Photo by Jim Wilce |
The Midwest United States is home to some of the most iconic and beloved landmarks in the country. From the Willis Tower in Chicago to the majestic Gateway Arch in St. Louis, the Midwest is full of iconic landmarks that attract visitors from around the world. Here are some of the most popular landmarks in the Midwest.
Photo by Matthias Cooper |
The Gateway Arch (St. Louis, MO)
The Gateway Arch in St. Louis is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world. The arch was designed by Eero Saarinen and completed in 1965 and stands 630 feet tall. It’s a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, who come to enjoy the view from the top of the arch or the historical exhibits at the Gateway Arch Museum.Photo by Eray Altay |
The Willis Tower (Chicago, IL)
The Willis Tower, located in Chicago, Illinois, is a skyscraper that was once the tallest building in the world. The Willis Tower was originally named the Sears Tower and was completed in 1973. It stands at 1,450 feet (443.2 m) tall and has 110 stories. The tower is a popular tourist attraction and offers visitors the chance to experience breathtaking views of the city from the observation deck on the 103rd floor, which is called Skydeck. Visitors can also take a trip to the Willis Tower's glass-floored Ledge, which extends out from the building, providing a unique and thrilling perspective of the city below. The Willis Tower is an iconic landmark of Chicago and a must-visit attraction for visitors interested in the city's history and skyline.
Como Park Conservatory (St. Paul, MN)
Como Park Conservatory, located in Saint Paul, Minnesota, is a beautiful and historic botanical garden and greenhouse complex. The conservatory features a variety of different gardens, including a Japanese garden, a Mediterranean garden, and a cactus garden. Inside the greenhouse, visitors can see a wide range of exotic plants, including orchids, ferns, and tropical fruit trees. The park also features a number of other attractions, such as a lake, a zoo, and a golf course. Como Park Conservatory is a popular destination for visitors of all ages and is a great place to enjoy a leisurely stroll, a picnic, or a quiet moment of reflection among the beautiful and diverse plant life. It's a must-visit place for nature lovers, photographers, and people who love to learn about plants and gardening.
The Cave of the Mounds (Blue Mounds, WI)
The Cave of the Mounds, located near Blue Mounds, Wisconsin, is a natural limestone cave that is considered one of the most spectacular caves in the Midwest. It is a National Natural Landmark and offers a unique opportunity to explore underground and see a variety of stunning rock formations. The cave features a variety of different rock formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, flowstones, and more. The cave also has a number of different rooms and passageways to explore, each with its own unique character and geology. The cave is also home to a variety of different cave life such as bats, crickets, and cave salamanders. The Cave of the Mounds offers guided tours, educational programs, and special events throughout the year. It's a perfect place to visit for families, geology enthusiasts, and those who are just looking for a unique adventure.
Mount Rushmore (South Dakota)
Mount Rushmore National Memorial, located in the Black Hills region of South Dakota, is a massive sculpture carved into the side of a mountain. The sculpture features the faces of four American presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. The carving of Mount Rushmore began in 1927 and was completed in 1941. The sculptures are carved in a granite mountain and are about 60 feet (18 m) tall. The Mount Rushmore National Memorial is a popular tourist destination, drawing millions of visitors each year, who come to see the iconic faces of these American presidents. The memorial also offers a visitor center, museum and a park area with hiking trails and picnic areas. It is also a symbol of American history and democracy and a powerful display of the skill and craftsmanship of the sculptors who created it.
These are just a few of the most popular landmarks in the Midwest United States. From Ohio to South Dakota, the Midwest is filled with iconic landmarks that attract visitors from around the world. Whether you’re visiting for a few days or planning a longer stay, make sure to check out some of these amazing landmarks while you’re in the area.