Water is an important feature of the Midwest region. Four of the five Great Lakes touch the Midwest Region. Rivers and canals connect the lakes to the Atlantic Ocean. The Mississippi River begins in this region and flows to the Gulf of Mexico. Many barges and ships travel on these waters.

The Midwest weather can be severe. Winters are very cold and summers are very hot. Winters are long and harsh. Blizzards bring heavy snow and freezing winds. In the spring and summer, there are tornadoes with strong, whirling winds. Part of the Midwest region is called Tornado Alley.