The Midwestern United States, often called the “Heartland of America,” is known for its fertile plains, Great Lakes, and role as an agricultural and industrial center. Native American tribes such as the Sioux, Ojibwe, Shawnee, and many others lived in the region for centuries before European contact.

French explorers first arrived in the 17th century, followed by the British and eventually American settlers. By the early 19th century, most of the Midwest had become part of the United States. Immigration from Germany, Scandinavia, and Eastern Europe strongly shaped the culture, traditions, and communities of the Midwest.

The states in this region are Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.