When you think of New York, you naturally think of the Big Apple with its many sights, the many millions of people and this unique melting pot of cultures. But the state of the same name, from which the name “New York City” is actually derived, also has its very own form of highlights and sights to offer. The Empire State, as it is called, with its capital Albany is one of the oldest areas of today’s USA with an eventful history and an extremely capricious nature. And even though a trip to NYC is of course a must when visiting, you should definitely embark on an adventure in “Upstate” New York.

Life in the shadow of the Big Apple

The state of New York was one of the thirteen colonies that today play an important role in the founding myth of the USA . It was not so much the British as the Dutch who built their first base in the New World here. After some back and forth and various wars, it finally became part of the British colonies in America and quite quickly New York City developed into one of the most important ports on the east coast of the new country. Gradually, however, the state developed its own identity independently of the big city and above all the city dwellers themselves enjoyed the excursions to the countryside to escape the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple.

A visit to upstate New York is likely to offer a variety of surprises for most visitors. Because even away from the big city, the state has a lot of sights to offer. From historical testimonies of the early days of the USA to breathtaking spectacles of nature, everything can be found here. In addition, of course, there is the advantage that a trip to New York City or New England only takes a few hours and therefore you have a perfect base for traveling around the northeastern part of the USA.

The most beautiful natural spectacles in New York State

One of the most famous sights in New York State is certainly Niagara Falls State Park. The famous waterfalls, which can be found next to the city of the same name, are probably one of the most impressive natural spectacles you can find in the USA and the journey from New York City is done quickly. In general, it is surprising what a diverse nature the state has to offer its visitors. Hikers and adventurers on bicycles in particular get a varied landscape to offer, which is interrupted from time to time by historical monuments.

The Long Island area also plays a special role in the state. In recent years, it has become one of the most popular retreats for city dwellers and today offers not only a wide selection of hotels and holiday homes, but above all some impressive beaches that invite you to linger. From here, you can start a deep-sea fishing tour or take advantage of one of the many offers to explore the coast by boat and discover even more of New York. But if you are just looking for a little relaxation after the strenuous sightseeing, you will get your money’s worth here and spend a great day.

The Indian Summer, the time at the beginning of autumn when the leaves change color and the entire state presents itself in rich shades of brown, is the time of hikers and hikers in New York. Especially in the Adirondacks State Park, the mountain range in the east of the state, there are many opportunities to experience this spectacle of nature first-hand. In addition, the area offers many great climbing opportunities or invites you to take an extensive mountain bike tour through the mountains.

Albany and other cities outside New York City

NYC is by no means the capital of the state, even if one would assume that, of course. Albany is the historic hub of New York and offers some interesting testimonies to history. Especially the State Capitol, which can now look back on several hundred years of history, is a real eye-catcher on a walk through Albany. Anyone who takes this opportunity to walk through one of the many shopping streets or sit down in one of the restaurants will also notice that the melting pot of cultures did not stop in NYC. From typical Italian-American cuisine to the classics of New England, everything is represented on the city’s menus and therefore offers a good selection.

Finally, of course, you should also have visited New York City itself. There is not enough space to describe all the must-see sights in the city. In general, it can be worthwhile to plan several days just for visiting upstate New York and then go to New York City. The contrasts that are lived and can be experienced here in the state are one reason why a visit to this region of the USA is always recommended.

Located in the Midwest, the US state of Iowa might seem a little boring at first glance. But far from it. Although Iowa is rural and known outside its own state borders mainly for corn cultivation and sprawling fields and landscapes, Iowa nevertheless combines some interesting to curious sights on its grounds. For example, the largest bull statue in the world and the longest double-track railway line in the world can be found there.

In addition, there are some first-class art museums to visit in Iowa, such as the Des Moines Art Center. And nature lovers will not miss out in Iowa either. With the Missouri River and the Mississippi River, there are two rivers here that can be navigated by ships. In addition, there are a large number of lakes and hiking areas. In the two major cities of the state, in Des Moines and Cedar Rapids, art and culture await visitors from all over the world.

Discover the federal capital of Des Moines

The Moines has about 215,000 inhabitants, making it the largest city in Iowa. The city was named after the river of the same name that flows through it. Des Moines is internationally known above all for the Des Moines Art Center. This world-class art museum opened in 1948 and specializes primarily in paintings and sculptures. The works of American and European artists are primarily exhibited here. There are works by Andy Warhol, Edward Hopper, Claude Monet, Gerhard Richter, Mark Rothko and Paul Gaugin to marvel at.

Architecturally impressive is the Iowa State Capitol, located in the city center, which is considered the most historic building in the entire state. It can be visited both from the inside and from the outside. Particularly popular with visitors is the somewhat enchanted-looking library of the Iowa State Capitol. Des Moines is surrounded by several parks where you can hike and enjoy nature. Recommended here are, for example, the Des Moines Water Works Park and the Walnut Woods State Park, where you can also camp. In winter, the slopes of the Sleep Hollow Sports Park are full of fans of skiing and snowboarding.

The Effigy Mounds National Monument

If you are going to visit the state of Iowa, you should not miss the Effigy Mounds National Monuments on your way. This is a nature reserve that comes close to a national park in its structure and attractiveness. The Effigy Mounds National Monument is located directly on the Yellow River, on the border with the neighboring state of Wisconsin. The nature reserve is a popular destination that invites you to go camping, among other things. Bird lovers can meet a variety of different bird species here. For example, warblers, bald eagles or wood thrushes cavort here. The Effigy Mounds National Monument Information Centre provides interesting information about the Native Americans who once lived in the area. Furthermore, several well-signposted hiking trails crisscross the Effigy Mounds National Monument. These can be discovered on your own or walked as part of a guided themed hike. The local rangers offer, for example, so-called bird migration hikes, during which information is provided about the bird species that can be seen in the park.

Sports and film fans make a pilgrimage to the Field of Dreams

There is hardly anyone who does not know the 1989 film success Field of Dreams with Kevin Costner, which was filmed in Iowa. The film, which was nominated for three Oscars at the time, is one of the most famous and at the same time one of the most emotional sports films ever made in the USA . In the film, a baseball field was built in the middle of a cornfield, on which players who had returned from the past were soon cavorting, who had been victims of a sporting bribery scandal 68 years earlier. The filming location of this cinematic worldwide success is in Dyersville.

Guided tours are offered here, which lead over the original baseball field of the film, the adjacent corn fields and through the farmhouse, which is very present in the film. If you arrive in September, you can also watch high-ranking athletes at work here. Because then a baseball tournament takes place on the Field of Dreams , where no longer active baseball stars once again grab baseball bats, baseballs and gloves.

Breathe in art and culture in Cedar Rapids

Cedar Rapids is the second largest city in Iowa with just under 140,000 inhabitants, and it has a lot to offer. And not only because a whole host of great actors were born here, of which Ashton Kutcher and Elijah Wood are only the two most popular. Cedar Rapids combines several art museums and galleries in its city area. You should definitely visit the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art. The permanent collection includes more than 7,800 works from a wide variety of eras. From Roman antiquity to the present day, everything is represented here. In addition, there are temporary exhibitions that focus primarily on North American artists. The city’s Czech Village is buzzing with life. Bars, restaurants and small shops are lined up here. In the past, a large number of Czech and Slovak immigrants lived here. Some of their descendants still reside in Cedar Rapids. The Czech heritage of the district is still recognizable and tangible in many cases today. For example, in bars that exude European flair or in bakeries that offer Czech baked goods. In the evening, the Czech Village turns into a paradise for night owls who love bar concerts, stand-up comedy and theatre.

A US contrast to sunny California and Florida awaits in New Hampshire, where the colourful autumn nature of the so-called Indian Summer in a scenery of mountains, lakes and covered bridges provides unique photo motifs. As a neighboring state of Maine and Vermont, New Hampshire spreads the typical charm of New England’s Atlantic coast. The Granite State is more than just the scenic link on Interstate 95 between Boston and Portland: from the colorful autumn worlds of the White Mountains to the picturesque Lakes Region and the white winter sports worlds of Mount Washington, a unique natural paradise unfolds here. A region that has unmistakably inspired local poets and authors such as Robert Frost, Dan Brown and John Irving.

New Hampshire’s Nature – Colorful Autumn Scenery and White Winter Sports Worlds

New Hampshire is an outdoor paradise on the Atlantic coast. The tranquil shore of the eastern US state unfolds over a length of about 29 kilometres – the shortest coastline of the US states located on the ocean. But even along these only 29 kilometers, some of the most beautiful places on the US East Coast unfold. These include Hampton Beach, which is especially worth visiting in summer, as well as beautiful beach worlds at Rye and North Hampton State Beach. Inland, however, are the real natural highlights of New Hampshire. Deep in the interior of the state, natural elevations present themselves that have always attracted the interest of nature lovers, hikers and winter sports enthusiasts. One of the most climbed mountains in the world is Mount Monadnock, which rises 965 meters in the southwest of New Hampshire. South of the White Mountains rises the mountain that once inspired Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau – and is now climbed by more than 100,000 nature lovers and hikers every year. Only well-known surveys such as Mount Fuji in Japan and the Tai Shan in China can surpass such figures.

All the allure of New Hampshire’s nature unfolds in the White Mountains, whose landscapes spread out in the White Mountain National Forest. The highest peak is the 1917-meter-high Mount Washington, which is known for its distinctive ski resorts in winter. The natural beauty of red, yellow and green in the so-called Indian Summer, the warm autumn time of the North American East Coast, unfolds visually, especially in the White Mountain National Forest, through which routes such as the scenic Kancamagus Highway lead. New Hampshire is particularly impressive at this time of year with a natural panorama including the typical covered bridges that characterize New England – whether the Albany Bridge, the Bath Covered Bridge or the Groveton Covered Bridge. Many of these bridges are located in the White Mountains, some in the Lakes Region – they provide the characteristic romantic flair of New Hampshire.

Home to a population of about 1.3 million, the Granite State owes its nickname to its many quarries, as well as the distinct rock and mineral shapes that are hidden in the midst of New Hampshire’s natural formations. In addition to the Appalachian Mountains and the White Mountains, the lakes of the Lakes Region also shape the local nature. One of the most famous is Lake Winnipesaukee, the largest of the local lakescapes. In addition, Squam Lake and Newfound Lake also make New Hampshire’s nature a multifaceted recreational region on the US East Coast.

Concord, Manchester, Portsmouth – Urban New Hampshire

New Hampshire’s historic colonial architecture gives an indication of the long history of the US state: The eastern coastal region was once one of the historic English colonies, founded in 1629 as the Province of New Hampshire. Later, it was considered the first U.S. state to present an independent government and constitution. Although New Hampshire has a much larger city in Manchester and a prominent capital in Concord, a deep historical insight can be gained especially in Portsmouth. The city on the border with Maine, located on Interstate 95 between Portland and Boston, has the historic Strawberry Banke, an open-air museum with early colonial settlements from the 17th century. The museum is one of the most famous in New Hampshire. In addition, Portsmouth offers touristically attractive urban destinations in New Hampshire’s north with its historic buildings in the city center, the historic Market Square and the tranquil Prescott Park.

The fact that New Hampshire has deep British roots is proven not only by Portsmouth but also by the name of the largest city Manchester. With the Currier Museum of Art, the city has perhaps the most important art museum in New Hampshire. The permanent collection includes works by Picasso, Monet and Matisse, as well as American art greats John Singer Sargent, Georgia O’Keeffe and Frank Lloyd Wright. Historical flair also unfolds in the centrally located capital Concord, home to about 43,000 inhabitants. Here you can discover sights such as the historic New Hampshire State House or the historic Eagle Hotel: US President Ulysses S. Grant, the famous First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and the aviation pioneer Charles Lindbergh once stayed in the latter. Parks like Story Land near Glen and Santa’s Village near Jefferson prove that New Hampshire also has highlights for the family. In this way, New Hampshire forms a fascinating contrast to classic US travel destinations such as California or Florida. Especially when the warm autumn shows its colors in natural New Hampshire.

The state of Massachusetts with its capital Boston is the core of the so-called “New England” region of the USA. It was from here that the history of the United States began, and from here the history of the United States took its course. The green state, which, according to its own name, is located near the large hills, is known for its mild climate, for the extensive nature and, last but not least, for the many historic buildings that date back to the Wilhelminian period of the United States. A visit to Massachusetts is automatically linked to a visit to Boston . But there is also a lot to see in the state.

Cape Cod and more – Massachusetts the natural paradise

Massachusetts is one of the founding states of the USA and there is hardly any other place where this circumstance is celebrated in the same way. When the first settlers landed on the coasts, more precisely in Cape Cod, they encountered a flourishing land full of greenery and rivers. To this day, the wild nature of Massachusetts is one of the most important reasons to visit the state. Boston is one of the most interesting cities in the USA, but you should take the time to explore New England off the beaten track and just let the attitude to life here in the state work its magic on you.

The history of the state is, of course, closely linked to American history in general. It was the Boston Tea Party that gave the final trigger for the War of Independence, and it was from here that the resistance against the attackers from the English homeland was organized. Many testimonies in the state point to the first battles and the developments of those years. After the end of the Civil War, a new self-image developed in Boston and the surrounding area and the New England region was for many years the opposite of the culture in the South or the newly discovered areas in the west of the USA. Therefore, there is still a certain cultural difference between these regions today.

Discover the beautiful nature between Cape Cod and Boston

Those who embark on the natural trails of Massachusetts will usually start in Cape Cod. Here is not only the John F. Kennedy Museum, which tells the story of this most famous of all American presidents, because he is originally from this area. Above all, Cape Cod is a testament to the picturesque east coasts of the USA. Past lighthouses and restaurants, busy coastal roads and cliffs, you experience a spectacle that can only be recreated in states like Maryland . On a trip to this natural paradise, you should take your time with the rental car, get off the beaten track and sit down in one of the restaurants. If you want to experience even more of this landscape, hop on one of the ferries to Nantucket or Martha’s Vineyard.

One of the most impressive sights on the coast is certainly Plymouth. The city was founded in 1620 and is extremely important for the history of the USA. In the historic harbour lies the Mayflower, which brought the first settlers to this part of the world and which many people still refer to today, tracing their roots. Plymouth is home to the oldest evidence of the colonial settlers of the United States, and there are museums and interesting sights on every corner.

If you’ve had enough of the coast, head further west and drive along almost deserted country roads through dense forests and discover the state’s much-vaunted greenery. Here, too, small and large testimonies to the long history of the state can be found on every corner. In the end, however, all roads lead from Massachusetts to Boston – and for good reason.

The city of Boston – so much to discover and experience

The city of Boston is not only home to one of the most famous universities in the world, but also marked by historic buildings and landmarks. Hardly a step in the city center without bumping into an information board about a historical event or standing in front of a building that has played a special role in the history of the USA. At the same time, it is an American city with skyscrapers and the hustle and bustle that you know from film and television. In addition, as the heart of New England, it is also home to various culinary specialties that you should definitely have used during a visit.

In addition to various museums – for example the Museum of Fine Arts or the Museum of Science – Boston has an active nightlife to offer, which is particularly noticeable for small stages and clubs. But if you want to get a little more involved with the historical history first, you should definitely have a look at the historic State House and followed the Freedom Trail. Here you can see the most important sights from Boston’s long history, which can also be visited at reasonable prices. After a long day, it is almost mandatory to go to one of the many small snack bars. Seafood is definitely on the menu, the many sandwiches also have a good reputation and in general people in Boston and the whole state simply like to fry different things.

Michigan is the state of the Great Lakes, America’s industrial revolution, and home to the car city of Detroit. Surrounded by the Great Lakes, the state not only has an impressive history behind it, but is also popular with vacationers who want to discover the diversity of American nature due to its border with Canada and some of the most beautiful state parks. With Detroit, on the other hand, you have an excellent contrast to the tranquility on the lakes and can effortlessly immerse yourself in the vibrant life of a big city. So there are many good reasons why you should consider a visit to the state.

From a commercial center to America’s car manufacturer

Michigan was one of the first states to be explored by settlers on the journey west. Passing the Great Lakes, one met here in large numbers the tribes of the Native Americans, who, however, as is well known, were largely expelled. For many years, the settlers thought that the Great Lakes were a sea and only gradually did they understand that it was actually a natural border to the Canadian states in the north. It is precisely these lakes, such as Lake Michigan, that provide a large proportion of visitors to the state today. The many options for excursions and easy transit to Canada are delightful and offer many interesting options.

Fort Mackinac is a historical testimony to the development of the state. It changed hands several times over the decades, but at all times it was an important trade hub for trade between the colonial states and later an important waypoint on the way west. The fort was listed as a historic monument in the 1960s and can now be visited by tourists. Here you will not only find some interesting souvenirs, but also a lot of information about the trade and dealings with the indigenous people, who once lived in large numbers in the Great Lakes region.

Between dunes and America’s largest lakes

Michigan’s landscape is extremely diverse, even if you usually only hear about the big lakes. Of course, these play the biggest role. Lake Michigan offers many interesting options, and the expansion of the hiking trails along its shores, the many bike paths throughout the state, and the other options for excursions on the water are good reasons to consider a trip to the lake. A visit to one of the many state parks is particularly recommended. In the nature reserves, people are fighting for the preservation of nature and those who go hiking in Holland State Park, for example, will be able to discover some of the most beautiful shores of the Great Lakes.

However, since the Great Lakes are among the most important sights in various states, it is also worth taking a look at what is unique in Michigan. For example, the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore offers a great change, especially for hikers. It goes up a few meters in altitude over the dunes and if you are not a professional at hiking, you should perhaps go to the training beforehand. After a successful climb, you will be rewarded with one of the most beautiful views over the great lakes and the landscapes of Michigan.

A visit to Mackinac Island should definitely be part of your own planning. Since it is a car-free island, you can rent bicycles here and use one of the many hiking and exploration trails to get an overview of the island. The fact that access to the island is allowed by one of the largest suspension bridges in the world, among other things, is another reason for visiting the north of the state. If you’ve had enough of nature now and would rather experience a little dynamism, you should look south – maybe you’ve already seen the skyline of Detroit from a distance.

Detroit – the capital of the American car

The close connection between Detroit and the American car industry is mainly due to the fact that General Motors has chosen the city for itself. Once the most important manufacturer of cars and trucks in the United States, it can still be seen on every corner today. But it is also true that Detroit has experienced a significant economic slump in recent decades. It is not for nothing that there are stories about the state of drinking water and entire districts in the suburbs that are no longer inhabited today.

However, there is still a lot to experience, especially in the core of the city. Historic skyscrapers such as the Guardian Building or the Fisher Building dominate the skyline and give a good impression of how powerful and important the city must have once been. Today, downtown is home to many shopping opportunities and some of the best restaurants in the state. Those who are also into American sports will find many opportunities – from Michigan Stadium to the various professional teams of the city of Detroit, there is a lot on offer for visitors in this direction.

The state of Missouri got its name from the Missouri River and the Missouri Indians and has been part of the United States of America since 1821 as the 24th state. The 180,533 km² state is located in the middle of the west of the USA, where around 6 million inhabitants live. The capital is called Jefferson City, where about 50,000 people live. Missouri borders the states of Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Arkansas, Nebraska, Tennessee, Oklahoma , and Kansas. As a state located in Tornado Alley, it is known for a particularly high number of tornadoes in spring.

Landscape

The state of Missouri is known for its breathtaking and diverse landscape. The most notable rivers that flow through the state are the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. Both are the main transport routes in this area. The Mississippi, often called the Old Man River, has a length of 3,778 km. Many cities such as St. Paul, Minneapolis, Davenport, New Orleans, St. Louis, Memphis , and Baton Rouge are located directly on the Mississippi River. The Mississippi River flows into the Gulf of Mexico near New Orleans .

With a delta size of more than 12,000 km², it is one of the largest estuaries in the world. The Mississippi joins the Missouri River at St. Louis. Both are a total of 6,051 km long. The Missouri River alone is approximately 4,130 km long and is considered a tributary of the Mississippi, although it is actually longer than the Mississippi. It is formed by the confluence of the Madison River and the Jefferson River in the state of Montana. Other well-known rivers in the country, which are mainly used for recreational activities such as kayaking, are the White River, the Francis River, the Osage River and the Gasconade River. In addition to the rivers, there are also numerous (reservoir) lakes in the state of Missouri. These include Lake of the Ozarks, Big Lake (Missouri’s largest oxbow lake), Bull Shoals Lake, and Truman Reservoir, which is the largest reservoir in Missouri.

Among the most famous mountains are the Ozark and the Saint Francois Mountains. With an area of 122,000 km², the Ozark is the most extensive mountain region between the Rocky Mountains and the Appalachian Mountains. Thus, the highland region covers about 50 percent of the state of Missouri. The highest point of the mountainous region is 450 meters above sea level and can be found in the southeast of the country. This is the Saint Francois Mountains. They are the oldest volcanic mountain range in Missouri. As a mining region, lead, barite, iron, silver, manganese, nickel and cobalt are mined here. Among the highest mountains there is Taum Sauk Mountain, where the most breathtaking waterfalls in Missouri can be found. This refers to the Mina Sauk Falls. Although the state has such a diverse landscape, there are no national parks in Missouri, only state parks.

Getting to Missouri

To reach the state of Missouri from Europe, you first have to go to cities like
Las Vegas, Chicago or Washington and from there take a connecting flight to Missouri. The largest airports in Missouri include Kansas City International Airport and Lambert-St. Louis International Airport. Missouri can be reached by train via the routes of the Southwest Chief, the Texas Eagle and the Missouri River Runner. By car, all parts of the state are easily accessible via the extensive transport network of the interstate highways.

Well-known cities

The most famous cities in Missouri are Jefferson City, Branson, Columbia, Hermann, Kansas City, Springfield, and St. Louis. In the capital of the state, Jefferson City, many historic buildings and structures can be admired. The city was named in honor of the third president of the United States, Thomas Jefferson. Columbia is known worldwide as a student city. Logically, 30,000 students from the University of Missouri live here alone. The small town of Hermann is very popular with German-speaking guests due to its German roots and wine-growing region. There is even an annual May and Oktoberfest here. The Kansas City metropolitan area, which is a twin city of Hanover , is home to around 2 million inhabitants. This makes Kansas not only the most populous city in the state of Missouri, but also one of the two largest metropolitan areas in the region. In Kansas, there are many museums, boulevards and theaters to visit. The same applies to the city of Springfield. The largest city after Kansas is St. Louis, which is also very popular with visitors. Especially the landmark, the Gateway Arch, is visited very often.

Stronghold

Missouri continues to be known for its activities such as the Missouri State Fair and the Kansas City Irish Fest. The former is a folk festival in the small town of Sedina, which lasts for 11 days. In addition to exhibitions, animal shows and stalls, there are also large concerts taking place again and again. The Irish Fest in Kansas City, on the other hand, is a celebration in memory of the Irish. More than 100,000 guests a year are interested in the culture, music and history of the Emerald Isle.

Attractions in Mussouri

Finally, a small selection of sights that you should not miss during your stay in Missouri:

• The Mastodon State Historic Site
• the historic site of Harry S Truman
• the house of the Truman Farm
• the home of Mark Twain and a museum dedicated to him
• Anheuser-Busch Brewery
• The Missouri State Capitol
• the Powell Symphony Hall.