After traveling solo through all 50 states, I’ve found that fall has a unique magic in every part of the country.

From the golden aspens of my current home in Colorado to New England’s bucket-list-worthy fiery maples, each region has its own seasonal beauty and charm.

However, one part of the country that has surprised me most is the Midwest. Despite being born and raised in Illinois, I didn’t appreciate the beauty and charm of this area in the fall until I moved away.

Often overlooked as “flyover country,” the Midwest transforms each autumn into a sight that, to me, rivals the more popular leaf peeping areas of the country.

Midwestern small…