1. Apostle Islands, Wisconsin
Tucked away on Lake Superior’s shoreline, the Apostle Islands are a Midwestern secret most people don’t know about. These 21 islands are home to sea caves, historic lighthouses, and some of the clearest waters you’ll ever see in the continental U.S., according to Robert Lillegard from The New York Times. You can kayak through the famous caves when the water is calm or visit in winter to walk inside the frozen versions if the lake freezes thick enough. Either way, it’s a totally magical experience.
Unlike the crowded beaches of Michigan’s lakeshore towns, the Apostle Islands still feel wild and untouched. Camping on one of the islands gives you that true wilderness vibe without straying too far from civilization. Plus, the stars over Lake Superior are some of the brightest in the country thanks to minimal light pollution. Don’t skip Bayfield, the charming gateway town where you’ll catch the ferry.
2. Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado
You wouldn’t think North America’s tallest sand dunes would be tucked away in southern Colorado, but here they are. Great Sand Dunes National Park offers a surreal landscape where you can sandboard by day and stargaze by night. Unlike busier national parks, it still feels like a hidden world, with wide-open spaces and few crowds even in peak summer. Plus, nearby Medano Creek creates a beach-like oasis right at the base of the dunes in late spring.
Most people head straight to places like Rocky Mountain National Park, but Great Sand Dunes feels like an adventure all on its own, according to Evie Carrick from Travel + Leisure. It’s easy to hike to the top of High Dune for incredible views that look straight out of a sci-fi movie. The park is also designated as a Dark Sky Park, so the nighttime skies are absolutely jaw-dropping. Just be prepared for some serious calf workouts if you climb the dunes!
3. Cumberland Island, Georgia
Cumberland Island is Georgia’s largest and southernmost barrier island, and it’s so peaceful it feels almost otherworldly, according to Kim Severson from The New York Times. Only a limited number of visitors are allowed each day, which means you’re more likely to see wild horses than crowds. The island’s undeveloped beaches stretch for miles, and the ruins of Dungeness Mansion give it a beautifully eerie vibe. You’ll need to take a ferry from the mainland, which adds to the sense of escape.
Most people think of Savannah or Tybee Island when planning a Georgia getaway, but Cumberland offers something way more untouched. You can camp overnight if you’re up for it or just day-trip to wander under the canopy of massive live oaks. The island is also part of the National Seashore, helping preserve its pristine condition. Make sure you bring everything you need though—there are no restaurants or shops once you’re on the island!
4. North Cascades National Park, Washington
If you’ve never heard of North Cascades, you’re definitely not alone—and that’s exactly why it’s still a hidden gem. This park has some of the most rugged, jaw-dropping mountain scenery in the entire United States, but it gets a fraction of the visitors compared to places like Yosemite. Picture jagged peaks, glacial lakes, and dense forests without having to elbow your way down the trail. Plus, the drive along Highway 20 (the North Cascades Highway) is breathtaking in its own right, according to Evie Carrick from Travel + Leisure.
North Cascades is sometimes called the “American Alps,” and it definitely lives up to the nickname. There are over 300 glaciers here, more than any other U.S. park outside Alaska. You can camp, hike, or just take scenic drives without feeling like you’re in a tourist conveyor belt. If you love photography, fall colors here are absolutely electric.
5. Taos Pueblo, New Mexico
Taos Pueblo is one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the U.S., and it’s an incredible place to experience Native American culture firsthand. The adobe buildings here have been standing for more than 1,000 years, and the site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Even though it’s right near the ski slopes and art galleries of Taos, the pueblo itself feels remarkably peaceful and authentic. Visitors can tour parts of the community and even buy handmade crafts directly from the residents.
While most tourists flock to Santa Fe, Taos offers a deeper, less commercialized glimpse into New Mexico’s rich history. The setting at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains makes it especially photogenic. Events like the annual San Geronimo Feast Day are fascinating if you want to experience living traditions. Just remember: parts of the pueblo are private homes, so respect for the community’s privacy is essential.
6. Silver Falls State Park, Oregon
They don’t call it the “crown jewel” of the Oregon State Parks system for nothing, but somehow Silver Falls still flies under the radar. This lush, waterfall-packed park about an hour from Portland features the famous Trail of Ten Falls. You can literally walk behind several giant waterfalls, feeling the mist hit your face while surrounded by towering fir trees. Even on weekends, it rarely feels as packed as better-known spots like Multnomah Falls.
The 7.2-mile loop trail connects many of the falls, making it a dream day hike if you love dramatic scenery. It’s especially gorgeous in spring when wildflowers are blooming or in fall when the leaves turn vivid shades of red and gold. The waterfalls here vary in shape and size, keeping the hike exciting the whole way. If you don’t want a full workout, several shorter loop options are also available.
7. Palo Duro Canyon, Texas
You might think Texas is all flatlands and tumbleweeds, but Palo Duro Canyon proves otherwise. Known as the “Grand Canyon of Texas,” this stunning natural wonder is actually the second-largest canyon in the United States. The colorful layers of rock create a dramatic backdrop for hiking, horseback riding, and even outdoor theater performances in the summer. Despite its size and beauty, it’s still one of the Lone Star State’s best-kept secrets.
Visitors often overlook Palo Duro in favor of bigger Texas attractions like San Antonio or Austin. But if you’re into wide-open landscapes and minimal crowds, this place is a dream. Try hiking the Lighthouse Trail to see one of the park’s most famous rock formations up close. Plus, sunrise and sunset here are pure magic—definitely worth setting an early alarm.
8. Grand Marais, Minnesota
Tucked along the rugged shores of Lake Superior, Grand Marais is a small town that punches way above its weight. It’s often called one of America’s coolest small towns thanks to its artsy vibe, incredible food scene, and gorgeous natural surroundings. You can kayak, hike, or just sip coffee while staring out at the endless blue of the lake. And despite all it offers, Grand Marais still feels blissfully uncrowded most of the year.
Most tourists heading to Minnesota stick to Minneapolis or the Boundary Waters, but Grand Marais is the perfect jumping-off point for adventure without the hassle. Nearby trails like the Devil’s Kettle hike in Judge C.R. Magney State Park are both beautiful and bizarre (there’s a waterfall that seemingly vanishes underground!). The town also has a thriving arts colony if you want a break from outdoor activities. It’s especially magical in autumn when the North Shore’s fall colors peak.
9. Lassen Volcanic National Park, California
California’s big-name parks like Yosemite and Sequoia steal the spotlight, but Lassen Volcanic National Park is a true hidden treasure. This park is filled with steaming fumaroles, clear alpine lakes, and even active volcanic landscapes. It’s like a mini Yellowstone without the hordes of tourists or massive lines at trailheads. Plus, you can hike to the top of Lassen Peak if you’re feeling ambitious—it’s the largest plug dome volcano in the world.
Lassen is perfect for anyone who loves geothermal oddities but could do without the chaos of Old Faithful crowds. Bumpass Hell, the park’s biggest hydrothermal area, looks like something from another planet. There’s also great camping, fishing, and scenic drives if you prefer a more low-key visit. And because it’s still relatively unknown, you often get whole trails to yourself.
10. Portsmouth, New Hampshire
If you love historic towns but hate tourist mobs, Portsmouth might just be your new favorite spot. This charming coastal town is full of cobblestone streets, indie bookstores, and seafood that’ll ruin you for anywhere else. Strawbery Banke Museum offers a living history experience that’s way more engaging than your average museum trip. And since it’s close to Boston but much calmer, it’s perfect for a relaxed weekend escape.
While Cape Cod and Maine hog all the coastal attention, Portsmouth quietly keeps doing its thing. You can hop on a harbor cruise, explore the historic shipyard, or just wander the waterfront parks. The town also has an impressive craft beer scene if you’re into that. Fall is especially lovely here when the foliage and crisp air give it a storybook vibe.
11. Bisbee, Arizona
Bisbee feels like a little pocket of artsy weirdness dropped into the middle of the Arizona desert. Once a booming mining town, today it’s a quirky haven for artists, musicians, and anyone who loves offbeat travel. Colorful Victorian architecture clings to steep hillsides, and the downtown is packed with funky galleries, coffee shops, and antique stores. It’s kind of like if San Francisco and an old mining town had a baby.
While most people heading to Arizona flock to Sedona or the Grand Canyon, Bisbee offers a way less commercialized alternative. The Copper Queen Mine tour lets you head deep underground for a real taste of the town’s mining past. You can even stay overnight at supposedly haunted hotels if you’re brave enough. And because of its elevation, Bisbee is cooler in summer than the sweltering desert cities nearby.
12. Driftless Area, Wisconsin
The Driftless Area is a geographical oddity—untouched by glaciers during the last Ice Age—which means it’s full of rolling hills, limestone bluffs, and hidden valleys. Stretching across parts of Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota, and Illinois, this region feels unlike anywhere else in the Midwest. In Wisconsin especially, it’s a paradise of scenic drives, trout fishing streams, and charming small towns. Yet somehow, it remains blissfully free of heavy tourism.
People usually think of Wisconsin as cheese, beer, and Packers games, but the Driftless Area shows a much softer, wilder side. Places like Viroqua, Mineral Point, and the Kickapoo Valley Reserve are brimming with nature and history. Plus, the area’s unique topography makes for some of the best biking and hiking in the region. In fall, it transforms into a stunning explosion of color with barely any crowds.
13. Gila National Forest, New Mexico
Gila National Forest is massive—larger than some eastern states—but somehow most people have never even heard of it. Home to the first designated wilderness area in the world, this place offers rugged mountains, dramatic canyons, and hot springs you can soak in after a tough hike. The Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument is a must-see, offering a fascinating glimpse into ancient Mogollon culture. And because it’s so remote, it’s one of the best places for true solitude in the Southwest.
New Mexico gets a lot of love for Santa Fe and White Sands, but Gila feels like another world entirely. It’s a dream for hikers, backpackers, and anyone who just wants to get way, way off the grid. Wildlife sightings here are common—you might spot elk, black bears, or even the occasional Mexican gray wolf. Plus, the night skies are unbeatable thanks to zero light pollution.
