial, located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, is one of the most iconic tourist attractions in the United States and is worth a visit at least once, but at the same time, it is one of the most controversial. Carved into the side of the mountain are the faces of four U.S. presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt. The city of Rapid City is just 30 minutes away and offers a variety of lodging options, but many prefer to stay in the smaller, closer town of Keystone, which is only an eight-minute drive away. Adventurous visitors can visit Skydeck Chicago, an observation deck at the top of the Willis Tower. It includes a museum and the highest observation deck in the country, as well as glass boxes that extend more than four feet out from the tower, providing thrilling (or perhaps nausea-inducing) views of Chicago and Lake Michigan below.Gateway Arch National Park, MissouriThe Mississippi River is one of the most important waterways in the United States and is known as the "River of America." It is one of the busiest waterways in the world and has opened up immense opportunities for expansion and economic prosperity. While some see it as a symbol between the East and West of the United States, it is in many ways the lifeblood of the Midwest region. The Great Lakes consist of Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Ontario, Lake Huron, and Lake Erie and cover a total area of 94,250 square miles.
