Road-tripping around the United States is a great way to see the country. Along the way, there are plenty of famous landmarks and monuments to see, like the Statue of Liberty in New York, the Space Needle in Seattle, and the iconic arch in St. Louis.
However, some visitors prefer to see something different and want to explore more unusual parts of the U.S. So we put together a list of some of the most underrated landmarks in every state to help you find those hidden gems. To create the list 24/7Tempo reviewed travel sites, Reddit threads, and state tourism sites to find some unique spots to visit in all fifty states. (If you love to travel, check out 13 Must-See Attractions Across the U.S.)
Alabama
When visiting Alabama, many folks head straight to the Vulcan Statue or the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, but the state has more to offer. One fun thing to see is Mobile’s Carnival Museum, which celebrates 300 years of Mardi Gras celebrations and traditions in the state.
Alaska
When most visitors head to Alaska, they want to explore Denali National Park or see the aquarium in Seward. But the most impressive thing to see in Alaska is the fjords. The massive glaciers are awe-inspiring, and the frigid waters are teeming with sea life. You won’t regret taking a boat tour to see Alaska’s majestic fjords.
Arizona
When people think of Arizona, they think of the Grand Canyon. But the state has more to see than just a big hole in the ground, like the magical city of Sedona. It is a lively little town filled with beauty and art. Visitors can explore the artistic community or hike the stunning trails. The red glow from the mountain backdrop is guaranteed to ignite that creative spark in every visitor.
Arkansas
Arkansas is a beautiful state with a lot of parks and natural beauty, but there is also an interesting little museum that visitors shouldn’t miss. The ESSE Purse Museum in Little Rock tells the story of women’s rights through the lens of purses and their contents. It is the perfect place to start a conversation about the role of women in U.S. history.
California
There is no denying the appeal of California’s most famous amusement parks like Disneyland and Knotts Berry Farm. But there is another family-friendly place that has fewer visitors and shorter lines, Legoland. Legoland is the perfect place for kids and adults to explore.
Colorado
Colorado has no shortage of ski resorts and hiking trails. The state is well-known to outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. However, one underrated place is the Garden of the Gods. It is a National Natural Landmark with sandstone and stunning vistas. Visitors can explore the area and hike, bike, and even rock climb.
Connecticut
Connecticut has many old historical places to see, such as the Mark Twain House and Museum and the Crypt at Center-Church-on-the-Green. However, visitors to Connecticut should also check out the quirky Gillette Castle. The gigantic stone castle was the home to the eccentric American actor William Gillette, who was best known for playing Sherlock Holmes. After his death in 1937, the estate was turned into a museum filled with his rare oddities.
Delaware
There is so much history in such a small state that it may be hard to decide what to see in Delaware. Our pick is the Shipwreck Museum which holds all kinds of interesting things from shipwrecks all along the Atlantic seaboard; you never know what you will find in the evergrowing and changing collection.
Florida
Florida gets a bad rep, but it shouldn’t because it’s a beautiful state with white beaches and family-friendly places like Disney World. But there is one place that will really impress: the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge. This animal sanctuary boasts that it is the only place in the United States where visitors can actually swim with the local gentle giants, the manatees.
Georgia
Georgia is the gem of the South, with historic towns like Savannah and a lovely little coastline. One place that tourists often miss is Cumberland Island, which is Georgia’s largest barrier island. The isolated island is best known for its pristine beaches and the wild horses that run on them.
Hawaii
Tiki culture, blue waters, and tropical vibes are why people visit Hawaii. Tourists have so many options when it comes to exploring the island, from hiking waterfalls and volcanoes to exploring the bustling nightlife and shopping centers. However, one place that not many visitors see is the Hamakua Chocolate Farm. The farm offers chocolate tasting and is dedicated to the cultivation of cacao. This is a must-see for chocolate lovers.
Idaho
Idaho is often associated with the Old West and mining. It was the first stop on the gold rush migration and was well-known for its many precious gemstones. Tourists can visit old ghost towns and mining shafts, but one even spookier experience is visiting the Old Idaho Penitentiary. It was built in 1807 and has housed all kinds of scoundrels and scandals throughout its over 100 years of operation. It is an unusual piece of history that is worth a visit.
Illinois
If you are looking for something extra to do in Illinois, then the Historic Museum of Torture Devices is for you. This place has creepy exhibits and takes a look at historical dark times. It probably isn’t ideal for families because of the subject matter, but it is a unique place to learn about the past.
Indiana
For those interested in psychiatry and early medicine, a trip to the Indiana Medical History Museum is a good place to explore. The museum was originally the Central State Hospital, built in 1896, and is on the register for the National Register of Historic Places.
Iowa
Most people think of corn fields and wide open spaces when they think of Iowa. The Iowa State Fair brings in visitors from all over the country, and the amusement parks are popular attractions, but there are other interesting spots in the state. For visitors who like spooky places drenched in macabre history, there is the Villisca Axe Murder House. The house was the site of the multiple murders in 1912 and has been renovated to look exactly as it did that horrible night. Brave visitors can stay the night in the house or just do a day tour. The house is on the National Register of Historic Places and is believed to be haunted. If that is a bit too scary, you can also see the American Gothic House from the American Gothic House from Grant Wood’s well-known painting.
Kansas
When you visit Kanasa, it makes sense to see something from the Wizard of Oz, like the Oz Museum in Wamego or Dorothy’s House in the Land in Oz in the town of Liberal. But, after you get your fix on Wizard of Oz memorabilia, you should visit The Garden of Eden. This unusual site was built by a Civil War veteran in 1904 who was looking for the meaning of life and created a garden of sculptures telling the story of the Garden of Eden.
Kentucky
Many visitors come to see and be seen at the Kentucky Derby. But for those who find the Derby unpleasant, a trip to Mammoth Cave National Park is a better place to get acquainted with the state.
Louisiana
Alligators are dark grey or blackish in outer color. (Source: WGN Photos / Shutterstock.com)
A trip to Louisiana isn’t complete without a stop in New Orleans to experience the fun on the iconic Bourbon Street. The town, known for its impressive Mardi Gras celebration, is surprisingly close to Bayou Segnette State Park. The park is a short thirty-minute car ride from the city and makes a great day trip. Tourists can see the swamps and wetlands that make up the geography of Louisiana.
Maine
Maine is known for its rocky coastline, delicious lobster, and maple syrup. One of the most underrated places in Maine is the island of Monhegan. The island is ten miles off the coast and only accessible by boat. It is a charming, albeit remote, place to visit.
Maryland
Most visitors vacationing in Maryland head straight to the seaside in Ocean City, but for history buffs, the interesting thing about Maryland is the historic city of Baltimore. One cool thing to see is the Pride of Baltimore, a reconstruction of an early 19th-century Baltimore clipper ship. You can book a tour and sail around for the day, learning about the history of the port of Baltimore.
Massachusetts
The Museum of Bad Art in Boston celebrates the art that doesn’t quite fit into the structure and style of more celebrated artists and art. It is a place where creativity meets the desire to create. And the process is more important than the final product. After you have seen all the more traditional Boston sites, you should visit this one-of-a-kind museum.
Michigan
Michigan is surrounded by water, with Lake Superior to the north and Lake Michigan and Lake Huron to the sides. While those lakes are exciting and get the most visitors, there is another lake that is less popular, Lake Higgins. It sits in the middle of the state, and it is one of the most underrated places in Michigan. The crystal clear, pristine water makes it feel like a tropical getaway.
Minnesota
Minnesota is known as the land of 10,000 lakes. So, it makes sense to want to explore some of them. One interesting place to visit is Voyageurs National Park. The park has 218,055 acres of land to explore on foot or on the water. It is open year-round and one of the most pristine places in the U.S.
Mississippi
Today, Mississippi is a popular place where you can hit the slot machines and hope Lady Luck smiles down. But those looking for other ways to see the south may want to visit the Mc Craven House. The historic house has seen many owners and is believed to be haunted by a few of them. The land that surrounded the house was a place of battles during the Civil War and served as a makeshift clinic at one point. Take a tour and learn about the deep roots the house and the land have in the past. And if you are lucky, you may even see a ghost.
Missouri
The most famous landmark in Missouri is the St. Louis Arch, but the Ozark National Scenic Riverways is worth your time. The park has lots of things to explore, like caves, trails, freshwater springs, and more. You can see wildlife and experience the natural beauty of this lesser-visited part of Missouri.
Montana
Montana has no shortage of beautiful parks, from Glacier National Park to Yellowstone. The state is home to majestic mountains and an abundance of wildlife. Visitors come to Montana to see bears and wolves, but there is one place that many visitors overlook, which is called the Smithsonian of the West or the Miracle of America Museum. The museum consists of 35 buildings filled with oddities of the past. There are so many artifacts, antiques, and rare objects that you could spend a whole day there.
Nebraska
Many visitors spend their time in Omaha at the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, which is definitely worth a visit. However, another local museum, the Durham Museum, deserves some time too. The museum features traveling exhibits that will knock your socks off.
Nevada
There is no shortage of things to see and do in Las Vegas, from live shows to gambling to people-watching. When you visit Vegas, make sure to leave some room for the Burlesque Hall of Fame. It is a place dedicated to the art form and history of burlesque.
New Hampshire
Fall is the best time to visit New England when the leaves are colorful, and the air is crisp. The autumn is the perfect time to explore the dark history of New Hampshire on the Haunted Walking Tour in Portsmouth. The tour winds through downtown Portsmouth and passes all the haunted hot spots with tales of the past. It’s an excellent way to learn more about the history of Portsmouth.
New Jersey
Atlantic City and the infamous Jersey Shore are popular attractions in the Garden State, but if you are looking for an unforgettable experience, check out Luna Parc. It is the home and studio of artist Ricky Boscarino. The house and studio are like a living piece of art and are open for tours. Book online and spend the afternoon immersed in a colorful display of creative energy.
New Mexico
When you go to New Mexico, it is hard to resist the pull to visit Roswell or the turquoise trail. However, there is one place that you may not know about, and that is the Loretto Chapel and the miraculous stairwell. It is in the heart of Santa Fe, and it tells a controversial story of a carpenter who performed a miracle in the small church. Visit the site and see for yourself.
New York
After you hit all the New York hot spots like the Statue of Liberty and Times Square, be sure to save time at the Museum of Food and Drink. The places explore the culinary traditions and cultural impact of cuisine. It’s an often overlooked museum but definitely worth your time, especially if you consider yourself a foodie.
North Carolina
The Country Doctor Museum in Bailey, North Carolina, is the oldest museum completely focused on the history of healthcare in rural America. It is a fascinating look into the way medicine has evolved throughout the years. Whether you are in the healthcare field or just interested in history, the museum does not disappoint.
North Dakota
North Dakota is one of the least populated states and not a place you would think to find a castle, but there is one in Rolette County, North Dakota, called the Coghlan Castle. It has been listed on the National Registry of Historic Places since 2008. The abandoned castle is made from local granite and is one of the oddities you can find in the state.
Ohio
Zoar is a small community in Ohio that was founded by German separatists in 1817 as a radical utopian Christian community. The quaint little village was most productive during the 1850s, and later, the communal style of living was abandoned at the turn of the century. The town is on the National Registry of Historic Places, and visitors can come to see the old buildings and antique shops. These days, it’s a tourist spot for artists and craftsmen to show off their wares.
Oklahoma
Fans of the television series “Bones” will appreciate the bone museum called, Skeletons: The Museum of Osteology in Oklahoma City. The whole place is dedicated to the study of bones, and its claim to fame is it’s the only museum of its kind in the U.S.
Oregon
Portland and its quirky vibe, excellent donuts, and creative style get all of the attention, but Oregon has quite a few hidden gems. When you visit Oregon, be sure to visit the Oregon coast, and on your way there, stop in the small town of Tillamook to see the Tillamook Cheese Factory. Take a tour and see how cheese is made, and at the end of the tour, enjoy cheese tasting at the gift shop. When your belly is full of delicious cheese, head down the coast to see the famous Sea Lion Caves.
Pennsylvania
If you are in Pennsylvania and looking for something a little different, check out the Historic Ephrata Cloister. The deeply religious movement was founded in 1732 and focused on living a devout life of celibacy, discipline, and prayer. The historic buildings still stands, and tours take visitors through the movement and its lasting impact on the community.
Rhode Island
The whimsical Green Animals Topiary Garden in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, is a 7-acre park filled with over 80 topiary animals and figures. The estate overlooks the beautiful Narragansett Bay and is great for an afternoon stroll.
South Carolina
Most visitors to South Carolina hit Myrtle Beach, but the state has some other cool places to explore, like Congaree National Park. This beautiful park is one of the least-visited national parks in the U.S.
South Dakota
If you think there is nothing to see in South Dakota then think again. South Dakota resident and artist Wayne Porter has created a magical park with larger-than-life metal sculptures called Porter Sculpture Park. The roadside attraction offers self-guided tours.
Tennessee
Nashville and country music are Tennesses’s gift to the world. But if you’re looking for something different, visit Historic Rugby Colony. The village was founded in 1880 by a British author who was looking for a quiet existence. The place is a mix of historical nostalgia and natural beauty.
Texas
At the National Museum of Funeral History in Houston, visitors learn all about funerals throughout history and celebrate life and the afterlife. It’s a fascinating museum full of interesting but macabre tidbits.
Utah
Utah has many incredible spots to visit, like Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon, but one smaller place to see is 17 Room Ruin in Bluff. The ruin is located on the Navajo Reservation and is a 100-foot deep alcove with 17 rooms clinging to the cliffside. It is believed to be an Ancestral Puebloan ruin from the 1200s.
Vermont
Over the years, ice cream makers Ben and Jerry have created some amazing flavor combinations, but not all of them have been successful. When you visit the Ben and Jerry’s Flavor Graveyard, you can learn which ones were laid to rest, never to be seen in stores again.
Virginia
Chincoteague is an island near the Chincoteague National Refuge. It is known for the Chincoteague ponies that are raised there. The resort island has a lot to offer visitors looking for a relaxing getaway.
Washington
In southern Washington State, right along the Columbia River Gorge, there is a life-size replica of Stonehedge. It was built as a WWI memorial by the eccentric Sam Hill. A few miles away is the Maryhill Museum of Art, which houses sculptures by Rodin and other pieces from Queen Marie of Romania’s collection. It is odd to find so much beauty in such a remote place.
West Virginia
In Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, you can find a wax museum that traces the life story of abolitionist John Brown. The John Brown Wax Museum features wax figures in battle and daily life. It is a unique place where you can learn about the history of the area.
Wisconsin
If you like clowning around and love history, then a stop at the International Clown Hall of Fame will be worth it. The site is in Baraboo, Wisconsin, and traces the history and personal stories of the clowns of the past.
Wyoming
Yellowstone National Park gets a lot of visitors, so if you are looking for a less populated experience, try the Hot Springs State Park. Thermal indoor and outdoor pools offer a healing soak and beautiful surroundings.