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The US is an incredibly diverse and varied country with 50 fascinating states, each with its own charm and unique characteristics. Over the past 50 days, I have embarked on a breathtaking journey to travel through all 50 states and discover the most beautiful states of the US and their unique beauties.
Travel report: My top 5 American states out of 50
I have traveled in a minivan, slept in it and visited the continental states as well as Alaska and Hawaii. My adventure took me from the vastness of the Northeast to the majestic state of Washington, covering in total 20,000 kilometers.
My itinerary featured a fast pace as I traveled approximately 300 miles each day to explore all 50 states in 50 days. Most of my days consisted of intensive exploration, wanting to get to know each state as best I could. After exploring the sights and culture of each state, I slept in my van, which offered me a slice of home during the trip.
I passed at high speed Grand Canyon and was overwhelmed by its beauty and sublimity. It was a sporting challenge to gain so many impressions in such a short time. But it was also incredibly entertaining, like in the small town Boring in Oregon, where I spontaneously hosted a joyous party and celebrated their city’s name with the warm-hearted locals.
In New Orleans, I had an unforgettable experience when I learned to play the trumpet with a brass band in just 60 minutes – at least I managed to play a mini melody. The city literally vibrated with music and joie de vivre. And during my trip, I also wanted to take the opportunity to attend a Donald Trump election party. However, the security forces prevented my attempt to touch him, just two meters away from my target.
My journey to the US started ten years ago when I decided to move to a small town in the United States Colorado after receiving the green card through a book publication in the United States. Since then I have enjoyed the beauty of this region and its many outdoor activities such as hiking and skiing.
Colorado is hands down my favorite state, and here are mine Top 5 US States.
1. Colorado
Colorado has become my home and I am fascinated by the Rocky Mountains that dominate this region. With 300 sunny days a year and top-notch ski areas, Colorado offers excellent weather and countless outdoor opportunities. Bouldera vibrant city near Denver, impresses with a vibrant cultural life and a breathtaking mountain backdrop. Manitou Slope in Colorado Springs is a challenging hiking trail that attracts adventurers and rewards them with breathtaking views. All this together makes Colorado one of the most beautiful states in the US.
Facts about Colorado
- Capital: Denver
- Average altitude: 2,000 meters
- Nickname: “Centennial State”
- Largest city: Denver
- Population: approximately 5.8 million (as of 2021)
- Number of 14ers (mountains above 4,267 meters): 58
- Famous National Parks and Protected Areas: Rocky Mountain National Park, Mesa Verde National Park, Great Sand Dunes National Park
Why Colorado is a top state
- Spectacular scenery: The Rocky Mountains provide a breathtaking backdrop for outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, rock climbing and mountain biking.
- 300 sunny days: Colorado is known for its sunny and dry climate, making outdoor activities possible year-round.
- Ski areas: With famous ski areas such as Aspen, PaleAnd BreckenridgeColorado is a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts and snowboarders.
- Boulder: This vibrant city near Denver features an active artist scene, countless outdoor options, and a relaxed atmosphere.
- Manitou Incline: The challenging hiking trail in Colorado Springs consists of more than 2,700 steps and offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscape.
2. Oregon
Oregon is another state I particularly appreciate. Portland, a hip city, impresses with its quality of life and a unique flair. The state’s volcanoes and pristine nature are breathtaking and offer a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.
Facts about Oregon
- Capital: Salem (really not Portland)
- Nickname: “Beaver State”
- Largest city: Portland
- Population: approximately 4.2 million (as of 2021)
- Famous National Parks and Protected Areas: Crater Lake National Park, Mount Hood National Forest, Columbia River Gorge
Why Oregon is a top state
- Portland: The largest city in Oregon is known for its progressive culture, arts scene and vibrant gastronomy.
- Volcanoes and nature: Oregon has a diverse landscape with high volcanoes, picturesque beaches and lush forests.
- Quality of Life: Oregonians appreciate the relaxed lifestyle and focus on sustainability and environmental protection.
3. Alaska
As one of the most unique states in the US, Alaska has impressed me. The picturesque capital Juneau, surrounded by wild nature, is a real highlight. The majestic Yukon River winds through the landscape and the wilderness of Alaska is simply overwhelming. Alaska is known as ‘The Last Frontier’ and is a must for adventure seekers.
Facts about Alaska
- Capital: Juneau (not Anchorage)
- Nickname: “The Last Frontier”
- Largest city: Anchorage
- Population: approximately 730,000 (as of 2021)
- Famous nature reserves: Denali National Park, Kenai Fjords National Park, Tongass National Forest
Why Alaska is a top state
- Unique Wilderness: Alaska is home to glaciers, tundra, mountains and rich wildlife including bears, whales and eagles.
- Juneau: Alaska’s picturesque capital offers a mix of modern living and spectacular nature.
- Yukon River: The longest river in Alaska offers opportunities for fishing, rafting and exploring remote areas.
4. Maine
Maine is an underrated gem in the northeastern US and definitely one of the most beautiful states in the US. The city of Portland (yes, there are two Portlands in the US) offers a vibrant arts and culture scene, while the White Mountains offer breathtaking scenery to escape the summer heat. The mix of charming towns and impressive nature makes Maine one of the top states.
Facts about Maine
- Capital: Augusta
- Nickname: “Pine Tree State”
- Largest city: Portland
- Population: approximately 1.3 million (as of 2021)
- Famous attractions: Acadia National Park, Portland headlight, Old Port in Portland, White Mountains
Why Maine is a top state
- Portland: Maine’s largest city impresses with its maritime atmosphere, excellent seafood and vibrant cultural life.
- Cool Summers: This state offers a welcome respite from the summer heat and is a paradise for hikers and nature lovers.
- Charming Small Towns: Maine has many charming towns along its scenic coast that invite exploration.
5. Minnesota
Minnesota has fascinated me with its German history. The fact that many places in Minnesota have German names and there are even German festivals shows the deep-rooted German culture in this state. More than 50 million Americans have German roots, reflecting the country’s cultural diversity. A continuation from North Dakota to Minnesota is definitely worthwhile. The capital Bismarck is characterized by German culture and it is nice to communicate with locals in their native language.
Facts about Minnesota
- Capital: Saint Paul
- Nickname: “Land of 10,000 Lakes”
- Largest city: Minneapolis
- Population: approximately 5.7 million (as of 2021)
- Famous attractions: Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Mall of America, Minnehaha Falls
Why Minnesota is a top state
- German History: Minnesota has a strong German-American tradition, reflected in place names and festivals. The small town New Ulm is definitely worth a recommendation, just like “German days” in St. Paul.
- Cultural Diversity: Minnesota is known for its diverse cultural scene and has a large number of residents with foreign roots.
- North Dakota (for further travel): A visit to Minnesota can easily be combined with a trip to the state of North Dakota, which also has a rich German cultural history. The capital Bismarck is a good example of this.
Most Beautiful States in the US – Conclusion
My journey through the 50 US states was undoubtedly a unique experience that impressively brought to my attention the diversity and beauty of this fascinating country. Every state has its idiosyncrasies, and the US is a country of contrasts and cultural diversity. My top 5 states impressed me in different ways and will always remain in my memory.
About the author
The coach, motivational speaker, and adventurer Michael Wigge specializes in documenting incredible challenge stories. ‘How to Travel the World for Free’ and ‘How to Barter for Paradise’ (where he turned an apple into a Hawaiian dream house by trading) are just two of his travel promotions.
His self-experiment ‘How to travel around the world for free’ was a success. For this, the German TV channel ZDF awarded him the VJ Award in the category “Best Video Journalist Newcomer”. The documentary series was nominated for the Grimme Prize in Germany.
Wigge offers business seminars and lectures. These are based on his adventures. He uses them to support employees and managers in Germany and the US. His goal is to promote motivation, resilience, time management and mental health.
Have you been to that many states? Which are the most beautiful states in the US for you? Leave a comment, we are curious.
Photos: Photo 2 (Denver, Colorado): shutterstock.com – Photo 3 (Crater Lake, Oregon): Drew P. Burks/shutterstock.com – Photo 4 (Portland, Oregon): shutterstock.com – Photo 5 (Alaska): shutterstock.com – Photo 6 (Acadia National Park, Maine): Zack Frank/shutterstock.com
