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Every fall, I teach a class at the university for international students to help them explore U.S. culture and education. The first half of the class focuses on the history and events that shaped the nation, while the second half highlights the incredible diversity of cultures found across the fifty states. One thing that always surprises my students is just how dramatically different each state can be.

When they begin planning their travels, their lists usually follow a familiar pattern. Iconic destinations like New York City, Washington, D.C., Orlando, Los Angeles, and Chicago quickly rise to the top—and for good reason. These places are famous landmarks of American travel and absolutely worth visiting.

But outside of these well-known cities, large parts of the country are often dismissed as “flyover states,” rarely making it onto travel itineraries.

The truth is that many of those overlooked places are home to some of the most memorable experiences the United States has to offer. They may not always appear in guidebooks or bucket lists, but they are filled with fascinating history, stunning landscapes, and unique local culture that rival—and sometimes even surpass—the big-name destinations.

While many travelers focus on famous destinations, some of the most memorable trips happen in the underrated states to visit in the USA—places that offer incredible landscapes, history, and culture without the crowds.

Today, I want to shine a spotlight on five of my favorite underrated states: South Dakota, Ohio, Alabama, Kentucky, and West Virginia. I certainly haven’t seen everything these states have to offer, but what I have experienced has made me fall a little in love with each of them. If you give these places a chance, they just might end up being the highlight of your trip.

Underrated States Worth Exploring

1. South Dakota
2. Alabama
3. Ohio
4. Kentucky
5. West Virginia

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South Dakota

Often overlooked by travelers heading to larger destinations, South Dakota is filled with remarkable landscapes, fascinating history, and cultural traditions that make it one of the most rewarding states to explore in the American Midwest.

The state is divided into two distinct regions by the mighty Missouri River. To the east, rolling plains and farmland stretch across the horizon, while the western side rises into the dramatic hills and rugged landscapes of the Black Hills.

South Dakota’s story is shaped by a rich blend of cultures and history. Native American tribes have deep roots in this region, and their traditions remain an important part of the state’s heritage today. Later, European settlers arrived, followed by miners and railroad workers drawn west during the expansion of the United States. Because of this layered history, visitors can experience a wide range of cultural celebrations throughout the year—from powwows held on local reservations to Czech Days festivals and even the famous buffalo roundup in the Black Hills.

The state is also home to some of the country’s most recognizable landmarks. In the Black Hills, the carved faces of four U.S. presidents gaze out from the granite cliffs at Mount Rushmore National Memorial. The region also holds one of the largest collections of Native American artifacts and cultural exhibits in North America at Crazy Horse Memorial.

Beyond the famous monuments, South Dakota is packed with natural beauty. Travelers come from around the world to explore the dramatic rock formations of Badlands National Park, the wildlife-filled prairies of Custer State Park, and the underground wonders of Wind Cave National Park.

The state even hosts one of the most famous motorcycle gatherings in the world during the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

With its blend of history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes, South Dakota offers far more to visitors than many people expect—and it’s exactly the kind of place that rewards travelers willing to venture beyond the usual destinations.

After exploring the wide-open landscapes and national monuments of South Dakota, our journey moves south to a state where history and culture have shaped the nation in powerful ways.

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Alabama

Often overlooked by travelers heading to the beaches of Florida or the music cities of Tennessee, Alabama offers a fascinating mix of history, culture, and natural beauty that makes it one of the most compelling states to explore in the American South.

In its early history, Alabama passed between Spanish, French, and British control before eventually becoming part of the United States. The state later became deeply tied to the cotton economy of the South, a legacy that shaped much of its early development.

But Alabama is perhaps best known for the pivotal role it played in the Civil Rights Movement. Cities like Montgomery and Birmingham became central stages for the struggle for equality, and today visitors can explore powerful historic sites that tell the story of that movement and the people who helped change the nation.

At the same time, Alabama’s culture reflects a lively blend of traditions. In Mobile, visitors can experience the birthplace of American Mardi Gras, where colorful parades and celebrations have been held for centuries. Along the coast, the white sand beaches of Gulf Shores offer a relaxing mix of southern hospitality and laid-back beach town charm.

Further north in Huntsville, the state’s connection to space exploration comes alive at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, where visitors can see massive rockets and learn about the technology that helped send humans into space.

With its rich history, vibrant traditions, and diverse landscapes, Alabama surprises many travelers who take the time to explore it—and often leaves them wondering why they didn’t visit sooner.

From the deep cultural roots and civil rights history of Alabama, we head north to a state that helped launch humanity into the skies—and eventually the stars.

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Ohio

Often overlooked by travelers heading to larger destinations in the Midwest, Ohio has played an outsized role in shaping American history, innovation, and culture.

One of the state’s most remarkable contributions is its deep connection to aviation and space exploration. Ohio proudly claims both the pioneers of powered flight and one of the first men to walk on the moon. The Wright brothers began their experiments with flight in Ohio, and decades later astronaut Neil Armstrong, born in the state, would become the first person to step onto the lunar surface.

Visitors can explore this legacy at Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park, where the early story of flight comes to life through the workshops and homes connected to the Wright brothers. Just nearby, the enormous National Museum of the United States Air Force showcases more than a century of aviation history, with everything from early aircraft to modern space technology.

Ohio also holds an impressive place in presidential history. Six U.S. presidents—including Ulysses S. Grant, Rutherford B. Hayes, and William McKinley—once called the state home, earning Ohio the nickname “the Mother of Presidents.”

Beyond its historical influence, Ohio is a vibrant cultural hub. Cities throughout the state are home to excellent art museums, thriving sports traditions, and some of the highest-ranked public library systems in the country. Music lovers can even visit the iconic Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, which celebrates the artists who helped shape modern music.

With its rich history, fascinating innovations, and lively cultural scene, Ohio offers far more than many travelers expect—and it rewards visitors who take the time to explore beyond the usual tourist hotspots.

While Ohio celebrates innovation and aviation history, the neighboring Bluegrass State offers a completely different experience rooted in horses, rolling countryside, and centuries of tradition.

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Kentucky

Kentucky is one of those states that quietly blends together many different parts of American culture. Sitting at the crossroads of the South and the Appalachian Mountains, Kentucky reflects a fascinating mix of traditions, landscapes, and history that makes it a rewarding destination for travelers.

The state is perhaps best known for its deep connection to horses and bluegrass country. Rolling pastures dotted with white fences stretch across much of the landscape, and visitors can experience this heritage firsthand at the beautiful Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington. Horse racing is a major part of the state’s identity as well, and every spring the world turns its attention to Churchill Downs in Louisville for the famous Kentucky Derby.

Kentucky also holds an important place in American history. It was the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States, whose early life is commemorated at Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park. Interestingly, Kentucky was also the birthplace of Jefferson Davis, president of the Confederacy, highlighting the complicated position the state held during the American Civil War.

Beyond its history and horse farms, Kentucky is home to some remarkable natural landscapes. Beneath the rolling hills lies the vast underground world of Mammoth Cave National Park, the longest known cave system on Earth. Above ground, charming small towns, historic architecture, and scenic countryside make exploring the state a delight.

And of course, no visit to Kentucky would be complete without experiencing its famous bourbon heritage. The distilleries scattered along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail give visitors a chance to learn about the craftsmanship behind one of the state’s most celebrated traditions.

With its mix of natural wonders, deep history, and distinctive culture, Kentucky offers travelers a little bit of everything—and plenty of reasons to linger longer than expected.

Just east of Kentucky, the landscape rises into the rugged ridges of the Appalachian Mountains, where another underrated destination waits quietly among the hills.

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West Virginia

According to John Denver, West Virginia is “almost heaven,” and for travelers searching for wild and natural beauty, that description feels remarkably accurate.

Shaped by a long history of coal mining, logging, and mountain communities, West Virginia has always been closely connected to the land. The state takes pride in its independent identity—so much so that locals often refer to it affectionately as “West ‘by God’ Virginia.”

For visitors, this is a place to truly get away from it all. Rolling green valleys stretch between rugged Appalachian ridges, waterfalls tumble through quiet forests, and winding mountain roads lead to small towns where life moves at a slower pace.

Outdoor lovers will find endless opportunities to explore. The state is home to dozens of scenic state parks as well as the recently designated New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, one of the newest additions to the U.S. national park system. Here visitors can hike along dramatic canyon rims, raft the rushing river below, or simply enjoy the sweeping views of the Appalachian Mountains.

But West Virginia is more than just its landscapes. The state is also rich in Appalachian heritage, small-town traditions, and stories that reflect generations of life in the mountains.

For anyone looking to slow down, reconnect with nature, and experience a quieter side of America, West Virginia offers a kind of beauty that feels both timeless and deeply authentic.

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The United States is far too diverse to be experienced through only its most famous destinations. While cities like New York or Los Angeles often dominate travel wish lists, some of the most memorable adventures happen in the places that travelers overlook. From the dramatic landscapes of South Dakota to the mountain beauty of West Virginia, these underrated states prove that sometimes the best trips happen when you venture off the well-worn path.

Thanks for coming along on this visit to some of the most underrated states to visit in the U.S. May your next adventure take you somewhere off the beaten path.

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Follow along more adventures near and far!

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