The Midwest is a region often neglected by travel books. This is true despite the region’s large population, beautiful natural features, and the number of people who vacation there.

This new volume by George Cantor takes the reader and traveler on a back-roads journey through the states of Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana. Before the superhighways, most roadways were trails used by Native Americans, pioneers, and farmers. Today many of these roads are designated scenic and/or historic. The author follows nineteen such roads and describes the events and personalities that are associated with the stops along the way.

The author points out the rich history of the Great Lakes region as he maps the route from the legacy of the Copper Country through the forts at Mackinac to Michigan’s Gold Coast. Cantor then takes us to Edison’s birthplace, the burial mounds of ancient cultures, and we are given a fine glimpse of Ohio’s Amish community. The combination of history, scenic photos, and descriptions will inspire many travelers and is sure to bring back fond memories for those who have traveled the roads presented here.

George Cantor is a writer for the Detroit News, a television and radio personality, and author of three Great Lakes Guidebooks published by the University of Michigan Press.