Episode 8

What the Heck is a Small Town?

Published on: 8th February, 2026

Midwest Small Town — Episode: “What the Heck Is a Small Town?”

What actually makes a small town… a small town? Is it population size, a single stoplight, or the fact that everyone knows your business before you do? In this episode of Midwest Small Town, we dig into the many definitions of “small town” and why the answer depends on who you ask.

Along the way, we visit a handful of towns across the Midwest, comparing numbers, vibes, histories, and lived experiences. From blink-and-you-miss-it places to towns that feel small no matter how big they get, we explore what ties these communities together—and what sets them apart. Whether you grew up in a small town, or are just small-town curious, this episode sets the foundation for everything that comes next. 🌽🏘️

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About the Podcast

Midwest Small Town

Welcome to Midwest Small-Town
Where to Go, Stay, and Play in the Midwest

We’re on a mission to uncover the charm, character, and hidden gems of small-town America—one Midwest town at a time. Through engaging videos and our companion podcast, we take you on the road to explore unique places to visit, stay, eat, and experience across the Heartland.

But we’re more than just travel guides.
At Midwest Small-Town, we believe the future of America is found in its small towns. Our real passion is to inspire people to “Go Small and Come Home”—whether that means planning your next weekend trip, relocating to a quieter life, or even starting a business in a place where community still matters.

If you're looking for authentic stories, beautiful backroads, and real people making a difference in their hometowns, you’re in the right place.

Subscribe and join us as we rediscover the soul of America—right here in the Midwest.

About your host

Daniel Cline

Dan is the host of "Midwest Small Town" a podcast shining a light on Small Town U.S.A., exploring where to go, stay, and play across the American Midwest—while sharing the stories that make the Heartland unforgettable. Hosted by Dan, the show dives into local history, hidden gems, and the backroads most travelers miss.
Dan’s passion for the region runs deep. After years of documenting abandoned places and forgotten history on his original channel, Midwest Ghost Town, he merged that love of storytelling into one home—Midwest Small Town. From thriving main streets to long-forgotten ghost towns, each episode celebrates the people, places, and past that define the Midwest.
New episodes drop weekly, inviting listeners to slow down, explore deeper, and discover the stories waiting just beyond the highway.