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.

In the US state of New Jersey, things can get a little tight. New Jersey is the fourth smallest state in the USA in terms of area. However, since no less than 9.3 million inhabitants cavort on an area of 22,588 square kilometers, New Jersey is the one among the US states with the highest population density. However, this also has advantages, because due to the high population, there is always a lot going on in New Jersey, for example music or cabaret festivals.

There are not only a number of interesting art museums here, but also numerous historical sites that are worth a visit. In addition, New Jersey is located on the Atlantic coast, where you can relax in small coastal towns, especially in the off-season. Admittedly, it can get a bit crowded in the summer on New Jersey’s beaches. But if you can plan your holiday flexibly, you will be able to immerse yourself in true beach paradises here.

Relaxation on the coast, away from the big metropolises

New Jersey is generally more rural. There are few large cities. Most cities have a rather medium format. New Jersey’s high population is due to the fact that there are simply a lot of cities and settlements. Large and well-known metropolises such as New York City and Philadelphia are located in the immediate vicinity of the state. So if you are looking for a little peace and deceleration after a few exciting days in one of these huge US cities, you should go to New Jersey and visit the Jersey Shore.

Here, manageable and romantic coastal towns with picturesque beach sections are lined up. If you are traveling with children or teenagers, Ocean City is the right place for you. There is a wooden beach promenade several kilometres long and children’s and teenagers’ entertainment options on every corner. For example, small amusement parks with roller coasters as well as carousels and mini golf courses. A little further on, in Cape May, things are a little more dignified. Here, stately villas dating back to the Victorian era are lined up. Most of them are built entirely of wood and colorfully painted. If you need a break from beach life, you should definitely let yourself drift past them on a walk and marvel at the architecture of the charming buildings. Afterwards we go out to the lighthouse of Cape May, which is considered a landmark of the whole region.

The tower, built in 1859, is about 48 meters high. The 48 meters can be climbed via more than 200 narrowly defined steps. From the red-painted top of the white lighthouse, visitors have a breathtaking view over the coastal region around Cape May and out to the Atlantic Ocean. In addition, there are a lot of other seaside resorts in the surrounding area, such as Seaside Heights. All of them have their own special and unique charm. So it’s worth taking a rental car and driving along the coast and stopping wherever you feel comfortable. All of New Jersey’s coastal towns also have excellent restaurants and beach bars serving seafood and barbecues.

Challenge your luck in Atlantic City

The city of Atlantic City, which is also located directly on the Atlantic coast, is one of the larger cities of the otherwise rather rural state with almost 40,000 inhabitants. Here, the tradition of gambling has been legally practiced since 1976. Previously, it is rumoured, the gamblers met here secretly. Atlantic City has a number of casinos, making it an ideal place to go for those who have always wanted to try their hand at gambling. In addition, the Miss America pageant has been held annually in Atlantic City for more than 100 years. On the eight-kilometre-long wooden boardwalk, which runs directly along the beach, there are countless boutiques and shops that invite you to shop extensively. In the evening, the Boardwalk is transformed into a nightlife mile. Similar to Las Vegas, there are also many nationally and internationally known artists of all genres to experience in night shows.

New Jersey’s largest city and cultural center: Newark

Newark is not the capital of New Jersey, but it is the city with the most inhabitants. In addition, the cultural heart of the state beats here. The Newark Museum of Art prefers to exhibit works by American artists. At the Grammy Museum, everything revolves around music and the well-known Grammy music award, which is awarded annually. If you like music and discover new and unknown artists, you should definitely stay overnight in the city and visit some of the numerous clubs here, where newcomers and well-known greats of the music business perform every evening. In the Newark Symphony Hall, friends of classical music get their money’s worth. Newark also enjoys a lively street art scene.

American history, no matter where you look

As a state, New Jersey is closely linked to the fate of the former slaves, who came mainly from African states. In Cape May, the Harriet Tubman Museum informs about one of the most famous advocates of African-American slave rights. It is also worth visiting the small town of Morristown, which is closely linked to former American President George Washington. Washington spent a lot of time here during the War of Independence. A museum commemorates the war itself as well as the famous war participant George Washington and his later work as US president. The museum grounds also include a spacious park that was created on a former battlefield of the War of Independence.

Economically successful, steeped in history, remarkable nature – that’s Virginia, a state in the United States. And not to forget: Virginia is also called the ‘Mother of the Presidents’, because no fewer than eight presidents come from there, including George Washington, the first president of the USA. He found his final resting place at his own request in Mount Vernon at his country estate. It is worth a detour for several reasons. On the one hand, it is picturesquely located on the north bank of the Potomac River, and on the other hand, the former country estate of Washington attracts visitors with unusual sights.

Eight presidents are from Virginia

Washington was not only a warlord and president, but also a highly committed farmer. The farm, which is praised as a model farm, is more than three hectares in size, where straw was threshed in a 16-sided granary with the help of horses. How this worked back then is faithfully re-enacted. The dark sides of that time, namely the slaves who worked for Washington on the farm, are commemorated by a monument in Mount Vernon.

On a first-name basis with bears and lynxes

Pure nature can be found in Shenandoah National Park near Waynesboro. It is located in the Blue Ridge Mountain range, which in turn is part of the Appalachian Mountains, a massive mountain system with a length of 2400 kilometers. If you have a lot of time and are good on foot, you can set off on the Appalachian Trail, one of the longest long-distance hiking trails in the world at 3500 kilometers. The shorter route of 160 kilometers, which leads right through Shenandoah National Park, is a little less strenuous. Black bears, moose, bobcats, raccoons or white-tailed deer are not uncommon as animal companions.

Hotspot for cineastes

Despite the many natural beauties, there are only two natural lakes in Virginia, Lake Drummond and Mountain Lake. The oval-shaped Lake Drummond is located in the middle of a swamp area, the Great Dismal Swamp. A meteorite impact could possibly be responsible for the formation of the lake. If you take a trip to the protected swamps, you will be rewarded with more than 200 species of birds, as well as otters, minks or grey squirrels, not to mention lizards, turtles and salamanders. Mountain Lake in Pembroke stands out for its large sandstone cliffs that surround the entire lake. And slightly elevated on the shore is a hotel that cineastes immediately recognize: The cult film ‘Dirty Dancing’ was filmed there.

Lonely island with wild ponies

A trip to Assategue Island promises absolute solitude in nature. The uninhabited dune island is a biosphere reserve and consists of long sandy beaches and bays. The fascinating thing about the small island, however, are the wild Assateague ponies, which thunder over the sandy beaches with their small hooves. According to old stories, the animals were able to swim to the island after a shipwreck on the American east coast.

A seaside resort of a special kind

If you are now in the mood for a few days of beach vacation, make a detour to Virginia Beach, the largest city in the country. This popular seaside resort on the Atlantic does not have to fear sunny competitors such as California or Florida . On the unusually long sandy beach of 45 kilometers, there should be no space problems. Surfers, sailors, divers and snorkelers are out and about in and on the water. The promenade is populated by cyclists and hikers, who can admire flora and fauna (including whales and dolphins) along the route. A huge statue of Neptune on the beach promenade is a reminder of the Neptune Festival, which takes place annually at the end of September and is internationally known for the International Sandsculpting Championship, where unique sculptures are created from sand. Rubber boots instead of flip-flops are the order of the day when visiting an oyster farm, where you can experience the harvest of these delicious seafood up close, including a tasting of pleasure.

Where the English once went ashore

History and nature are close together at First Landing State Park, located on the northern stretch of Virginia Beach. This park is 2,888 hectares in size with hiking trails, forests, freshwater ponds, salt marshes and swamps. Kilometres of hiking trails lead through this natural monument, with its highly endangered coastal habitats. If you are out and about in one of the cypress swamps there in autumn, you will experience a unique natural spectacle. In the right light, the swamp is transformed into a rainbow-colored work of art. The park is historically significant because the first English settlers landed there in 1607. Later, they moved upriver and established the Jamestown colony, a good hour from Virginia Beach. A trip there is worthwhile, because the story of the landing is re-enacted in an entertaining way in typical American style.

On tour in Richmond

Of course, Virginia’s capital, Richmond, should not be missing from the tour. Cultural life takes place there at a high level. The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts has an important collection of famous painters, from Rubens to Delacroix to Rousseau. If you feel like it, you can get to know the 15 historical landmarks of the city on foot. These include the oldest church in St. John’s, the Virginia Capitol or the Slave Trail, which tells the story of the transatlantic slave trade. Not to forget the Edgar Allan Poe Museum. A more leisurely stroll is in a sightseeing bus or with a Segway. These electrically powered vehicles for one person can be found on every corner in Richmond.

Farmer’s Market and Beer Trail

Light-hearted entertainment can be found in the Carytown neighborhood of the Museum District. You can spend hours in restaurants, bars, shops, junk shops and at the farmer’s market. Beer lovers will enjoy the Richmond Beer Trail, which is home to a whopping 30 breweries. For art lovers, the Richmond Symphony, the Richmond Ballet or the Virginia Opera offer a feast for the ears and eyes.