If you’ve ever filled your car with fuel and stocked up on snacks for a picturesque cross-country drive, you might recall seeing those distinctive signs welcoming you to different states. These could be something you eagerly anticipate spotting as an antsy traveler. While air travel has largely taken over, flying doesn’t allow you to see these charming sights along the way. Warning: The pictures below might spark a desire for a road trip.
Alabama
Did you know that Alabama boasts the highest number of snails in the nation? It’s home to forty-three percent of all U.S. snails. Interestingly, this might be more noteworthy than the state emblem featuring a reference to the 1974 hit “Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd. Check it out!
top family-friendly travel destinations per state
.
Alaska
Alaska is such a vast state that if you managed to view one million acres every day, it would still take a full year to see all of it. Take a look at this.
U.S. trivia
You were never taught in your history lessons.
Arizona
The Arizona sign is striking and robust, much like its premier attraction, the Grand Canyon. The Grand Canyon is merely one of the
national parks
across the nation where you can also bring your pet.
Arkansas
Arkansas earned the nickname “The Natural State” due to its abundance of natural attractions, which include six national park sites, over 2.5 million acres of national forests, and approximately 50 state parks. Here’s a closer look at what Arkansas has to offer:
top state park in each state
.
California
California’s emblem showcases its official state flower, the poppy. Discover more about this here.
The U.S. state bordering the highest number of other states is
.
Colorado
The palette in this image may be limited, yet Colorado undoubtedly boasts some of the finest natural landscapes our nation encompasses. Have a look for yourself.
best hiking trails
in every state.
Connecticut
One of the numerous surprises Connecticut presents is the fact that it boasts an impressive 18
th
The amendment prohibiting this action was never truly ratified inside the state boundaries.
Delaware
The official insect of Delaware is the ladybug, also considered a tiny marvel.
Florida
The sign for Florida surprisingly doesn’t include Mickey Mouse, yet the palm trees and oranges wonderfully encapsulate the spirit of the state.
Georgia
The nickname “Peach State” refers to “Georgia On My Mind,” which is the official state song. Discover more about this here.
oddest town in each state
.
Hawaii
Hawaii stands out as the sole state without an official state sign; however, numerous signs representing different cities can be found across the islands, like this one located in Maui.
Idaho
Idaho’s former sign was once plastered with stickers from visitors coming from everywhere. Before getting swapped out for a fresh one last year, this sticker-adorned sign was sold at an auction for $2,025. Make sure you don’t overlook this detail.
hidden spots in each state
.
Illinois
The designated snack food of Illinois is popcorn, often enjoyed “Chicago-style” with a combination of cheese and caramel. Below are some additional top choices:
favorite dishes from every state
.
Indiana
The residents of Indiana are known as Hoosiers, and the state is often called the Hoosier State; however, nobody really understands the true origin of the term “Hoosier.”
Iowa
For each person residing in Iowa, there are four hogs. Below are additional details:
hidden gems in each state
.
Kansas
The state flower of Kansas is the sunflower due to the extensive sunflower fields spread throughout the region. Here’s the
significance of each US state flag
.
Kentucky
Famous for hosting the Kentucky Derby, look closely at the state symbol to spot a concealed horse. Make sure not to overlook this detail.
Kentucky Derby facts
you never knew.
Louisiana
Louisiana stands out as the sole state without counties; instead, its smaller regional divisions are referred to as parishes. Among these, one of the most well-known is the most famous.
invention by state
.
Maine
Eastport in Maine holds the distinction as the easternmost city in the United States. It is also where the nation first greets the early morning sunlight each day.
Maryland
Maryland’s emblem features hues of red, yellow, and black from the state flag, alongside the flag itself and the state flower. Visit one of the finest locations in Maryland:
Whitehurst Community
.
Massachusetts
The Massachusetts sign features a chickadee and a mayflower, which are symbols of the state.
Michigan
Michigan tops the list for state boat registrations and boasts more coastline than all states except Alaska. Here are the details:
coziest petite municipalities across each state
.
Minnesota
The University of Minnesota students created the renowned state sign since the state’s Department of Transportation sought a more contemporary design. This is how it came about.
Each state has its own nickname.
.
Mississippi
Mississippi’s sign showcases its rock ‘n’ roll heritage with a modern look.
Missouri
Missouri is surrounded by eight states, which makes it one of the most neighboring states in the nation alongside Tennessee.
Montana
Much like the pig-to-human ratio in Iowa, the combined population of elk, deer, and antelope exceeds that of humans. Explore some of these areas below.
Most recognizable images in U.S. history.
Nebraska
The Reuben sandwich, which includes corned beef, Swiss cheese, Russian dressing, and sauerkraut, originated in Nebraska.
Nevada
This sign may lack the vibrant colors of the famous Las Vegas sign, yet it serves its purpose effectively.
New Hampshire
Out of the 13 original colonies, New Hampshire was the first to break away from English rule, doing so half a year before the Declaration of Independence was signed.
New Jersey
New Jersey boasts the highest number of diners globally and has earned the title of the world’s diner capital.
New Mexico
The symbol for New Mexico draws from the state flag, marking itself with shades of red and yellow.
New York
New York might be the most thrilling state overall, yet surprisingly, it boasts one of the least captivating flags.
North Carolina
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill holds the distinction of being the oldest public university in the United States.
North Dakota
The official state beverage of North Dakota is milk, which is logical considering the large number of cows in the area.
Ohio
For baseball enthusiasts, the Cincinnati Reds were the original professional baseball team.
Columbiana, Ohio
was announced as the most pleasant location in America in the
Reader’s Digest
yearly Nicest Place in America competition for 2019. Take a look at their incredible tale demonstrating that everyone is included.
Oklahoma
The National Cowboy Hall of Fame is situated in Oklahoma City and served as the backdrop for the film.
Twister.
Discover more
famous films located in each state
.
Oregon
Oregon boasts a more rugged aesthetic to complement the state’s natural allure.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has witnessed numerous significant events, such as the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the design of the first U.S. flag, and the inception of the first computer. Explore these here.
The distinction between the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution.
Rhode Island
Rhode Island is a favored location for sailing, surfing, and fishing activities; thus, it is often referred to as the “Ocean State.” These are some of the primary reasons:
picturesque natural retreats in each state.
South Carolina
Cheesiest of all might just be ‘Smiling Faces, Beautiful Places.’
South Dakota
The sign for South Dakota honors the state’s famous monument, Mount Rushmore, and boasts the second most cheesy slogan: “Great Faces, Great Places.”
Tennessee
Tennessee earned the nickname “The Volunteer State” due to the thousands of Tennesseans who readily joined the fight against the British during the War of 1812.
Texas
Texas displays its state flag on the entrance sign, yet we thought it would be more impressive and prominent.
Utah
This is just one of the seven different welcome signs of Utah at different access points across the state. Don’t miss the most
underrated cities
To explore within the United States. Tip: A chilly urban area in Utah makes an appearance on this roster.
Vermont
Vermont attracts tourists with its verdant mountains motto, yet it is equally renowned for its maple syrup.
Virginia
Virginia is indeed recognized as the birthplace of the nation.
Washington
Washington stands as the sole state named after a U.S. president.
West Virginia
Western Virginia is seen as the most northerly of the southern states and the most southerly of the northern states. Try saying this five times quickly now. This is among the finest.
These are the best.
Western Virginia can be described as both the northernmost southern state and the southernmost northern state. Repeat that statement rapidly five times. Such distinctions place it amongst the premier regions.
This is one of the top choices.
Considered as the farthest north within the south and furthest south within the north, Western Virginia stands out uniquely. Say all of this swiftly five consecutive times. It ranks highly for these characteristics.
It surely makes the list.
Described as the upper boundary of Southern territory and lower edge of Northern terrain, Western Virginia holds an exceptional position. Utter each phrase speedily back-to-back five times over. Its status elevates such qualities notably.
Amongst the very good options indeed.
Last-second escapes for each state.
Wisconsin
The Wisconsin sign sadly lacks cheese, but its appeal compensates for this absence.
Wyoming
The symbol for Wyoming alters quite often alongside their license plates, so don’t grow accustomed to this particular design for an extended period! Moving forward, take a look at the next item.
weirdest roadside attraction in each state
.