Skip to Content

20 of America’s Least Visited States – And Why They’re Ghosted

20 of America’s Least Visited States – And Why They’re Ghosted

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

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Sean Pavone

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

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Tupungato

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

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Amehime

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

Image Credit: Shutterstock / chasehunterphotos

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

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Sean Pavone

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

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Henryk Sadura

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

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Steve Heap

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

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Kristopher Kettner

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

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Nagel Photography

North Dakota, a state so cold and lonely, even the snowmen have packed up and moved south for a better social life.

11. Mississippi

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Sean Pavone

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

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Jon Bilous

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

Image Credit: Shutterstock / NickNack Films

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

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Sean Pavone

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

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Zorro Stock Images

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

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Sean Pavone

Oklahoma: Where the wind comes sweeping down the plain… and straight into your face, along with a healthy dose of existential despair.

5. Wyoming

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Oomka

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

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Nature’s Charm

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

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Sean Pavone

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

Image Credit: Shutterstock / James Griffiths Photo

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

Image Credit: Shutterstock / TripWalkers

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

view of alaska's mount denali reflected in calm wonder lake, with sunset light

Image Credit: Shutterstock / FloridaStock

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.

More From The Green Voyage

Top 10 Trending Travel Destinations 2024

6 Essential Banking Apps for International Travel – Managing Your Finances on the Go

Traveling With Kids – 10 Tips to Create Memorable Family Holidays

The post 20 of America’s Least Visited States – And Why They’re Ghosted first appeared on The Green Voyage.

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Traveller70.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.

Tips for Trip Success

Book Your Flight
Find an inexpensive flight by using Kayak, a favorite of ours because it regularly returns less expensive flight options from a variety of airlines.

Book Your Hotel or Special Accommodation
We are big fans of Booking.com. We like their review system and photos. If we want to see more reviews and additional booking options, we go to Expedia.

You Need Travel Insurance!
Good travel insurance means having total peace of mind. Travel insurance protects you when your medical insurance often will not and better than what you get from your credit card. It will provide comprehensive coverage should you need medical treatment or return to the United States, compensation for trip interruption, baggage loss, and other situations.Find the Perfect Insurance Plan for Your Trip

Related posts:

18 Astonishing Ways Travel Will Change in the Next 20 Years
Navigating the Tapestry: Montana’s Wild Heart vs. Washington’s Serene Soul
Top 20 U.S. States for an Idyllic Retirement
18 Travel Trends Set to Define 2024 - Charting the Course
Where Are the Hidden Gems Influencers Missed? 20 Secret Spots
22 Sun-Soaked Southeast Asian Beaches That Justify Emptying Your Savings
20 Overrated Places to Wipe off Your Bucket List
5 Trendy US Cities for a Last-Minute Summer Getaway
20 Unforgettable Romantic Escapes for Couples Across the USA
25 Foods From Around the World You Must Try Before You Die
Remote Work Revolution: Expanding Travel Horizons for American Digital Nomads
18 Incredible Places to Visit Before They Vanish
15 of the World’s Most Bizarre Natural Phenomena
Armed America: Exploring the Cultural and Economic Roots of U.S. Gun Ownership Trends
The 14 Deadliest Spiders on the Planet
21 Things to Teach Our Children to Save Their Planet
20 Best International Cities for American Street Performers
15 Preventative Health Checks That Can Save You Money
14 Surprising Things Outlawed in the US But Accepted Around the World
20 Essential Safety Tips for Your Kid's First International Adventure - No Matter Their Age
18 Unconventional Jobs That Take You Around the World
How Age and Income Shape Travel Choices
21 Things From the ‘70s That Wouldn't Fly in Today's Travel Scene
Empowerment in Action: 22 Pioneering Initiatives Uplifting Women Across the US
20 Top Vegan-Friendly Cities Perfect for American Travelers
20 Most Financially Challenging States in the U.S.: A Traveler’s Guide to Navigating Costs
15 Ways to Minimize Jetlag
20 Global Hotspots Where the U.S. Dollar Goes Further: Surprising Travel Destinations
21 Unconventional Travel Experiences Gen Z is Embracing: From Digital Nomadism to Social Impact Adve...
Virginia vs. North Carolina: The Ultimate Travel Championship – Who Scores the Win?