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.

The state of Maryland belongs to the so-called Capital Area and, together with Virginia, is one of the states that surround the capital Washington D.C. Therefore, a connection with the important capital, but also with its neighbor Virginia , is already historically determined. But that doesn’t mean it’s not worth taking a trip to Maryland and exploring the state on your own. As one of the oldest states in the USA , the country’s history is also closely linked to the state and the cuisine in particular has an excellent reputation here. Plus, nature is perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle of D.C.

Maryland – the Chesapeake Bay State

There are many names for Maryland, but the term Chesapeake Bay State probably makes the most sense. This refers to the many stretches of coast, small rivers and lakes and the fact that the country is a mixture of huge swamp and flourishing nature. This was probably one of the reasons why the first Catholic settlers in the New World settled here. For many years, Maryland was the only Catholic state among the otherwise Protestant new states in the USA and therefore also a place of refuge for many people from Europe who fled the Reformation. As a result, many of today’s inhabitants of the USA can trace their ancestors back to people who set foot on the new continent here.

Maryland is definitely not one of the classic travel destinations in the USA and in fact only a few tourists get lost so high north. There is also a lot to discover here. The state is primarily aimed at day-trippers who want to escape the narrow streets of Washington D.C. or people who live in Baltimore, Maryland’s largest city, and want to treat themselves to a little fresh air and nature. Because nature will certainly be found on every corner here.

State of fishing villages and coastal towns

Unlike many other countries, there are no large canyons or huge national parks where you can spend whole days. The charm of the comparatively small state of Maryland comes mainly from the many small villages and towns that line the coast, the Chesapeake Bay State. The best tour is undoubtedly by car, because getting around by train or bus is hardly possible in the state. In addition, you are most flexible with your own car and can also move into the terrain if you want to take a trip to one of the historical sites.

The drive along the coast leads past houses in the Founder’s House style, which are exemplary with their white domes and red brick facades. On the side of the sea, you will actually see fishermen at any time, who are just about to reel in the catch of the day or are already on their way back to sea. One of the many advantages is that you can also find a good restaurant right on the coast every few kilometers where you can enjoy the freshest seafood. Especially the lobster, the lobster, is recommended here. The entire region is known for the sweet-tasting lobster. But mussels and crabs are also among the delicacies that are prepared with all cordiality in the small restaurants.

By the way, if you like sailing, you will find plenty of opportunities for it here in the many clubs and coastal villages. The rental of ships is actually a tradition. If you don’t feel safe all alone on the foreign sea, you can also take one of the many offers for tours, which are usually also linked to food and drink or lead to one of the restaurants mentioned at the end of the day.

Annapolis and Baltimore – the two most important cities of Maryland

The state capital of Annapolis is one of the highlights of a trip through Maryland. This is where the state was born and has always been administered from here. Some of the old buildings from the Wilhelminian period are still the most important sights today. The State House and the old post office show what it looked like here around 200 years ago. In addition, Annapolis is comparatively modest and offers many interesting opportunities for shopping, visiting restaurants and a relaxed stroll through the streets.

It’s a bit different in Baltimore. The city exudes much more of the charm of a metropolis, has a pretty skyline and is also one of the former industrial centers of the USA. The cathedral in particular, which is a final testimony to the state’s former Catholic heritage, is worth a visit. For many years, it was the only cathedral in the U.S. and the most important church for people with a Catholic faith. A stroll along the harbour alone is worth a visit. Then don’t miss out on checking out the USS Constellation – the Civil War-era ship is an important relic of American history and the museum offers a great insight into a part of history that is still difficult for many Europeans to grasp today.

Hardly any other state embodies the versatility of the USA with such intensity as Ohio. With its northern border with Canada, Ohio is considered a classic northern state, but has reinvented itself again and again over the years. Once one of the most important industrial centers in the USA – especially with the cities of Cleveland and Cincinnati – the state now offers just the right mix of breathtaking nature and the exciting metropolitan areas where you can experience the USA like on TV. In addition to the sights in the cities, there are also many testimonies from the founding period of the USA.

The land between Lake Erie and the Ohio River

Ohio gets its name from the impressive river that runs through the south of the state. The Ohio River is considered a traffic artery and a lifeline of the USA and was used in the early years to support the industrial rise of the nation. In the north, it is above all the breathtaking Lake Erie, which borders Canada on its shores in the north, that dominates the image of the state. Between these two majestic wonders of nature are not only some impressive cities such as Cleveland, Cincinnati or Dayton, but also many traces of the historical history of the USA.

On the one hand, a visit to Ohio gives you the opportunity to move into these metropolises and discover some of the oldest buildings in the country, explore historic districts and fully immerse yourself in the American style of life. On the other hand, there are many opportunities for employment in nature. The lush greenery of Ohio with its forests, meadows and steppes is a paradise for vacationers by bike who want to get an idea of the state for themselves within the excellent infrastructure, which has always been considered an indicator of the mood in the country, even in the US elections. This is not least due to the diversity of Ohio.

Nature and rural excursions in Ohio

Admittedly, compared to states like Vermont or Washington, Ohio offers more flatland. There are hardly any mountains to be found here. But it is above all the waterways and lakes that attract nature lovers. A tour around or on Lake Erie is just one of many options available here for outdoor activities. Of course, it’s also worth taking a boat or canoe ride on the Ohio River’s many tributaries to get a sense of the state’s nature.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park has a vast network of hiking and biking trails that also provide educational information about the first settlers and the landscape. Camping is also popular in these parts of the state, and the quaint campgrounds offer a sense of freedom all their own. The most interesting region for hiking in the mountains is the Hocking Hills, which with their sandstone formations are probably the closest to a mountain in Ohio.

Cleveland and Cincinnati – between industrial city and entrepreneurial spirit

Although two cities, Columbus and Dayton, are formally more important for Ohio, a visit is particularly worthwhile in the two metropolises mentioned. However, if you arrive via Columbus, for example, you should not miss the German Village. The Wilhelminian Quarter, which was built as early as 1820, was one of the first settlements of Germans to find their way to the USA. In general, the traces of German-speaking settlers can still be found everywhere in the state, which can also be proven by the large number of German restaurants that can still be found in all major cities of Ohio.

The Ohio Statehouse in Columbus is one of the oldest buildings in the state and is a great sight for memories and photos. Another impressive structure is the Carew Tower, which was built back in 1930 and is one of the first larger buildings in the state. This is typical, because both Cincinnati and Cleveland experienced their peak during this time. They were not only two of the most culturally important cities in the USA, but also significant drivers of the upswing. Especially in the case of Cleveland, however, this has changed in recent decades and the decline of the industry has certainly left its mark on the once so proud city. Nevertheless, some of the old quarters are still worthwhile today because they give a good insight into how people lived here.

Discover Ohio culturally and culinarily

The state of Ohio may not be the place of many large and well-known sights. But the state is a stronghold of American culture. In the restaurants, theaters, the cinemas and the many museums, the spirit of the USA is lived and if you want to work a bit with the clichés, you will find the typical American from television here. Therefore, you should not miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the nightlife of the cities and eat in one of the many steakhouses and visit the museums about the heyday of the cities. In this way, you will actually learn something about the development of the USA and will certainly meet many interesting and friendly people on the way, who are happy to welcome visitors from abroad.