It’s flat. It’s boring. There’s nothing to do. Six travel bloggers debunk the Midwestern stereotypes they’re sick of hearing.
I call it coastal arrogance. It’s real, and it can be quite ugly. As someone who has lived on both coasts, I usually just ignore derogatory comments about the Midwest. After all, the statements are usually so uninformed that it’s no surprise when the New Yorker, Floridian, or Californian making them ultimately admits that they’ve never even been to the place they’re bashing.
No one is expected to love every destination in the country. Or the world. And, there’s nothing wrong with being proud of where you’re from and having a deep sense of hometown pride. But, I personally disagree with trash-talking a large swath of a nation based exclusively on stereotypes.
I recently experienced such an egregious example of coastal arrogance. It landed the monologue spot of this blog post, and it was the inspiration to debunk several other Midwestern stereotypes we’re sick and tired of hearing.
coastal arrogance
coast·al ar·ro·gance
/kōstəl/ /erəɡəns/
noun
A special type of arrogant behavior directed toward people living in the Midwest by those living on either coast
It was during a conference call at work. A group of us on a conference call with a vendor in California were wrapping up the implementation and training details for a new software tool. After selecting the dates that the young woman would join us in Kansas City, the vendor asked, “Since I’m from California, I like to eat lots of fresh fruit and vegetables. Will there be anything for me to eat in Kansas City?”
I looked around the table at stunned expressions and dropped jaws while my colleagues tried to process what they’d just heard. The vegetarian and vegan came to their senses first, assuring her she’d be fine. As soon as the call disconnected, a flurry of chatter erupted.
“Did she seriously just suggest that we don’t have fruits and vegetables here in Kansas City? Are you kidding me?”
“Yeah, I like to keep a cow in my pocket, just in case I get hungry and need a snack!”
Have You Visited the Midwest?
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Here are six Midwestern stereotypes that people in "flyover states" are sick of hearing.
1. It's Flat
Midwestern stereotype debunked by Kylie Neuhaus of Between England and Iowa
One of the things that shocked me the most when I moved from England to Iowa was that there are actually ski resorts in the Midwest! When I think of skiing, I automatically think of places like Europe, Canada or the Rocky Mountain states like Colorado. In eastern Iowa, I’m within a 40-minute drive from TWO ski resorts…proper ones too, they actually have 20+ runs!
The Midwest has more than ski runs. Parts of the Midwest have huge towering bluffs. Dubuque, Iowa has the world’s shortest, steepest funicular railway and Michigan has the amazing Silver Lake Sand Dunes that are steep enough for sand boarding!
2. The Weather is Awful
Midwestern stereotype debunked by Jenn Singer of Day Tripper
If you believe this Midwestern stereotype, you just haven’t found the right activity for the weather. The Midwest offers four seasons, and that means four different times of year to find the perfect outdoor experiences. Spring is the best time to go on a waterfall hunt. When the weather heats up, cool off at a Midwestern beach. Fall is the perfect time for corn mazes and vineyard hopping. You can even participate in a grape stomp, or two! In the winter, head outdoors to enjoy the beauty of the new-fallen snow.
Wait! Did you suggest going to the beach in the summertime? That can’t be right. There aren’t any beaches in the Midwest! Which brings us to stereotype number three…
3. There Aren't Any Beaches
Midwestern stereotype debunked by Bisa Myles of Myles to Travel
Fun Fact: Did you know that Minnesota has more shoreline than California, Florida, and Hawaii combined?
4. There's Nothing to Do
Midwestern stereotype debunked by Susan Gleissner of This Big Wild World
After living in Los Angeles and England for eight years, I am proud to call the Midwest home. From kayaking to rock-climbing, skiing to surfing, you are only bored in the Midwest if you choose to be. The best part about the Midwest is that you get to take advantage of all four, beautiful seasons. Each season offers new adventures and a completely different landscape. So stop calling the Midwest the “flyover states” and come check out all that the Midwest has to offer. I’m glad I did!
5. There's Only Country Music
Midwestern stereotype debunked by Lindsay Hindman of The Siouxland Families Blog
- Pop rock classics Goo Goo Dolls and Cyndi Lauper in St Louis, Missouri,
- Christian rockers like Newsboys and Lincoln Brewster in Kansas City, Missouri, and
- Legendary queen of soul Aretha Franklin in Sioux City, Iowa
To find great live music in the Midwest, I recommend you check the lineups of state fairs and big concert venues for the hottest acts, and county fairs and music festivals for up-and-coming and edgier bands and musicians. Whatever music you love, you can probably find it in the Midwest, and you sure won’t find a friendlier crowd to enjoy it with you anywhere else!
6. All There is to Eat is Meat and Potatoes
Midwestern stereotype debunked by Francesca Mazurkiewicz of The Working Mom’s Travels
Nothing more than meat and potatoes in the Midwest? Really? The Midwestern city of Chicago has a vibrant dining scene. There are restaurants, cafes, and grocery stores that feature just about every cuisine and culture. Even smaller cities like Grand Rapids, Michigan, offer outstanding meals like the Scandinavian dinner I had at The Søvengård. One of the most delicious Cuban sandwiches I’ve ever had was at Red River Kitchen at City House in St. Paul, Minnesota. And you can’t miss the mouthwatering avocado toast at Rosie’s Place in Noblesville, Indiana. So think twice before you dismiss the Midwest as having nothing more than meat and potatoes!
Related Article: Midwest Restaurants with Memorable Breakfasts
What Midwestern Stereotypes Have You Heard?
Are there other Midwestern stereotypes you’d add to this list? Do you still believe in one of the Midwestern stereotypes debunked here? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
More Information and Inspiration for a Visit to the American Midwest
- See the USA by visiting Iowa (the Hawkeye State), Kansas (the Sunflower State), and Nebraska (the Cornhusker State).
- Usher in fall by taking in a football game in one of the best college towns in the Midwest. Or celebrate the winter holidays in Chicago with these things to do and see.
- Indiana’s capital city is the third largest city in the Midwest and one of the top 20 biggest cities in the US. Here are seven fun things to do in Indianapolis.
- Straddling the states of Kansas and Missouri, Kansas City is known for its barbeque. Prove to your taste buds that KC is the BBQ Capital of the World by visiting these five barbeque restaurants. To help you conserve your travel budget for more brisket and burnt ends, here are ten things to do for free in Kansas City.
- Known as the Queen City, Cincinnati is full of things to do, see, and eat. Here’s how to spend 48 hours in Cincinnati.
- Milwaukee is a thriving metropolis on the western shore of Lake Michigan. Here are ten fun facts about Milwaukee that will make you want to visit right now.
Ready to Go?
Use These Helpful Links to Book Your Trip!
- Find low fares with airfarewatchdog and Skyscanner
- Book your plane ticket with Expedia or Kayak
- Or take the scenic route on an epic road trip in a rental car or an RV from Outdoorsy
- From hotels to private homes, find the perfect accommodation with Hotels.com or Vrbo
- Travel in style with a suitcase, carry-on, backpack, or handbag from eBags
- Save on tickets to attractions, sightseeing tours, and more with CityPASS, Tiqets, and Viator
- Don’t leave home without travel insurance from AXA
- Discover the sights, history, and culture of your destination with an interactive scavenger hunt
- Need something else to plan your perfect trip? Visit my travel resources page for more trusted partners. Happy wandering!
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Explore via an Interactive Scavenger Hunt. Seven reasons you should take a scavenger hunt today!
The Best College Towns in the Midwest. From football to food, here’s what you won’t want to miss when you visit!
I love reading posts like these. It’s always so funny. You debunked the stereotypes perfectly!
You know, you live in Kansas, and you’re used to LOTS of people stereotyping your world!
I’ve heard them all! I think blogs like yours are important to shine light on this beautiful, too-often overlooked part of the country.
I’ve lived on both coasts. I spent half my childhood in Europe. All of those places are amazing, but the Midwest is a special kind of wonderful that I’m so happy to now call home.
These are spot on! I love (hate) when people are proud of not knowing where something is. IOWA? Where’s that?! As if ignorance makes you cool.
No, it just makes you ignorant. LOL! 🙂
These are so relatable! The ‘Midwest Coast’ is a hidden gem… you think it wouldn’t be given that the Great Lakes are the largest freshwater lakes in the world, but the correlation between the word ‘Midwest’ and coastal living still appears to be very much in the developing stages.
The good news for those of us lucky enough to call the Midwest home is that our beaches aren’t so crowded. Shhhhhhh! Don’t let the secret out! 🙂
You wanted city, country, beach? Midwest has it! Proud to call Indiana home.
Same here in Kansas. I love living in the Midwest! <3
I love your article! People can be so closed minded and the variety in geography is what makes America great! I choose to appreciate it all!
I love (and fully agree) with your perspective! <3
Lake Michigan has surf?? It’s that big, huh?
Like Susan, I’m happy to call Minneapolis home. Like many other midwestern cities, we have vibrant food, music, theater and art scenes. Within a 5-mile radius of my house I can eat just about any type of food, visit 3 amazing art museums, a couple nationally-renowed theaters, and have a lot of options for great live music. Then there’s the Minnesota State Fair! What’s not to love? Thanks for a great article!
I made Chicago and the Midwest my home for many years before moving back to Europe. And I know that it’s much more than flyover states! Bysa and Francesca (whom I know IRL) mention two of my faorite places: Chicago’s Montrose Beach and Grand Rapids, MI – a cool mid-sized city that wasnamed Beer City USA by Lonely Planet a few years ago. If I could add wnything to this article, it would be wineries in SW Michigan and Traverse City. #midwestisthebest
Ooooooh, I’ll have to check out those wineries! Thanks for sharing your thoughts! 🙂
I love how this post turned out! Thanks for including me! My other half went to see Avenged Sevenfold in Cedar Rapids IA on Friday…they definitely aren’t country music…about as far away as you can get from country!
Thanks for sharing your perspective! I love that you brought the unique perspective of someone not born and raised in the Midwest to the article.
Thanks for including me! Fun to read about the other myths too. Totally adding Red River to our Twin Cities list!