Not every state gets a Statue of Liberty, or a Grand Canyon, or world-class white sandy beaches. But every state does have something unique and wonderful to bring to the table…you just have to look a little harder in those lesser-appreciated, under-rated states.
Obviously, every American has dreams of gazing out over the rim of the mighty Grand Canyon, taking a boat ride out to Ellis Island to admire the Statue of Liberty, or gazing in wonder at the blue-green water of tropical Florida. And rightly so! Those places are American staples…icons that we are all proud of.
BUT. There is way more out there. Treasure troves of lesser-known but not lesser-quality sites are hidden across our country.
But where to start? What if you wanted to veer off the beaten path, escape the bustle and crowds of the sites most traveled, and head somewhere that will leave you more than impressed?
Memory Bank has a list for you! These may be under-rated states, but what they have to offer rivals anything that the “Big Boys” have!
On The East Side Of The Country:
- Kentucky: Absolutely. Gorgeous. The rolling hills, the white picket fences, the world-class horses…and this is only one small part of this glorious state. If you visit in the Spring, around mid-April, the daffodils and tulips are everywhere! Incredible parks, such as the Daniel Boone National Forest and Natural Bridge State Park, boast stunning scenery and unique formations. And don’t forget the fantastic and educational Ark Encounter located in Williamstown. This one-of-a-kind life-sized replica of Noah’s Ark of the Old Testament draws visitors from around the world. And what’s a visit to Kentucky without checking out Mammoth Cave, the world’s longest cave system?
- Alabama: Definitely an under-rated state, and definitely worth visiting! Not only are there “secret” beaches along Alabama’s Gulf Coast that are equal in quality to Florida’s white sandy paradise, but they are FAR less crowded and expensive! The USS Alabama, a retired WW2 battleship, is parked nearby in the Mobile Bay and is open to visitors. Definitely a neat experience! Up in beautiful, rocky north Alabama you will discover caverns and waterfalls that are so mysterious and beautiful! Dismals Canyon, Little River Canyon, and Noccalula Falls are all worth visiting!
- West Virginia: John Denver sang about it, so it must be worth visiting. The New River Gorge National Park near Fayetteville is a dream for kayaking and hiking enthusiasts and for those who enjoy an incredibly scenic yet terrifying gigantic bridge! Visiting the Appalachian Mountains in the Fall, at peak fall color, will leave you speechless at the beauty…as well as thankful that you’re not fighting the crowds in Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge, TN. If you’re feeling really adventurous, West Virginia is home to the longest zip line in North America called The Big Zip! It reaches speeds of up to 50mph and is over 3,000 feet long!
On The West Side Of The Country:
- New Mexico: It’s called “The Land of Enchantment” for a reason! Even if there wasn’t one-of-a-kind scenery (which there is aplenty!) the food alone is reason to visit this lesser-known gem. Charming town squares with incredible art galleries and shops, which can be found in Santa Fe and Albuquerque, draw you in to a culture that is like nowhere else in the country. You can see ancient petroglyphs on the boulders right outside of Albuquerque and then hop on the Sandia Tram and ride the world’s 3rd longest tram ride to the top of the beautiful Sandia Mountains. White Sands National Park is one of the most beautiful and unique places in the country, with huge rolling dunes of sparkling white gypsum stretching for miles. And don’t forget, there’s always weird, conspiracy-theory-laden Roswell!
- Nevada: It’s not only dry and dusty…there’s much more to it! Of course there’s the Hoover Dam, which should be on every American’s bucket list. But when you venture out a little further, you’ll encounter the blue-green waters of Lake Tahoe, the fiery sandstone formations of Valley of Fire State Park, and the dramatic cliffs of the Red Rock Canyon. Great Basin National Park is home to pine trees that are over 3,000 years old! The Ruby Mountains, aka “The Alps of Nevada,” boast incredible meadows of wildflowers, and if you’re looking for a preserved 18th century mining town, Virginia City has its own saloon and cowboy atmosphere!
- Idaho: Everything in Idaho is big and wild and beautiful. Towering waterfalls such as Shoshone Falls, and deep gorges such as Hells Canyon are more than worth your time and effort. The single tallest sand dune in North America is located at Bruneau Dunes State Park. If you want to watch people be crazy, the Perrine Bridge is a majestic bridge that crosses the Snake River in southern Idaho and is a popular spot for base jumping. (Memory Bank recommends just watching!) McCall, Idaho is a lovely small mountain town that offers everything you could ever want to enjoy during an Idaho summer…hiking, sight-seeing, kayaking. You will not want to leave!
Hopefully this list gets you thinking…and gets you excited! Venture off the beaten path every now and then. Try something new and different. And then let us know at Memory Bank Road Trips all about it!
What are some under-rated states that you have visited?
What do you recommend, and not-so-much recommend?
Let us know in the comments!
If you’re interested in getting out and exploring some of the places mentioned above, Memory Bank offers handcrafted Road Trip Plans through the beautiful states of New Mexico and Alabama! Be sure to check them out!