The 10 Least-Visited States in the U.S.

Whether it’s because of remote geography, smaller populations, or simply being overshadowed by their flashier neighbors, some U.S. states see far fewer annual tourists than others. But that doesn’t mean they’re not worth your time — quite the opposite. Check out the 10 least-visited states in the U.S. and why these states often hold surprising appeal.

10. Vermont

Annual visitors: 15.8 million

Even though it doesn’t lead in tourism numbers, Vermont punches above its weight in charm. Known for its small towns, maple syrup, and fiery fall foliage, the Green Mountain State is a favorite for autumn leaf peepers and winter skiers alike. Resorts such as Stowe Mountain and Killington welcome seasonal travelers, while summer offers hikes on the Long Trail (the oldest long-distance hiking trail in the U.S.), swims in Lake Champlain, and road trips through postcard-perfect towns like Woodstock and Middlebury.

Still, Vermont’s rural setting keeps its visitor numbers relatively modest. The state is sparsely populated, with just under 650,000 people living there year-round, and for many, the slower pace is exactly the appeal. There are plenty of scenic drives to explore without crowds and a focus on farm-to-table dining from the many family-owned farms, while the capital, Montpelier, feels almost like a small village, with just 7,900 residents.

9. Oklahoma

Annual visitors: 15.4 million

Oklahoma tends to fly under the radar when it comes to tourism, but that’s just part of its charm. The state sits at a unique cross-section of American cultures, blending Southern charm, Western heritage, and many Indigenous traditions. Visitors should make sure to explore some of the more than 400 drivable miles of the historic Route 66 in Oklahoma, Tulsa’s Gathering Place park along the Arkansas River, and the poignant National Memorial in Oklahoma City. 

The state is also home to one of the largest Native American populations in the U.S., and cultural centers like the First Americans Museum share the histories of 39 distinct Native American nations in the state. Other museums celebrate Oklahoma’s cowboy and rodeo traditions, as well as hometown folk heroes Woody Guthrie and Bob Dylan at respective Tulsa museums. Outdoor lovers will find unexpected gems, too, including Turner Falls, the state’s largest waterfall, which cascades 77 feet into a natural swimming hole surrounded by rugged hills, caves, and forested trails.

8. South Dakota

Annual visitors: 14.9 million

South Dakota is perhaps best known for Mount Rushmore, an iconic American landmark that draws 2 million visitors a year, but there’s much more to see beyond the famous granite faces. The rest of the state’s Black Hills region offers hikes (including the highest point in the state on Black Elk Peak), as well as historic sites such as the preserved Wild West town of Deadwood. Nearby, Badlands National Park is a must-visit for its dramatic landscapes of spires, canyons, and colorful layered rock, along with rich fossil beds preserving the ancient life that once lived on the plains.

Events like the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally — one of the oldest and largest of its kind — bring big surges in tourism in the summer, but the state’s sparse population and wide-open prairies mean even its best-known spots don’t often feel overrun. As one of America’s least-visited states, South Dakota is an ideal destination to take in top-tier nature and small-town Americana without the crowds.

7. Maine

Annual visitors: 14.8 million

Maine is often overlooked in favor of its busier New England neighbors. That’s despite having a mostly untouched tidal coastline that stretches for more than 3,400 miles — longer than even California’s. It’s dotted with rustic rocky beaches, more than 60 lighthouses, and an abundance of seafood shacks (a lobster roll is a must).

The state’s crown jewel, Acadia National Park, welcomes upwards of 4 million visitors each year, but inland Maine offers plenty of quiet, forested areas as well. Storybook towns such as Bar Harbor and Camden feature lively dining and shopping areas with plenty of sailboats on the water for that distinct New England charm. 

6. Utah

Annual visitors: 14.6 million 

Home to five national parks — known as the “Mighty Five” — Utah is a dream for outdoor adventurers. But it still ranks among the least-visited states, possibly because its awe-inspiring landscapes tend to be far from major urban centers. For those who do make the trek, Utah’s parks, including Zion and Arches, feature breathtaking sights of red rock canyons, sandstone arches, and wide-open desert vistas. In winter, world-class ski resorts like Park City and Snowbird draw snow enthusiasts to the stunning Wasatch mountain range. 

Utah also boasts a deep Indigenous history, which you’ll discover at the cliff dwellings once inhabited by the Ancestral Puebloans, now part of the Trail of the Ancients Scenic Byway. Utah’s natural wonders are just as captivating beyond the national parks, from the vast, otherworldly view of the Bonneville Salt Flats to the towering red rock buttes of Monument Valley — an iconic landscape in Western film. Plus, outside of its national parks, much of Utah remains uncrowded and quiet, making it a haven for those looking for a trip of space and solitude.

5. New Hampshire

Annual visitors: 14.3 million

New Hampshire has a small footprint and an understated tourism scene. In fall, scenic foliage drives along the Kancamagus Highway are popular attractions, and in winter, ski areas like Loon Mountain and Bretton Woods attract devoted regional crowds. The Granite State also shines in the summer: New Hampshire’s coastline is short (just 18 miles) but scenic, featuring popular Hampton Beach and trendy Portsmouth. 

With just 9,349 square miles of land, New Hampshire is the fifth-smallest state in the country, and much of it is forest or mountains. But visitors will perhaps find the winding backroads, family-friendly inns and resorts, and vast stretches of unspoiled nature a welcome change of pace. 

4. Montana

Annual visitors: 13.8 million

With long stretches between towns and a lack of major cities — Billings, the state’s largest, has just 120,000 residents — Montana keeps crowds at bay. Glacier National Park is the state’s star attraction; its crystal-clear alpine lakes, snow-capped peaks, and dark, stargazing skies draw millions of nature lovers each summer. 

Beyond the parks, visitors can explore Big Sky Resort’s ski slopes, paddle the Missouri River, or simply take in the wide-open views that give the fourth-largest U.S. state its “Big Sky Country” nickname. 

3. Hawaii

It may seem surprising that Hawaii ranks among the least-visited states. After all, its lush rainforests, volcanic landscapes, tropical beaches, and relaxed pace of life make it a bucket-list destination for many. But in 2023, tourism dipped following the devastating wildfires that struck Maui, including the historic town of Lahaina, and overall visitation to the state hasn’t recovered to pre-pandemic levels. 

Still, nearly 10 million people made the journey in 2023 — most to Oahu, home to major attractions like Waikiki’s second-to-none surf, the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, and the state capital of Honolulu, rich with shopping, dining, and local cultural experiences. Traveling to Hawaii isn’t cheap or simple, but for those who go, the Aloha State has plenty to offer.

2. Wyoming

Annual visitors: 8.7 million

The biggest draws for visitors to America’s least-populated state of Wyoming are a pair of iconic national parks. Yellowstone, the world’s first national park, remains a major draw thanks largely to its Old Faithful geyser and Grand Prismatic Spring. So does Grand Teton National Park, with dramatic backdrops ideal for hiking, climbing, and, of course, snagging the perfect photo op.

The town of Jackson serves as the state’s main tourist hub, with luxury lodges, art galleries, world-class ski slopes, and the unspoiled backcountry of the Tetons. Much of the rest of Wyoming, however, is wide-open country, dotted with frontier towns framed by endless serene sky and relatively few visitors. 

1. Alaska

Annual visitors: 3 million

Alaska is America’s least-visited state, but that’s mostly a matter of geography. Its distance from the contiguous U.S. and limited infrastructure outside of major hubs such as Anchorage and Fairbanks keep visitor numbers low. However, tourism does play a major role in the state’s economy — many visitors arrive by cruise ship, especially to southeastern ports like Juneau and Ketchikan. The population can more than triple in Ketchikan during the busy season, when visitors take in the shops and restaurants of Creek Street, a well-known historic boardwalk that sits on stilts over the water.

Visiting Alaska wouldn’t be complete without taking part in some epic wilderness adventures, from hiking Denali to spotting grizzly bears and bald eagles, and kayaking through glacier-studded fjords. These promise to be once-in-a-lifetime moments you won’t soon forget — and ones that relatively few tourists get to experience.

About the data: This ranking is based on the most recently available 2023 or 2024 visitation numbers, as published by official tourism boards and government offices.