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If you’re a non-American planning to visit the United States for the first time, you’re likely eyeing the big cities you’ve seen in movies or on TV. This short list would likely include New York City, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. If you’re looking for a party, Miami or Las Vegas would probably be on your radar.

Unless you’re planning to experience the sights and sounds of Chicago, the Midwest may not be a priority for you. But as the following screenshots may show you, life down there can be quite colorful.

If you’re from the region, these posts will likely resonate with you. Scroll through and enjoy!

#1

A Midwest church basement with wood paneling, blue carpet, and a framed picture of Jesus. A unique place.

midwestern_ope Report

Geoffrey Scott
Community Member
9 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

With cookies and red punch, smell of coffee permeating.

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    #2

    A tweet from Midwest vs. The Rest joking about the Midwest and their preference for long drives over flying.

    midwestern_ope Report

    R Dennis
    Community Member
    5 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yep. Everything is within a day's drive if you time it right... well, everything east of The Rockies.

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    #3

    A tweet from Midwest vs. The Rest, stating, In the Midwest we enter the home through the garage and save the fancy front door for guests.

    midwestern_ope Report

    Verena
    Community Member
    10 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is a general rural thing. You know you belong to the inner circle of friends when the first thing you see when entering a house is the washing machine. Rural regions in Denmark & the Netherlands.

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    Among coastal residents in the United States, the Midwest is commonly labeled as a “flyover country.” If you’re unfamiliar with the term, it simply means that this region is often passed over during flights from the East to the West coast, and vice versa. 

    But for someone who moved there, like author and University of Michigan lecturer Phil Christman, the Midwest has a lot more to offer than just cornfields and factories.

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    #4

    A Twitter post by @the_KATE_gatsby defining Midwest culture as using the garage to keep items cold. A unique place indeed!

    the_KATE_gatsby Report

    Trillian
    Community Member
    11 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Lived a year in MN. We had 'the little fridge' in the kitchen and 'the big fridge' aka the deck.

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    #5

    A meme comparing tumbleweed in the West (actual tumbleweed) versus in the Midwest (a damaged trampoline). The Midwest is unique.

    midwestern_ope Report

    UnclePanda
    Community Member
    Premium
    4 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We had no way to measure it but we could clearly see the 4-5 'touchdown prints' leading to an errant trampoline 200-300 yards from where it started.

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    “Especially in a period when some of the more interesting art and music consists of similar procedures repeated on a massive canvas, you’d think we could learn to truly see Midwestern flatness as something richer than mindless repetition.” Christman wrote in an essay for The Hedgehog Review

    #7

    A tweet from Midwest vs. The Rest about Midwesterners getting offended when passed on the highway. Midwest culture insights.

    midwestern_ope Report

    R Dennis
    Community Member
    5 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No... you slide up into the line and match speed. Chances are the cops aren't pulling you all over. So there is safety in numbers.

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    #8

    A house with a steep, winding driveway, highlighting a unique aspect of The Midwest.

    midwestern_ope Report

    Mike F
    Community Member
    12 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I always think about having to shovel the snow off them.

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    Christman, who moved to Michigan from Texas with his wife, recognizes the Midwest’s identity, tied to labor and industry. He pointed out that outsiders may have described it as “America’s breadbasket” in the late 19th and 20th centuries and “America’s foundry” during the Second World War. 

    But one thing Christman also brought up is how the Midwest “suffers from a burden of normality.”

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    #11

    A tweet from Matthew J. Cordes, EA about hitting a deer twice, a common Midwest occurrence.

    cordes_tax Report

    UnclePanda
    Community Member
    Premium
    4 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Was the deer in the car from the first accident?

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    “But even used and battered landscapes have their particularity. Detroit’s blight isn’t Cleveland’s blight, any more than Manchester’s is Birmingham’s. Nor are any two cornfields truly exactly alike,” Christman wrote. 

    #13

    A social media post from microplastics rectifier saying, "It's jarring for me when there are British people in the Midwest." This image highlights the unique aspects of the Midwest.

    facetedcarapace Report

    Did I say that out loud?
    Community Member
    5 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We're very, very lost.....or seeking refuge from Reform. Please take pity on us either way.

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    #15

    A social media post about Midwest gatherings, stating 10 types of salad without lettuce, showing unique Midwest culture.

    midwestern_ope Report

    Geoffrey Scott
    Community Member
    8 hours ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If it's pasta salad? It stays right where it is. Ain't eating no chilled rotini!

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    Ultimately, Christman’s essay is more about encouraging people to look past stereotypes about the Midwest. As he implies, most people simply fail to pay close attention, encouraging them to notice the subtleties in ordinary life. 

    “We should ask instead whether our story of the Midwest—this undifferentiated human place—contains any lovelier, more useful, or more radical possibilities. At the very least, we should try to name what there is in us for it to appeal to,” he wrote.

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    #16

    A beautiful dining room with an antique table, chairs, and a red rug, showcasing the unique Midwest lifestyle.

    Eric_Erins Report

    Paul C.
    Community Member
    7 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The main problem with hosting any sort of gathering, is that it involves people!

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    #17

    A stack of napkins and a Kwik Trip tumbler in a car console, revealing a unique Midwest habit.

    midwestern_ope Report

    Glen Ellyn
    Community Member
    Premium
    12 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I generally get gas at the gas station.

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    #18

    A tweet from Maddie complaining about the unpredictable weather in the Midwest, highlighting its unique temperature swings.

    baddiemaddie43 Report

    Geoffrey Scott
    Community Member
    8 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This spring especially has been yo-yo temps in Mich.

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    #20

    An aerial view of a complex intersection with multiple roundabouts and highways, unique to the Midwest.

    midwestern_ope Report

    Geoffrey Scott
    Community Member
    9 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    People here in Central Mich either love 'em or hate 'em. I like 'em because you don't have to sit and wait for a light. Now, diverging diamonds blow my mind(essentially changing travel side of the road and back).

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    #21

    A man frantically explaining details on a board covered with papers and string, highlighting the unique Midwest experience.

    midwestern_ope Report

    Geoffrey Scott
    Community Member
    9 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Where's that?"..."30 miles west of (larger town)".."oh, ok"

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    #22

    A tweet listing the hardest jobs: brain surgeon, aerospace engineer, and teaching someone Euchre, a unique Midwest experience.

    midwestern_ope Report

    Verena
    Community Member
    9 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Is that connected with the half used pack of cards?

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    #23

    A Twitter post by Midwest vs. The Rest listing 4 stages of saying I love you in the Midwest. A unique place.

    midwestern_ope Report

    Sam Trudeau
    Community Member
    5 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I've been to Wisconsin and had Culver's. It's like a Grill & Chill

    #25

    A huge pork tenderloin sandwich, topped with lettuce and tomato, on a white plate, showcasing a unique Midwest dish.

    magills_ Report

    CSX321
    Community Member
    35 minutes ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh, Japan picked up on breaded pork a long time ago. "Tonkatsu" and it's delicious!

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    #26

    A tweet by Gina Darling about The Midwest's unique place, detailing a man's confusion about North and South Korea.

    MissGinaDarling Report

    Glen Ellyn
    Community Member
    Premium
    12 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is not only in the midwest. Ignorance is common all over the US. Too many people just don't care to learn anything. I guess they cast out their curiosity bug.

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    #27

    A tweet from @holy_schnitt discussing ranch dressing and The Midwest. She states she would eat ranch on anything.

    holy_schnitt Report

    Glen Ellyn
    Community Member
    Premium
    12 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's a change from ketchup on everything, right?

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    #30

    A tweet from Midwest vs. The Rest discussing midwesterners saying "ope" and whispering "scuse me." A unique place indeed.

    midwestern_ope Report

    Jonas Fisher
    Community Member
    2 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Or how clipped the "Thank you" is when it's both routine and directed toward someone close to us. The t-h-a-n are pretty much non-existent, and we end up just saying, "Cue" with a lift at the end.

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    #32

    A Midwest vs. The Rest tweet showing an Illinois license plate and a large pothole, representing challenges in the Midwest.

    midwestern_ope Report

    Lotekguy
    Community Member
    Premium
    12 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Drivers from every Midwestern state think drivers from the closest adjacent state are the worst.

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    #35

    A humorous image showing multiple speed limit signs (35, 55, 20, 70) and a police car, depicting the Midwest's unique driving experience.

    midwestern_ope Report

    Khavrinen
    Community Member
    10 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Speeding tickets are the town's sole source of income.

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    #37

    A humorous map explaining the Midwest, labeled with terms like Hot dish, Cheese, Corn, and Great Lakes. Unique Midwest characteristics.

    TerribleMaps Report

    Glen Ellyn
    Community Member
    Premium
    12 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I beg your pardon. North Dakota is WIND. Seemingly always windy.

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    #40

    A humorous tweet from Iowa State University Police about excessive vaping on campus, making the Midwest view foggy.

    ISUPD Report

    ADHD
    Community Member
    8 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    imagine a university or school needing a police dept.

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    #42

    A refrigerator drawer overflowing with various types of packaged cheese, highlighting a unique Midwest characteristic.

    mccurry8 Report

    Sara G.
    Community Member
    2 hours ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Does it count if mines meat and cheese? lol Where else would I put my hot sticks? :)

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    #45

    A humorous tweet describing an awkward door-opening encounter, illustrating the unique Midwest experience.

    TFG870 Report

    Did I say that out loud?
    Community Member
    4 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Or you both say "after you " then you both try and get through the door at the same time.

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    #46

    A tweet from Onion Person, No matter how cold it is outside in the Midwest, someone is smoking a cigarette outside a bar.

    CantEverDie Report

    tracy black
    Community Member
    36 minutes ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    you cant smoke in a bar in the midwest??

    #47

    A tweet discussing Midwest culture: saying it feels nice out when it's 30 degrees. Unique Midwest insights.

    c1aar Report

    Fred
    Community Member
    10 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "mid 30s" means a couple of degrees above freezing.

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    #49

    A tweet by Dean Bean asking why people from the Midwest say melk instead of milk, highlighting Midwest uniqueness.

    Cyberbean143 Report

    Juls
    Community Member
    22 minutes ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Dialect. I have lost most of my Hoosier dialect, but I just can't make myself say "milk." It just sounds wrong to me. The Hoosier version of the word sounds more like "muelk." Very slight "u" sound.

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    #58

    A hand inside a car making a gesture, captioned Let's confuse non midwesterners, about The Midwest.

    midwestern_ope Report

    Alder
    Community Member
    8 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's pretty standard driving etiquette here in the UK!

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    #59

    A Midwest meme depicting Iowa returning to prairie and a chart showing plunging corn futures.

    SewerSocialism Report

    Kelly Scott
    Community Member
    53 minutes ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You know when you're out in the sticks in the Midwest when the hog and cattle prices are on the news.

    #61

    A tweet from Djew Holiday asking why Midwest people pronounce caramel as "Carmel." Unique Midwest insight.

    fureelfureel Report

    Juls
    Community Member
    19 minutes ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Dialect. Yes, accents are a thing that exists.

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    #62

    A tweet asking why Midwest households have beach-themed bathrooms, revealing unique Midwest quirks.

    emmakathleeennn Report

    emlab kerba
    Community Member
    11 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    the bathroom is the ocean, but the kitchen is a farm

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    #64

    A Midwestern field next to a dirt road, under a hazy sky, highlighting the unique Midwest landscape.

    IowaChill Report

    Kelly Scott
    Community Member
    47 minutes ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That was the view that broke me back there. And I can still feel the humidity.

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    #67

    A tweet about the Midwest, asking why people have a second fridge when their garage is a fridge for half the year.

    NotoriousBOG_ Report

    Helena
    Community Member
    12 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Keep the food warm in the winter, cold in the summer.

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