Midwestern state with the best rural areas? (lake, water, river)

[ajf131]

I feel like too often that many states are judged solely by their big cities, especially here in the Midwest. So which state in the Midwest would you say has the best rural areas? (MO, IA, MN, WI, MI, IL, IN, OH, KS, NE, SD, ND)...please give an in-depth explanation of why you picked the states you picked. I rule the Great Plains states out immediately because of the vast majority of their rural areas. I like Missouri for the Ozarks in its southern half mainly, Michigan for the porcupines, and I've heard Northern Minnesota and Wisconsin are pretty great too...I also pick Ohio because of the Allegheny/Appalachian foothills in the southeastern/east central part of the state. These states in these parts impress me as far as landscape goes. Look forward to those answers.

[jonjj]

MIchigan because of it's miles and miles of shores and water. After that, I would pick Wisconsin and Minnesota for the same reasons.

[GraniteStater]

I like central and northern MN, northern WI, and northern MI including the UP.
I may be a bit biased due to my Norwegian heritage.

[JoshB]

I would have to choose Wisconsin... So many different landscapes. From the driftless area of Southwestern Wisconsin to the Northwoods of Wisconsin.

Here is a picture near Portage & Baraboo, Wisconsin (Below)


And here is a picture of Little St.Germain Lake in St.Germain, Wisconsin not to far from our cabin.

[JoshB]

Sorry that last post got screwed up here is the pic in St. Germain

[Dave1215]

Nebraska for the Sandhills. Also love the area along the Niobrara River - so scenic and peaceful