Welcome to the shadow realm of American tourism, where states languish in obscurity, their attractions as overlooked as your high school’s chess club president. Let’s embark on a saunter through the 20 states that tourists avoid like a group chat after 10 p.m. on a Friday. Brace yourself, as we uncover why these states are the wallflowers of the U.S. tourism dance.
20. Connecticut
Ah, Connecticut: the land of… well, we’re still trying to figure that out. It’s as if someone took the concept of excitement, put it in a nice suburban home, and then forgot about it.
19. Kansas
Kansas: where the state slogan might as well be “At least we’re not in Oz anymore.” If your idea of a good time is watching wheat grow and searching the horizon for something, anything, then you’ve hit the jackpot.
18. Idaho
Idaho, a state that’s more than just a vast potato conspiracy. It’s the perfect destination for those who thought “Into the Wild” was a how-to guide, not a cautionary tale.
17. Alabama
Alabama: rich in history, humidity, and college football. If you’ve ever wanted to sweat through your clothes while debating the outcomes of historic civil rights movements, welcome home.
16. Arkansas
Arkansas: It’s not the pronunciation that’s confusing; it’s why anyone would choose to vacation here when literally any other state exists.
15. Iowa
Ah, Iowa, where excitement goes to die and corn reigns supreme. It’s the place to be if your bucket list includes witnessing the life cycle of corn… and not much else.
14. West Virginia
West Virginia: come for the mountains, stay because you’ve accidentally wandered into a coal mine and can’t find your way back out.
13. Nebraska
Nebraska: Where “flat” is considered a topographical feature and not just a description of the soda you opened last week and forgot about.
12. North Dakota
North Dakota, a state so cold and lonely, even the snowmen have packed up and moved south for a better social life.
11. Mississippi
Mississippi: If you enjoy the sensation of being wrapped in a warm, wet blanket while exploring America’s complicated racial history, this is the spot for you.
10. Delaware
Delaware: So forgettable, even residents occasionally wake up wondering if they’ve somehow wandered into a liminal space between better-known states.
9. South Dakota
South Dakota: It’s got Mount Rushmore, and… well, that’s about it. It’s the state equivalent of a one-hit-wonder from the ’80s.
8. Rhode Island
Rhode Island: The state so small, you can tour its main attractions in the time it takes to finish a decent sandwich. It’s quaint, like your grandmother’s living room, but less exciting.
7. Montana
Montana: Where the “big sky” is really just compensation for the lack of anything else to look at. It’s the perfect state to visit if you’ve ever wanted to be outnumbered by cattle.
6. Oklahoma
Oklahoma: Where the wind comes sweeping down the plain… and straight into your face, along with a healthy dose of existential despair.
5. Wyoming
Wyoming: Home to more antelope than people and a sense of isolation that makes even the most introverted hermit say, “Maybe this is a bit much.”
4. Vermont
Vermont: The land of maple syrup and… more maple syrup. It’s like someone took the concept of fall and stretched it out for an entire state’s personality.
3. New Hampshire
New Hampshire: Its motto, “Live Free or Die,” is also the internal monologue you’ll have while stuck in traffic behind leaf peepers.
2. Maine
Maine: Known for lobsters, lighthouses, and a pervasive sense of “Why am I here again?” It’s the last stop before Canada and feels like it.
1. Alaska
Alaska: Because nothing says “adventure” like freezing temperatures, months of darkness, and casual encounters with bears. It’s the ultimate destination for those who thought, “I really liked ‘The Shining’ and wish I could live it.”
An Edgy Epilogue
These states, for all their quirks and quiet, are like the indie films of the U.S. tourism industry: not for everyone, but those who get it, really get it. Or maybe they’re just lost. Either way, here’s to exploring the road less traveled, preferably with a sense of humor and a reliable GPS.
The post 20 Least Visited States in America first appeared on Pulse of Pride.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Tupungato.
For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.
