US Tourist Attractions: Avoid the crowds at these 10 US attractions, popular rural destinations are hidden American travel destinations
At the intersection of North Lumpkin Street and East Washington Street in downtown Athens, Georgia, locals are admiring the works of the ‘Hot Corner’ mural
Nothing can ruin a trip faster than encountering crowds of people and falling into tourist traps.
When planning vacations, many tourists consider the most popular or perennially favorite destinations, only to discover that others have the same idea.
Thus, their journeys are filled with waiting in lines or searching for restaurants that offer affordable dishes for locals. However, there are many overlooked destinations within the United States that offer equally rich activities, cuisine, history, and cultural experiences—just without the crowds and high prices. To help travelers decide on their next hidden gem to visit, travel experts from Wander, a luxury vacation rental platform, have released a list of the top 10 most overlooked destinations in the United States.
In May of this year, the experts analyzed data from Google searches, TripAdvisor, Instagram, and Numbeo, combined with lists from media outlets such as CNN and Yahoo, to select America’s hidden gems. Specifically, the team analyzed the number of restaurants, museums, landmarks, and other venues, as well as factors like safety and cleanliness.
From the art and culture of Bentonville, Arkansas, to the slow-paced mountain town of Bozeman, Montana, here are America’s top 10 hidden gems.
- Tupelo, Mississippi
“In our research, Tupelo, Mississippi was rated as the most overlooked non-mainstream tourist destination, with Google searches like ‘Tupelo, Mississippi vacation’ only reaching 4,300 times annually—150,000 fewer searches than the most-searched non-mainstream destination, Rapid City,” Kowalewski said. “This shows that people typically don’t think of traveling to this Mississippi city.” Tourists might be drawn to the city because of Elvis Presley’s birthplace, but will stay for the vibrant nightlife and food scene.
- Eau Claire, Wisconsin
Located at the confluence of the Chippewa and Eau Claire rivers, Eau Claire is a vibrant city, especially for music lovers. “This is the hometown of Bon Iver, with a rich music and arts atmosphere, and the city hosts various festivals,” Kowalewski said. “It’s also the second fastest-growing major city in Wisconsin, so it probably won’t be overlooked for long. Anyone hoping to enjoy a peaceful vacation might want to visit Eau Claire soon.”
- Athens, Georgia
Athens is less than 100 miles from Atlanta and is more than just a college town home to the University of Georgia. “Athens prides itself on its rich performing arts scene with live music performances almost every night, while continuously welcoming new experiences and creators,” Matt Kowalewski, Chief of Staff at Wander, said in an interview with USA Today. “From the botanical gardens to Sandy Creek Park, the city has a variety of activities and attractions to explore.”
- Helena, Montana
As the second destination from Montana to make the list, Helena attracts visitors with its charming downtown and outdoor activities such as mountain biking and hiking. Among its most popular attractions are boat tours around the magnificent “Mountain Gates,” a name given by Meriwether Lewis of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, also known as the Gates of the Mountains on the Missouri River.
- Bentonville, Arkansas
Long beloved by mountain biking enthusiasts for its year-round trails, Bentonville is now rapidly emerging as an arts and culture center. In 2023, The Wall Street Journal called the city the “new cool city” due to its burgeoning dining scene and numerous public art installations.
- Bowling Green, Kentucky
Bowling Green, located just 60 miles north of Nashville, is a vibrant city with the Southern charm that Kentucky is famous for. Besides exploring the picturesque downtown, visitors can also experience some more unique activities, such as visiting the National Corvette Museum – where the “American sports car” Corvette is assembled, and spending a day at Mammoth Cave National Park to explore its extensive cave system.
- Vancouver, Washington
Don’t confuse it with the city of the same name in British Columbia, Canada; Vancouver, Washington is a riverside city located above Portland, Oregon. As one of the earliest permanent settlements west of the Rocky Mountains, the city offers both historical charm and abundant outdoor activities such as hiking.
- Bozeman, Montana
Bozeman may be known as the gateway town to the popular Yellowstone National Park, but it is a destination worth visiting in its own right. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy adventures in this rustic city, such as hiking, fishing, and mountain biking, followed by relaxation in natural hot springs or at several locally operated distilleries.
- Williamsburg, Virginia
Williamsburg holds a place in history not only as the capital of colonial Virginia and a center of the American Revolutionary War. There are numerous museums and historical sites to visit, while the city also features theme parks like Busch Gardens, ghost tours, and several art museums.
- Springfield, Illinois
Springfield, a three-hour drive from Chicago, is a paradise for history enthusiasts. This Illinois state capital not only sits alongside the historic Route 66 but was also the home of Abraham Lincoln when he was elected president. Visitors can explore important sites related to America’s 16th president, such as touring his former home at the Lincoln Home National Historic Site and paying respects at his final resting place at the Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site.
Larry Jones and Christina Jones are sitting in the ‘Elvis Presley Seating Area’ at ‘Johnnie’s Drive-In’ in Tupelo, Mississippi.
Excerpted from USA Today, August 15, 2025
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