20 Least-Visited States (and Why They’re Worth Your Time)

There may be 50 states in the Union, but not all rank the same on travelers’ bucket lists. While on the one hand, you have your Californias, Hawaiis and New Yorks. On the other, you have states which seem to be thoroughly misunderstood.

While these states may receive less than the lion’s share of tourism each year, it is a tremendous oversight, as they are teeming with their own rich cultures, history, sights and landmarks. In fact, some of these states are home to the most iconic and beautiful landmarks in the world.

So, before you write off the majority of the Midwest, the South and parts of the last American frontier, check out this list of the 20 least-visited states, and take note as to why they’re absolutely worth a visit.

Visitors: 41 million 

Known as the Natural State, most visitors to Arkansas are taking their adventures outdoors. The landscape of Arkansas rises in two mountainous spines with both the Ozark and Ouachita mountains. 

It also has national parks, America’s first national river, and the Razorback Regional Greenway, which is a playground for riders on two wheels.

*Visitor numbers are from 2021 unless otherwise noted.

The No. 1 reason visitors are drawn to Arkansas is Hot Springs National Park, one of the top-visited national parks in the nation. The hot springs of the Ouachita Mountains have been calling tourists for decades, and today, the park has hiking trails, an observation tower and plenty of places to take a plunge. The Buffalo National River is another stunning natural spot of protected area — this time running through the Ozark Mountains. These are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Arkansas’ natural treasures. 

Those with a deep interest in American history will want to visit the Little Rock Central High School, which was the first high school to begin desegregation in 1957. 

Visitors: 37 million

Idaho sits wedged between several other lesser-traveled states, like Montana, Oregon and Wyoming. But believe it or not, Idaho is a veritable playground for adventurers. There are 114 mountain ranges in the state, and more than 60 percent of Idaho is public land. 

The capital city, Boise, is a rising destination known for its burgeoning dining, art and music scenes, while Sun Valley is one of the best ski destinations in the country.

Idaho is both a mixture of natural beauty and cultural highlights, with plenty to see and do. Start with Sun Valley Resort, one of the greatest ski destinations in the nation. Both a summer and winter retreat, when the slopes aren’t blanketed in powder, they are webbed with fabulous hiking trails. Craters of the Moon National Monument is also a top draw, a lunar landscape created from volcanic eruptions that set off as long as 15,000 years ago. 

More stunning beauty is found at Lake Coeur d’Alene, a glacially formed lake ringed in mountains. As if that weren’t enough for natural beauty, Bruneau Dunes is one of the best and most unique state parks in the state.