MEETING AND TRAVELING IN THE MIDWEST

AFRICAN-AMERICAN GUIDE TO MEETING & TRAVELING IN THE MIDWEST
Sonya Stinson

Some of the most famous paths in American history crisscross the Midwest: The Louis and Clark trail. The Underground Railroad. Route 66. Even today, the region's central location and easy accessibility from points east, west and south continue to make it a popular destination for travelers.

Of course, the Midwest offers a plethora of historical, cultural and recreational attractions, from classy museums to cool theme parks. In some rural areas, farms and ranches have opened up to visitors as part of an emerging agritourism industry. One of these tours — or perhaps a drive along one of the region's many scenic byways — might make an interesting outing for those meeting in a nearby city.

Besides the region's history of providing shelters along the routes of slaves escaping north to freedom, the Midwest's African-American heritage includes historic figures like Dredd Scott — the slave who sued unsuccessfully for his freedom in St. Louis — and landmark events like the Brown vs. Board of Education Supreme Court case, which began at a Topeka, Kansas, school. The impact of African-Americans can also be experienced in the music and food of the region. This proud heritage joins many other influences — such as Amish, Native American, German and Scandinavian — that are woven into the cultural fabric of the Midwest.

Click on a state area region on the map below or the state name to the right to get a description of the tourist attractions and meeting accomodations for the state you are considering.

	Illinois
	Indiana
	Iowa
	Kansas
	Michigan
	Minnesota
	Missouri
	Nebraska
	Ohio
	Wisconsin