Iconic landmarks in every state

Alaska - The Denali range in Alaska boasts the highest mountain peak in North America, making it a popular destination for climbers and sightseers alike. It recently made the news when President Obama declared the peak would no longer be officially referred to as Mt. McKinley, as it had been since 1917.

Arizona - It’s a canyon so big and amazing, they named it Grand! Considered a great wonder of the world, there’s no doubt that the Grand Canyon is Arizona’s most famous and prized landmark.

Arkansas - Some landmarks are natural wonders, others are made by human history. Little Rock Central High School is the latter. In 1957, after a Supreme Court ruling legalized the integration of public schools 3 years earlier, nine Black high school students attempted to enter Little Rock Central High School and tried to dutifully receive the education they were legally allowed. Instead, the students were greeted by a mob of angry white people and then escorted away by police.

California - A beautiful, bright feat of modern engineering, the Golden Gate bridge is the gem of the Bay area. Attaching the bustling city of San Fran to the quiet, beautiful Marin Headlands, it is an American must-see landmark.

Colorado - In Colorado’s Mesa Verde National Park, there are some of the best preserved cliff dwellings of the Ancestral Puebloans. The structures vary in size from one room to others with more than 150 rooms! The Puebloans lived there for centuries but moved south and were out of the area by 1300. This fascinating glimpse into pre-colonial America makes Mesa Verde and its cliff dwellings an iconic Colorado destination.

Connecticut - Like much of the Northeast United States, Connecticut‘s early history is often tied with its proximity to the sea. Mystic Seaport is a top spot for learning about Connecticut’s history with whaling and fishing, among other maritime pursuits.

Delaware - The state of Delaware is often known for being the first of the current 50, but it’s also known for it’s beautiful beaches. Miles of sand make beach towns like Rehoboth, Dewey, and Bethany favorite locations for sea-loving vacationers.

Florida -

Georgia -

Hawaii - Pearl Harbor on Oahu, Hawaii was the scene of an infamous surprise military attack by Japanese airmen on US troops and ships stationed there. Over 2,400 Americans were killed. The war memorial at the site is the number one visitor destination in Hawaii.

Idaho - Craters of the Moon is a protected National Preserve. The lands have three large natural lava fields and surrounding grasslands. The Great Rift of Idaho is an area of the preserve that has open rift cracks in the earth, including the deepest known in the world at 800 feet.

Illinois - Given that Chicago is one of the most famous cities in the world, it’s no surprise the most iconic landmark in Illinois resides there. The Bean is properly called Cloud Gate and is a sculpture by artist Anish Kapoor located in Millennium Park. Unlike many of the natural and historic landmarks across the country, it is a more recently acquired landmark, constructed in 2006.

Indiana - The state is home to the Indy 500, one of car racing’s most famous competitions. Motor Speedway, where the fast action happens is one of Indiana’s most popular attractions. Wonder what their beer sales are like?

Iowa -

Kansas - These days people aren’t looking to get the “Heck outta Dodge”. As one of the most popular tourist destinations in Kansas, they are looking to get in it.

Kentucky - Churchill Downs is considered a top visitor spot in Kentucky. Home of the Kentucky Derby, where big hats are worn and lots of mint juleps are consumed.

Louisiana - The famous French Quarter is known for many things: jazz, cajun food, crazy cemeteries, and more! It attracts people from all over the world, looking to have a good time and hang in the Big Easy.

Maine - Portland Head Light is an iconic lighthouse on the shores of Maine. Not only is it the oldest lighthouse in the state but arguably the most picturesque. It’s often depicted in paintings and other artistic representations of Maine.

Maryland - Fort McHenry is a famous star-shaped fort in Baltimore, Maryland, built originally in 1798. The fort is most known for its part in the War of 1812 when American troops defended the harbor from the British navy. The fort was used by the armed forces through World War I, then it became a park in 1925. It was also briefly borrowed by the Coast Guard during WWII. Today, it is a popular tourist destination as well as a recreation area.

Massachusetts - Growing up in the United States, one of the first school history lessons is about the pilgrims and Plymouth Rock, where they arrived in 1620. Except reference to an actual rock wasn’t written until 1741. Plymouth “Rock” essentially memorializes the harbor in Plymouth, a popular tourist destination.

Michigan -

Minnesota -

Mississippi - The birthplace of blues is one of Mississippi’s most proud claims and the Blues Trail takes you on journey through its history. The tour guides you through the towns of BB King, Big Jack Johnson, and Bo Diddley, just to name a few. Mississippi’s most famous landmark isn’t just one place, it’s a whole musical genre and history!

Missouri - The Gateway Arch, also known as the gateway to the west, is a great visual landmark and famously marks the St. Louis skyline since it was constructed in 1963.

Montana - In Glacier National Park, Wild Goose Island is one of the most photographed spots and therefore considered one of Montana’s greatest landmarks. It’s a small island almost perfectly centered in the middle of St. Mary Lake. The lake itself is picturesque, with towering mountains surrounding it.

Nebraska - Chimney Rock in Nebraska has been a famous landmark since the days the pioneers used it to measure their travels along the Oregon Trail. Wonder if they giggled at it too?

Nevada - Some might argue that the Las Vegas strip is Nevada’s most prized landmark, and while it certainly is a great tourist attraction, the Hoover Dam deserves its due as a man-made marvel worth seeing.

New Hampshire - The Mt. Washington Cog Railway in Mount Washington, New Hampshire was the world’s first mountain-climbing cog railway and is still running to this day. It carries all the tourists who come to visit it up the mountain.

New Jersey - Atlantic City could be considered the Las Vegas of the East and it is also one of New Jersey’s most famous and visited destinations. It also has something that Vegas does not: beaches.

New Mexico - Chaco Culture National Historical Park in New Mexico holds an impressive collection of pueblos, both in numbers and concentration. Thousands of people lived in this remote canyon between the years 850 and 1250 AD and it provides a glimpse into pre-Columbian culture and history.

Not only a landmark for the state of New York and New York City, but the Statue of Liberty is a proud symbol of American freedom. It was gifted to the United States by the people of France and dedicated in 1886.

North Carolina - While the Wright Brothers first flight at Kitty Hawk could be argued as North Carolina’s most famous landmark, it’s really just a strip of land. The Biltmore Estate, on the other hand, is a grand, luxurious mansion with gorgeous gardens and extravagant furnishings. There’s much more to see here!

North Dakota - The Badlands of North Dakota are famous for being one of Theodore Roosevelt’s favorite places to visit after he initially came to hunt buffalo in 1883. Much of the area is now Theodore Roosevelt National Park to honor his love of North Dakota and his great conservationist pursuits. Within the park is an area with beautiful rock formations and expansive views of the canyon and is referred to as “Painted Canyon.”

Ohio - The Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame resides in Cleveland, Ohio and archives some of the most famous people of the music industry including artists, songwriters, and producers.

Oklahoma - Route 66 is a famous highway that spans multiple states, but seems to be extra iconic in Oklahoma. It’s also referred to by other names such as Main Street America or Will Rogers Highway. There is even a popular song dedicated to the road.

Oregon - Crater Lake in Oregon is famous for it’s deep blue color and water clarity. Made by a volcano collapse thousands of years ago, it is the deepest lake in the United States.

Pennsylvania - In downtown Philadelphia, Pennsylvania lies the Liberty Bell. Originally the bell was in the Pennsylvania State House, today known as Independence Hall. While there is no record of it being rung on July 4, 1776 when America officially gained its independence from Britain, it is historically significant as being in the same area where the Second Continental Congress met, as well as also having a crack.

Rhode Island - Breakers Mansion is a famous house in Newport, Rhode Island. It is a Vanderbilt property with extravagant Italian Renaissance architecture. With a rich history, literally and figuratively, it’s understandably a popular place to visit in Rhode Island.

South Carolina - Fort Sumter is located in the waters of Charleston. It is a sea fort that played a major role in two Civil War battles. It’s now operated by the National Park Service and one of the most popular spots for tourists in South Carolina.

South Dakota - Mount Rushmore is one of the most famous rock formations in the US because it holds the faces of four United States Presidents. Near Keystone, South Dakota George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln will all look down on you from their perch in the mountain. Ah, America!

Tennessee - Former estate of American musical legend, Elvis, Graceland is one of the top spots to visit in Tennessee. Located in Memphis, it has been a museum since 1982.

Texas - The Alamo in San Antonio, Texas is often remembered from pop culture references like “Remember the Alamo” or “There’s no basement in the Alamo!” (Pee Wee, anyone?). But the actual Battle of the Alamo was a very important part of the Texas Revolution.

Utah - Salt Lake Temple, a large Mormon temple that resides in Salt Lake, is one of the most famous landmarks in Utah.

Vermont - Vermont State House, Montpelier, Vermont, USA.

Virginia - After the White House, Mount Vernon could be considered the most famous residence in America. Of course, now it’s a museum in honor of the man who lived there, President George Washington. Located near Alexandria, Virginia along the Potomac River, it is a sight to behold.

Washington - The Space Needle in Seattle, Washington bears a very appropriate name. Looking like a structure out of the Jetsons, it draws thousands of curious visitors every year.

West Virginia - Near Fayetteville, West Virginia, is a 3,030-foot-long steel arch bridge and one of the state’s most popular landmarks. The New River Gorge bridge is engineering at some of its most awe-inspiring.

Wisconsin - Taliesin was the house of famed architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. Located in Spring Green, Wisconsin, It brings in visitors who are curious about how the man lived and to see his signature home design.