Major Physical Features of the U.S. Midwest

The Midwest's landscape is defined by:

• Great Lakes – Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, Ontario (largest freshwater system).
• Mississippi River – North America's longest, drains 10 states.
• Ohio River – Major Mississippi tributary.
• Great Plains – Western grasslands.
• Central Lowlands – Rolling hills/plains across much of region.
• Ozarks – Uplands in MO, AR, OK.
• Black Hills – Mountains in SD/WY.
• Driftless Area – Unglaciated region (WI, MN, IA, IL) with rugged topography.

These features shape climate, agriculture, transport, and settlement.