Underrated States
States like California, New York, Texas, and Florida aren't lacking for tourists or people who want to visit the state. However, there are a bunch of states in the union that don't get the same kind of love from people, and aren't on people's bucket lists.
Looking at survey data, these are the 20 states that tourists have the least interest in visiting. But we're here to tell you that they should interest you—and why.
20: New Hampshire
Percentage of Tourists Interested in Visiting the State: 7.9%
Outdoor enthusiasts who think that Colorado, California, and Utah are the only states with mountains worth skiing down or hiking up are missing out.
Sseacord, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
20: New Hampshire
With the highest peaks in the North East, skiers will be set in New Hampshire, as will anyone looking for covered bridges and great rye. There are also almost 100 breweries and for Frank Lloyd Wright fans, you need to make a point of checking out the Toufic H Kalil House and Zimmerman House—both of which are open for visits.
Don Kasak, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
19: Indiana
Tourists Interested in Visiting the State: 7.9%
It has more than just the Indianapolis 500.
tpsdave, CC0, Wikimedia Commons
19: Indiana
Auto racing, the NFL, the NBA—sports fans won't be lacking for things to do. And as NFL-obsessives know, Indianapolis is the home of the NFL scouting combine every year as well. But even for non-sports fans, the state has plenty to offer—from Bloomington's music scene to Indiana Dunes National Park.
MC1 Daniel Hinton, Wikimedia Commons
18: Kentucky
Tourists Interested in Visiting the State: 7.5%
Before you go, make sure you know how to properly pronounce the name of the state's capital city, Louisville, like a local: "Loo-uh-vul".
Charles Delano, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
18: Kentucky
Highlights here include the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Bourbon (Kentucky produces 95% of the world's supply of bourbon whiskey). The state's food scene has become quite well-renowned lately and they are also home to the only assembly plant in the world that manufactures the Chevrolet Corvette.
Bidgee, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
17: Idaho
Tourists Interested in Visiting the State: 7.5%
More than just potatoes.
Frank Schulenburg, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
17: Idaho
From Redfish Lake to Sawtooth Mountains, the scenic beauty of Idaho is not to be missed. And as the seventh-least densely populated state in the country, you won't feel crowded or claustrophobic.
Karthikc123, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
16: Missouri
Tourists Interested in Visiting the State: 7.3%
If you're wondering how to pronounce it properly—surveys show that most residents say "Missour-ee", but there are those who prefer the "Missour-uh" pronunciation.
Daniel Schwenderivative, CC BY-SA 2.5, Wikimedia Commons
16: Missouri
Just in St Louis, you've got jazz, great bar-b-q, and the Gateway arch to check out. And you can't leave without at least trying some frozen custard.
Joditran, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
15: Rhode Island
Tourists Interested in Visiting the State: 7%
There's quite a bit to enjoy in the smallest state in the union.
Kenneth C. Zirkel, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
15: Rhode Island
On your Rhode Island trip, you'll want to take the Newport cliff walk in Newport, enjoy one of the great restaurants in Providence, and stop by Pawtucket while you're there as well. You could even take in a polo match should you so desire.
Gary Brownell, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
14: Alabama
Tourists Interested in Visiting the State: 6.9%
Roll Tide!
WeaponizingArchitecture, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
14: Alabama
History buffs will enjoy visiting the many Civil Rights landmarks and space buffs will want to spend some time at the US Space & Rocket Center museum (including space camp).
James E. Scarborough, CC BY 1.0, Wikimedia Commons
13: Vermont
Tourists Interested in Visiting the State: 6.5%
Can you say "artisanal"?
Michelle Maria, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
13: Vermont
Farm to table restaurants, craft beers, great skiing, and in the fall....the colors are amazing. And who doesn't love a good ol' general store? Are we right?
Adair Mulligan, Wikimedia Commons
12: Minnesota
TouristsInterested in Visiting the State: 6.5%
Lots of Lakes!
AlexiusHoratius, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
12: Minnesota
Minnesota comes about its nickname honestly. The "Land of 10,000 Lakes" has over 14,000 bodies of fresh water covering at least 10 acres each. Time in the "twin cities" of Minneapolis and Saint Paul will also yield lots of good food, friendly people, and more art and culture than you may have expected.
11: West Virginia
Tourists Interested in Visiting the State: 5.8%
Are you singing the song in your head right now also?
Daniel G. Rego, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
11: West Virginia
For those who live there, West Virginia is—to quote the John Denver song—"almost heaven". From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Shenandoah River, it is a sight to behold. The state also boasts the 25-mile North Fork Mountain Trail—which the International Mountain Bicycling Association has called "epic".
Asilverstein, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
10: South Dakota
Tourists Interested in Visiting the State: 5.2%
Raise your hand if you like national parks.
Unknown Artist, Wikimedia Commons
10: South Dakota
South Dakota has two great national parks (Badlands National Park and Wind Cave National Park) that, just like the state itself, are under visited. Meaning you can enjoy them without too many crowds (at least for now).
vwcampin, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
9: Delaware
Tourists Interested in Visiting the State: 5.2%
Did we mention the tax-free shopping?
Cargoudel, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
9: Delaware
Delaware was the first state to ratify the Constitution back in 1787 and that is just one of the things that will intrigue American history buffs about the state. With Rehoboth Beach, they also sport one of the best beaches on the entire east coast of the country.
Dough4872, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
8: Arkansas
Tourists Interested in Visiting the State: 5%
Don't forget your mountain bike.
xiquinhosilva, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
8: Arkansas
The biggest attraction in the state has got to be Hot Springs National Park—one of the 20 most visited national parks in America. The natural hot springs are a must experience.
Linda Tanner, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
7: Alaska
Tourists Interested in Visiting the State: 5%
Not easily accessible...but worth it.
Quintin Soloviev, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
7: Alaska
Outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking a wilderness unlike anything else in the country have to make Alaska a priority. From the parks to the glaciers, it is an experience like no other state can offer.
ThreeIfByBike, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
6: Iowa
Tourists Interested in Visiting the State: 5.9%
Winterset, Iowa is the birthplace of John Wayne.
Cburnett, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
6: Iowa
Some of you might also remember that Iowa is where The Bridges of Madison County is set. It's also where they filmed the movie, should you want to check out certain locations from the film.
SanjayFays, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
5: Mississippi
Tourists Interested in Visiting the State: 5.8%
The birthplace of the blues.
CHUCK KELLY, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
5: Mississippi
Obviously, you're going to find great music here. But there are also some good beaches and plenty for history buffs to explore as well.
Deisenbe, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
4: Oklahoma
Tourists Interested in Visiting the State: 4.4%
A must-stop along Route 66.
Lillie-Beth Brinkman, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
4: Oklahoma
Tulsa has an impressive arts scene with its own philharmonic, ballet, and a couple great museums. Then head to Oklahoma City for a thriving food scene—and along Route 66, you'll have to take a photo of the Blue Whale of Catoosa.
TheWhitePelican, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
3: Nebraska
Tourists Interested in Visiting the State: 3.7%
Have you ever tried a Runza?
Alp08182, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
3: Nebraska
The Cornhusker State isn't top on many people's lists of must-visit states, but that doesn't mean it shouldn't be on top of yours. From Chimney Rock to Scotts Bluff National Monument there is natural beauty all around Nebraska. And if you're a little older, you might want to do more than just visit. US News & World Report called Lincoln, Nebraska, the state capital, one of the 10 best places to retire in the United States.
Leaflet, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
2: Kansas
Tourists Interested in Visiting the State: 3.7%
You're not in Kansas anymore—but maybe you should be.
Seraph1888, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
2: Kansas
Strained Wizard of Oz reference aside—Wichita, Kansas is a vibrant city and the state has some of the most beautiful rural areas in the country. In fact, if you want to move out to one of these rural areas, the state will pay your income taxes for five years.
Quintin Soloviev, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
1: North Dakota
Tourists Interested in Visiting the State: 3.2%
The fewest number of tourists surveyed said that they had interest in visiting North Dakota.
Aaronyoung777, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
1: North Dakota
Why don't more people want to visit North Dakota? We don't know. But why should you? That we do know. Besides the 63 national wildlife refuges and 13 state parks—the visitors center in Fargo has the actual wood chipper from the Fargo movie.
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