The Most Underrated U.S. States That Should Be on Your Travel Bucket List

The most visited states in the U.S. are California, Florida, Nevada, Texas, and New York. They have become popular tourist destinations due to their vibrant cities and famous landmarks, however, while there’s a high probability that you’ve already visited these states, there are others that will also be worth your time.

So, taking into consideration that Americans are banned from traveling to Europe this summer due to the current threat situation caused by the coronavirus, you should definitely rethink your travels. Plus, the U.S. State Department continues to advise U.S. citizens to avoid all international travel.

Keep yourself and others safe by enjoying the most underrated states that definitely deserve a top spot on your travel bucket list.

1. Rhode Island

Being called the Ocean State, Rhode Island has 400 miles of coastline and this is quite impressive for a state that is only 37 miles wide and 48 miles long. Even if Rhode Island is not actually an island, it still has plenty of charm due to its small New England towns such as New Port, New Shoreham and Little Compton.

Best things to do in Rhode Island. The smallest state in size in our country hides a lot of Instagram gems. While you’re here, you can not miss the International Tennis Hall of Fame, the Roger Williams Park Zoo, the Newport Cliffs and Mansions, Fort Adams State Park, the oldest Synagogue in the USA (Touro Synagogue), and the Mohegan Bluffs.

2. South Dakota

The Midwestern U.S. state, South Dakota is full of culture, art and history. You will never get bored here, especially if you decide to explore it during summer. Wrongly named the Middle of Nowhere, this state has a lot to offer to its visitors. From fun outdoor activities like hiking or boating to enjoying the taste of South Dakota’s favorite foods (such as chislic), this travel destination will exceed your expectations.

Best things to do in South Dakota. Make sure you’ll visit the third-longest cave in the world, Jewel Cave National Monument, Black Hills National Forest, Badlands National Park, Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Crazy Horse Memorial, Mammoth Site, and Old Courthouse Museum, a restored 1800s quartzite building.

3. Vermont

Known for its stunning landscape and being the home of maple syrup, Vermont is a state in the northeastern United States that is adored by avid outdoors travelers due to its spectacular mountains (such as Killington and Mount Abraham). In other words, this state offers a wide range of beautiful scenery.

Best things to do in Vermont: Step outside of your comfort zone and explore Lake Champlain—according to Samuel de Champlain, for whom the lake is named, a 20-foot serpent-like creature swims in the lake. If you will survive the canoe ride, do not miss Shelburne Museum, Hildene, Montshire Museum of Science, and Quechee Gorge.

4. Montana

This states has several unofficial nicknames such as “Big Sky Country” and “The Treasure State,” the latter being born due to the state’s abundant natural resources (copper, silver, gold, and gemstones). The first thing that pops into our heads when thinking about Montana is Glacier National Park. However, there are so many other things we would rather do while visiting this state.

Best things to do in Montana: If you’re asking us, you should definitely spend your trip at Flathead Lake, Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, Ringing Rocks, The Museum of the Rockies, The Garden of One Thousand Buddhas, and, of course, the Yellowstone National Park.

5. Idaho

Idaho is most definitely a camper’s paradise! So, if you’ve been craving for a week in nature, this state is the answer to all your prayers. Famous for mountainous landscapes and outdoor recreation areas, “The Gem State” borders six U.S. states (Washington, Oregon, Nevada, Utah, Montana, Wyoming) and one Canadian province.

Best things to do in Idaho: For all camp enthusiasts, Sawtooth National Recreation Area goes out to you! If you love spending time in nature, you simply cannot miss 700 miles of hiking and equestrian trails, 40 peaks rising over 10,000 feet, and 50 established campgrounds to choose from. We also recommend Lake Coeur d’Alene, Hell’s Canyon, and Shoshone Falls, a.k.a. “Niagara of the West.”

6. New Mexico

Featuring one of most beautiful and diverse landscapes in North America, New Mexico offers endless exploration spots—you just have to be patient until you get there, because adventure awaits at every single corner. Plus, New Mexico comes with a distinctive cuisine, so you should definitely try carne adovada and posole.

Best things to do in New Mexico: Carlsbad Caverns National Park is our first pick due to its marvelous geological formations. After exploring this hidden beauty, you must visit White Sands National Monument, Bandelier National Monument, Petroglyph National Monument, Taos Pueblo, Manby Hot Springs, and Wheeler Peak Wilderness.

7. Arkansas

The main reason why you should visit Arkansas is its incredible outdoors. Bordering the Mississippi River, the state is well known for its wilderness areas, mountains, caves, rivers and hot springs. Here you’ll see America’s first national river, the Buffalo which flows 135 miles through an incredible section of the Ozark Mountains.

Best things to do in Arkansas: Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum, Mount Magazine State Park, a church made almost entirely of organic materials, Thorncrown Chapel, and, of course, Hot Springs National Park are spots you must visit while enjoying  “The Natural State.”