Uncover exceptional food, culture, and outdoor recreation in the most overlooked states throughout America.
Destinations such as California and New York attract hordes of tourists to their world-famous attractions. Consider a less popular state, like Nebraska or Rhode Island, to maximize your vacation time and budget.
These underrated U.S. states worth visiting at least once are the country’s best-kept secrets.
West Virginia
Visit West Virginia for a fun-filled vacation that won’t break the bank. The state is famous for its rugged mountains and quaint towns. Recreation opportunities range from whitewater rafting to camping and rock climbing. West Virginia is also home to New River Gorge, the country’s newest national park.
When you aren’t taking advantage of nature-based activities, stroll through the towns of Harpers Ferry or Fayetteville. You can shop for handmade goods, dine on tasty regional specialties, and learn about the state’s Civil War heritage.
Nebraska
There’s much more to Nebraska than meets the eye. Aside from its reputation as a major corn producer, Nebraska has expansive dark skies for stargazing, exclusive golf courses, and quirky monuments. The bustling cities of Lincoln and Omaha are ideal for shopping, touring museums, and sampling local cafes.
Venture off the beaten path at Carhenge, a unique ode to England’s Stonehenge landmark. At certain times of the year, a massive crane migration overtakes the Sandhill area and attracts photographers and birdwatchers.
New Hampshire
While most people visit New Hampshire in the autumn months, it’s picturesque any time of year. The state’s Kancamagus Highway is a premier destination for admiring fall foliage. Around September and October, the tree-lined scenic byway boasts stunning red, orange, and yellow leaves.
Visitors can lounge at Hampton Beach or hike Mount Washington during warmer months. Portsmouth, one of the country’s oldest cities, is also a must for riverside views and historic charm.
South Dakota
Consider South Dakota for your next family vacation. This state is steeped in history and outdoor scenery, offering fun for visitors of all ages. Mount Rushmore National Memorial is one of its most famous landmarks, though there’s much more to discover in the Badlands and Black Hills areas.
Step back in time with a trip to Deadwood, an 1870s town founded during the gold rush. The northeast region is excellent for camping and water sports on the lake. Meanwhile, central South Dakota is ideal for fishing and boating down the Missouri River.
Kentucky
Kentucky is an underrated destination for food and nature lovers. The state’s largest cities, Louisville and Lexington, combine history and innovation. These cultural hubs have thriving art communities, seasonal events, and delicious culinary scenes.
Consider embarking on an adventure along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail to visit legendary distilleries throughout the state. When you want to escape the city life, head to Mammoth Cave National Park or the Red River Gorge. Kentucky’s natural areas are scenic and provide ample recreation opportunities.
Missouri
You might be surprised by Missouri’s unique attractions and places to visit. Gateway Arch in St. Louis is a must-see. This one-of-a-kind monument towers over 600 feet in the air and overlooks the Missouri River.
Missouri also has over 6,300 recorded caves, some of which you can explore on guided or self-led tours. Don’t miss the Lake of the Ozarks, either. The massive body of water boasts 1,150 miles of coastline, more than California.
Idaho
The Gem State is an excellent place to witness some of the country’s finest wilderness. Thrill-seekers can whitewater raft or mountain bike amidst the pristine Idaho environment. For a slower change of pace, try wildlife watching at the state’s numerous refuges or stargazing at the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve.
Areas like Sun Valley and Boise highlight the French and Spanish communities that have influenced the region since the 1800s. Regardless of the season, there’s always something new to see or do in Idaho.
Rhode Island
Rhode Island’s natural beauty more than makes up for its compact size. As the country’s smallest state, many overlook Rhode Island as a travel destination. However, don’t skip its scenic coastal areas and charming cities. Wander through Newport and Providence for Victorian architecture and waterfront views.
A summer getaway lets you enjoy Rhode Island’s outdoor festivals and recreation areas. Meanwhile, winter is a fun time of year to visit for bustling Christmas markets, and postcard-worthy landscapes blanketed in snow.
Arkansas
With a stunning variety of outdoor areas, it’s unsurprising that Arkansas is nicknamed the Natural State. The state has a reputation for being incredibly warm and welcoming toward visitors. Its statewide attractions will pique the interest of history buffs, nature lovers, and art enthusiasts.
Unplug with a camping trip to Buffalo National River or admire 20th-century Hot Springs National Park bathhouses. Bentonville, the mountain biking capital of the world, is also home to the renowned Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. In Little Rock, tourists can learn about the city’s significance during the civil rights movement.
Alabama
Experience an authentic taste of Southern life in Alabama, which boasts Gulf of Mexico beaches, exciting cities, and pristine forests. As the birthplace of legendary artists like Hank Williams and Lionel Richie, music is deeply rooted in Alabama’s past. Enjoy the state’s thriving musical community through festivals and live entertainment venues.
When you crave surf and sand, escape to the beach towns of Gulf Shores or Orange Beach. Bring your appetite because destinations like Birmingham and Huntsville have impressive restaurants where you can sample Alabama classics like barbecue and fried catfish.
Minnesota
Minnesota may not be the first vacation spot that comes to mind, but it has a wealth of sights and activities. Outdoor adventures abound at the state’s waterfalls and parks. If you want to spend a day on the water, Minnesota has over 11,500 lakes to choose from.
Tap into the local arts scene at galleries, theaters, and museums in Minneapolis and Saint Paul. Regardless of age, everyone will have fun in this midwestern locale.
Wisconsin
Are you searching for a kid-friendly travel destination? Wisconsin has something for the entire family to enjoy. This one-of-a-kind state offers mouthwatering restaurants, thrilling water parks, and idyllic countryside.
Awaken your inner child by attending county fairs and exploring state parks. Spend a weekend in Wisconsin Dells, home to the world’s largest concentration of water parks. You’ll create lifelong memories savoring the simple life in Wisconsin.
Delaware
From relaxation to exploration, you can have it all in Delaware. This hidden gem has a variety of things to see and do year-round. Outdoor enthusiasts can kayak, hike, or bike in Delaware’s diverse state parks.
Head to Dewey or Rehoboth Beach for a charming waterfront getaway. Meanwhile, sprawling historic estates allow history and architecture lovers to return to the turn of the century.
Indiana
Journey to Indiana for high-speed thrills and marvelous natural wonders. Many car enthusiasts travel there to watch the annual Indy 500 race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
The state is also a hotspot for sporting events thanks to the NFL Colts and NBA Pacers teams. If you’d prefer a more peaceful trip, explore Indiana’s awe-inspiring underground caves or rolling dunes.
Get off the beaten path at these underrated US cities
Over-tourism is an increasingly prevalent issue in the travel community. Visit the country’s most underrated towns before it’s too late.
19 Most Underrated Cities in the US to Visit Before Tourism Ruins Them
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Elise Armitage is an entrepreneur and founder of What The Fab, a travel + lifestyle blog based in California. At the beginning of 2019, Elise left her corporate job at Google to chase her dreams: being an entrepreneur and helping women find fabulous in the everyday. Since then, she’s launched her SEO course Six-Figure SEO, where she teaches bloggers how to create a passive revenue stream from their website using SEO. Featured in publications like Forbes, Elle, HerMoney, and Real Simple, Elise is a firm believer that you can be of both substance and style.
