Looking for a unique destination? From natural springs to museums to man-made attractions, these are the coolest little-known spots in the U.S.
1
/
50
Alabama: Russell Cave National Monument
Hidden in northeast Alabama near the Tennessee border, Russell Cave National Monument is a rock shelter where human groups took refuge for roughly 12,000 years. A raised boardwalk leads to the cave’s entrance, where guided tours accompany you through the shelter. In the exhibition center, stone tools, pottery shards and bone fragments provide more insight into the prehistoric life here.
2
/
50
Alaska: Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve
Set along the Chilkat River outside Haines in southeastern Alaska, the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is home to hundreds of bald eagles year-round—and thousands more during the late-fall salmon run. Pro tip: Stop at Mile 19 on the Haines Highway, where a small riverside viewpoint offers an easy, close-up look at these majestic birds. In summer, guided rafting and jet-boat tours float through the preserve’s channels, giving visitors a chance to glide beneath towering peaks and scan for eagles in their natural habitat.
3
/
50
Arizona: Goldfield Ghost Town
Built around a reconstructed mine, this 1890s-style town feels like a step back in time to Arizona’s gold-rush era. Visitors can tour the underground tunnel, ride its narrow-gauge steam railroad and watch authentic-style gunfight reenactments on weekends (seasonally from November through April). Inside, the small museum and quirky Mystery Shack add visual surprises. Framed by the Superstition Mountains, it’s a quick detour off the Apache Trail, offering an easy and entertaining glimpse into Arizona’s mining past without the crowds often found at other ghost towns and abandoned cities.
4
/
50
Arkansas: Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
5
/
50
California: Black Sands Beach
Just 35 minutes from San Francisco lies one of the most stunning black-sand beaches on the U.S. mainland. While the aptly named Black Sands Beach is not ideal for swimming due to its rough waves, it’s great for those who want to bird-watch at a less crowded beach. Reaching this secluded spot requires a steep hike down the Upper Fisherman’s Trail—and an even tougher climb back up—making it one of the most rewarding hidden gems in the U.S. for those willing to earn the view.
6
/
50
Colorado: Bishop Castle
Tucked in the foothills of the San Isabel National Forest in central Colorado, Bishop Castle looks like something straight out of a storybook, making it one of the most unique places to visit in the U.S. Built single-handedly by Jim Bishop over several decades, the ever-evolving structure features wrought-iron bridges, stained-glass windows and a steel dragon that can actually breathe fire. Open year-round and free to visit, it’s one of Colorado’s most unusual roadside landmarks.
7
/
50
Connecticut: Cathedral Pines Preserve
Set in the rolling hills of northwestern Connecticut, Cathedral Pines Preserve feels like a secret forest sanctuary. Though tornadoes in 1989 toppled much of the old-growth canopy, towering white pines and hemlocks still rise skyward. Peaceful trails wind through carpets of ferns and fallen logs, offering quiet moments for forest bathing, birding and meditating.
8
/
50
Delaware: Trap Pond State Park
Trap Pond State Park is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, especially during the peak summer season, when activities such as kayaking, paddling and fishing abound. There is also an abundance of scenic biking and hiking trails. That said, the true star of the show here is, of course, its namesake pond, a mirror-like stretch of water surrounded by one of the northernmost natural cypress swamps in the country.
9
/
50
Florida: Paynes Prairie Preserve
Spanning roughly 22,000 acres, Paynes Prairie Preserve, located right outside of Gainesville, is home to all sorts of animals, including alligators, deer, bison and horses, along with nearly 300 bird species. The sprawling park also offers several hiking, biking and horseback riding trails (with some trail restrictions). Finally, for the best views, head straight to the top of the 50-foot observation tower.
10
/
50
Georgia: Tallulah Gorge State Park
Spanning nearly two miles and plunging almost 1,000 feet deep, Tallulah Gorge State Park—some 65 miles from Athens—is one of the most dramatic canyons in the Southeast. A network of rim trails and overlooks offers striking views of the river and its six waterfalls, while a suspension bridge sways 80 feet above the rocky floor below. Visitors can hike, picnic or descend to the gorge floor for a closer look at the cascading falls (though a special permit is required for the latter).
11
/
50
Hawaii: Byōdō-in Temple
Nestled in the Valley of the Temples on O’ahu, the Byōdō-in Temple was dedicated in 1968 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the first Japanese immigrants to Hawai’i. It is a half-scale replica of the historic Byōdō-in Temple in Uji, Kyoto, which is itself part of the UNESCO-designated Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto. The temple does not host a resident Buddhist monastic community, and it is open to people of all faiths for meditation, worship or reflection. You may also recognize the temple from scenes in Lost, Hawaii Five-O and Magnum, P.I.
12
/
50
Idaho: Black Magic Canyon
Conveniently located along Idaho State Highway 75, Black Magic Canyon reveals dramatic lava-borne sculptures etched into basalt by the Big Wood River. The canyon is only safe to explore when dry (in late summer, after irrigation flow has eased, and into winter), so visitors are strongly advised to call the Big Wood Canal Company ahead of time to confirm safety. Even then, navigating the narrow passages and smooth rock surfaces requires caution and a sense of adventure.
13
/
50
Illinois: Cache River State Natural Area
Near the Kentucky border, the Cache River State Natural Area spans more than 14,000 acres of wetlands, sloughs and cypress swamps. The preserve includes three distinct sections (Little Black Slough, Lower Cache River Swamp and Glass Hill), each with its own ecosystem and trails. Stroll along boardwalks that weave among towering bald cypress trees, some more than 1,000 years old, and watch for herons, egrets and migratory songbirds.
14
/
50
Indiana: The Roofless Church
In a town called New Harmony, it feels only right to find a sanctuary open to all—and open to the sky. Designed by architect Philip Johnson and dedicated in 1960, the Roofless Church is an interfaith courtyard encircled by brick walls but left uncovered so the heavens serve as its “roof.” At its center, a small canopy shelters a bronze sculpture titled The Descent of the Holy Spirit.
15
/
50
Iowa: The Fenelon Place Elevator
This short and steep elevator boasts views of the historic Dubuque business district, the Mississippi River and three states (Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin). And while it was created back in 1882 by a senator-turned-banker, a round-trip ride still costs no more than $4 today. It is, however, only open from April through November.
16
/
50
Kansas: Coronado Heights Castle
Perched atop a sandstone bluff in Coronado Heights Park, this small stone “castle” looks like it was lifted straight from the hills of Ireland. Built in the 1930s by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) using native Dakota limestone, it marks the spot where legend has it that explorer Francisco Vázquez de Coronado once turned back from his search for gold. Today, visitors can climb the castle’s winding stairs for panoramic prairie views, explore nearby hiking trails or picnic amid wildflowers on the hilltop.
17
/
50
Kentucky: Lost River Cave
This 70-acre gem features the only underground river cave tour in the state of Kentucky. In addition to some cool history—the caves were a campsite for nomadic groups and a shelter for troops during the Civil War—the Lost River Cave area includes meadowlands, wetlands and trails. Tours are available seven days a week.
18
/
50
Louisiana: Los Adaes State Historic Site
Once the capital of Spanish Texas, Los Adaes operated from the early 1700s until 1773, serving as both a presidio and a mission that guarded Spain’s northeastern frontier. Today, the 58-acre site, located near Natchitoches, features fort remains, a timber outline marking the original compound and a short trail that follows part of the historic El Camino Real de los Tejas, which once linked this outpost to Mexico City. A small visitor center displays artifacts unearthed from the settlement, and the grounds are open daily except major winter holidays.
19
/
50
Maine: Schoodic Peninsula
The Schoodic Peninsula is the only part of Acadia National Park located on the mainland, and most visitors overlook it in favor of the park’s busier hub on Mount Desert Island. That said, this quieter stretch of coast can still hold its own, with rugged granite cliffs, winding trails and sweeping ocean views. It’s proof that some of the most majestic hidden gems in the U.S. are hiding in plain sight.
20
/
50
Maryland: Crystal Grottoes Caverns
This is one of those hidden gems that, quite literally, is home to hidden gems. Unleash your inner geologist by heading underground and touring the Crystal Grottoes Caverns in Boonsboro. Founded in 1920, this natural cave boasts breathtaking crystals and is considered the most naturally preserved cave in the world. Pro tip: Bring a sweater: It gets chilly down there!
21
/
50
Massachusetts: Lake Webster
Locals call it Lake Webster, but its original name—Lake Chaubunagungamaug—is the real showstopper and one of the country’s most famously unpronounceable place names. Beyond the novelty, the lake’s calm water and wooded shoreline make it a peaceful spot to kayak, picnic or simply stroll—and it easily earns a mention among the prettiest lakes across America.
22
/
50
Michigan: The Heidelberg Project
Detroit’s Heidelberg Project reimagines abandoned houses as massive canvases, painted in bright polka dots, covered in clocks and lottery numbers, and layered with found objects like toys and shoes. Think of it as a living art gallery that celebrates creativity, community and the city’s enduring spirit.
23
/
50
Minnesota: SPAM Museum
Yes, there is a SPAM Museum, and it’s free to tour. Located approximately 100 miles south of Minneapolis in the city of Austin, the museum is dedicated to all things SPAM. Learn about the history of the famous canned meat while playing interactive games—and don’t forget to stop at the gift shop on the way out.
24
/
50
Mississippi: Small Town, Mississippi
A visit to the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Museum, home to the life-size “Small Town, Mississippi” exhibit, feels like a step back to the 1920s. Wander past a cotton gin, schoolhouse and general store to see how everyday life once looked across the state. Despite its seemingly rural setting, it’s just minutes from downtown Jackson.
25
/
50
Missouri: Castor River Shut-Ins
Carved from ancient pink granite, the Castor River Shut-Ins flow through the Amidon Memorial Conservation Area, just outside Fredericktown, in a series of smooth ledges and shallow pools. Clear water spills over the rocks, forming small waterfalls perfect for wading or cooling off on a hot summer day. It’s also a popular spot for fishing and skipping rocks.
26
/
50
Montana: Havre Beneath the Streets
In central Montana, not far from the Canadian border, a fire in 1904 destroyed much of downtown Havre. To keep their businesses alive, shop owners moved underground until the town could be rebuilt. Havre Beneath the Streets recreates that hidden world, complete with a saloon, Chinese laundry, bordello and opium den, offering a fascinating glimpse of how the town operated way back when.
27
/
50
Nebraska: Happy Jack Peak and Chalk Mine
Situated in central Nebraska near the town of Scotia, Happy Jack Peak and Chalk Mine is the only site of its kind in North America (put simply, an underground chalk cave supported by natural columns). Above ground, you’ll find hiking trails, picnic spots and sweeping views of the North Loup Valley. The grounds are free to explore, while guided mine tours are available for a small fee and can be arranged by appointment in the off season. The site is open seasonally from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
28
/
50
Nevada: Great Basin National Park
In eastern Nevada, Great Basin National Park combines desert landscapes, alpine peaks and underground caves. Drive to the top of Wheeler Peak, explore the marble passages of Lehman Caves or hike among ancient bristlecone pines that have stood for thousands of years. And at more than 77,000 acres, this underrated national park—among the country’s least visited—showcases some of the Silver State’s most striking and varied terrain.
29
/
50
New Hampshire: Ahern State Park
Tucked into the southeast corner of Lake Winnisquam, Ahern State Park spans 128 acres of wooded trails and serene shoreline. And while it lacks fanfare, its tranquil setting, lake views and paddling and fishing opportunities make it a favorite escape for locals and in-the-know travelers who’d rather skip the crowds. All this to say, it’s by far one of New England‘s best hidden travel gems.
30
/
50
New Jersey: Diggerland USA
About 90 minutes from New York City, Diggerland USA is a construction-themed park where visitors can climb into trucks, tractors and diggers—modified for safe, hands-on fun—or try a zip line and ropes course. The park operates seasonally, with hours varying from spring to fall, and features a separate water park that opens in the summer.
31
/
50
New Mexico: Blue Hole
In eastern New Mexico, the aptly named Blue Hole is a natural spring pool that stays cool (around 62 degrees) year-round. The water is clear enough to see nearly 100 feet down, making it a spectacular spot for swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving. A variety of fish live in the spring, and the site is open daily, with permits required for divers.
32
/
50
New York: Old City Hall Station
Not all subway stations are created equal—and Old City Hall Station is one of New York’s most storied stops. When the city’s first subway launched in 1904, it began at City Hall. Passenger service ceased in 1945, but the loop track still carries trains past the station. The New York Transit Museum offers exclusive guided tours that allow you to walk through its vaulted tile ceilings and elegant architecture.
33
/
50
North Carolina: Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park & Museum
In downtown Wilson, the Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park & Museum showcases the late artist’s larger-than-life kinetic sculptures that spin, shimmer and clatter in the breeze. The two-acre park features 30 restored whirligigs, as well as live music, film nights and a farmers market. While the park is open daily, the museum is only open Tuesday through Saturday.
34
/
50
North Dakota: The International Peace Garden
Straddling the border between North Dakota and Manitoba, Canada, the International Peace Garden spans more than 3.5 square miles of lakes, forests and manicured grounds dedicated to friendship between the U.S. and Canada. Visitors can canoe, camp, cycle or explore the limestone Peace Chapel, engraved with quotes about peace. The park is open daily, year-round, with seasonal programs and winter activities, including cross-country skiing.
35
/
50
Ohio: Loveland Castle
Southwest Ohio isn’t the first place you’d expect to find a medieval castle, but Loveland Castle—also known as Chateau Laroche—proves otherwise. Built stone by stone over decades by World War I veteran Harry Andrews, the structure blends true craftsmanship with eccentric charm. After the death of Andrews in 1981, volunteers discovered a hidden room filled with his personal belongings. Today, the castle operates as a small museum with limited winter hours and daily openings from April through October.
36
/
50
Oklahoma: Little Sahara State Park
If you haven’t made it to the real Sahara, Oklahoma’s Little Sahara State Park offers the next best thing. Spanning more than 1,600 acres of golden dunes—some reaching up to 75 feet high—the park sits about two hours northwest of Oklahoma City. While many travelers come for ATV and dune buggy rides, hiking and camping are also popular ways to experience one of the most stunning hidden gems in the U.S.
37
/
50
Oregon: Arch Cape
Tucked between Cannon Beach and Manzanita, Arch Cape is one of the Oregon Coast’s quieter gems—a small seaside community known for its rugged cliffs, tide pools and a small seasonal waterfall that spills onto the sand at low tide. A short walk south leads to Hug Point, where remnants of a 1900s stagecoach road carved into the cliffs reveal how early travelers once had to “hug” the rock face to avoid the surf.
38
/
50
Pennsylvania: Paradise
The Pennsylvania Dutch Country refers to an area in the southeast part of the state that has traditionally been home to many Amish families. The Amish pursue a simpler way of life, and some families in and around the unincorporated community of Paradise open their doors to outsiders with bed-and-breakfasts and community and farm tours. Bear in mind, however, that most traditional Amish families eschew electricity and photography and don’t welcome visitors into their homes.
39
/
50
Rhode Island: Green Animals Topiary Garden
In Portsmouth, the Green Animals Topiary Garden is a whimsical seven-acre estate where shrubs are sculpted into elephants, giraffes and other majestic creatures. It’s the oldest and northernmost topiary garden in the U.S., filled with more than 80 living sculptures overlooking Narragansett Bay. It’s worth noting that the garden is only open from May through October, so plan your trip accordingly.
40
/
50
South Carolina: Lake Jocassee
Tucked in the northwest corner of the state, Lake Jocassee is one of South Carolina’s most striking natural spots. The 9,000-acre lake spans 90 miles of shoreline and is renowned for its crystal-clear, cool water and rich biodiversity—the highest on the East Coast. Surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, it’s accessible only through Devils Fork State Park in Salem, making it feel like a true hidden escape.
41
/
50
South Dakota: Deadwood
It’s more than an HBO show: Deadwood is the town where Wild Bill Hickock was shot in the back while playing poker. It’s also where Calamity Jane is buried. While it has all the makings of a Wild West ghost town, it’s still thriving today, thanks in part to the Deadwood Historic District, which takes you back in time to Deadwood’s Golden Age, when everyone was rushing to dig up the gold in the Black Hills.
42
/
50
Tennessee: Raccoon Mountain Caverns
Just outside Chattanooga, Raccoon Mountain Caverns features more than five miles of mapped underground passages filled with stalactites, stalagmites and rare crystal formations. Discovered in 1929 and once known as Crystal Caverns, it’s now a carefully preserved natural attraction offering both easy guided tours and rugged wild cave adventures that involve crawling and climbing through undeveloped chambers. You’ll find the caverns tucked beneath Raccoon Mountain, part of Tennessee’s limestone-rich Cumberland Plateau.
43
/
50
Texas: Bastrop
Just a half-hour southeast of Austin, the often-overlooked town of Bastrop makes a great day trip or weekend detour for those looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience. Visitors can paddle the Colorado River, hike through Bastrop State Park or stroll the town’s historic Main Street, lined with 19th-century buildings, shops and cafes.
44
/
50
Utah: Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
In southern Utah near Kanab lies one of the best hidden gems in America. Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is best known for—yes, you guessed it—its coral-hued sands, sculpted from eroded Navajo sandstone and shaped by the wind into dunes as high as 100 feet. This shifting landscape is a natural playground for ATV riding, sandboarding, hiking and photography. While the scenery impresses at any hour, sunrise and sunset cast the dunes in a warm, otherworldly glow that’s hard to beat.
45
/
50
Vermont: Dog Mountain
Set on 150 acres in Vermont’s famed Northeast Kingdom region, Dog Mountain, created by the late artist Stephen Huneck, is a must for four-legged friends and their owners. At this mountaintop retreat, dogs can roam off-leash through open fields and wooded trails. The mountain is also home to the Dog Chapel, where visitors leave notes and photos in memory of beloved pets.
46
/
50
Virginia: Meadowlark Botanical Gardens
Just outside Washington, D.C., 95-acre Meadowlark Botanical Gardens feels worlds away from the city’s bustle. Trails wind past ponds, wetlands and wildflower meadows, showcasing both native and ornamental species. The gardens are best known for their Korean Bell Garden, the only one of its kind in the Western Hemisphere.
47
/
50
Washington: One Square Inch of Silence
Tucked deep in the Hoh Rain Forest, One Square Inch of Silence was established by acoustic ecologist Gordon Hempton on Earth Day 2005 to raise awareness about noise pollution and protect one of the quietest places in the country. Today, the spot serves as a symbolic reminder of how rare true silence has become. You can find it within Olympic National Park, which stays open year-round, though some roads and facilities close seasonally.
48
/
50
West Virginia: Summersville Lake State Park
Despite being West Virginia’s largest lake—spanning 177 acres, with more than 60 miles of shoreline and depths of up to 327 feet—Summersville Lake still flies surprisingly under the radar. The water here is also exceptionally clear, making it an excellent spot for swimming, boating and scuba diving. In August 2023, it was named as Virginia’s 36th state park.
49
/
50
Wisconsin: Mineral Point
A booming lead-mining town in the 1820s, Mineral Point (about an hour’s drive from Madison) is one of Wisconsin’s oldest and most charming small towns. Its downtown historic district is dotted with 19th-century stone buildings built by Cornish settlers, which now house art galleries, studios and cafes. Nearby, the seasonally open Pendarvis Historic Site provides a deeper insight into the town’s Cornish heritage and what life was like here in the early 1800s.
50
/
50
Wyoming: Ayres Natural Bridge
About an hour west of Douglas, Ayres Natural Bridge is one of just a few natural bridges in the country with water flowing beneath it. Formed over millions of years as the creek cut through red sandstone, it now sits in a quiet canyon surrounded by rugged, cliff-like formations. And while it’s easily reachable via a short detour from I-25, it still feels remote and is rarely crowded.
Why trust us
At Reader’s Digest, we’re committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. We rely on reputable primary sources, including government and professional organizations and academic institutions as well as our writers’ personal experiences where appropriate. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.
