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The best hidden gem in every state



Slide 1 of 51: Popular tourist attractions like the Empire State Building, Mount Rushmore, and the Golden Gate Bridge are popular for a reason, but sometimes places that are just as deserving of our attention go relatively unnoticed. From small towns to secluded natural spots to strange roadside attractions, here are the best hidden gems and well-kept secrets that every state in America has to offer.
Slide 2 of 51: Constructed over the course of five decades by Brother Joseph Zoettl, a Benedictine monk in Alabama’s St. Bernard Abbey, the Ave Maria Grotto in Cullman is a four-acre park comprised of 125 miniature reproductions of famous religious shrines and buildings from around the world, such as Saint Peter’s Basilica and the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes.
Slide 3 of 51: Seeing as though it’s by far the biggest state, it should come as no surprise that Alaska is full of hidden gems, but perhaps the best-kept secret is the stunning glacial Eklutna Lake, located just outside of Anchorage and popular among locals for its stunning views and miles of scenic trails that allow you to explore the Alaskan wilderness up close.
Slide 4 of 51: Known for its rich reserves of minerals, Verde Valley is sometimes referred to as the state’s “other Grand Canyon.” The best way to explore the area is through the Verde Canyon Railroad, described as “a 4-hour, 20-mile journey through 110 years of history.”

Slide 5 of 51: Cinephiles may recognize North Little Rock’s Old Mill from the opening scenes of Gone with the Wind. Though built in 1933, T. R. Pugh Memorial Park was made to look like a gristmill from the 1880s. It’s the perfect spot for a wedding or photo session. See photo on Facebook
Slide 6 of 51: From the Golden Gate Bridge to Yosemite National Park to Big Sur, California is home to some of the most popular attractions in the country, but what about the less-touristy destinations, like the small village of Murphys? Located just outside of Sacramento, this unincorporated village has been recognized as one of the best wine regions in the state, and you won’t have to deal with big crowds.
Slide 7 of 51: Despite having been named the “Most Fun Town in America” by USA Today in 2011, the beautiful mountain town of Glenwood Springs still remains Colorado’s best-kept secret, where you’ll find no shortage of nature, the world's largest hot mineral springs pool, a rich history and growing culture, and plenty of shops and restaurants.
Slide 8 of 51: History buffs will appreciate Fort Griswold in Groton, the site of one of the most significant battles during the Revolutionary War. The Fort Griswold Monument stands in commemoration of the 85 Americans who lost their lives to Benedict Arnold and the British forces during the Battle of Groton Heights.
Slide 9 of 51: Nicknamed “The Small Wonder,” Delaware itself is something of a hidden gem, which makes the Russell W. Peterson Urban Wildlife Refuge—situated on 212 acres of freshwater tidal marsh in Wilmington, and home to many interesting birds, fish, insects, and reptiles—a hidden hidden gem.

Slide 10 of 51: With the highest waterfall (73 feet) in all of Florida, Falling Waters State Park near Chipley is unlike any other place in The Sunshine State. Popular activities in the area include camping, fishing, swimming, and hiking.
Slide 11 of 51: Georgia is so much more than just the big city of Atlanta. The Peach State is full of beautiful natural spots, like Cumberland Island, the biggest and southernmost barrier island in Georgia. Here you’ll find some of the most beautiful “pristine maritime forests, undeveloped beaches and wide marshes” in the entire country. And if you’re lucky, you might spot some of the region’s famous wild horses.
Slide 12 of 51: Redwood trees are more commonly associated with the coastal forests of Northern California and Oregon, but did you know that Hawaii has redwoods of their own? The Redwood Trail is one of four hiking trails in Maui’s Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area. The stunning trees were planted by the USDA Forest Service over a period of three decades starting in 1927.
Slide 13 of 51: Nicknamed “The Niagara of the West,” at 212 feet tall and 900 feet wide, Shoshone Falls is one of the biggest waterfalls in the U.S. (in fact it’s even bigger than Niagara Falls). Located on the Snake River in southern Idaho, this natural wonder is truly a sight to behold.
Slide 14 of 51: Most non-Midwesterners know little about Illinois aside from Chicago. But the Prairie State has a lot to offer aside from the Windy City, including historic sites like the Cahokia Mounds, “the largest pre-Columbian settlement north of Mexico.” Located in Collinsville across the river from St. Louis, the park contains about 80 mounds dating as far back as AD 900.

Slide 15 of 51: With a population of less than 200 people, Metamora is a secret to even some locals. This historic canal town, which dates back to 1838 and has a total area of just 0.3 square miles, is particularly beautiful during Christmastime, when the quaint shops and houses are covered in lights.
Slide 16 of 51: Of course, when visiting Iowa, you’ll want to check out the popular attractions, like the Field of Dreams Movie Site, the American Gothic House, and the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium, but make sure you also set aside some time to visit Madrid’s High Trestle Trail Bridge, a 13-story-high, half-mile-long bridge with panoramic views of the Des Moines River Valley. You’ll especially want to see it at night.
Slide 17 of 51: Have you ever wondered what it would feel like to stand in the middle of the United States (or at least the geographic center of the contiguous United States)? Well, you won’t have to wonder anymore after visiting this landmark in Lebanon. Technically speaking, the true center of the country is roughly a mile away in the middle of a hog farm, but since the owner didn’t want his land overrun by tourists, this spot will have to do.
Slide 18 of 51: A castle in Versailles? Must be France, right? Nope, Kentucky. The Martin Castle, or Castle Post, was built in 1969 by a real estate developer after returning from a trip to Europe where he was inspired by the German castles. It was then purchased in 2004 by a lawyer from Miami, who spent a considerable amount of money rebuilding the house after it caught fire.
Slide 19 of 51: If you’re interested in insects, then the Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium in New Orleans, the country’s largest freestanding bug museum, is a must-visit. You’ll find thousands of butterflies in the Asian garden and all kinds of unique bugs, like the dragon-headed katydid and the white-eyed assassin bug (don’t worry, it won’t kill you, but its sting is more painful than that of a bee).
Slide 20 of 51: Maine is probably the last place you would expect to find a desert, but there are over 40 acres of sand-like glacial silt in Freeport. Though technically not a real desert, since the area receives plenty of precipitation (hence the surrounding pine forest), the Desert of Maine is a bizarre natural phenomenon, and one that will make you feel like you’re standing in the middle of the Northeast and the Southwest at the same time.
Slide 21 of 51: Named one of the top five gardens in all of North America, the Ladew Topiary Gardens were built in the 1930s by Harvey S. Ladew, a fox-hunting enthusiast and socialite who, despite no formal training and little outside help, created 15 different “garden rooms” across 22 acres of land. See photo on Instagram
Slide 22 of 51: Named America’s spookiest city, Salem, Massachusetts, which you probably know as the site of the Salem witch trials (February 1692 to May 1693), is full of creepy and haunted attractions, including the Turner-Ingersoll Mansion, the oldest surviving 17th-century wooden mansion in New England, and the inspiration for Nathaniel Hawthorne’s gothic novel The House of the Seven Gables.
Slide 23 of 51: Though it may be a little tougher to get to, Chapel Rock is just as worthy a visit as the far more popular Miners Castle hiking trail, offering arguably the most beautiful views—and not to mention a great beach with minimal crowds—at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
Slide 24 of 51: While Minneapolis and Saint Paul may be the biggest cities in Minnesota, making up roughly two-thirds the population of the entire state, Stillwater, located just outside the Twin Cities, is actually considered the birthplace of Minnesota. On top of its rich history, Stillwater has been named among “America’s Most Picturesque Small Towns, Best American Towns for Fall Colors, Best U.S. Towns for Antiquing, Best Twin Cities Day Trips, Best Minnesota Weekend Getaway, America’s Prettiest Painted Places, and Most Romantic Cities.”
Slide 25 of 51: All that remains of the state’s largest antebellum Greek Revival mansion, which stood from 1861 until it was destroyed by fire in 1890, are 23 Corinthian columns. Designated a Mississippi landmark in 1985, some say the Windsor Ruins are still haunted by a Union soldier.
Slide 26 of 51: The Endangered Wolf Center in Eureka houses Mexican wolves, red wolves, maned wolves, as well as swift foxes, African painted dogs, and fennec foxes, all of which you’ll get a chance to see up close and personal through a tour of the facilities. The organization’s mission is to preserve and protect the wild canid species “with purpose and passion, through carefully managed breeding, reintroduction and inspiring education programs.”See photo on Instagram
Slide 27 of 51: Montana isn’t the first place you would expect to find a garden full of Buddha statues, but when you consider that most people head to “The Last Best Place” to get away from it all and achieve a bit of Zen, then it makes perfect sense. Created in 2000, the garden, which is spread across 10 acres, is intended as “a sacred place to uncover one’s fundamental dignity, intelligence and wakefulness.”
Slide 28 of 51: The Cornhusker State isn’t just cornfields and football. It’s also home to one of the most bizarre roadside attractions in the country: Carhenge, which, as you may have guessed, is a replica of England’s Stonehenge—only instead of stones, it’s made up of 38 vehicles, including an ambulance. Carhenge was built in 1987 by Jim Reinders with the help of his family to commemorate his late father.
Slide 29 of 51: With the Las Vegas Strip, Reno, and the Hoover Dam, Nevada is home to some of the most-visited manmade attractions in the United States, but it’s also home to some incredible natural attractions, like the Valley of Fire State Park, which gets its name from the fiery-red sandstone formations that formed 150 million years ago.
Slide 30 of 51: One look at this glacial pothole and you’ll understand why Henry David Thoreau called it “perhaps the most remarkable curiosity of its kind in New England.” Found in Franconia Notch State Park in Lincoln, The Basin is a 30-foot-wide and 15-foot-deep bowl created over time by the rushing waters of the Pemigewasset River.
Slide 31 of 51: Crater Lake and Hemlock Pond are just a short hike away from Buttermilk Falls, the state’s highest waterfall. From there you can head over to nearby Tillman Ravine, a fairytale-like hemlock forest with cascading waters and a cemetery dating back to the 1800s.
Slide 32 of 51: These off-the-grid sustainable homes, made from natural and recycled materials (such as used tires, car batteries, and glass bottles), look somehow futuristic and primitive at the same time. Designed by architect Michael Reynolds, “Earthships” are located on a beautiful mesa just outside of Taos.
Slide 33 of 51: Best known as the site of the Baseball Hall of Fame, Cooperstown is home to another famous, though not quite as well-known, landmark: the Hyde Hall Covered Bridge, the last remaining covered bridge in Otsego County, built in 1825 on the Hyde Hall property.See photo on Instagram
Slide 34 of 51: The name’s a bit of a misnomer since you should have no problem reaching it via a quick hike, and by now it’s hardly a secret to the locals, but Secret Falls still remains one of the most underrated natural sites in North Carolina. With a sandy beach and clear waters, it’s the perfect spot to cool off on a steamy summer day.
Slide 35 of 51: North Dakota is a state full of hidden gems, from the Ronald Reagan Minuteman Missile Site in Cooperstown to Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park in Mandan to the Pyramid of North Dakota in Nekoma. But the most interesting—and visually impressive—of them all is the Enchanted Highway in western North Dakota, where you’ll find giant metal sculptures (birds, deer, grasshoppers, fish, and the “Tin Family”) along the side of the road from Gladstone to Regent.
Slide 36 of 51: Construction of the Château Laroche, or Loveland Castle, started in the late 1920s and took over 50 years to complete. Located just outside of Cincinnati, it was built by Harry D. Andrews, a medievalist and former Boy Scout troop leader who drew inspiration from his time in southwest France during World War I, naming the building after a military hospital where he was stationed.
Slide 37 of 51: Formerly known as the Conncourse, Downtown Oklahoma City’s Underground is a hidden gem in the literal sense, made up of a series of tunnels spread out over a mile (20 blocks) of space downtown. Opened in 1974 and substantially renovated in 2006, The Underground contains several businesses, including a café, a Chinese restaurant, a post office, and a bank.See photo on Instagram
Slide 38 of 51: Estimated to be somewhere between 50,000 to 100,000 years old, Fort Rock is one of Oregon’s most impressive natural landmarks, rising from the ground as if out of nowhere in the middle of the high desert, just off of Hwy 31. The tuff ring stands roughly 200 feet high and is 4,460 feet in diameter, but you have to see it in person to truly appreciate the magnitude of it. Estimated to be somewhere between 50,000 to 100,000 years old, Fort Rock is one of Oregon’s most impressive natural landmarks, rising from the ground as if out of nowhere in the middle of the high desert, just off of Hwy 31. The tuff ring stands roughly 200 feet high and is 4,460 feet in diameter, but you have to see it in person to truly appreciate the magnitude of it.
Slide 39 of 51: You might be surprised to learn that one of the country’s most beautiful Japanese gardens is located in Philadelphia. The Shofuso Japanese House and Garden was built in Japan in 1953 by renowned Japanese architect Junzō Yoshimura and sent to New York’s Museum of Modern Art before settling into West Fairmount Park in 1958.
Slide 40 of 51: At 1,214 square miles, Rhode Island may be the smallest state, but it’s replete with hidden gems. For example, Neutaconkanut Hill Park is 88 acres of “virtually untouched” wilderness right inside Providence. At nearly 300 feet above sea level, it offers one of the best views in the entire state. See photo on Facebook
Slide 41 of 51: If not hidden, then this landmark on the southern side of the Charleston Harbor is at least difficult to get to. Due to erosion, the Morris Island Lighthouse now sits hundreds of feet offshore and can only be reached by boat, but it’s well worth the trip. The original was built in 1767 but was destroyed in the Civil War and rebuilt in 1876.
Slide 42 of 51: South Dakota is of course best known for Mount Rushmore, but instead of having to deal with thousands of other tourists, do yourself a favor and head to one of the state’s less-visited—but just as interesting—sites, like Devil’s Gulch Park in Garretson, where the outlaw Jesse James is said to have evaded capture by jumping over the ravine on his horse.
Slide 43 of 51: From the Great Smoky Mountains to Graceland to the Grand Ole Opry, Tennessee’s many attractions are no secret to tourists, but one place that deserves even more recognition is the quaint town of Sewanee. With a population of just 2,311, it is best known as the home of The University of the South.
Slide 44 of 51: They say everything’s bigger in Texas, and Jacob’s Well in Wimberley is no different. The state’s second-longest fully submerged cave measures nearly a mile in length and reaches 137 feet in depth. The site is open to the public for swimming from May through October. See photo on Instagram
Slide 45 of 51: With more than 74,000 acres of marsh and upland habitats and 250 species of birds (including the white-faced ibis, American white pelican, snowy plover, cinnamon teal, American avocet, etc.), Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge in Brigham City is one of the best spots in the country for birdwatching. Take the 12-mile Auto Tour or explore the area on foot through 1.5 miles of trails.
Slide 46 of 51: Vermont is full of little towns that look like they popped right out of the pages of a fairytale book, but perhaps the most underrated of them all is Shelburne. With a population of just over 7,000 people, it is often overshadowed by nearby Burlington. Popular attractions in the area include the Shelburne Farms, the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory, and the Shelburne Museum, where you’ll find the historic Ticonderoga Steamboat, the last remaining walking beam side-wheel passenger steamer.
Slide 47 of 51: When the Lake Anne Plaza opened in 1966, it drew comparisons to the Piazza San Marco in Venice—and it’s easy to see why. The village’s main attraction is the Van Gogh Bridge connecting the businesses to the residences of Washington Plaza, and described as “both infrastructure and art.”
Slide 48 of 51: With honking cars, blaring televisions, and constantly chirping smartphones, the modern world can be a pretty loud place. Sometimes all you want to do is get away from the noise and be somewhere where you can actually hear yourself think for once. The best place for that is in the middle of the Hoh Rainforest on the Olympic Peninsula, where you will find a tiny red pebble that marks the quietest spot on earth. See photo on Facebook
Slide 49 of 51: Though it’s since lost its title as the world’s longest single-span arch bridge, the New River Gorge Bridge in Fayetteville is no less a marvel of engineering, stretching 3,030 feet long and standing 876 feet high. For one day every year, people are allowed to BASE jump off the bridge.
Slide 50 of 51: Those who are adventurous enough to travel off the beaten path to find this secluded spot will be rewarded with one of the most peaceful waterfalls in the entire country (be sure to get a picture standing between the rocks and the rushing water). Lost Creek Falls is located near Cornucopia on the Bayfield peninsula.
Slide 51 of 51: As the tenth-largest, yet least populous, state in the country, Wyoming has plenty of spots that could be considered hidden gems, such as Crazy Woman Canyon near Buffalo, which is so beautiful you’ll wonder why it’s not more popular among tourists. As legend has it, the canyon got its name from a settler who went insane after witnessing the scalping of her husband and children by Native Americans.

The best hidden gem in every state

Popular tourist attractions like the Empire State Building, Mount Rushmore, and the Golden Gate Bridge are popular for a reason, but sometimes places that are just as deserving of our attention go relatively unnoticed. From small towns to secluded natural spots to strange roadside attractions, here are the best hidden gems and well-kept secrets that every state in America has to offer.

Alabama: Ave Maria Grotto, Cullman

Constructed over the course of five decades by Brother Joseph Zoettl, a Benedictine monk in Alabama’s St. Bernard Abbey, the Ave Maria Grotto in Cullman is a four-acre park comprised of 125 miniature reproductions of famous religious shrines and buildings from around the world, such as Saint Peter’s Basilica and the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes.

Alaska: Eklutna Lake, Anchorage

Seeing as though it’s by far the biggest state, it should come as no surprise that Alaska is full of hidden gems, but perhaps the best-kept secret is the stunning glacial Eklutna Lake, located just outside of Anchorage and popular among locals for its stunning views and miles of scenic trails that allow you to explore the Alaskan wilderness up close.

Arizona: Verde Valley

Known for its rich reserves of minerals, Verde Valley is sometimes referred to as the state’s “other Grand Canyon.” The best way to explore the area is through the Verde Canyon Railroad, described as “a 4-hour, 20-mile journey through 110 years of history.”

Arkansas: T. R. Pugh Memorial Park, North Little Rock

Cinephiles may recognize North Little Rock’s Old Mill from the opening scenes of Gone with the Wind. Though built in 1933, T. R. Pugh Memorial Park was made to look like a gristmill from the 1880s. It’s the perfect spot for a wedding or photo session.

See photo on Facebook

California: Murphys

From the Golden Gate Bridge to Yosemite National Park to Big Sur, California is home to some of the most popular attractions in the country, but what about the less-touristy destinations, like the small village of Murphys? Located just outside of Sacramento, this unincorporated village has been recognized as one of the best wine regions in the state, and you won’t have to deal with big crowds.

Colorado: Glenwood Springs

Despite having been named the “Most Fun Town in America” by USA Today in 2011, the beautiful mountain town of Glenwood Springs still remains Colorado’s best-kept secret, where you’ll find no shortage of nature, the world’s largest hot mineral springs pool, a rich history and growing culture, and plenty of shops and restaurants.

Connecticut: Fort Griswold, Groton

History buffs will appreciate Fort Griswold in Groton, the site of one of the most significant battles during the Revolutionary War. The Fort Griswold Monument stands in commemoration of the 85 Americans who lost their lives to Benedict Arnold and the British forces during the Battle of Groton Heights.

Delaware: Russell W. Peterson Urban Wildlife Refuge, Wilmington

Nicknamed “The Small Wonder,” Delaware itself is something of a hidden gem, which makes the Russell W. Peterson Urban Wildlife Refuge—situated on 212 acres of freshwater tidal marsh in Wilmington, and home to many interesting birds, fish, insects, and reptiles—a hidden hidden gem.

Florida: Falling Waters State Park, Chipley

With the highest waterfall (73 feet) in all of Florida, Falling Waters State Park near Chipley is unlike any other place in The Sunshine State. Popular activities in the area include camping, fishing, swimming, and hiking.

Georgia: Cumberland Island

Georgia is so much more than just the big city of Atlanta. The Peach State is full of beautiful natural spots, like Cumberland Island, the biggest and southernmost barrier island in Georgia. Here you’ll find some of the most beautiful “pristine maritime forests, undeveloped beaches and wide marshes” in the entire country. And if you’re lucky, you might spot some of the region’s famous wild horses.

Hawaii: Redwood Trail in Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area, Maui

Redwood trees are more commonly associated with the coastal forests of Northern California and Oregon, but did you know that Hawaii has redwoods of their own? The Redwood Trail is one of four hiking trails in Maui’s Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area. The stunning trees were planted by the USDA Forest Service over a period of three decades starting in 1927.

Idaho: Shoshone Falls, Twin Falls

Nicknamed “The Niagara of the West,” at 212 feet tall and 900 feet wide, Shoshone Falls is one of the biggest waterfalls in the U.S. (in fact it’s even bigger than Niagara Falls). Located on the Snake River in southern Idaho, this natural wonder is truly a sight to behold.

Illinois: Cahokia Mounds, Collinsville

Most non-Midwesterners know little about Illinois aside from Chicago. But the Prairie State has a lot to offer aside from the Windy City, including historic sites like the Cahokia Mounds, “the largest pre-Columbian settlement north of Mexico.” Located in Collinsville across the river from St. Louis, the park contains about 80 mounds dating as far back as AD 900.

Indiana: Metamora

With a population of less than 200 people, Metamora is a secret to even some locals. This historic canal town, which dates back to 1838 and has a total area of just 0.3 square miles, is particularly beautiful during Christmastime, when the quaint shops and houses are covered in lights.

Iowa: High Trestle Trail Bridge, Madri

Of course, when visiting Iowa, you’ll want to check out the popular attractions, like the Field of Dreams Movie Site, the American Gothic House, and the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium, but make sure you also set aside some time to visit Madrid’s High Trestle Trail Bridge, a 13-story-high, half-mile-long bridge with panoramic views of the Des Moines River Valley. You’ll especially want to see it at night.

Kansas: Geographic center of the contiguous United States, Lebanon

Have you ever wondered what it would feel like to stand in the middle of the United States (or at least the geographic center of the contiguous United States)? Well, you won’t have to wonder anymore after visiting this landmark in Lebanon. Technically speaking, the true center of the country is roughly a mile away in the middle of a hog farm, but since the owner didn’t want his land overrun by tourists, this spot will have to do.

Kentucky: Castle Post, Versailles

A castle in Versailles? Must be France, right? Nope, Kentucky. The Martin Castle, or Castle Post, was built in 1969 by a real estate developer after returning from a trip to Europe where he was inspired by the German castles. It was then purchased in 2004 by a lawyer from Miami, who spent a considerable amount of money rebuilding the house after it caught fire.

Louisiana: Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium, New Orleans

If you’re interested in insects, then the Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium in New Orleans, the country’s largest freestanding bug museum, is a must-visit. You’ll find thousands of butterflies in the Asian garden and all kinds of unique bugs, like the dragon-headed katydid and the white-eyed assassin bug (don’t worry, it won’t kill you, but its sting is more painful than that of a bee).

Maine: Desert of Maine, Freeport

Maine is probably the last place you would expect to find a desert, but there are over 40 acres of sand-like glacial silt in Freeport. Though technically not a real desert, since the area receives plenty of precipitation (hence the surrounding pine forest), the Desert of Maine is a bizarre natural phenomenon, and one that will make you feel like you’re standing in the middle of the Northeast and the Southwest at the same time.

Maryland: Ladew Topiary Gardens, Monkton

Named one of the top five gardens in all of North America, the Ladew Topiary Gardens were built in the 1930s by Harvey S. Ladew, a fox-hunting enthusiast and socialite who, despite no formal training and little outside help, created 15 different “garden rooms” across 22 acres of land.

See photo on Instagram

Massachusetts: Turner-Ingersoll Mansion, Salem

Named America’s spookiest city, Salem, Massachusetts, which you probably know as the site of the Salem witch trials (February 1692 to May 1693), is full of creepy and haunted attractions, including the Turner-Ingersoll Mansion, the oldest surviving 17th-century wooden mansion in New England, and the inspiration for Nathaniel Hawthorne’s gothic novel The House of the Seven Gables.

Michigan: Chapel Rock, Munising

Though it may be a little tougher to get to, Chapel Rock is just as worthy a visit as the far more popular Miners Castle hiking trail, offering arguably the most beautiful views—and not to mention a great beach with minimal crowds—at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

Minnesota: Stillwater

While Minneapolis and Saint Paul may be the biggest cities in Minnesota, making up roughly two-thirds the population of the entire state, Stillwater, located just outside the Twin Cities, is actually considered the birthplace of Minnesota. On top of its rich history, Stillwater has been named among “America’s Most Picturesque Small Towns, Best American Towns for Fall Colors, Best U.S. Towns for Antiquing, Best Twin Cities Day Trips, Best Minnesota Weekend Getaway, America’s Prettiest Painted Places, and Most Romantic Cities.”

Mississippi: Windsor Ruins, Claiborne County

All that remains of the state’s largest antebellum Greek Revival mansion, which stood from 1861 until it was destroyed by fire in 1890, are 23 Corinthian columns. Designated a Mississippi landmark in 1985, some say the Windsor Ruins are still haunted by a Union soldier.

Missouri: Endangered Wolf Center, Eureka

The Endangered Wolf Center in Eureka houses Mexican wolves, red wolves, maned wolves, as well as swift foxes, African painted dogs, and fennec foxes, all of which you’ll get a chance to see up close and personal through a tour of the facilities. The organization’s mission is to preserve and protect the wild canid species “with purpose and passion, through carefully managed breeding, reintroduction and inspiring education programs.”

See photo on Instagram

Montana: Garden of One Thousand Buddhas, Arlee

Montana isn’t the first place you would expect to find a garden full of Buddha statues, but when you consider that most people head to “The Last Best Place” to get away from it all and achieve a bit of Zen, then it makes perfect sense. Created in 2000, the garden, which is spread across 10 acres, is intended as “a sacred place to uncover one’s fundamental dignity, intelligence and wakefulness.”

Nebraska: Carhenge, Alliance

The Cornhusker State isn’t just cornfields and football. It’s also home to one of the most bizarre roadside attractions in the country: Carhenge, which, as you may have guessed, is a replica of England’s Stonehenge—only instead of stones, it’s made up of 38 vehicles, including an ambulance. Carhenge was built in 1987 by Jim Reinders with the help of his family to commemorate his late father.

Nevada: Valley of Fire State Park

With the Las Vegas Strip, Reno, and the Hoover Dam, Nevada is home to some of the most-visited manmade attractions in the United States, but it’s also home to some incredible natural attractions, like the Valley of Fire State Park, which gets its name from the fiery-red sandstone formations that formed 150 million years ago.

New Hampshire: The Basin, Lincoln

One look at this glacial pothole and you’ll understand why Henry David Thoreau called it “perhaps the most remarkable curiosity of its kind in New England.” Found in Franconia Notch State Park in Lincoln, The Basin is a 30-foot-wide and 15-foot-deep bowl created over time by the rushing waters of the Pemigewasset River.

New Jersey: Buttermilk Falls, Layton

Crater Lake and Hemlock Pond are just a short hike away from Buttermilk Falls, the state’s highest waterfall. From there you can head over to nearby Tillman Ravine, a fairytale-like hemlock forest with cascading waters and a cemetery dating back to the 1800s.

New Mexico: Earthships, Taos

These off-the-grid sustainable homes, made from natural and recycled materials (such as used tires, car batteries, and glass bottles), look somehow futuristic and primitive at the same time. Designed by architect Michael Reynolds, “Earthships” are located on a beautiful mesa just outside of Taos.

New York: Hyde Hall Covered Bridge, Cooperstown

Best known as the site of the Baseball Hall of Fame, Cooperstown is home to another famous, though not quite as well-known, landmark: the Hyde Hall Covered Bridge, the last remaining covered bridge in Otsego County, built in 1825 on the Hyde Hall property.

See photo on Instagram

North Carolina: Secret Falls, Highlands

The name’s a bit of a misnomer since you should have no problem reaching it via a quick hike, and by now it’s hardly a secret to the locals, but Secret Falls still remains one of the most underrated natural sites in North Carolina. With a sandy beach and clear waters, it’s the perfect spot to cool off on a steamy summer day.

North Dakota: Enchanted Highway, Gladstone-Regent

North Dakota is a state full of hidden gems, from the Ronald Reagan Minuteman Missile Site in Cooperstown to Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park in Mandan to the Pyramid of North Dakota in Nekoma. But the most interesting—and visually impressive—of them all is the Enchanted Highway in western North Dakota, where you’ll find giant metal sculptures (birds, deer, grasshoppers, fish, and the “Tin Family”) along the side of the road from Gladstone to Regent.

Ohio: Château Laroche, Loveland

Construction of the Château Laroche, or Loveland Castle, started in the late 1920s and took over 50 years to complete. Located just outside of Cincinnati, it was built by Harry D. Andrews, a medievalist and former Boy Scout troop leader who drew inspiration from his time in southwest France during World War I, naming the building after a military hospital where he was stationed.

Oklahoma: The Underground, Oklahoma City

Formerly known as the Conncourse, Downtown Oklahoma City’s Underground is a hidden gem in the literal sense, made up of a series of tunnels spread out over a mile (20 blocks) of space downtown. Opened in 1974 and substantially renovated in 2006, The Underground contains several businesses, including a café, a Chinese restaurant, a post office, and a bank.

See photo on Instagram

Oregon: Fort Rock, Lake County

Estimated to be somewhere between 50,000 to 100,000 years old, Fort Rock is one of Oregon’s most impressive natural landmarks, rising from the ground as if out of nowhere in the middle of the high desert, just off of Hwy 31. The tuff ring stands roughly 200 feet high and is 4,460 feet in diameter, but you have to see it in person to truly appreciate the magnitude of it.

Estimated to be somewhere between 50,000 to 100,000 years old, Fort Rock is one of Oregon’s most impressive natural landmarks, rising from the ground as if out of nowhere in the middle of the high desert, just off of Hwy 31. The tuff ring stands roughly 200 feet high and is 4,460 feet in diameter, but you have to see it in person to truly appreciate the magnitude of it.

Pennsylvania: Shofuso Japanese House and Garden, Philadelphia

You might be surprised to learn that one of the country’s most beautiful Japanese gardens is located in Philadelphia. The Shofuso Japanese House and Garden was built in Japan in 1953 by renowned Japanese architect Junzō Yoshimura and sent to New York’s Museum of Modern Art before settling into West Fairmount Park in 1958.

Rhode Island: Neutaconkanut Hill Park, Providence

At 1,214 square miles, Rhode Island may be the smallest state, but it’s replete with hidden gems. For example, Neutaconkanut Hill Park is 88 acres of “virtually untouched” wilderness right inside Providence. At nearly 300 feet above sea level, it offers one of the best views in the entire state.

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South Carolina: Morris Island Lighthouse, Morris Island

If not hidden, then this landmark on the southern side of the Charleston Harbor is at least difficult to get to. Due to erosion, the Morris Island Lighthouse now sits hundreds of feet offshore and can only be reached by boat, but it’s well worth the trip. The original was built in 1767 but was destroyed in the Civil War and rebuilt in 1876.

South Dakota: Devil’s Gulch Park, Garretson

South Dakota is of course best known for Mount Rushmore, but instead of having to deal with thousands of other tourists, do yourself a favor and head to one of the state’s less-visited—but just as interesting—sites, like Devil’s Gulch Park in Garretson, where the outlaw Jesse James is said to have evaded capture by jumping over the ravine on his horse.

Tennessee: Sewanee

From the Great Smoky Mountains to Graceland to the Grand Ole Opry, Tennessee’s many attractions are no secret to tourists, but one place that deserves even more recognition is the quaint town of Sewanee. With a population of just 2,311, it is best known as the home of The University of the South.

Texas: Jacob’s Well, Wimberley

They say everything’s bigger in Texas, and Jacob’s Well in Wimberley is no different. The state’s second-longest fully submerged cave measures nearly a mile in length and reaches 137 feet in depth. The site is open to the public for swimming from May through October.

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Utah: Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Brigham City

With more than 74,000 acres of marsh and upland habitats and 250 species of birds (including the white-faced ibis, American white pelican, snowy plover, cinnamon teal, American avocet, etc.), Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge in Brigham City is one of the best spots in the country for birdwatching. Take the 12-mile Auto Tour or explore the area on foot through 1.5 miles of trails.

Vermont: Shelburne

Vermont is full of little towns that look like they popped right out of the pages of a fairytale book, but perhaps the most underrated of them all is Shelburne. With a population of just over 7,000 people, it is often overshadowed by nearby Burlington. Popular attractions in the area include the Shelburne Farms, the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory, and the Shelburne Museum, where you’ll find the historic Ticonderoga Steamboat, the last remaining walking beam side-wheel passenger steamer.

Virginia: Lake Anne, Reston

When the Lake Anne Plaza opened in 1966, it drew comparisons to the Piazza San Marco in Venice—and it’s easy to see why. The village’s main attraction is the Van Gogh Bridge connecting the businesses to the residences of Washington Plaza, and described as “both infrastructure and art.”

Washington: One Square Inch of Silence, Hoh Rainforest

With honking cars, blaring televisions, and constantly chirping smartphones, the modern world can be a pretty loud place. Sometimes all you want to do is get away from the noise and be somewhere where you can actually hear yourself think for once. The best place for that is in the middle of the Hoh Rainforest on the Olympic Peninsula, where you will find a tiny red pebble that marks the quietest spot on earth.

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West Virginia: New River Gorge Bridge, Fayetteville

Though it’s since lost its title as the world’s longest single-span arch bridge, the New River Gorge Bridge in Fayetteville is no less a marvel of engineering, stretching 3,030 feet long and standing 876 feet high. For one day every year, people are allowed to BASE jump off the bridge.

Wisconsin: Lost Creek Falls, Cornucopia

Those who are adventurous enough to travel off the beaten path to find this secluded spot will be rewarded with one of the most peaceful waterfalls in the entire country (be sure to get a picture standing between the rocks and the rushing water). Lost Creek Falls is located near Cornucopia on the Bayfield peninsula.

Wyoming: Crazy Woman Canyon, Buffalo

As the tenth-largest, yet least populous, state in the country, Wyoming has plenty of spots that could be considered hidden gems, such as Crazy Woman Canyon near Buffalo, which is so beautiful you’ll wonder why it’s not more popular among tourists. As legend has it, the canyon got its name from a settler who went insane after witnessing the scalping of her husband and children by Native Americans.

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