When you hear “the Midwest,” you probably think it’s a bunch of farms & corn. But there’s a lot more to this area than meets the eye, including modern cities with skyscrapers reaching for the clouds and tiny towns where everyone knows your name. Here are 10 misconceptions you might have heard about the Midwest. It’s time to set the record straight!
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The Weather is Always Cold
There’s a rumor going around that the Midwest is just a frozen wasteland year-round which is just not true. Of course, they get their share of snow & cold, but summers here? Absolutely gorgeous. Temperatures often soar into the 80s and 90s—perfect for hitting the lake or just enjoying a backyard BBQ. The Midwest experiences all four seasons.
The Food is Bland
Some people think Midwestern food is nothing to write home about—just meat and potatoes. We’re not sure why because this area is a foodie’s dream. From Chicago’s deep-dish pizza to the BBQ in Kansas City, the flavors here are anything but bland. And since the Midwest is in the heart of farming country, a lot of what you eat is fresh & locally sourced.
It’s Mostly Small Towns and Rural Areas
Sure, the Midwest has its fair share of small towns and open spaces but that’s not the whole picture. This region has many cities, big and small, each with its own thing going on. It doesn’t matter if you’re into sports or a good old-fashioned shopping spree—there’s a city in the Midwest calling your name.
It’s Isolated from the Rest of the Country
The idea that the Midwest is out in the middle of nowhere, cut off from the rest of the world, is completely false. There are plenty of major airports and many transport links that make getting here & away rather easy. Plus, being so central makes the Midwest an important part of America’s economy. We’re not isolated—we’re in the heart of it all.
Everyone’s a Farmer or Works in Agriculture
Not everyone in the Midwest is a farmer or works in agriculture, even though farming’s big around these parts. You’ll meet teachers, doctors, artists, techies—Midwestern jobs are as varied as anywhere else. For every person waking up at the crack of dawn to milk cows, just as many people are rushing to catch the morning train to the office.
Midwesterners Are All Super Conservative
Of course, some areas do lean more conservative in the Midwest but you can’t deny that in plenty of places, progressive ideas rule. The truth is—you can’t slap a single political label on the Midwest. It’s all about where you are. And even then, it’s a mix of opinions & beliefs that make dinner conversations around here darn interesting.
It’s Flat Everywhere
Many people think the Midwest is a bunch of flat lands stretching out as far as the eye can see. And while we’ve got our fair share of plains, you can’t ignore all the hills, valleys & seriously pretty impressive cliffs. Have you heard of the Ozarks? Yeah—they’re right here in the Midwest. We have our ups & downs, literally.
The Midwest Lacks High-Quality Education
The Midwest has some of the best universities and colleges around, like the University of Chicago and Northwestern University. As such, we’re not sure why some people think that Midwesterners are uneducated. We even have plenty of smaller colleges & universities that are just as good.
Midwesterners Are “Behind” on Technology
Just because the Midwest is in the heartland doesn’t mean they’re living in the Stone Age. In fact, there are so many tech startups and forward-thinking companies in cities like Chicago & Minneapolis. Silicon Valley doesn’t have a monopoly on being tech-smart! So, yes, we do know our way around the latest gadgets.
It’s All Country Music and Corny Festivals
Last but not least, we love a good country song and a wholesome festival as much as the next person. Yet some people think that’s all we have here. What about the jazz festivals in Chicago? The indie music scenes in Minneapolis? The Midwest has a beat for every music lover and our festivals include world-renowned art fairs & cultural celebrations.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.