The Most Underrated Attraction in Each State

Every state in the country has a set of signature attractions and landmarks that immediately spring to mind when you hear its name. But each one of the 50 also has an attraction that is consistently overlooked by those visiting, and they can be just as rewarding. Click on the slideshow to see these slightly lesser-known gems.

Head to Hunstville and its world-famous U.S. Space & Rocket Center for sure, but then make the trip to Wetumpka to see the scars of when a heavenly body crashed to earth. This "star wound" is one of the few above-ground meteor impact craters in the world, and the crater walls offer a fascinating insight into the collision.

Remember when you learned about the Ring of Fire in geography class? If you've forgotten anything at all, one trip to this rarely visited national park property will bring all the science facts back. This far-flung preserve is loaded with otherworldly landscapes, with the most dramatic being a six-mile wide caldera created by an ancient volcanic eruption.

There's another canyon in Arizona that travelers from around the world flock to and by no means should it be skipped, but you'll also be pleasantly surprised at the Southwest grandeur on display at this national monument. Stare up at Spider Rock (pictured) before delving into the past at Canyon de Chelly's ancient dwellings and petroglyphs.

Owning the honor as our first national river due to its status as one of the nation's last remaining undammed waterways, the Buffalo naturally meanders its way through the Natural State. Admire the river's dramatic bluffs from the trails that surround its banks or, for a proper adventure, paddle a section for yourself.

This section of northeast California contains more than a few oft-overlooked gems. The star of this unheralded show is without a doubt Lassen Volcanic National Park, a geological wonderland full of placid mountain lakes, gorgeous wildflowers, bubbling vents and belching mud pots.

No, these rock formations don't conform to your visions of what Colorado should look like, and that's what makes them special. The end result of centuries of wind erosion, the buttes make a dramatic backdrop for walks through the surrounding Pawnee National Grassland.

You can't come to the Constitution State without making a run for Mystic and its handsome harbor, but this water feature also deserves your attention. Located in the Litchfield Hills, Kent Falls is actually a family of several falls, that together drop curtains of water 200 feet.

The state's section of the romantic Brandywine Valley is home to grand chateaus, gracious gardens and fascinating museums, which makes it feel far away from the beachy buzz of the coast.

This natural preserve is home to warm springs which are the only place in the nation where you can legally swim with manatees. You may head here following the manatees, but you'll leave in love with the warm and welcoming small town of Crystal Springs.

These earthen mounds were built by Native Americans over 1000 years ago and today stand as one of the state's most historic attractions. Visit to gain insight into their construction and purpose before exploring Macon, arguably the state's most underrated city.

Did you know that Hawaii has a rich heritage of ranching and even owns its own version of the cowboy? Yes, the "paniolo" is the name for a Hawaiian cowboy, and on this expansive ranch on the stunning island of Kauai, you can see what it's like to walk in their boots for the day.

Yes, Craters of the Moon is like nothing else in the Lower 48, but the star of this park, Balanced Rock, strikes just the right balance between geological wonder and vacation curiosity. Stop by, because like all attractions crafted by erosion, it may not be around forever.

There's no doubt that residents of the Land of Lincoln have the lowdown on the splendor of Shawnee National Forest, but out-of-state tourists still tend to overlook it. Head here for vistas full of handsome hardwood trees, warm springs surrounded by sandstone cliffs and the iconic Garden of the Gods (pictured).

They don't call it the "covered bridge capital of the world" for nothing, as this quaint county-a short drive from Indianapolis-is home to over 30 romantic covered bridges. See how many you can check off your list.

Downtown Des Moines definitely has a buzz, and the Field of Dreams swarms with visitors in summer, but the atmosphere of Maquoketa Caves still gets consistently missed by visitors. Visit this park to be blown away by jagged bluffs, interesting rock formations and, of course, its signature caves.

This pillar of chalk rock tops 70-feet and makes for a most unusual sight on the plains of western Kansas. Castle Rock itself is the centerpiece of an entire section of "badlands" that include a collection of hoodoos and other interesting chalk creations.

You didn't know they had canyons in Kentucky? You're not alone. The Red River has spent millions of years carving its way through the landscape of the east-central section of the state, resulting in over 100 spectacular sandstone arches and a sweeping canyon system.

Located just a short drive from the 24/7 action of New Orleans, this preserve tells the wild tale of Louisiana's famed wetlands with a collection of bayous, swamps and marshes. Spot the alligators and the wildflowers while taking a scenic stroll on the picturesque wooden walking platforms.

Arcadia National Park will never cease to amaze, but many non-Mainers overlook this gorgeous canyon set in the forests of the northern swath of the state. Hike the rim trail to be treated to sweeping views of steep canyon walls, rushing water and scores of waterfalls.

While visitors to the Old Line State typically make a beeline for Baltimore, the beaches of Ocean City or the windswept beauty of Assateague Island, those in the know head to this great state park. Enjoy views over the Chesapeake Bay and a historic lighthouse before taking part in a myriad of outdoor activities.

The historic seaport of Gloucester gets passed by all too often, but those who make it here leave impressed with this stately structure. It's the brainchild of noted inventor John Hammond and takes inspiration from the castles of Europe.

Of course, you are going to grab a slice of Detroit-style pizza and visit grand Belle Isle, but what about kayaking through "Little Venice"? Yep, you can do that too in the "D", and while you're on a tour, you'll learn all about the bootleggers who used these waterways to move bottles from Canada to the USA during Prohibition.

It may not sweep you off to Venice, but the Duluth Ship Canal is both a feat of modern engineering and a beloved attraction in this consistently underrated city. Consult the published schedule of ship passages, grab a seat on a bench at Canal Park-in the shadow of the Aerial Bridge-and then watch the show unfold.

Don't skip this gorgeous park on your way to Jackson, Natchez or the Gulf Coast. Home to an especially scenic stretch of the Natchez Trace Parkway and a wonderland of flora and fauna, Tishomingo will leave an impression on you and shake your idea of what Mississippi looks and feels like.

Take your ride up the Gateway Arch and visit the Anheuser-Busch brewery in downtown St. Louis, but then make your way west for a ride on one of the nation's finest rails-to-trails initiatives: the Katy Trail. The Katy stretches nearly 250 miles, tracing the path of the former MKT (Missouri-Kansas-Texas) rail line, featuring gorgeous views of the Missouri River and rocky bluffs.

Montana is synonymous with rugged mountains and glaciers that sit under a sky that seemingly stretches forever. Before you admire the state's beauty and get embedded in its Western culture, pay your respects to those that fell at this pivotal battle, which served as a turning point in the history of the American West.

After you've seen all the awesomeness of Omaha and Lincoln, head west to Grand Island and this fascinating museum. It's dedicated to telling the story of the prairie pioneer and does a sensational job of immersing modern visitors into the world of the enterprising souls who carved out a life on the unforgiving Great Plains.

One of the nation's most underrated national parks, Great Basin sits around five hours north of Las Vegas near the border with Utah. Explore the majestic mountain terrain and curious caves by day and look up at night to see a display of stars that might just rival the Las Vegas Strip.

Some may cringe at this rock formation's inclusion, as the jury is still out on whether these stones near Salem have any historical significance. Regardless, the fact remains that America's Stonehenge makes for an interesting stop and hardly anyone outside of the state has heard of it.

When we arrive in New Jersey, we often make a run straight for the shore, but if you head west you'll find the divine Delaware Water Gap. No visit to this bucolic region is complete without a hike up this mountain, which offers views of the Gap's namesake river and the undulating green hills of the area.

No, those aren't lunar mushrooms up ahead; they are the strange hoodoo-like formations of the Bisti Badlands, one of New Mexico's ultimate hidden gems. Head to the northwest section of the state (around 40 miles south of Farmington) to take in the views before or after you see all the sights of Albuquerque, Santa Fe or Taos.

Travel to Empire State is understandably NYC-centric, but head to this museum in the state capital of Albany to learn the fascinating full story of the state of New York.

Once you make it to the Outer Banks, it can be tempting to simply park up the car and hit the beach. As rewarding as that can be, one day make it a point to go all the way south to this undeveloped, wild stretch of seashore where you can step back in time in the shadow of a historic Cape Lookout Lighthouse.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park may pull in the crowds, but those that pull the car over on Highway 21 near Regent (around 90 minutes to the southeast) can see a metal sculpture of Teddy himself. In addition, you'll spot creative takes on fish, geese, pheasants and deer at this unique roadside attraction.

For good reason, visitors to the Buckeye State tend to gravitate to Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati, but those that dive into Dayton will be rewarded. Paramount among the attractions there is this museum, which tells the story of the U.S. Air Force through 300 displays and interactive exhibits.

Head to the Arbuckle Mountains in the southern section of the state to experience Oklahoma's highest waterfall and an array of outdoor activities at Turner Falls. And you thought the Sooner State was flat and dry.

With so much mountainous beauty within its borders, it can be easy to forget about the coast, but one trip to Ecola will find you converted. Have a jaunt on an especially jaw-dropping section of the Oregon Coast Trail and a path that leads to Tillamook Head, a point whose views were touted by legendary explorers Lewis & Clark.

A wonderland of waterfalls and bewitching old-growth forest, Ricketts Glen might just be the prettiest state park that you haven't heard of yet. Balance out a trip to Philly with a couple of days of tranquillity here for the ultimate Keystone State experience.

Newport may be known far-and-wide for its sumptuous seaside homes and jazz festival, but those that head offshore to Block Island are in for the most pleasant of surprises. In addition to sweeping bluffs and terrific beaches, this historic lighthouse stands as a beacon of the past and has become a cherished symbol of the island.

Locals have made this island oasis the most popular state park in the Palmetto State, but it still ranks well below places like Charleston, Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head in the national consciousness. Visit in order to experience lagoons, beaches, marshes and the state's only publicly accessible lighthouse.

While those stoic stone faces of Mount Rushmore grab the headlines of South Dakota travel, this unsung national park keeps on surprising those who visit. Named for the barometric winds that grace its entrance, Wind Cave is one of the longest and most interesting caves in the world.

This poignant place in Memphis should be much more well-known than it is. Located at the Lorraine Hotel-the site of Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination-it offers an eye-opening journey through the struggle for Civil Rights in America, from the resistance to slavery to the modern day.

The second-largest canyon in the entire United States still remains a secret to a huge chunk of the population. After you've seen the sights in the big cities, head out to the Texas Panhandle to take in this spectacular wonder of nature.

Don't let the name deceive you, Nine Mile Canyon is in fact around 40 miles in length. What will you see along the way at this much-overlooked sight? An astounding abundance of Native American petroglyphs, a collection nicknamed "the world's longest art gallery".

In a state full of postcard-perfect New England towns, rolling hills famed for their autumn color and the much-talked-about home base of Ben & Jerry's, this gorge gets bypassed far too often. See it with your own eyes to take in the raw power of the water and the sheer beauty of the surroundings.

Once upon a time, this rock formation was incredibly famous around the country, playing host to presidents and statesmen while becoming a well-known symbol of the Old Dominion. While its status has slipped a notch, it's still well worth seeking out, as it anchors an especially enchanting section of the Virginia landscape.

After you've scaled the Space Needle and seen airborne fish at the Pike Place Market, head east to see Spokane and its namesake falls. You'll hear the falls long before you see them, and that rumble only adds to the atmosphere of the cascades.

While the Glade Creek Grist Mill serves as an unofficial state symbol, the highlight of bucolic Blackwater Falls State Park is well worth a look-see. This waterfall plummets nearly 60 feet and is tinted a bewitching shade by fallen tree needles.

Sure, Wisconsin residents may know and love this serene refuge, but all too often this hauntingly lovely lake and namesake park slip down the Badger State to-do list for out-of-state visitors. Right this wrong by exploring its walking paths, many that feature views of Devil's Lake itself.

Sure, Old Faithful and the rest of its Yellowstone National Park brethren enjoy global acclaim-as does the Tetons-but this unique attraction in Thermopolis is well worth a detour. Here, you will be captivated by the tale of Wyoming's most ancient residents and come face-to-face with more than a few dinosaur skeletons.