A Trusted Friend in a Complicated World
Each state welcome sign is unique, and some are more creative than others. Be sure to check them out on your next road trip!
Erected in 2014, Alabama’s welcome sign doesn’t feature the bold colors and unique designs that many other state signs do. Instead, it simply touts its famous moniker, “Sweet Home Alabama.” The phrase has been immortalized as both a famous rock song, by Lynyrd Skynyrd in 1974, and a beloved Reese Witherspoon rom-com in 2002, so you know it must be true.
Alaska’s state sign showcases a beautifully detailed outline of the state carved into wood. This sign in the 49th state, located on the South Klondike Highway at the Canadian border, not only welcomes visitors, it also pays tribute to the gateway to the gold fields during the 1898 Klondike Gold Rush.
The state signs in Arizona received a bit of a facelift in 2020. Featuring six different designs, the welcome signs are located at various entry points along the state’s border, each touting “a variety of scenery and vivid colors to capture the entire spectrum of the Grand Canyon State,” according to Arizona’s Department of Transportation.
Arkansas is considered the “Natural State” because it’s home to six national park sites, 2.5 million acres of national forests and an impressive 50 state parks. The state welcome sign pays homage to all that, both in name and with a subtle leaf in the design—right before it delivers practical advice to drivers to “Buckle Up for Safety.”
California’s welcome sign boasts the Golden State’s official flower, the poppy, in a bright, sunny yellow to match its moniker. Fun fact: While every state has an official flower, it’s not always the same as the state’s most popular flower—which, in the case of California, is actually an alstroemeria!
According to the state’s Department of Transportation, Colorado’s welcome signs are made from locally sourced wood and take about two weeks to produce. While the sign itself isn’t bursting with color, each letter is hand-painted, and glass beads are added to make the sign—unchanged since the 1950s—reflect light. The state did try to update the design once in the 1980s, but apparently it “didn’t go over well.” All the better, as “Colorful Colorado” aptly describes the Centennial State’s overwhelming natural beauty.
Did you know that Connecticut is the submarine capital of the world? Or the foodie capital of New England? The state is also the pizza capital of the U.S. (though we know some New Yorkers may disagree). If you weren’t aware of these Connecticut facts, you’d certainly see them displayed when driving into the state. In 2024, the sitting governor updated all the “Welcome to Connecticut” signs to be a “reflection of what makes Connecticut special.”
Featuring a simple ocean wave graphic in honor of its coastal location, “Welcome to Delaware” signs now also tout the state’s “Endless Discoveries.” So, what discoveries does Delaware have to offer? For starters, the second-smallest state is home to one of the best-kept secrets in the U.S: Slaughter Beach. Though ominously named, the lovely beach happens to be a designated sanctuary for horseshoe crabs. The more you know!
In 2024, the 27th state’s signs were updated from “Welcome to Florida” to “Welcome to the Free State of Florida.” Despite the addition of the new moniker, the welcome sign remarkably lacks a nod to what is arguably Florida’s most famous resident, Mickey Mouse—though the palm trees and orange fruit do beautifully capture the essence of the Sunshine State.
Speaking of orange fruit, Georgia proudly promotes its most popular produce with a large illustration of a peach on its welcome sign. This accompanies the phrase “We’re Glad Georgia’s On Your Mind,” a reference to the famous 1960 Ray Charles hit, and the official state song, “Georgia On My Mind.”
Since Hawaii is an island and has no other state along its border, it’s the only state that doesn’t display an official state sign for travelers who cross into it. However, there are signs for various cities throughout the islands, such as this one in Maui, as well as in the airport.
Idaho’s straightforward welcome sign along U.S. 93 on the Idaho-Nevada border used to be covered in stickers from travelers hailing from all over. The sticker-bedecked sign was replaced in late 2025 with a brand-new one, but not before the much-decorated original was auctioned off—for a whopping $11,200. In an effort to discourage travelers from “decorating” the new sign, Idaho added an unofficial Idaho-shaped sign meant just for stickers. Safety bonus: The designated sticker sign is low enough that folks don’t have to stand on their car to reach it.
Did you know that Abraham Lincoln moved to Illinois in 1830 at age 21 and went on to represent the state in the U.S. House of Representatives, as well as serve in the Illinois Legislature, before becoming president in 1861? It’s a fact Illinoisans are so proud of that “Land of Lincoln” became the official state slogan—and to this day, it’s featured on every Illinois state welcome sign.
With its bold blue, red and orange color scheme, “Welcome to Indiana” signs flaunt the state’s distinction as the geographic “Crossroads of America,” according to Indiana’s governor, as well as being the “crossroads of the nation’s leading industries, such as advanced manufacturing, life sciences, motorsports …” The motorsports in question? That’d be the state’s most popular tourist attraction and home of the Indy 500: the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Sporting a rare white background, Iowa’s welcome sign promises the “Freedom to Flourish” in dark teal letters. The letter O in Iowa is a combination of yellow and green “to symbolize the sun over a green field”—which is fitting, since the state is the country’s largest producer of corn.
Kansas’s welcome sign reads “Kansas Welcomes You!” in white against a royal blue background, and it packs in a lot of state pride. You’ll spot a sunflower for the state flower, 34 stars to signify the 34th state, and the Latin phrase ad astra per aspera—the state’s motto—which translates to “to the stars through hardships.”
Kentucky may be known for being the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln, but it’s arguably even more famous for the Kentucky Derby. The state’s welcome sign pays homage to the longest-running sporting event in the U.S., with an illustration of a racing horse included above the state’s motto: “Unbridled Spirit.”
Louisiana is one of the few states to welcome visitors in a language other than English. “Bienvenue en Louisiane,” its welcome sign proclaims in French, directly underneath a yellow fleur-de-lis, the state’s official flower and a common sign of French heraldry. The “Welcome to Louisiana” sign honors the state’s roots as a French colony and gives visitors a brief history lesson all in one!
Similarly, Maine also welcomes visitors in French, though only along its Canadian border. Other Maine welcome signs simply declare “Welcome Home,” a message the governor hopes will remind lifelong Mainers and newcomers alike that the Pine Tree State is “a place of opportunity for all those hoping to create a better future for themselves and their family.”
In 2023, Wes Moore made history as the first Black governor of Maryland. After he won, his campaign slogan, “Leave No One Behind,” became immortalized on the state’s welcome signs, along with the state flag and state flower, the Black-Eyed Susan.
The Massachusetts welcome sign is full of state pride, showcasing both the official state flower, the mayflower (not to be confused with the historic pilgrim ship of the same name), as well as a Black-Capped Chickadee, the state bird.
When you cross into Michigan, you’re greeted by a straightforward blue-and-white welcome sign reading “Welcome to Pure Michigan.” Interestingly, “Pure Michigan” isn’t a phrase destined only for these signs—it’s an entire tourism campaign, launched in 2008, and the state even ran travel ads featuring actor Tim Allen touting the slogan.
Where most states have welcome signs, Minnesota has welcome monuments. According to the state’s Department of Transportation, in addition to 33 welcome signs, there are 32 statues greeting visitors along the state’s border, each sporting one of two designs. The design featured here was actually developed through a student design competition at the University of Minnesota in 1996 and emphasizes the state’s unique shape, as well as its “three prominent biomes: coniferous forests of the northeast, deciduous forests across the center and the prairies of the south and west. The mid-section is striped and symbolically represents the unique landscape of the Mississippi River.”
The “Welcome to Mississippi” sign features interlocked letters and music notes, along with the phrase “Birthplace of America’s Music,” displayed in a lyrical font. The Magnolia State is notably known as the birthplace of famous musicians, including B.B. King, Jimmy Buffett, LeAnn Rimes and the King of Rock and Roll himself, Elvis Presley.
Missouri is bordered by eight states, making it the most neighborly state in the country, tying with Tennessee for the honor. And along those state borders stand bright blue “Missouri Welcomes You” signs, featuring a simple image of the state flag.
Montana’s welcome sign is currently cut in the shape of the state and proudly promotes its gorgeous natural beauty, namely its mountain peaks. However, the “Welcome to Montana” sign that greets visitors is about to get an upgrade. The governor is letting residents vote on the state’s new sign design (try saying that 10 times fast!)—the first in more than a decade. The polls close at the end of 2025, so if you plan to visit the Rocky Mountains next year, you’ll likely see something new.
Nebraska’s welcome sign uses a fun font to declare that the state has “the good life.” In addition to boasting Nebraska’s status as the “Home of Arbor Day”—which saw 1 million trees planted in the state on April 10, 1872—the signs that border the state also feature a symbol of state pride, such as a monument or famous historical figure. The one shown here showcases the state’s famous Chimney Rock, a popular travel destination.
It may not feature the glitz and glamour of the iconic “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign, but the “Welcome to Nevada” state signs are special for a different reason: They were designed by Nevada high school art students. The state’s name is spelled out in a colorful gradient resembling a sunrise, with a silhouette of a lone cowboy on the left and desert plants along the bottom. The top-left corner features a version of the state crest, including the phrase “Battle Born,” a single star and sprigs of sagebrush.
Like some of the other states that border our neighbor to the north, New Hampshire’s state sign welcomes visitors in both English and French. What makes this one unique? The blue-and-gold sign also includes the state’s famous motto: “Live Free or Die.”
There are so many things to do in New Jersey that you’ll have to send a postcard to tell your friends about them! At least, that’s what the state’s Department of Transportation must think, as New Jersey’s welcome sign, along with its unique fonts and colors, includes what looks like a postage stamp. The crinkle-cut border is a creative addition that strives to capture the Garden State’s fun spirit.
Like its state flag, New Mexico’s welcome sign is bright yellow and red. The “Land of Enchantment,” or Tierra del Encanto, is known for its natural beauty and rich history. And one particularly fun part of that history? Chile peppers! The official state vegetable—also proudly featured on the welcome sign—was first brought to the region in the early 17th century, via Santa Fe.
Though arguably one of the most exciting states of them all, New York’s welcome sign doesn’t do much to hint at that energy. With only its nickname, “The Empire State,” and the state crest, the sign is a pretty understated introduction for this larger-than-life part of the country. But maybe that’s the point—visitors will just have to discover that New York magic for themselves after they cross the state line.
While all North Carolina welcome signs feature the state flag, only five “Welcome to North Carolina” signs proudly announce its distinction as the “Nation’s Most Military Friendly State.” To wit, the Tar Heel State has the third-largest military presence in the country and is home to several military bases, as well as more than 720,000 veterans.
“Welcome to North Dakota” signs stand out because they’re one of the few state signs to feature a full‑photo background. Along with encouraging visitors to “Be Legendary” (the state’s slogan), the signs highlight the state’s natural beauty with a stunning image of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, according to the North Dakota Department of Transportation.
Ohio’s red, white and blue state sign welcomes visitors to “The Heart of It All.” And the Buckeye State has heart, all right. In 2019, Columbiana, Ohio, was declared the nicest place in America in Reader’s Digest’s annual Nicest Place in America contest.
Oklahoma’s welcome sign is bursting with color—and meaning. Its star-like image is composed of chevrons honoring the military, with seasonal colors representing the land, sky, water and forests as well as nodding to the land’s Native American heritage. All that is centered around the white star from the state flag. Classic Sooner State flair!
Planning to hit the Oregon Trail? The wooden welcome sign that will greet you—carved into the shape of Oregon with a green background, yellow border and black trees along the bottom—is full of rustic charm. It’s also a preview of all the natural beauty waiting inside the state’s borders for visitors to discover.
There are few states with as much patriotic pride and historical significance as Pennsylvania. After all, it’s home to the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the creation of the first American flag and the birth of the first computer. And they let you know it as soon as you cross state lines, with their red, white and blue welcome sign proudly declaring “Let Freedom Ring.”
The Ocean State doesn’t just welcome visitors, it encourages them, with its coastal state welcome sign suggesting: “Discover Beautiful Rhode Island.” What’s there to discover, you ask? Sailing, surfing, fishing and seafood, to name a few.
Red, white and blue “Welcome to South Carolina” signs feature the state’s tagline: “Smiling Faces, Beautiful Places.” It could be considered a bit cheesy, but then again, South Carolina was just named the state people most want to relocate to, so they must be on to something.
South Dakota’s welcome sign gives a visual nod to the state’s most famous landmark, Mount Rushmore, and features what might be the second-cheesiest state motto: “Great Faces. Great Places.” Hey, if it works for South Carolina, why not South Dakota as well?
Tennessee is known as “The Volunteer State” because during the War of 1812, thousands of men from Tennessee willingly went to fight against the British. Today, the state’s welcome sign wears this nickname with pride.
Everything’s bigger in Texas, or so they say. Admittedly, we were expecting something a little bolder for the state’s welcome sign, but in fact, the Texas version is fairly understated, simply showcasing the Lone Star flag and encouraging visitors to “Drive Friendly—The Texas Way.”
This is just one of the seven different “Welcome to Utah” signs stationed at various access points across the state. Each one shows off a slice of the state’s stunning natural beauty—from Monument Valley to Lake Powell to Zion National Park.
Vermont’s welcome sign greets visitors with its green mountain slogan. Fun fact: Vert and mont in French mean “green mountain.” And sure, the mountains are gorgeous, but let’s be honest, they have nothing on the state’s maple syrup.
You’d think Virginia’s welcome signs would brag about being the birthplace of the nation, a title it earned when Jamestown, Virginia, became the first permanent English settlement in 1607. Instead, “Welcome to Virginia” signs declare that the state is for lovers—a tourism slogan from 1969 that is still going strong.
Washington is the only state in the country to be named after a U.S. president, but there’s no photo of old George on the state’s “Welcome to Washington” signs. Instead, they feature a simple greeting to the Evergreen State.
West Virginia’s welcome sign declares that the state is “wild and wonderful.” Here’s a wild and wonderful fact: West Virginia is considered the northernmost southern state and the southernmost northern state. Now say that five times fast.
Built from large wooden beams, the “Welcome to Wisconsin” sign is bordered by three sturdy pillars, much like the state itself: recreation, agriculture and industry. Strangely though, there’s not a single mention of cheese—a missed opportunity, if you ask us.
Wyoming loves its state welcome signs so much, it couldn’t decide on just one. Which is why “Welcome to Wyoming” signs comprise a collage of images featuring five picturesque scenes from the Cowboy State. The multi-part image gives travelers a postcard-worthy preview of what’s waiting just beyond the border.
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