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Quiz: The 50 States - Midwest and Southwest

Test your understanding of the Midwest and related regions with these questions.

1. Why is the Midwest called "America's Breadbasket"?

  1. It has the most bakeries
  2. It produces huge amounts of corn, wheat, and other grains
  3. It has the most restaurants
  4. It invented sliced bread
Show Answer

The correct answer is B. The Midwest is called "America's Breadbasket" because the region produces enormous amounts of food, especially corn, wheat, and soybeans, thanks to its flat land and rich soil.

Concept Tested: Midwest Region

2. Which state produces more corn than any other?

  1. Kansas
  2. Nebraska
  3. Iowa
  4. Illinois
Show Answer

The correct answer is C. Iowa produces more corn than any other state. Iowa also raises more hogs than any other state.

Concept Tested: Iowa

3. What is the third-largest city in the United States?

  1. Los Angeles
  2. Houston
  3. Chicago
  4. Phoenix
Show Answer

The correct answer is C. Chicago, Illinois is the third-largest city in the United States. It's located on Lake Michigan and is a major transportation hub.

Concept Tested: Illinois

4. Which state is called "America's Dairyland"?

  1. Minnesota
  2. Wisconsin
  3. Michigan
  4. Indiana
Show Answer

The correct answer is B. Wisconsin is called "America's Dairyland" because it is famous for dairy farming and produces more cheese than any other state.

Concept Tested: Great Lakes States

5. What famous annual car race is held in Indianapolis, Indiana?

  1. Daytona 500
  2. NASCAR Championship
  3. Indianapolis 500
  4. Grand Prix
Show Answer

The correct answer is C. The Indianapolis 500 is a famous car race held in Indianapolis, Indiana every year. Indiana is known as the "Hoosier State."

Concept Tested: Indiana

6. What unique feature does Michigan have?

  1. It is the flattest state
  2. It has no lakes
  3. It is split into two separate peninsulas
  4. It has the most mountains
Show Answer

The correct answer is C. Michigan is unique because it's split into two parts: the Upper Peninsula and the Lower Peninsula, separated by the Straits of Mackinac but connected by a famous bridge.

Concept Tested: Michigan

7. Why is Minnesota called the "Land of 10,000 Lakes"?

  1. It actually has exactly 10,000 lakes
  2. It has over 11,000 lakes
  3. It has 10,000 rivers
  4. It borders 10,000 miles of ocean
Show Answer

The correct answer is B. Minnesota is called the "Land of 10,000 Lakes," but it actually has over 11,000 lakes! The Mississippi River begins at Lake Itasca in Minnesota.

Concept Tested: Minnesota

8. What famous monument is located in St. Louis, Missouri?

  1. Statue of Liberty
  2. Mount Rushmore
  3. Gateway Arch
  4. Lincoln Memorial
Show Answer

The correct answer is C. The Gateway Arch is located in St. Louis, Missouri. It's the tallest man-made monument in the United States and symbolizes St. Louis's role as the "Gateway to the West."

Concept Tested: Missouri

9. What is Kentucky famous for?

  1. Corn farming
  2. Horse racing and the Kentucky Derby
  3. Gold mining
  4. Technology companies
Show Answer

The correct answer is B. Kentucky is famous for horse racing, especially the Kentucky Derby—the most famous horse race in America, held every May.

Concept Tested: Kentucky

10. What makes Louisiana's culture unique?

  1. British influence
  2. French and Spanish heritage with Cajun and Creole traditions
  3. German traditions
  4. Asian influence
Show Answer

The correct answer is B. Louisiana has unique culture because of French and Spanish heritage. This shows in Cajun and Creole food, jazz music from New Orleans, and Mardi Gras celebrations.

Concept Tested: Louisiana

11. What is Florida called and why?

  1. The Empire State because of its size
  2. The Sunshine State because of its warm, sunny weather
  3. The Mountain State because of its peaks
  4. The Lone Star State because of its history
Show Answer

The correct answer is B. Florida is called the "Sunshine State" because it has warm, sunny weather most of the year. Florida is famous for beaches, theme parks, and oranges.

Concept Tested: Florida

12. Where did blues music originate?

  1. California
  2. New York
  3. Mississippi Delta region
  4. Texas
Show Answer

The correct answer is C. Blues music originated in the Mississippi Delta region. The state of Mississippi has rich musical history and is where many blues musicians got their start.

Concept Tested: Mississippi