Fun Facts About the Midwest
The Midwest is America’s heartland—literally and figuratively—covering 12 states and more square miles of cornfields than anyone bothered to count.
The world’s largest ball of twine is in Kansas, proving that Midwesterners will turn literally anything into a tourist attraction if they’re bored enough.
Wisconsin produces more cheese than any other state, and they’re not shy about it—cheese curds, cheese castles, and cheese-themed everything.
The first traffic light was installed in Cleveland, Ohio in 1914, which explains why Midwest drivers are so polite at intersections—they invented the concept of waiting your turn.
Iowa’s state fair inspired a musical and features a life-sized cow sculpted entirely out of butter, because what else are you going to do with 600 pounds of dairy?
The Midwest might look like endless cornfields and politeness, but beneath that wholesome surface lies some seriously strange stuff. Giant fiberglass animals, corn palaces, butter sculptures, and museums dedicated to things you didn’t know could be collected—the Midwest does weird with earnest dedication. These aren’t just random roadside stops; they’re monuments to heartland creativity wrapped in friendliness and often served with pie.
Midwest Roadside Attractions by State
Illinois
Home to the Leaning Tower of Niles, Superman’s birthplace in Metropolis, and more giant prairie dogs than you’d expect.
Indiana
Giant basketballs, the world’s largest ball of paint, and the birthplace of James Dean.
Iowa
The butter cow at the state fair, corn palaces, and Field of Dreams baseball diamond.
Kansas
World’s largest ball of twine, Garden of Eden folk art, and Dorothy’s house from The Wizard of Oz.
Michigan
Giant tire on I-94, Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland (world’s largest Christmas store), and quirky UP roadside oddities.
Minnesota
Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox statues, Mall of America, and Spam Museum.
Missouri
Gateway Arch (world’s tallest man-made monument), Uranus Fudge Factory, and quirky Route 66 stops.
Nebraska
Carhenge (Stonehenge made of cars), Chimney Rock, and the world’s largest time capsule.
North Dakota
World’s largest buffalo monument, Enchanted Highway metal sculptures, and quirky small-town museums.
Ohio
World’s largest basket, rubber stamp, and cuckoo clock—plus tons of factory tours and Amish Country oddities.
South Dakota
Mount Rushmore, Wall Drug, Corn Palace, and Badlands National Park.
Wisconsin
House on the Rock, cheese castles, Mars Cheese Castle, and the Mustard Museum.
Want more regional weird? Check out our complete roadside attractions guide covering all the quirky stops across America, get tips for traveling with pets, or browse our Homepage for road trip resources.
Have a little out-of-the-ordinary Midwest spot you’d like to share? Feel free to comment or message us!