Every State's Best Winter Travel Destination

It's that time of year again, the time to turn our attention to winter travel destinations. Despite what you may think, you don't have to live in a state blessed with snow-capped mountain ranges or lakes that turn to ice to get in on the fun. The following 50 places all offer a taste of the season or have a roster of special things going on during winter.

This town sits on the fringes of Lookout Mountain loveliness and is the perfect base for exploring the wilderness of DeSoto State Park, which in winter includes frost-kissed waterfalls. Nearby Mentone is home to the state's only ski resort and country music fans will love the fact that Fort Payne is the home base of legendary band Alabama.

Yes, it's going to be cold. But, as they know well in these parts, there's no such thing as bad weather, just bad winter coats. Visit Fairbanks in winter for the best chance to see the Northern Lights put on their spellbinding overhead show. The city also typically hosts the World Ice Art Championships each winter, too.

This cool, outdoorsy town in Northern Arizona makes the perfect base for exploring the wonders of the Grand Canyon region, which looks especially enchanting when dusted in white. Flagstaff and surrounds are the snowiest places in the state, with the San Francisco Mountains being home to Arizona Snowbowl, one of the oldest ski resorts in the USA.

Sure, Arkansas is known for having relatively mild winters, but that doesn't mean you won't appreciate a warm-up in a muggy mineral bath after a day exploring the forests around Hot Springs.

Summertime in Death Valley can be downright oppressive, so do the wise thing and wait to visit until the crowds have disappeared and the mercury has dropped. The days are sunny and comfortable and when the sun drops early in the afternoon, you will be treated to a seemingly endless sky full of stars.

One of the state's finest ski resorts mixes with charming Western facades to make Breckenridge the cream of the Colorado crop each winter. In addition to powder for skiers and snowboarders and scenes that look straight from a Christmas card, Breck also comes alive with snow sculptures each January and February.

Making a run for Mystic is always a good idea, and the town gets even more atmospheric when wearing a coating of snow. Dive into this nautical town's fascinating history and modern shopping at Mystic Seaport and Olde Mistick Village before taking in the views on the River Road. Then, warm-up by the fire at a local bed & breakfast.

The underrated Delaware Coast doesn't love a bit of its loveliness come wintertime. In fact, the lack of crowds makes arguably makes for a more enjoyable experience. Historic Lewes is a great base for snowy walks on the beach and bundled-up early morning sunrise watching sessions.

While the storied streets of the nation's oldest city are filled with character all year round, they get even more atmospheric each year when the holiday lights get turned on. The display is one of the country's best and will fill your Christmas cheer well into the new year.

One of the most sensational small towns in the Southeast, Dahlonega stays merry and bright through the dark nights of winter. Enjoy the quaint local antique shops and cafes before getting warm by the fire in your nearby cabin in the woods.

There's no getting around it: winter is the peak time for travel from the mainland to Hawaii. While this year may play out a bit differently, you're still sure to have more slices of paradise to yourself on the less-visited isle of Kauai. Have your breath taken away both by the views of the Na Pali Coast and by hikes near Waimea Canyon, the Grand Canyon of the Pacific.

Sun Valley comes alive each winter due to the hustle and bustle of the ski season, but that's just the start of the excitement. An idyllic holiday light display fills the town with festive spirit each December, complete with carolers and sleigh rides. Post-New Year's, the valley is a hotspot of wintry backcountry adventures.

You will certainly get your kicks in Chicago all winter long, but this year why not head west to the quaint towns along the Mississippi River? From the Quad Cities region all the way down to Alton along the Great River Road, you will find peace, quiet, and patriotic bird-watching. Yes, because in addition to small-town charm in spades, this region is the winter home for thousands of bald eagles, the largest such gathering in the Lower 48.

This historic resort town is full of fun things to do all season long and after a day admiring the nearby wintry landscapes, there's no better place to warm yourself up than the West Baden Springs Hotel and its wonderful lobby and atrium. The region is also home to Paoli Peaks, a seasonal ski center.

There's no scene in the Hawkeye State quite as wintry as when there's a dusting of flakes on Dubuque's riverside cliffs. Indeed, this riverside town looks its best under a blanket of snow and nearby Sundown Mountain Resort provides plenty of powdery fun in the form of more than 20 ski runs and two terrain parks.

You certainly won't escape frigid wind chills on the Great Plains here, but there's more than enough wintry fun to keep your mind off the low temperatures. Case in point is Illuminations at Botanica, a dazzling display of holiday lights inside the city's top-notch community garden.

Arguably the most fascinating subterranean space in the United States, Mammoth Cave is a fantasy land of fanciful geological formations. As an added bonus, no matter the weather outside, the caves stay a comfortable temperature, making it the perfect place to escape the winter blues. The above-ground portion of the national park is perfect for winter recreation as well as it boasts miles of hiking trails.

NOLA will never be confused with a winter wonderland, but this city certainly knows how to put plenty of holiday cheer in your cup. Prior to Christmas, Celebration in the Oaks (a stunning light display in City Park) will take center stage, and while Mardi Gras as we know it won't be happening in 2021, there will still be plenty of small scale, socially-distanced soirees.

Each December, this gorgeous harbor town kicks off the festive season with the Christmas Prelude, a ten-day celebration of winter and Christmas traditions. Things will be a little bit different this year, but the event is still certain to still fill you with holiday spirit. Once the new year arrives, Kennebunkport goes back to being one of the coziest winter getaways on the East Coast.

Maryland's biggest lake looks especially bewitching during winter snowfalls, making it the perfect place to hole up for a few days with a good book and a neverending mug of hot chocolate. And for those that crave a little adrenaline with their relaxation, Deep Creek Lake is where you will find Wisp Resort, a paradise of powder each winter.

This picturesque stretch of Western Mass makes for the perfect place to get away for a few days during the winter. Outdoorsy travelers will love the fact that the mountains in the Berkshires are almost always covered in snow during the winter, while the culturally-focused will love the numerous galleries, museums, and indoor pursuits in the region.

The biggest city in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, Marquette is a fantastic base for snow-based fun (the area typically receives over 200 inches of snowfall per year) all winter long. Paramount among the nearby winter wonderlands is Presque Isle, a pretty park that juts into Lake Superior.

After enjoying underrated Duluth for a couple of nights, head out on Highway 61 along Lake Superior towards Grand Marias to see some of the most beautiful winter scenes in the country. Along the way, stop at Split Rock Lighthouse and stay a night at the grand Naniboujou Lodge.

Head to Biloxi to beat the winter blues by basking in some bright days and balmy Gulf breezes. While their signature Mardi Gras may look a little different this year, Carnival season along Coastal Mississippi will still be joyous and sun-kissed.

When the nights get longer and darker, the lights of Kansas City's Country Club Plaza illuminate spirits throughout the city. The Spanish-inspired architecture of this outdoor mall makes the perfect backdrop for shopping the winter doldrums away all season long and KC's signature barbecue joints are the perfect after-shopping pitstop.

This small Montana town is famous for being the best base from which to explore Glacier National Park, truly one of the country's most beautiful winter playgrounds. Partake in ice-based sports after hitting Whitefish's outfitters shops or just lay low and do some shopping at the classic Western storefronts downtown.

With Husker games on the calendar, Lincoln is well known as one of the best college towns in the USA to visit in autumn, but it's also a great place to get away for a few days in winter, too. The city's social calendar doesn't slow down when the weather outside gets frightful and when it snows, Pioneer Park turns into a paradise for sledding.

We all know that Vegas keeps the fun going all year, but in wintertime, this gorgeous nearby mountain truly shines. Mount Charleston sits inside the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, and it sees regular snowfall throughout the season. Get out on the trails before heading for the lodge for some spiked hot cocoa.

Head north in New Hampshire come winter and you'll run right smack into the majestic White Mountains wearing a cloak of fresh snow. The state's best ski resorts are located in the region, most notably Bretton Woods, but skiing is only the start of the powder-based fun available this time of year.

This fun ski resort might not own quite the height as its brethren in Colorado or New England, but it still provides a great day out in the Garden State. Skiers here enjoy 100 skiable acres and an impressive 1,000 feet of vertical drop.

In addition to being the state's premier ski destination, this fetching New Mexican town is known for having an especially warm and inviting holiday season. They call it Taos Yuletide and it consists of festive processions, paper lanterns and other seasonal delights.

The Adirondacks are simply awesome in winter. Ski Whiteface Mountain-home to the best vertical drop east of the Rockies-one day, visit the Olympic Sports Complex in Lake Placid the next. Base yourself in a local cabin for the most memorable results.

The Tar Heel State's highest elevations provide the best destinations for winter vacations. Visit ski resorts like Sugar Mountain or Beech Mountain, the numerous spas of the region or take in the sight of one of the region's romantic waterfalls encased in ice.

The home of the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks stays fired up all throughout the winter season. Root on the UND ice hockey team before heading to the countryside to do some snowmobiling or ice fishing.

This spectacular state park makes a dreamy destination during each turn of the calendar page, but it's particularly special when it's covered in snow. Hike to waterfalls laced with icicles before warming up back at your local bed and breakfast.

When it comes to winter, Tulsa knows how to do things right. During the holiday season, the city shines brightest during Winterfest-an event full of good cheer and home to a large ice skating rink-and the Rhema Lights, which is a dazzling display that shows off over two million bulbs.

Crater Lake National Park tends to get overlooked during Western road trips, but those who stop by in winter will be doubly rewarded. In addition to having more of this unbelievable landscape to yourself, you'll see the deepest lake in the USA dressed in white, a sight you are sure to remember the rest of your life.

If you can picture an activity that involves snow, it's pretty certain that you can do it in the Poconos. Skiing (traditional or cross-country), snowshoeing, snowmobiling, snow tubing, ice skating, are just the start of the winter fun in this gorgeous corner of the Keystone State.

While some think that Newport is only a Memorial Day to Labor Day sort of place, folks in the know keep Newport high on their list long past Thanksgiving. Case in point is the Christmas in Newport celebration, which will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2020. While it may be altered for safety this year, like always, this cherished event will fill this coastal town with old fashioned holiday warmth.

There's nothing quite like the embrace of warm Southern breezes and characterful streets that Charleston offers all winter long. Christmas events fill December while the rest of the winter is the perfect time to explore the history, architecture and culinary delights that make this city so special.

Rapid City has long been regarded as the best jumping-off point for the Black Hills, and in wintertime, the hills come alive with snow-based activities. Snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and fat biking are three popular pursuits, all made even more enjoyable by an extensive network of maintained trails.

You may have seen the Smokies painted with splashes of orange and brown in autumn, but you haven't seen them truly shine until you've seen them painted white. Base yourself in Gatlinburg to take in the best of the wintry scenery and if you get there in December, make sure to head to nearby Pigeon Forge to experience Dollywood at Christmas.

When it comes to putting up with winter weather, sometimes you have to grin and bear it, other times you just need to hop in the car and head south, to the south of Texas. South Padre's temperatures stay comfortably mild all winter long and at this time you'll find even more space on the beach to plant your umbrella.

In addition to being Utah's most celebrated ski resort, Park City is also home to the Utah Olympic Park, where visitors can relive the excitement of the 2002 Winter Olympics. The town is also typically the setting for the acclaimed Sundance Film Festival.

As idyllic as Stowe (and the rest of Vermont) is during autumn, the atmosphere gets dialled up way past charming when the snow begins to fall. Stay by the fire in your cozy bed and breakfast all day or make for the local ski slopes.

You may have to use a little more caution while taking corners on Skyline Drive when there's snow on the ground, but the reward is seeing even more sensational than usual views of this national park. To many, the true beauty of this mountainous landscape only gets better when the park's trees lose their leaves because the contours of hills are more clearly visible.

The annual Christmas lighting festival may be cancelled this year, but the bulbs will still be glowing every night from Thanksgiving to Valentine's Day. Soak in the atmosphere of the Pacific Northwest's favorite Bavarian-themed town after a day on the surrounding ski slopes.

This handsome town at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers has played an outsized role in American history and it looks especially fetching under a blanket of flakes. After you've explored its history, use Harper's Ferry as a base for exploring the Appalachian Trail, which sees far fewer hikers in winter.

Come winter, the Apostle Islands National Seashore transforms into a magical world of icicles and other assorted forms of frozen water, and if the condition is just right: ice caves. Yes, you can walk on water to caves that are typically reached by kayak.

Old Faithful and the hundreds of other geysers and geothermal features at Yellowstone keep their shows going all winter long, and to seem them surrounded by snow and steam is truly something special. Since there are fewer crowds in winter, many consider it the best time to admire the park's wildlife, including buffalo wearing their signature winter coats.