Often referred to as the "breadbasket of the country," the Midwestern States is best known for its industry and agriculture, fertile pastures, and friendly people. Many are less aware of the wonders of nature, which are rich in the vast expanses of this region. Among the plains and hidden valleys are some of the most beautiful landmarks in the United States.
Badlands National Park, South Dakota
The rugged Badlands landscape, which is decorated with rock formations with unusual stripes and patterns, is located on an area of 90,650 hectares and attracts about 1 million visitors annually. Bison, prairie dogs and black-footed ferrets are among the native animal species.
An ancient sea covered the Badlands 75 million years ago. It eroded the landscape, resulting in the distinct plateaus and rock formations that continue to fascinate tourists today. The sea also left behind one of the richest collections of fossilized bones and shells in the world. (Badlands National Park is just 120 km by car from another famous landmark, Mount Rushmore, which has the faces of four presidents - George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt - carved into the granite slope.)
Dells National Park in the Wisconsin River Valley, Wisconsin
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| Midwestern States |
Known for its gorges, canyons, and sandstone rock formations, Dells Park in the Wisconsin Valley stretches for eight kilometers. Both locals and tourists love to walk in it. At certain points along the coast, cliffs, formed as a result of years of soil erosion, rise above the river to a height of 30 meters.
One of the water parks located next to Dells is included in the list of the largest water parks in the world.
Chimney Rock, Nebraska
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| Midwestern States |
Rising nearly 91 meters above the North Platte River Valley, the impressive Chimney Rock was once one of the most famous landmarks for 19th century pioneers who traveled the Oregon Trail from Independence, Missouri to Oregon City, Oregon... Beginning in the mid-1800s, settlers drove past this giant boulder on the 3,200 kilometers westward road. This rock formation marked the end of a gentle prairie trail and the beginning of the steeper, highlands of Colorado.
Today Chimney Rock is listed as a National Historic Site.
Stone City, Kansas
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| Midwestern States |
The Stone City, which is a giant formations of cemented calcite rocks, contains a total of 200 spherical boulders with a diameter of 3 to 6 meters. This geological anomaly is located on the plains prairie in Kansas.
Visitors love to climb rocks and pose for photos while standing on top.
Starvd Rock, Illinois
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| Midwestern States |
Known for its striking canyons formed by melting glaciers, Starved Rock is also renowned for spectacular views and over 21 kilometers of hiking trails with access to waterfalls and natural springs.
Camping, fishing and boating are popular recreational activities in the park. In winter, when the park is covered with snow and the picturesque waterfalls turn into icefalls, visitors can go ice skating and sledding.
Brandywine Falls, Ohio
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| Midwestern States |
Framed by a solid layer of sandstone, Brandywine Falls in Ohio reaches a height of 26 meters, and visitors can approach it via a boardwalk. Beneath the coarse top layer of Baria sandstone, soft rocks and Cleveland shale lie beneath, which make the cascades of water look like a bride's veil.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota
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| Midwestern States |
The National Park Theodore Roosevelt lived hundreds of species of animals. It is also a popular wildlife spot, as well as hiking and horse riding.
The landscape changes with the seasons: brown meadows can be seen in autumn, snowy fields in winter, and local emerald grass in spring and summer. In the evenings, you can admire the beautiful starry sky and meteor showers.