What to see and do in the United States
Alabama
Capital - Montgomery - The capital of the southern state of Alabama comes with lots of history and southern tradition. During the civil
war, Montgomery was the first capital of the confederacy states of America. Today the confederate white house still stands and is a
major tourist attraction in the city. Montgomery also calls itself the capital of the south, making it a great place to see and experience
what America's southern culture is like.
Gulf Shores - Alabama's resort city along the Gulf of Mexico, the city of Gulf Shores is where you can find white sandy beaches, strips
of hotels, and clear subtropical water to swim in. With most east coast travelers going to the famous beaches in Florida, a visit to the
Gulf Shores will put you in smaller crowds which is mostly made up of locals. Even though its not visited in the millions, Gulf Shores has
a good tourist infrastructure with many condos and beach houses up for rent during the summer.
Mobile - Founded in 1702, the city of Mobile was the original French colonial capital of their territory of Louisiana. In the past few
hundred years, the city has changed flags six different times, starting with France to Britain, Spain, the United States, to the
confederacy, and finally returning to USA. Today Mobile is Alabama's largest port and is located on the Gulf Coast. Like other cities
in the gulf, Mobile also celebrates such festivals as Mardi Gras, but with a more family friend version unlike New Orlean's.
William Bankhead National Forest - The northwestern part of Alabama holds the state's largest forest which is also known as the land
of a thousand falls. Several native Americans who once made this place their home have left behind dozens of rock carvings and other
prehistoric drawings all over the forest. Many limestone bluffs and streams are found all over the forest, which is also the third largest
wilderness east of the Mississippi river.
Alaska
Capital - Juneau - One of America's biggest cities in terms of area, Juneau is the same size as Puerto Rico or as Delaware and Rhode
Island combined. Alaska's capital keeps the tradition of avoiding densely populated areas, and only has 30,000 residents within its
huge borders. Many travelers visit Juneau as they stop by on cruise ships, others take flights in the winter or drive in the summer when
the roads are open.
Anchorage - Alaska's only major population area, Anchorage has over a quarter million residents who choose to make this subarctic
                        city their home. Anchorage has very cold winters, but a visit during this time of the year offers a chance to view the
                        northern lights, go ice fishing, snowmobiling or other winter sports. The summer has some of the best outdoor fishing
                        in the world. The city itself also has numerous festivals celebrating the long summer days and the midnight sun.
Gates of the Arctic - Temperatures in the Gates of the Arctic are too cold to support forests, so instead you'll find northern Alaska
covered in Tundra. Tundra is only found in a select few countries and in Antarctica and remains the least visited biome. The Gates of
the Arctic national park is a true adventure; there are no roads, trails or visitor centers located on the park itself. Grizzly bears, moose,
wolves and reindeer are in large numbers in the park, and with no forests to hide in they are easily spotted.
Kodiak Island - America's second largest island, Kodiak has a little bit of everything to share with travelers. The island was discovered
by Russians in the 18th century where they set up the first permanent Russian settlement in Alaska. After the Americans bought the
land, the city of Kodiak was founded which is the largest on the island today. The island is also famous for its large population of
Kodiak bears. Kodiak bears are only found in Kodiak and the surrounding islands, and are some of the largest bears in the world.
Denali National Park - Denali park is named after Mt. Denali, also called Mt. McKinley. Denali is one of the 7 summits, and the
Alaska range that it is found in is the third highest in the world after the Himalayas and the Andes. In the lower altitudes of the park are
a large variety of wildlife, some unique only to the arctic regions of the world. The summer is really the only ideal time to visit the park,
as the winter will bring in heavy snow and make hiking very difficult and dangerous.
Arkansas
Capital - Little Rock - Never really seen as a tourist destination, most Americans only associate Little Rock with Bill Clinton who was
governor there before his presidency. Little Rock's most important site is it's giant Central High School which was the site of the 1957
integration of blacks and white students. The integration was met with protests that required bringing in the national guard, and was a
major step forward toward equal rights in America.
Hot Springs - Valley of the vapors to Native Americans, explored by Hernando De Soto, hometown of Bill Clinton, and for centuries
a vacation spot for tourists, Hot Springs Arkansas is one of the most exciting sites in the state. The natural spring flows water at 147
degrees which has drawn in luxury hotels and spas.
Lake Ouachita - Arkansas's second largest lake is dotted with small tree covered islands and sailing boats. The lake has an almost
1,000 mile long shoreline that is completely surrounded by the Ouachita National Forest. Both the forest and the lake have a lot of
wildlife, including a rare species of jellyfish that are often seen by scuba divers. There are plenty of places here to go sailing, fishing,
hiking and swimming.
The Ozarks - A plateau that stretches into 3 other states, The Ozarks are the only significant highlands between the Rocky Mountains
and the Appalachian Mountains. Currently under construction is a 700 mile hiking and mountain biking trail that will link St. Louis,
Missouri to Arkansas. The Ozarks in Arkansas have many scenic views. Whitaker Point is one of the most dramatic, with a huge rock
outcrop that gives one of the best vantage points in the Ozarks.
Arizona
Capital - Phoenix - Hotter than any other city in America, Phoenix is almost always above 110 degrees in the summer. Only a handful
                        of cities in places such as Saudi Arabia or Iraq are able to top Phoenix with higher temperatures. With such hot
                        weather, its hard to believe the Phoenix is America's 5th largest city with over 1.5 million people. The best time for
                        tourists to visit is during the winter, when Phoenix usually is in the upper 60s or lower 70s, spring for most places.
Grand Canyons - There is more to do than just viewing the largest canyons in the world from look out points, there are actually plenty
                        of places to camp and trails to hike that descend from the rim to the river below. Some of the trails offer some very
                        good challenges, such as the Tanto trail that which offers elevation changes of several thousand feet and is over 72
                        miles in length!
Navajo Nation - Occupying the entire northeastern state of Arizona, the Navajo Nation is the largest Indian reservation in the United
States. Inside Navajo Nation you'll find dozens of national monuments and parks, as well as some beautiful rock formations and
scenery. Navajo Nation is also the best places in America to experience Native American culture. Here you can try their traditional
food, attend a pow wow, and visit ruins of the Navajo ancestors.
Tucson - A true city of the old west, Tucson today has modernized itself and grown up to be the 32nd largest city in America. The city
is located in the Sonoran desert and brings with it a dry heat in the summer with cool temperatures in the winter that rarely go below
freezing. Keeping its old west inheritance, there are many old western style stunt shows and themes that take place in the city.
California
Capital - Sacramento - During the California Gold Rush, a supply town called Sacramento was built to accommodate the gold miners.
Since then Sacramento has grown to be California's capital and is currently one of the fastest growing cities. It's also known for its
parks and outdoor activities such as mountain biking and white water rafting.
Los Angeles - LA is one of America's most famous and exciting cities. Many people trek across the country to visit Hollywood in
hopes of gaining fame and fortune. Most of those who are already famous usually live in Beverly Hills, one of the most expensive
places in the United States to live. Los Angeles is the second biggest city in America, and a large cultural and trading center.
San Diego - Known for its great weather and friendly population, San Diego is one of the country's nicest cities. With miles of beaches
and good surf, many people enjoy swimming, body boarding and other beach activities all year around. It's almost impossible to ever
get bored in San Diego, but if that is ever the case then a quick drive south will take you to Tijuana, Mexico.
San Francisco - The city of San Fransisco is visited by international tourists who come to visit its many attractions. Despite being in
                        California, San Fransisco has cool temperatures around 60F or less than 20C during the summer and is known for
                        often being covered in fog. The city is famous for major attractions such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island,
                        and its large China Town.
Yosemite & Sequoia - Yosemite National Park and the surrounding area offers the best outdoors in the state of California. Yosemite
                        itself features granite cliffs, waterfalls and a large diversity of wildlife. Next to Yosemite is Sequoia National Park,
                        world famous for its giant trees. Sequoia's giant forest has the largest tree in the world named the General Sherman,
                        also the largest living organism known to man.
Colorado
Capital - Denver - With an elevation of 5,280 feet, Denver is located exactly a mile above sea level, earning it the nickname the mile
high city. Most people associate Denver and Colorado with the mountains, but despite Denver's high altitude it is actually located in the
flat great plains on the border of the Rockies. Denver has country's largest city park system, with hundreds of parks and dozens of golf
courses;
Aspen - Founded after world war 2 by a man who wanted a peaceful city that was relaxing for the body and mind, Aspen lived up to
its legacy . Several decades ago Aspen was largely seen as a ski resort, but has also become a popular home for the rich and famous.
The skiing is what no doubt makes Aspen, but its upper class downtown area and music festivals have made this city an international
attraction.
Mesa Verde - Translated as Green Table from Spanish, Mesa Verde was discovered by the Spanish Explorers in the 1760s. Many
Indian tribes across North America are known for building their homes inside cliffs, and Mesa Verde is the largest of them all. Inside
the ancient city are many buildings and other sites. The Cliff Palace is the largest, having over 220 rooms and 23 kivas, religious rooms
used by the Puebloans.
Rocky Mountains - The rocky mountains begin in New Mexico and extend north into Canada with a latitude equal to Juneau, Alaska.
What better place to see the rockies than Rocky National Park located right outside of Denver. There are lots of challenging hiking and
mountain biking in the park and several campsites allow people to do overnight trips. Some mountains here reach over 14,000 feet,
providing some of the best and highest mountain climbing in the continental US.
Connecticut
Capital - Hartford - A very old city by American standards, Hartford was first settled by the Dutch and English in the early 1600s. The
Dutch abandoned their small colony after a few decades but the English where there to stay. Traveling in Hartford is about visiting
historical places. The old home and now museum of Mark Twain, America's first public park, and the oldest rose garden are all in
Hartford. If you visit in the summer a cruise down the Connecticut river offers great views and fine cuisine.
Farmington Valley - In such a small state, everything is a quick drive in Connecticut. The state's best recreation area of Farmington
Valley is no exception either, and is located only 20 minutes west of the capital. Farmington Valley boasts entertainment in all seasons,
with skiing in the winter, canoing in the summer, and all types of luxury accommodations, shopping, and fine dining year around.
New Haven - Dwarfed by nearby New York City, New Haven might seem small and dull, but it is actually filled with countless historic
places and may even be America's oldest planned city. One of the most famous places is the colonial Center Church built in the 1600s
which has a crypt in its basement. Yale University is located in New Haven, who's founder is one of those buried in Center Church.
Delaware - Click here to see photos from Delaware
Capital - Dover - Founded by William Penn himself, the small city of Dover is located right in the center of the state. Dover occupies a
                        small area and has a population of only 30,000 people, so anyone can pretty much do a day trip to see the state's
                        capital. The best time to visit Dover is during holidays such as July 4th or Saint Patrick's Day. During times like
                        these the capital will be packed with lots of people celebrating and enjoying parades and festivals.
Beach - Delaware isn't famous for its beaches, but this doesn't mean that they are not worth a visit. Delaware's most popular beach is
                        Rehoboth that is located in the very southeastern part of the state. Here you can find nice hotels, packed beaches and
                        boardwalk, while a short drive further north will put you on the quieter and private beaches for those who want to
                        avoid the crowds.
Fort Delaware - Before the civil war, Fort Delaware was built in the mid 1800s for defensive purposes and at the time, it was the
                        country's largest fortification. When the civil war occurred, the union converted the fort into a prison, putting in
                        captured confederate soldiers along with their sympathizers. The terrible conditions in the fort resulted in the death of
                        over 3,000 prisoners. Accessible only by boat, Fort Delaware is the state's most popular tourist attraction.
New Castle - Founded by the Dutch in 1651, New Castle is one of the oldest cities in the United States. In the 1600s control of the
                        town bounced back in forth between the Dutch and British until the British finally kept it for good, changing its original
                        name from Fort Casimir to New Castle. After several hundred years, many of original buildings are still standing,
                        the most famous being the 'Dutch House'.
Wilmington -As the largest city in Delaware, there isn't too much that stands out about Wilmington today unfortunately, so if you decide
                        to visit you can expect to do the usual things that you'd find in any large city. The city is in a strategic location, so it's a
                        great place to base your trip to the northeast. Wilmington is located a short drive from New York City, Baltimore,
                        Washington DC and Philadelphia.
Florida - Click here to see photos from Florida
Capital - Tallahassee - Florida's capital offers a different taste from the rest of the heavily visited parts of the state. Over 41 million
tourists visit Florida a year, but few take the time to visit the capital. Instead of running into tourist traps and hundreds of thousands of
people on vacation, you'll find a small southern style city known for its great restaurants.
Everglades - The salt water marshes of southern Florida are the only place in the North American continent where one can find wild
crocodiles. The everglades are filled with diverse and exotic animals, both native and those from overseas. Because the everglades are
a tropical wetlands, many animal owners who wish to abandon their pets drop them off in the everglades. Hikers can come across
animals such as birds, crocodiles or anything from African pythons and South American Andacondas.
Jacksonville - Florida's largest city and one of the US's largest by area, Jacksonville is located at the northern border of Florida far from
                         more common destinations such as Key West, Miami or Orlando. Visitors to Jacksonville can enjoy the city life with
                        nice warm tropical weather. Jacksonville beaches provide an escape from the city but are close enough to be able to
                        return to Jacksonville for the night life.
Key West - Tropical Caribbean islands located at the very southern edge of Florida, Key West is by far the most exotic place on the
east coast. The whole atmosphere in Key West from the locals to the drinking regulations are all more relaxed. All year around you
can scuba dive, sail, or go on dolphin tour. Key West is also the southernmost location of the United States, less than 100 miles north
of Cuba.
Miami - Of all the cities and places in America, Miami is the number one tourist destination for foreigners in the United States. With
over half of the population being Hispanic, you'll find a mix of both American and Latin American culture and cuisine. Miami has a large
port that is often called the cruise capital of the world, with some of the biggest cruise ships ever built starting here to go around the
Caribbean. Those who aren't on a cruise usually make it to South Beach or downtown for Miami's night life..
Orlando - World famous for its amusement parks, Orlando Florida is home to Disney World, Universal Studios, and Sea World.
                        Disney World is the self proclaimed, 'happiest place on earth', and is the largest and most visited amusement park in
                        the world. Many people spend days visiting the amusement parks, but still Orlando has more to it. International drive
                        is the night life area where you can find bars, street performers and more.
St Augustine - Jamestown is considered to be America's oldest city since it was founded by the British, but America's real oldest city is
                        St. Augustine founded by Spaniards about 60 years before settlers created Jamestown. St Augustine is a small town
                        with many attractions for tourists. The speciality shops and many restaurants line the streets in the town center, but the
                        big attraction is the large fort of San Marcos built to protect Spanish Florida from other European colonies.
Georgia - Click here to see photos from Georgia
Capital - Atlanta - Georgia's capital and largest city, Atlanta has many attractions to keep travelers entertained. Atlanta is the birthplace
of Martin Luther King Jr, and holds a historic site and museum with details about King's life. Coca-cola was also born in Atlanta and
you can visit the World of Coca-Cola to get a history lesson on the worlds most popular soda. Right next to the world of Coca-cola
are several other attractions such as the Georgia aquarium, the largest in the world, CNN center, and Centennial Olympic Park.
Cumberland Island - One of the largest barrier islands in the world, Cumberland Island is slightly larger than New York City's
                        Manhattan. While Manhattan has about 1.6 million people on its island, Cumberland Island never allows more than
                        300 guests at a time. The island is a great escape for outdoor enthusiasts with its salt water marshes, sand dunes and
                        beaches. Wildlife varies from armadillos and alligators to deer and wild horses.
Chattahoochee Forest - Bordering the Oconee forest as well, the two are usually combined and call the Chattahoochee-Oconee
National Forest. The forest is located in northern Georgia at the southern end of the Appalachian mountain range. The two forests have
hundreds of thousands of acres spread out across more than 20 counties, with dozens of waterfalls and rivers to explore.
Savannah - Spanish explorers had been along the Georgian coast long before the British arrived, but after several attacks by Indians
                        they fled to Florida in the 16th century. In the 18th century the British made the first permanent Georgian colony of
                        Savannah, famous today for its history and its southern architecture along its mossy trees. An old district that used to
                        be 18th century warehouses has been converted into a strip with bars, restaurants and shops known as River Street.
Hawaii - Click here to see photos from Hawaii
Capital - Honolulu - America's tropical state capital of Honolulu is a getaway for those running away from cold weather in the
mainland. Honolulu is a big city on a small tropical island, but even with its skyscrapers and busy traffic people come here to be
relaxed. There are many things to do in Honolulu itself. The Iolani Palace is where the natives held their religious ceremonies and other
festivals.  Part of Honolulu is a district called Waikiki, a beach area that is popular for diving and surfing.
Big Island - Larger than all the other Hawaiian islands combined, the Big Island is the best place to see active volcanoes in Hawaii's
                        Volcano National Park. Several towns on the Big Island were destroyed in the 1980s during a large eruption, today
                        the lava still remains on the old roads with occasionally street signs poking through. The famous explorer Captain
                        James Cook who visited the Hawaiian islands several times, was killed on the Big Island on Valentines Day in 1779.
Maui - The second largest island of Hawaii is named Maui, a popular destination for travelers because of its natural beauty and
beaches. Maui has a coastal drive which is said to be the most scenic in all the Hawaiin islands. Many upscale neighborhoods and
resorts are built in Maui, with celebrities and the rich owning real estate Maui.
Pearl Harbor - Famous for the bombing by the Japanese in world war 2, Pearl Harbor remains the only place attacked on US soil
                      other than the Revolutionary War. Over 2,333 American's were killed during this surprise attack, and 1,102
                      of those deaths came from a single ship, the USS Arizona. A memorial has been built above the USS Arizona, where
                      part of the ship still visible above the waterline.
Idaho
Capital - Boise - Idaho's capital is the state's largest city located close to the eastern border of Oregon. The city's economy was
heavily based on potatoes, but today Boise is recognized as a city growing in the high tech industry. Things to do in Boise usually
revolve around outdoor activities since the city is surrounded by mountainous terrain. Idaho has one of the densest populations of
raptors in the world, a visit to the World Center Birds of Prey can be very interesting.
Frank Church Wilderness - With the majority of Idaho being the great outdoors, its hard to recommend a single place to visit since
almost all of the state is very beautiful and abundant with wildlife. Fortunately the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness area
stands out as the true outdoors. Millions of roadless acres (13,000km2), create the largest protected wilderness in the United States.
The huge vast area provides a habitat for mountain lions, wolves, bears, and even the rare wolverines.
Idaho Falls - Once a dry landscape other than the Snake River passing through, the original town of Eagle Rock was mostly a rest
                        stop for settlers heading further west. During the 1800s the town changed its name to Idaho Falls, and converted
                        the dry land into rich green farmland after building the largest irrigation canal in the world. Today Idaho Falls is the
                        largest city in the eastern part of the state, and is a great place to go four-wheeling or dirt bike riding.
Illinois - Click here to see photos from Illinois
Capital - Springfield - With Chicago being one of the largest cities in America, many people visiting Illinois turn their attention away
from Springfield and sometimes it's left forgotten. Springfield is a good sized city and was once the home of several famous Americans,
including Abraham Lincoln who spent almost 25 years here. Also famous for food, Springfield invented many types of snacks such as
the corn dog on a stick, horseshoe sandwich, and even had the first drive in restaurant in the world which is still operating today.
Cahokia Mounds - The largest native American ruins north of Mexico are located right along the Mississippi river in western Illinois.
                        In 1,000 A.D. gigantic mounds were built in the great plains and wooden temples were constructed on top. Today
                        the mounds are mostly rounded off and may not be very impressive themselves, but anyone with an open mind can
                        appreciate the traditions and ceremonies that once took place here over a thousand years ago.
Chicago - America's third largest city is located up in the Mid-west right on the great lakes. Chicago is a very diverse city and is
symbolized by the Sears Tower, once the tallest building in the world. Chicago is packed with things to do, but as the city is known for
being a big fan of baseball, everyone should pay a visit to Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs. If you're able to visit Chicago
during March, then you should definitely attend the St. Patrick's Day festival, when the city goes as far to dye their rivers dark green.
Shawnee Forest - In the southern part of the state between the Missouri and Ohio rivers is a large forested area where Illinois's most
                        scenic and best outdoor activities can be enjoyed. Shawnee National Forest is part of the Ozark Plateau and has
                        unique geological features such as the boat rocks or garden of the gods. Lots of wildlife viewing and hiking can be
                        down in the forest, including overnight backpacking for those wishing to go on longer excursions.
Indiana
Capital - Indianapolis - Famous for its car races, the Indianapolis 500 is the biggest single day sporting event in the world, bringing in
over a quarter of a million people. The city was once a stronghold for car manufacturing and engineering, but now its all about racing.
Many racing museums are in Indianapolis, other attractions include several monuments and memorials. Indianapolis is the second
largest capital city in America, and is also has the most monuments and memorials in its city second to Washington DC.
Angel Mounds - From 1100 to 1400AD a large settlement of native Americans existed in what is now southwestern Indiana. The
capital of the Indian settlement is now known as Angel Mounds, and is one of the best preserved Indian ruins in the United States and
the largest in Indiana. It was protected by a stockade that went around its borders, and after about 300 years for unknown reasons
Angel Mounds was abandoned.
Hoosier Forest - The south central national forest of Hoosier is located in the rural part of the Indiana along the border of Kentucky.
The forest boasts 50 species of mammals, 142 birds and 64 species of reptiles and amphibians. Also in Hoosier Forest are some
historic sites such as Indian settlements and even an African American settlement from the 19th century.
Iowa
Capital - Des Moines - Iowa's capital of Des Moines is the largest city in the state with less than 200,000 people. A recent economic
boom in the city has led to increased population and also got the city rated as one of the top 10 in America for business. Some things
to do in Des Moines include shopping, going to the casinos, or visiting Gray's Lake and its beautiful Kruidenier Trail Bridge.
Cedar Rapids - The second largest city in Iowa, Cedar Rapids has started off as a small village with a large population of Czechs and
Slovakians who had immigrated to the United States. For decades a portion of the city survived by the Czech language, but though this
have changed the culture remains through a Czech Village. Other places to visit are the Ushers Ferry which is a remodeled town from
1907, the museums and art centers, or the city's downtown area.
Dubuque - One of America's oldest cities west of the Mississippi, the small city of Dubuque surprisingly has dozens of attractions that
bring over 1.5 million tourists each year. The city's historic areas and landmarks are one reason to visit Dubuque, but there are many
other reasons such as visiting the riverfront area known as America's River, city and cultural tours, and even a ski resort in the winter.
Effigy Mounds - Thousands of prehistoric mounds were made west of the Mississippi river by native American tribes, but most of them
were destroyed by early European settlers seeking to find fertile farmland. Effigy Mounds National Monument is unique for two
reasons, one it is the largest collection of these mounds in the United States and secondly, these mounds were constructed in the
shapes of animals. 31 mounds in the area take on effigies of mammals, reptiles and birds.
Neal Smith Wildlife Refuge - Tallgrass prairie originally covered 85% of Iowa's landscape, and sadly today that number has been
reduced to only 0.1%. The wildlife refuge here has attempted to reintroduce buffalo and other plants and animals in order to try to
rebuild some of the unique ecosystem. Hiking trails wind through the prairie, offering a chance to see what all of Iowa once looked like.
Kansas
Capital - Topeka - Kansas's capital is located on the very eastern part of the state. The city has a small population of 120,000, but the
much larger Kansas City is located just a few minutes across the border in Missouri. Topeka began as a small ferry service to help
those in their 2,000 mile trail to Oregon to cross the Kansas River.
Monument Rocks - Also known as the chalk pyramids, Monument Rocks raise over up to 80 feet forming both giant columns and
arches. Most agree that Monument Rocks is Kansas's most beautiful place, and it stands out from the otherwise mostly flat state.
Tallgrass Prairie National Reserve - Several hundreds of years ago, tallgrass prairies used to make up the largest ecosystem of the
North American continent. These prairies typically have grass that is 5 or 6 feet tall, with parts occasionally reaching as high as 9 feet.
Most of the tallgrass prairies have been converted to farms because of their rich soil, with the remaining mostly made up of reserves. In
the 10,000 plus acres of the tallgrass PNR, Kansas has reintroduced buffalo in attempt to show how the continent used to be.
Wichita - The largest city in Kansas has a population over a third of a million. The city is also known as the air capital of the world, as
several large aircraft manufacturers are located around the city. Wichita's Exploration Place as a museum with many interesting and fun
applications, such as the chance to design your own airplane and fly other aircraft using flight simulators.
Kentucky
Capital - Frankfort - With over 70 historic sites and dozens of outdoor adventures within the vicinity of Frankfort, many find that
Kentucky's small capital has plenty of activities. The man who first explored what is now Kentucky and brought with him 200,000
settlers at the end of the 18th century, Daniel Boone, is buried in a cemetery that overlooks the city. The surrounding nature offers
wildlife sanctuaries and scenic routes with panoramic views of the capital.
Daniel Boone Forest - The only national forest which is entirely in one state, Daniel Boone almost cuts off the eastern part of Kentucky
by rising up from its southern Tennessee border and then falling short of Ohio. Inside the Daniel Boone forest are several highlights, but
the most remarkable is the Cumberland Falls. Sometimes referred to as a mini-Niagara Falls, rushing water flows over a near 70 foot
drop. The falls are impressive, but they can be much more dramatic on a clear night when a moonbow appears, one of the few places
in the western hemispheres to view one..
Louisville - The largely rural state of Kentucky has one of America's largest cities of Louisville with a population of over a quarter
million. Louisville is proud of its unique architecture, large downtown area and its highlands shopping district. Most famous of Louisville
is the Kentucky Derby Festival, which is one of America's largest events. Several races, air shows, marathons and other events take
place for two weeks, finishing off with the world famous horse race in early May.
Mammoth Caves - As the world's longest cave system, Mammoth Caves brings in millions of tourists each year and became a World
Heritage Site in 1981. The total system brings in about 360 miles of caves and counting, as explorers find links to other systems in the
area. If anyone is interested in caving then Mammoth Caves is their mecca of the sport. For tourists, both casual educational trips are
available as well as hard core caving adventures.
Louisiana
Capital - Baton Rouge - Named "red stick" after bloody animal and fish heads that were found mounted on poles in the area by native
tribesmen, Baton Rouge has changed from being a primitive land to the state's second biggest city. The city's semi-tropical weather
makes it an ideal place for sports such as tennis or golfing, and has many nationally recognized golf courses. Baton Rouge is also
known for its unique capitol buildings, the former which is a castle type design and the modern one which is the tallest in the country.
Atchafalaya Wildlife Refuge - Louisiana has always been famous for its hot and humid swamps that occupy the southern part of the
state. The Atchafalaya wildlife refuge is America's biggest swamp, covering 15,000 acres of land and is home to several plants and
wildlife. The Atchafalaya is best explored by boats and rafts, and you can expect to come across alligators, bears, and the bald eagle.
New Orleans - Definitely one of America's most unique cities, New Orleans is famous around the world for its Mardis Gras parades
that take place in the early Spring. The famous Hurricane Katrina which was the worst disaster in US history nearly destroyed the city
and many feared the Mardis Gras tradition would be lost in New Orleans. Fortunately New Orleans has began recovering and once
again tourists visit the city for Mardis Gras and for its mix of Caribbean and Southern culture.
Maine
Capital - Augusta - First explored by settlers of the Popham colony in 1607, Augusta's 400 year history and its small modest capital
are a few good reasons to visit. One of the Augusta's biggest attractions is the Old West Fort that was built in 1754 and is designated a
national historic landmark. It is the nation's oldest surviving wooden fort and offers travelers to see what the life and culture were like
here over 250 years ago when Maine was a colony of Britain.
Acadia Park - New England's only national park, Acadia was chosen because of its mix of islands, rocky ocean shoreline, and its tall
and steep granite peaks and cliffs. With both the ocean and mountains in the same park there are plenty of scenic views and activities
to enjoy. Mt. Desert Island is the second largest island on the east coast and brings in tourists by the millions.
Baxter State Park - Maine's largest forest, Baxter State Park covers over 200,000 acres and is home to several large lakes, wildlife,
and mountains including the state's tallest peak. Though the summer months are usually hot, snowfall is possible all year around in
Baxter because of its higher latitude. Moose are also common in these woods, making Maine one of the few places to find them in their
natural habitat on the eastern coast.
Portland - With only 60,000 people, Portland is Maine's largest city as well as its cultural and economic center. Many different
attractions bring in tourists year around. Portland's old port is a popular destination with its 19 century brick buildings, cobblestone
streets and its restaurants and bars. No trip to Portland or Maine for that matter is complete without trying some seafood, specifically
Maine Lobster.
Maryland - Click here to see photos from Maryland
Capital - Annapolis - The historic city of Annapolis, Maryland is located on the Chesapeake bay in the eastern part of the state.
                        Annapolis has always been a major seaport, with many sailors visiting in the 1600s. From the 1700s Annapolis was
                        where many slaves from Africa where dropped off and auctioned to their masters. Today Annapolis is mostly famous
                        for sailing and for its large Naval base which is open to visitors.
Baltimore - Baltimore is a great place to visit for its history, famous landmarks and its night life. The city was the site of several famous
                        battles, including the one in 1812 where the star spangled banner was first flown. Another famous place to visit is the
                        grave of Edgar Allen Poe, the famous writer who made stories such as "The Raven". Baltimore's highlight is its
                        waterfront harbor, where its national aquarium, museums, and night life are all found.
Green Ridge Forest - Maryland's second largest state forest is a unique place in the state because of its low precipitation, the lowest in
the state. As a result some unique plants can be found here such as the prickly pear cactus. The forest is a common place for hiking,
camping, and for hunters who usually look for turkey.
Ocean City - One of the best beaches in the mid-Atlantic region, Ocean City Maryland is known for its large boardwalk and for its
                        family beach atmosphere. Most of Ocean City's visitors come from Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and Washington
                        DC to get away from the summer's near 100F temperatures. It's also called the Kite capital of the US, where many
                        exotic types of kites are available for sale, and hundreds are often seen flying along the boardwalk.
Massachusetts - Click here to see photos from Massachusetts
Capital - Boston - As a city that was founded by the Puritans and home to many of the America's founding fathers, Boston is one of the
                        country's most historic cities. Many famous American's such as Samuel Adams and John Hancock lived in Boston,
                        and Paul Revere's Midnight ride also took place in the city. The are about a dozen major landmarks that can be
                        explored on foot by using the city's Freedom Trail. Freedom Trail is just one of the city's many attractions.
Cape Cod - A very unique place in Massachusetts, Cape Cod is usually visited in New England's short summer. Cape Cod is famous
                        for its numerous lighthouses, beaches and sand dunes. Because the winter is usually harsh in Cape Cod, many
                        businesses are closed for 8 to 9 months until the summer returns. Large hotels aren't very common, with most staying
                        at guest house or one of the dozens of bed and breakfast inns available.
Martha's Vineyard - After the long cold winters of New England are over, many travel to the island of Martha's Vineyard for the
summer. The island does have some permanent population, but for the most part it's used as a summer colony for both tourists and
locals during the summertime. English arrived to the island in the mid 1600s, so the island has history, beaches, and scenic cliffs.
Plymouth Rock - Both one of the most significant and most disappointing landmarks in America, Plymouth Rock should be visited by
                        anyone finding themselves in the eastern part of Massachusetts. The disappointment comes from the small size and
                        lack of access to the rock itself. The significance of the rock itself dates back to the mid 1600s when Pilgrims first
                        arrived to the New World, supposedly disembarking the Mayflower and first standing on Plymouth Rock.
The Berkshires - With the entire eastern part of Massachusetts being heavily populated and developed, a good escape without leaving
the state is a trip to the Berkshires. The Berkshires have many attractions and some good outdoors, with the highest point of the state.
Michigan
Capital - Lansing - Michigan's capital is the beautiful city of Lansing located along the Grand River. Lansing offers a combination of city
life and some outdoor activities on the city outskirts. To get an idea of Lansing's past a good visit is to the Turner-Dodge House, which
is a fully restored mansion built after the Victorian era.
Detroit - For the past few decades Detroit has been an interesting city to visit that is often overlooked. The city is a place that is just as
fun in the morning as it is at night, with many unique attractions to keep you entertained at all hours. The Henry Ford Museum is the
largest indoor-outdoor museum in the United States. The Heidelberg project which took the slums of Detroit and converted them to art
is considered a must see for visitors. Detroit also has many entertainment hubs such as their waterfront area and even casino resorts.
Muskegon - On the eastern shores of Lake Michigan, the city of Muskegon has long been a recreational area famous for its miles of
sandy beaches, winter sports including a luge track, and Michigan's 'Adventure Amusement and Water Park', the largest amusement
park in the state. Of course since it is located on the water, many waters sports are enjoyed during the summer, with boat fishing during
the warmer months and ice fishing in the winter.
Upper Peninsula - Representing about a third of Michigan in terms of area, the upper peninsula only holds three percent of the state's
                        population. With no major cities in the Upper Peninsula, you'll only find small Michigan towns, remote beaches and
                        vasts areas of wilderness. The Porcupine Mountains are considered to be the oldest mountains in North America, and
                        though they lack high elevations they are just one example of a good place to explore in the Upper Peninsula.
Minnesota
Capital - St. Paul - St. Paul is often paired with nearby Minneapolis and the two are called the Twin Cities. Together they have over
3.5 million people, and make up one of the largest metropolitan areas in the mid west. There are many attractions in the Twin Cities,
such as the 19th century Fort Snelling, the city downtown areas, and the twin cities museums. What tops the list however is the Mall of
America, the largest retail complex in the country that even features an indoor amusement park.
Lake Superior  - Minnesota's border with the largest freshwater lake in the world brings in the state's only beaches and access to the
rest of the great lakes. Lake Superior should be visited to see the cultural and recreational sides of the lake and also for its natural
beauty. Palisade Head cliff is a good example of some breathtaking views of Lake Superior in Minnesota, where sheer cliffs drop
several hundred feet down into the lake below.
Pipestone National Monument - For centuries, various Native Americans tribes quarried in what is now Pipestone National
Monument, using the stones to carve into peace pipes. Peace Pipes were very important to Native Americans living in the prairies, and
the locational on Pipestone National Monument was a neutral ground where all tribes shared the quarries.
Voyageurs National Park - Just south of the Canadian border, Voyageurs National Park is Minnesota's best place for outdoors and
wildlife viewing. The park is made up by endless waterways that form a network of passages for boaters and a unique opportunity to
explore the park. In the winter time, the temperatures drop low enough that the water freezes with about two feet of ice.
Mississippi
Capital - Jackson - Jackson Mississippi is the largest city in the state, known for its Confederate history and its southern culture. The
city was the birth place of the Confederate president Andrew Jackson during the Civil War and was the site of several Civil War
battles. Aside from its history, the city has also gone a 1.5 billion dollar remodeling of its downtown area which is sure to make
Jackson an exciting place to visit.
Gulf Coast - Mississippi's coast line is less than 100 miles in length with much of it severely damaged during the 2005's Hurricane
Katrina. The Mississippi government has been putting in millions of dollars to rebuild the gulf area's infrastructure and promote tourism.
In the gulf region you can expect to find subtropical beaches, barrier islands, historical sites, and many casino resorts.
Delta National Forest - As the only bottomland hardwood national forest in the United States, the Delta National Forest is heavily
managed by forest rangers to protect the ecosystems fragile plant and wildlife. A bottomland hardwood forest is essentially a forest that
survives in a river swamp, and is a haven for waterfowl, fish, amphibians and certain species of reptiles.
Missouri - Click here to see photos from Missouri
Capital - Jefferson City - Another small state capital with less than 40,000 people, Jefferson City is often overlooked as most travelers
                        head down south to the great outdoors, east to St. Louis, or west to Kansas City. Jefferson city is built along the
                        Missouri river, and is located halfway on the 225 mile Katy trail making it a perfect place to stop and spend a day or
                        two. The small strip of restaurants and shops right outside the capitol building is a great place to start.
Kansas City - Just below a population of half a million, Kansas City is the biggest city in Missouri with plenty of things for travelers to
                        do. There are a few features that make the city unique; the city is number two in the world for most fountains, second
                        to Rome, and number two in the world for boulevards, second to Paris, earning the nickname Paris in the Plains.
                        Kansas City is probably one of the most overlooked cities in the United States, with dozens of major attractions.
St. Louis - As the gateway to the west, St. Louis was once the beginning of the Oregon trail and a starting point for many settlers
                        heading towards the Pacific. The Mississippi river runs right by the city, and once helped support an ancient
                        civilization over a 1,000 years ago who had built huge wooden temples in the area. St. Louis is known for its French
                        heritage and for its large Gateway Arch.
The Ozarks - A plateau that is mostly within Missouri's southern borders but also stretches into 3 other states, The Ozarks are a
                        relative highlands compared to the rest of the flat state. Currently under construction is a 700 mile hiking and mountain
                        biking trail that will link St. Louis, Missouri to Arkansas. Once completed, the Ozarks trail will be one of the longest in
                        the United States, and will offer the best way to see the Missouri's outdoors, wildlife and its most scenic parts.
Montana
Capital - Helena - Founded in 1864 by four Georgians who had found gold along the Last Chance Creek, the small town quickly
became the state's capital in only 11 years. The town started off with the name Crabtown, and went to Pumpkinville, Squashtown until
it finally got its permanent name of Helena. Despite having its name changed so many times, Helena has kept its small town atmosphere
and only has a population of about 25,000. Places to see in Helena include the state capitol, the Museum of Gold, and St. Helena's
cathedral which was modeled after the famous cathedral in Cologne Germany.
Billings - Just topping 100,000 people, Billings is Montana's largest city and largest metropolitan area. The view of Billings itself isn't
very attractive, but the surrounding country landscape and the city's downtown area easily make up for it. In Billings you can see the
state's only high rise building, have a drink in the city center, and even attend a symphony orchestra. Also within a short driving distance
is Yellowstone National Park and the area of the famous Battle of the Little Bighorn.
Dinosaur Lands - Scientists in Montana have discovered some of the most significant and variety of species of dinosaurs in the whole
world. Over a dozen large dinosaur museums exist in all parts across the state, making Montana one of the best places in the world to
learn about these huge extinct reptiles. Some of the facilities such as the Fort Peck or Dinosaur Field Station even take it a step further
by allowing visitors to join in on current field digs!
Glacier National Park - Like its name, Glacier National Park was formed to protect the dozens of glaciers that exist in the two
mountain ranges found in the park. Due to global warming, the glaciers are quickly retreating and about 25 currently exist today. The
park totals over a million acres and has over 700 miles of hiking trails in addition to almost 50 peaks over 9,000 feet, and 6 topping
10,000 feet. Wildlife includes bison, elk, moose, mountain goats and such rare animals as the grizzly bear and the Canadian lynx.
Nebraska
Capital - Lincoln - Founded as the village of Lancaster, in 1867 the town became Lincoln, and since then it has been Nebraska's
capital. One of the cities best attractions are probably the Sunken Gardens that were created in 1931, and was listed as one of the top
gardens to visit in USA & Canada by National Geographic.
Lewis & Clark Lake - Getting its name from the famous expedition of Lewis and Clark who camped by the lake on their westward
exploration, the lake is now a popular destination for tourists bringing in over a million each year. Many come for the fishing, camping,
and boating while others simply enjoy the scenery.
Omaha - Right in the heartland of America, Omaha is a medium sized city located in the heart of the great plains with a population near
half a million people. In the 1800s when President Lincoln choose Omaha as the end of the first transcontinental railroad, and since
then the city has seen a healthy economic growth. Famous around the world for its steaks, visitors also come for the art galleries,
bistros, and the bars and clubs.
Nevada
Capital - Carson City - The small capital of Nevada is known as Carson City, founded right on the western border of the state along
California. With many other cities like Reno and Las Vegas in the same state, Carson City might seem boring in comparison. Here you
can get a lesson about the state from the birthplace of Nevada, and catch a camel race, or see a renacted gunfight. Reno is also very
close to Carson City, so a quick day trip is all you should need.
Reno- Also know as "The Biggest Little City in the World", Reno was the original gambling capital of the United States until it was
surpassed by Las Vegas. Even though Reno is no longer the king of casinos and shows, it still is among the top places in the US for
gambling and entertainment and remains just as fun today as it did 50 years ago.
Lake Tahoe - Split in half by Nevada and California, the high altitude Lake Tahoe offers lots of activities both in the summer and during
                        winter. The lake is famous for its turquoise colored waters and scenic mountains that have lots of hiking and some of
                        the best skiing in the country. Around the lake are lots of bars and night clubs where many people enjoy doing
                        outdoor activities in the day and then going out and drinking at night.
Las Vegas - In less than fifty years, Las Vegas has risen from a humble railroad town to the entertainment capital of the world. Visitors
from all nations come here to enjoy the massive casinos, spectacular night shows, and adult entertainment. Las Vegas is one of the few
cities where its attractions are the hotels themselves, where people can stay at some of the most luxurious casino resorts on earth, while
they shop, gamble, drink and find all other sorts of entertainment without even leaving the building.
Valley of Fire - Nevada's oldest state park and one of its most accessible, Valley of Fire is located less than an hour drive of Las
                        Vegas and boasts brilliantly colored formations of sandstone and sand dunes. The park got its name because of the
                        way the sun makes the valley appear to be on fire during the early morning hours and during sunset. Valley of Fire is
                        an excellent place to see some of Nevada's best scenery and offers a chance to visit part of its vast deserts.
New Hampshire - Click here to see photos from New Hampshire
Capital - Concord - A small city located right in the center of the state, Concord barely has a population of 40,000 people. Founded in
                        1733, the city's main attractions are by far the historical sites and landmarks. With such a small city, you can expect
                        to do and see a little bit of everything in Concord. Some examples are visiting the historical areas, hiking the trails
                        around the city, or simply dining out or going shopping in the downtown area.
Portsmouth - New Hampshire isn't associated with the ocean, but it actually shares a tiny coast with the Atlantic, and along its coast is
                        the historic and popular tourist destination of Portsmouth. The city of Portsmouth was once one of the biggest ports
                        and had the largest shipbuilding infrastructure in the United States. The historic districts of Portsmouth have survived
                        the centuries and usually is the cities main attraction for tourists.
Mt. Washington - Only 6388 feet above sea level, Mt. Washington has the 'worst weather in the world' because of its strategic location
                        right where three major weather storms meet. The highest wind speed on the surface of the earth was recorded on
                        Mt. Washington at 231 mph, and for a third of the year the mountain experiences hurricane force winds. The winter
                        weather which usually has winds of at least 40mph and wind chills below 0 degrees makes a 4 hour hike to the summit
a good challenge. During the summertime its possible to drive your car to the summit and visit the Mt. Washington observatory.
New Jersey
Capital - Trenton - Known more for its high crime rate rather than being a tourist destination, Trenton mostly offers to visitors colonial
history. Most famous are the old barracks that were constructed in 1758 and provided housing for British and Irish soldiers until
American troops used it during the revolutionary war which at the time was the largest structure in Trenton. President George
Washington also had his first military victory here, after he won the battle of Trenton, and briefly made the city capital of the US.
Atlantic City - Located in the center of the state along the Atlantic, this city is famous for its boardwalk and casino gambling. For those
who can't make a trip out west to Las Vegas, Atlantic City is the best destination on the east coast for casinos and luxurious hotels.
The city was grew so quickly and as people scrambled to buy real estate, the inspiration for the board game monopoly was created.
Newly added casinos includes the MGM Grand Atlantic founded in 2007 and possibly even a casino built by Planet Hollywood.
Delaware Water Gap - In a state that is known for its dense population and crowded suburbs of New York, the Delaware water gap
offers a perfect escape for outdoor enthusiasts and for rock climbers as well. As part of the Appalachian mountains, the area has some
challenging hikes, scenic waterfalls, and plenty of fishing and opportunities for bird watching.
Newark - New Jersey's largest city, Newark is right across the river from Manhattan New York making it part of the largest
metropolitan area in the country. Newark is America's third oldest city, surpassed only by Boston and New York City. The
Washington Park is one area of the city that has been fully preserved since its founding in 1666, while Branch Brook Park can be a
major point of interest for having one of the largest cherry blossom festivals in the world outside of Japan.
New Mexico
Capital - Santa Fe - The state of New Mexico surprisingly brings with it a lot of history, and the capital Santa Fe has
the largest collection of historic buildings in the state. For starters, the San Miguel Chapel is the oldest church in the United States, and
the Palace of the Governors is the oldest occupied public building in the US, both were founded in 1610. Other places of interest are
found all over the capital, especially in the downtown area, where you can find a mix of Spanish Colonial architecture.
Albuquerque - New Mexico's largest city, Albuquerque attracts scores of tourists during all seasons of the year. Many come to visit
the historic and cultural parts of the city. Others are simply stopping by as they visit other destinations in the state or country. Most
come to see the International Balloon Festival that is held in early October. This is the largest gathering of hot air balloons and is the
most photographed event in the world!
Roswell - Since the 30s, Roswell has been a major player in altitude experiments and for rocket and aerospace engineering. Roswell
became famous around the world in 1947 when what was claimed by some to be a UFO crashed in the vicinity of the city. Since then
Roswell has become the most famous UFO incident in history, and those who believe in the government cover up passionately debate
and research the event even to this day. Alien and UFO tours are readily available.
Taos - Part of the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range, the Taos mountains found in northern New Mexico include one of the country's
best ski resorts, New Mexico's highest mountain of 13,167 feet, and the pueblo of Taos itself. The outdoors and trails offer fantastic
views and a chance to come across high altitude wildlife. Many ski resorts are also found in Taos, and surprisingly they are believed to
be the best ski schools in the country.
White Sands - This national monument represents a vast area of desert and the largest gypsum sand dunes in the world. Gypsum is a
type of mineral and gives the sand the white color making it almost appear like snow. For miles, the area is covered in waves of white
sand dunes that are occasionally dotted with shrubs. There is also a scenic dune drive through the park but this can be closed due to
missile tests by a nearby military base.
New York - Click here to see photos from New York
Capital - Albany - Sometimes called 'Smallbany' because of its relative small population of less than 100,000 people, most people
either love or hate the small capital of New York. Many people coming from New York City straight to Albany are disappointed with
its small size, but Albany actually has a wide range of activities. Empire state plaza, the capitol building, and Albany's many festivals
throughout the year provide plenty to do for all types of travelers.
Adirondack - New York is famous for its dense populations and big cities such as Buffalo, or New York City. When it comes to state
parks, this state still keeps it big, and many are surprised to know that New York has the largest state park in the country. Adirondack
is larger than Yellowstone, Glacier Park, the Everglades and the Grand Canyons all combined. With over 40 peaks above 4,000 feet,
Adirondack is one of the best places to enjoy the mountains in the east coast, and a great escape from the city life.
New York City - New York City is the largest city in America and also its financial capital with plenty to do both day in night. The
                        statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Ground Zero and Broadway are some of the most famous places in the city.
                        Films have given New York City a reputation of danger and high crime, but NYC actually has one of the lowest
                        crime rates among America's biggest cities. Many world travelers often label NYC as one of their favorite cities.
Niagara Falls - North America's most impressive falls are located on the border of the United States and Canada. Niagara is made up
                        of two falls, the main one being the Horseshoe Falls and the smaller known as the American Falls. View points from
                        Canada and the United States give different perspective of the falls with both having advantages. Niagara Falls is also
                        known for daredevils who tried to ride over the falls in a wooden barrel earlier in the century.
North Carolina
Capital - Raleigh -  North Carolina's capital is a populated area that often includes nearby Durham and the college town of Chapel Hill
into the Raleigh metropolitan area. Raleigh itself surprises many visitors with its dozens of places of interests that are within walking
distance in the capital. These include the state capitol building to various churches and other historic areas of the city. Raleigh also is
known for its night life, and has plenty of places to go out including separate five entertainment districts.
Charlotte - One of the largest cities in the mid Atlantic, Charlotte's population almost reaches 700,000 people. The city is a haven for
those interested in sports, as the city is home to the Carolina Panthers, the Charlotte Knights and the Charlotte, Bobcats. One of the
most interesting places is the national whitewater center, which has all types of activities and opportunities for people to hike, bike and
to train. Other places of interest are the Carowinds Amusement parks, and the downtown district for those wanting to go out at night.
Great Smoky Mountains - The Great Smoky mountains are one of the best national parks in the southeastern part of USA. The park is
on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina and has many activities. With over 800 miles of trails, the Great Smoky Mountains are
one of the best places to do back country hiking which requires over night camping. The population of bears exceeds 1600, so many
people come here in hopes of an encounter.
Outer Banks - For over 400 years people have be going to North Carolina's outer banks for its warm weather and remote beaches.
The outer banks are made of up several barrier islands that are great for swimming, hiking, bike riding and camping. The islands were
also the location of Wright brother's first flight in a powered aircraft, and a monument was built to honor their accomplishment. One of
America's biggest mysteries took place in the Outer Banks on Roanoke Island, where an entire town of colonists disappeared in 1587.
North Dakota
Capital - Bismarck - For travelers wanting to visit North Dakota's small capital of Bismarck, the city can be split into three separate
districts. The best place to start is the area immediately around the Capitol building, where you can find the city's tallest structure, the
North Dakota Heritage Center, the governor's residence and other important landmarks. The next district would be the downtown
area where you visit the small shops and restaurants followed by the historic cathedral district.
Fargo - North Dakota's largest city, Fargo population hovers around 100,000 and is a major transport hub for the eastern part of the
state. The city has often been rated one of the best places to live in the United States because of its low crime, clean air and its
expanding economy. As far as attracting tourists, there are a variety of things to do in Fargo, one of the most popular is a trip to the
historic Bonanzaville depicting life in the Fargo area from the 1800s, or catching a show at the enormous historic Fargo Theater.  
Theodore Roosevelt Park - After President Theodore Roosevelt's wife and mother both died on the same day, Roosevelt spent
several years at his ranch located in western North Dakota. The area was a personal favorite of his, where he wrote about the frontier
and the lives of cowboys. In 1978 the area was named Roosevelt National Park, preserving the surrounding plains and terrain known
as badlands as well as such wildlife like bison, wild horses, rattlesnakes, and more.
Ohio
Capital - Columbus - The 15th largest city in America, Ohio's capital is located in the very center of the state. Tourists can spend their
time at the Arena district watching sports, catching a movie or other forms of entertainment. For those interested in arts they can visit
Short North arts district where there are dozens of galleries and places to dine. A highlight of Columbus is their nationally renowned
zoo and aquarium that receives 2.5 million visitors a year.
Cleveland - Ohio's next largest city after Columbus, Cleveland is located 150 miles northeast of the capital on the shores of the Lake
Erie. Despite losing over half its population in the past century, Cleveland's many interesting places still remain. Famous for sports, the
city is home to the Cleveland Indians, and any fans of rock should definitely visit the Rock and Roll hall of fame.
Cincinnati - Located on the border of Kentucky along the Ohio River, Cincinnati has transformed into a commercial hub from its early
days as a trading post during the revolutionary war. Since the city is built along the Ohio River, many of its entertainment districts have
a nice waterfront with retail shops and dining to bars and clubs.
Cuyahoga National Park - With most of Ohio within a 30 minute drive of a major city, many are surprised to find that the state has one
of the few national parks on the east coast. The name Cuyahoga is translated to Crooked River from the Mohawk language and was
used to describe the river flowing through the valley. Most visitors choose to go hiking or cycling through the parks trails, taking in the
scenery of the deep ravines, rolling hills and the animal life.
Oklahoma
Capital - Oklahoma City - 30th largest city in the US, Oklahoma's capital has dozens of attractions to keep visitors entertained.
Although there is no one single main attraction to Oklahoma City, there are dozens of smallers ones such as the museums, zoo, and
botanical gardens to name a few. The city has an old Spanish village just north of the downtown area, and another section even has a
waterway with boats to guide you along important landmarks on the way.
Tallgrass Prairie Reserve - Hundreds of years ago North America's biggest ecosystem was the tallgrass prairies. With most of them
converted to farms for their rich soil, almost all of the original prairies have been destroyed. The reserve in Oklahoma is over 30,000
acres and is the largest tallgrass prairie remaining in the world. With over 1600 bison and some grass reaching up to 10 feet in height,
the tallgrass prairie in Oklahoma is the best place to see what the majority of the continent was once like.
Tulsa - Where highway 66 as well as western swing music were born, Tulsa is a surprisingly unique city in Oklahoma. After highway
66 was completed that linked Chicago to California, many travelers using it stopped by in Tulsa, creating a economic boom in the city.
Tulsa is also one of the best cities in the United States for architecture, because of its many famous art deco structures such as the
Boston Avenue Methodist Church.
Wichita Mountains - Deer, longhorn, prairie dogs, turkeys and many other animals are commonly seen in the Wichita mountains. The
mountains reach heights near 3,000 feet, but offer some good rock climbing, hiking and other activities. With a size near 60,000 acres,
there is plenty of room for back country camping to be away from people. Another main attraction is the 'Holy city of the Wichita's, a
play which first began in the 1920s, and today brings tens of thousands to watch a play on the life and resurrection of Jesus.
Oregon - Click here to see photos from Oregon
Capital - Salem - Given the Tree City USA award for 30 years in a row, Salem is a prime example of an outdoor friendly city striving
to protect and expand its urban forests. Salem is a medium sized city that has dozens of city parks, landmarks and other places of
interest to keep travelers entertained.
Portland - With over half a million people, Portland is the largest city in the American northwest after Seattle, Washington. Like Salem,
the city of Portland is also known for its many city parks and urban forests. As one of the major destinations in Oregon, there are all
types of things within the vicinity of the city for travelers to do. Pioneer Courthouse square is located in the city center, and is the scene
of festivals and other events throughout the year. The city is also one of the few places left in the US to still run steam locomotives.
Mt. Hood - At 11,249 feet, Mt. Hood is Oregon's tallest peak that provides beauty and recreation for adventurers. Mt. Hood has
twelve glaciers and snow fields, most of which are located above the 7,000 foot mark. The permanent snow and ice provide year
around ski resorts and also offer some challenging hiking and mountain climbing during the summertime.
Silver Falls - The largest of Oregon's state parks, Silver Falls earns its name from the 10 large waterfalls found in the park. You can
                        drive through the park stopping at most of the falls, but to really experience the park you should hike the network of
                        trails that will pass by all 10. The waterfalls are certainly the highlight of this park, but the wildlife and unique plants of
                        Silver Falls shouldn't be overlooked.
Pennsylvania - Click here to see photos from Pennsylvania
Capital - Harrisburg - Pennsylvania's capital of Harrisburg is located on the Susquehanna River in the south central area of the state.
                        Harrisburg is another great American city with a good down town area and plenty to do at night on the weekends.
                        The biggest civilian nuclear accident took place in nearby Three Mile Island, one a partial meltdown of a reactor their
                        occurred in the 1970s.
Allegheny Forest - Located up on a plateau in north western Pennsylvania, the Allegheny National Forest is covered with eastern
hardwood trees with rolling hills and has several large rivers winding through. Many river islands are found in Allegheny forest,
providing a unique experience of canoing through the woods while camping along islands at night.
Gettysburg Battlefield - Of all the civil war battles, the bloodiest took place in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania in July 1863. The battle of
                        Gettysburg only lasted 3 days but produced over 50,000 casualties and was a major victory for the Union Army.
                        There are now over 1,400 monuments and memorials on the battlefield today and a cemetery where over 3,500
                        Union soldiers were buried. Gettysburg Battlefield also has a large visitor center complete with a museum.
Lancaster - Another one of Pennsylvania's historic cities, Lancaster also stands out for its Amish population. Lancaster was named after
                        Lancaster, England and has the honor of being the capital of the United States for a whole day after the British took
                        over Philadelphia. Many other points of interest are in Lancaster, but the most interesting is the Amish who are found
                        all over the surrounding Area. The Amish refuse to use electricity and live like Americans did in the 18th century.
Philadelphia - One of America's largest and most historic cities, Philadelphia is found only a few hours from both New York City and
                        the nation's capital. Philadelphia's history starts in the mid 1700s when the city was then the capital of America. The
                        city has one of the most significant historic attractions, the Liberty Bell was which rang to summon up the city of Philly
                        so the Declaration of Independence could be read. Many start exploring at the museum of art next to the Rocky
Balboa statue, for lunch you can try the famous Philly cheese steaks, and at night you can watch a play at the oldest theater in America.
Pittsburgh - Built at the confluence of the Monongahela and Allegheny rivers, the city's unique shape and cramped borders in addition
to its unique architecture make it stand out from many other cities in the US. Pittsburgh has an array of attractions for tourists, from the
standard museums, downtown areas and night life to the more unique adventures such as the local Mt. Washington. For just $2.25 you
can take a round trip ride in the Duquesne Incline to the top and get a whole panoramic view of the city.
Rhode Island - Click here to see photos from Rhode Island
Capital - Providence - Settled in 1636 by exiles who were kicked out of Massachusetts by the Puritans, Providence is one of
                        America's oldest cities. Today Providence is the largest city in the country's smallest state, with a population of
                        175,000. The downtown area of Providence is the best place to visit, and is where you can find the nice shops,
                        restaurants, bars and more. The city also has many famous landmarks and memorials.
Newport - The historic city of Newport was founded in the 1600s, and has one of the highest concentration of colonial homes in the
                        United States. Newport is also known for its many giant mansions that were built in the decades following the civil
                        war. This city is a very important seaport, and is also the home of the US Navy war college. Popular attractions in
                        Newport are the historic sites, or the cities two public beaches.
Warwick - Another old city of Rhode Island, Warwick has been the location of two major battles. The city was almost completely
                        destroyed during King Philip's war which began in 1675, one of the bloodiest wars on American soil. The most
                        significant history of Warwick is that it was the location of the first shot against the British during the American
                        Revolution. Today the historic city is the state's second largest, and is known for its sailing and large beach properties.
South Carolina - Click here to see photos from South Carolina
Capital - Columbia -Both the capital and the largest city in South Carolina, Columbia is a hub for business, education and of course,
the state government. For fun, most of the city enjoys going to Lake Muray, where they can enjoy fishing, swimming and all types of
water sports in the 78 square mile lake. Without leaving the city center, you can keep yourself entertained by exploring the downtown
areas or the state capitol. If you seek nightlife then you'll have plenty of bars and clubs which are usually packed with college students.
Charleston - A city rich in history and tradition, Charleston is a major tourist destination in the southeast. The city itself has some of the
best nightlife and entertainment in the whole state, mostly due to the large universities and the 4 million tourists that visit each year.
Surrounding the city are plenty of islands, beaches and resorts to party some more, relax, or enjoy water sports. Charleston's history is
also among one of the best in the southeast, for starters it was where the American bloody civil war began.
Congaree Park - One of America's smallest national parks, Congaree is just below 90km2, preserving the largest area of old growth
bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the US. For visitors, they can see the park by hiking, canoing and by camping next to
facilities or through back country camping. Congaree appears as a swamp, with many large creeks surrounding trees and providing a
habitat for pigs, bear, coyote, alligators and many other species of wildlife.
Hilton Head Island - The large island of Hilton Head is nationally famous for its resorts and golf courses. Unlike Myrtle Beach, Hilton
                        Head has a quieter atmosphere with families visiting for a relaxing vacation. South Carolina gets very hot in the
                        summer so Hilton head is a perfect getaway from the heat, but because of the island's many resorts and beach