Top 5 Most Underrated States in the US
Key Takeaways
- The article highlights the top 5 underrated states in the US for travel: Kansas, Vermont, New Hampshire, Nebraska, and South Dakota.
- Kansas features a vibrant food scene, especially Kansas City-style BBQ, and a strong college basketball culture.
- Vermont offers beautiful landscapes, small towns, and world-renowned maple syrup.
- New Hampshire boasts stunning outdoor activities, including hiking in the White Mountains and over 800 lakes.
- Nebraska is home to a thriving food scene in Omaha and features the annual College World Series, while South Dakota presents incredible natural beauty with attractions like the Badlands and Mount Rushmore.
There are 50 states in the United States of America, and I have visited them all, most several times. All 50 are very different for a vast number of reasons but only a handful get all the attention. The most visited state in the US is Florida according to YouGov and California comes in at number 5. I enjoy visiting both of them but there are several states that deserve far more attention than they receive. Based on the way I travel (culture, food, beauty, people, etc.) this is my top 5 most underrated states:
5) Kansas
There is a lot more to The Sunflower State than tornados and flat landscapes. Wichita is the “Air Capital of the World,” home to the Kansas Aviation Museum and several aircraft manufacturers. The city also offers a great food scene with a lot to do downtown. If you are a BBQ fan, this may be number one on your list. Kansas City-style BBQ is my favorite, and they do it right, if not better, on the Kansas side of the border. They also have a large college basketball culture with the University of Kansas Jayhawks.
4) Vermont
Staying in the Northeast and just next door, Vermont has a lot more to offer than most realize. Burlington is an amazing city sitting on the banks of Lake Champlain. Vermont is relatively rural, with many small towns, wide forest cover, and low population density outside its few larger cities. This provides a great opportunity to drive around and explore so much of what Vermont has to offer. Remember to try the maple syrup as Vermont makes more of it than any other state.
3) New Hampshire
I lived in New Hampshire for most of my adult life. I spent a lot of time traveling (hence the blog) and several times when I would tell people I am from New Hampshire, I would get “where is that?” I used to love telling people it was just south of Quebec instead of the simpler answer of “just north of Massachusetts.” New Hampshire, also known as The Granite State, has a motto of “Live Free or Die.” It is a wonderful place for those who love the outdoors with places like Mount Washington and the White Mountains, a popular region for hiking, skiing, and autumn foliage. It also has 800 lakes and ponds, and the “lakes region” is beautiful, especially in the summer.
2) Nebraska
The Cornhusker State has a lot to offer. There is so much natural beauty with wide open spaces. The College World Series takes place each year in Omaha. The state is also home to the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum where massive aircraft and missiles are on display. For me, the reason Nebraska comes in at number two is Omaha, which in its own right will more than likely come in as my number one most underrated city in the US. Major companies headquartered in Omaha include Berkshire Hathaway (Warren Buffett’s global investment giant), Union Pacific Railroad, Mutual of Omaha, and TD Ameritrade. The Old Market neighborhood has historic cobblestone streets throughout along with amazing food and breweries. When I first visited the area, I was excited to check off Nebraska as a new place to visit, but it proved to be far more than I expected.
1) South Dakota
When researching facts, I expected South Dakota to be less visited than it is. In 2024, 14.9 million people visited, and a main reason was Mount Rushmore. The state has more, though, and was one of the most stunning states I have been to. It was, in fact, the last state I visited to have said I visited all 50, and I was glad that I could clearly say I hadn’t seen it all yet (or have I still?). I spent the majority of my time around the Badlands, and for the number of people that fly over this state each year to visit other national parks, you don’t know what you are missing. It felt different for some reason. It felt like the cities around it come second and know that they are second in command to nature. I want to come back!
Summary
When most people think about travel in the United States, places like Florida, California, or New York usually come to mind. They’re great destinations, but after visiting all 50 states, many of them more than once, I’ve realized that some of the most rewarding experiences happen in places that don’t always make the headlines. From mountain trails and hidden lakes to thriving food scenes and rich cultural histories, these underrated states have a lot to offer for travelers who are willing to look beyond the usual tourist map. Here are my top five picks for the most underrated states in America and why they deserve a spot on your travel list.
FAQ
South Dakota is the most underrated state in America. With the dramatic Badlands National Park, iconic Mount Rushmore, and the Black Hills, it offers stunning natural beauty that rivals popular western parks but with far fewer crowds. The state draws 14.9 million visitors annually, yet most people fly right over it to reach other destinations.
Yes, significantly cheaper. States like Kansas, Nebraska, and South Dakota offer lower hotel rates, affordable local restaurants, and many free attractions. You’ll avoid the premium pricing found in Florida, California, or New York while still experiencing world-class food, culture, and natural beauty. It can, depending on where you live, be a bit for difficult to get there, though.
New Hampshire offers year-round outdoor adventures without the crowds. The White Mountains rival Colorado’s scenery, you can explore over 800 lakes and ponds, and Mount Washington provides challenging hiking. Fall foliage is spectacular, skiing is world-class, and the lack of sales tax makes shopping a bonus.
Nebraska surprises visitors with Omaha’s incredible food scene, historic Old Market cobblestone streets, and the annual College World Series. The state is home to Fortune 500 headquarters like Berkshire Hathaway and offers wide-open natural beauty. Omaha alone deserves recognition as one of America’s most underrated cities.
Absolutely not. Vermont shines year-round with Burlington’s lakeside charm on Lake Champlain, hundreds of covered bridges, farm-to-table dining, craft breweries, and the best maple syrup in America. Summer and fall reveal rolling forests, small-town charm, and outdoor activities beyond the slopes.
Kansas offers Wichita, the “Air Capital of the World,” with the Kansas Aviation Museum and thriving downtown scene. Kansas City-style BBQ on the Kansas side rivals Missouri’s famous offerings. The state also has passionate college basketball culture with the University of Kansas Jayhawks and surprising natural beauty beyond the flat stereotype.
Summer (June-August) is ideal for New Hampshire, Vermont, and South Dakota’s outdoor activities. September and October offer spectacular fall foliage in the Northeast. Kansas and Nebraska are best from spring through fall. South Dakota’s Badlands are stunning at sunrise year-round, though winter can be harsh.
New Hampshire and Vermont are most accessible from the East Coast, with airports in Manchester, Burlington, and nearby Boston. For Midwest travelers, Kansas and Nebraska connect easily through Kansas City and Omaha airports. South Dakota requires more planning but offers stunning rewards for the journey.
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