Best Colleges for History in the Midwest?

I've lived in the Midwest all my life and would like to stay close to home for College. But as a history buff, I want to choose a college that has a solid history program. Can you help me out?

Absolutely, I can provide some suggestions for midwestern schools with fantastic history programs:

1. University of Chicago: Known worldwide for its rigorous academics and intellectual environment, UChicago boasts a strong History Department. Students have the opportunity to delve into various historical periods and regions, enhancing their research skills through direct engagement with primary sources.

2. Northwestern University: Situated near Chicago, Northwestern's history program offers an extensive range of course options. Students not only learn about past events but also examine historical methods and theory.

3. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor: UMich has a broad History Department, with faculty specializing in a wide range of geographical areas and time periods. As a large, public university, UMich also offers numerous research opportunities.

4. University of Wisconsin, Madison: UW Madison's history program gives students a lot of leeway in exploring their interests. The department emphasizes research and writing skills, which are beneficial for any future historians.

5. University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign: UIUC offers strong overall academics, including an expansive history department. The program encourages students to work closely with faculty in researching, analyzing, and writing historical narratives.

6. Grinnell College: This liberal arts college in Iowa often ranks highly for history and is known for small class sizes, which facilitates close interaction with professors.

Remember, the best college for you will depend not just on the strength of the history program, but also on other factors such as class size, extracurricular opportunities, the campus climate, and financial aid offerings. Good luck with your search!