1. Delaware
Delaware calls itself “The First State” because that’s its one claim to fame—it was the first to ratify the Constitution. And then? Crickets. Sure, corporations love Delaware for its tax perks, but how many people have ever said, “I can’t wait to visit Delaware this summer”? Exactly.
2. Vermont
It’s beautiful, quiet, and full of maple syrup. That’s great if you’re into pancakes or leaf-peeping, but Vermont’s population is so tiny it might as well be Canada’s backyard. Also, do we really need two Dakotas and a Vermont? The redundancy feels excessive.
3. Wyoming
With more cows than people, Wyoming could disappear tomorrow, and most Americans wouldn’t notice for weeks. It’s mostly just Yellowstone and a few small towns. Even Wyoming’s largest city, Cheyenne, feels like it’s cosplaying as a capital.
4. Arkansas
Bill Clinton came from Arkansas, and that’s kind of where the conversation ends. The state’s tourism slogan is “The Natural State,” which feels like a polite way of saying, “We have nothing else going on.”
5. Nebraska
Nebraska is the king of flyover country, where the most exciting thing is cornfields and an endless stretch of highway. Their “Runza” sandwich might be unique, but honestly, how many people are visiting Nebraska for its cuisine? (Hint: not many.)
6. West Virginia
West Virginia feels like Virginia’s younger sibling that got lost in the mountains and decided to stay there. It’s mostly famous for coal mining and country roads, but you’d be hard-pressed to name anything else about it.
7. South Dakota
Mount Rushmore is South Dakota’s big draw, but it’s debatable if that’s enough to justify an entire state. Once you’ve snapped your photo, you’re left with the Badlands—which, while lovely, aren’t enough to make South Dakota a “must-visit.”
8. Idaho
Yes, it gave us potatoes, and we’re forever grateful. But Idaho’s main personality trait is “potatoes,” and after that, it’s just mountains and Boise (which feels like it’s perpetually trying to prove it’s cool, but isn’t).
9. Alaska
Alaska is gorgeous, sure, but it’s also so isolated that it might as well be its own country. It’s freezing most of the year, wildly expensive, and unless you’re into salmon fishing or oil drilling, what are you really doing up there?
10. Rhode Island
It’s the smallest state, yet somehow still struggles to have an identity. Providence tries its best, but Rhode Island is mainly known for being… not Connecticut? It’s like the appendix of the United States—you know it’s there, but you’re not really sure why.
11. Kentucky
Beyond bourbon and the Kentucky Derby, Kentucky seems to exist mainly for fried chicken jokes. Its rural charm is nice if you’re into that, but it’s rarely at the forefront of national conversations.
12. Mississippi
Mississippi is often at the bottom of rankings for education, health, and income, which makes it hard to argue that it’s thriving. Sure, it’s steeped in history, but its reputation feels stuck in the past—and not in a good way.
