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The USA is an incredibly diverse and varied country with 50 fascinating states, each with its own charm and unique features. Over the last 50 days, I embarked on a breathtaking journey to travel all 50 states and discover the most beautiful states in the us and their unique beauties.
Travel Report: My Top 5 US States out of 50
I have been traveling in a minibus, slept in it, and visited both the continental states as well as Alaska and Hawaii. My adventure took me from the expanses of the Northeast to the majestic state of Washington, covering a total of 20,000 kilometers.
My travel route was characterized by a rapid pace, as I covered about 500 kilometers each day to explore all 50 states in 50 days. Most of my days consisted of intensive explorations, where I wanted to get to know each state as well as possible. After exploring the attractions and the culture of each state, I slept in my van, which offered me a piece of home during the journey.
At high speed, I traversed the Grand Canyon and was overwhelmed by its beauty and sublimity. It was a sporting challenge to gather so many impressions in such a short time. But it was also incredibly entertaining, like in the town of Boring in Oregon, where I spontaneously hosted a joyful party and celebrated the name of their town with the warm-hearted locals.
In New Orleans, I had an unforgettable experience when I learned to play a trumpet with a marching band in just 60 minutes – at least I managed to play a mini melody. The city was literally vibrating with music and zest for life. And during my journey, I also wanted to take the opportunity to attend a Donald Trump election party. However, the security service prevented my attempt to touch him, just two meters away from my goal.
My journey to the USA began ten years ago when I decided to move to a small town in Colorado after receiving the green card through a book publication in the states. Since then, I have enjoyed the beauty of this region and its numerous outdoor activities such as hiking and skiing.
Colorado is undoubtedly my favorite state, and here are my Top 5 States of the USA.
1. Colorado
Colorado has become home to me, and I am fascinated by the Rocky Mountains that dominate this region. With 300 sunny days a year and top-notch ski resorts, Colorado offers excellent weather and numerous outdoor opportunities. Boulder, a vibrant city near Denver, impresses with a pulsating cultural life and a stunning mountain backdrop. Manitou Incline in Colorado Springs is a challenging hiking trail that attracts adventure seekers and rewards with breathtaking views. All that combined makes Colorado one of the most beautiful states in the US.
Facts about Colorado
- Capital: Denver
- Average Elevation: 2,000 meters
- Nickname: “Centennial State”
- Largest City: Denver
- Population: about 5.8 million (as of 2021)
- Number of 14ers (mountains over 14,000 feet/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, mountaineering, and mountain biking.
- 300 Sunny Days: Colorado is known for its sunny and dry climate, allowing for outdoor activities all year round.
- Ski Resorts: With famous ski resorts like Aspen, Vail, and Breckenridge, Colorado is a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts and snowboarders.
- Boulder: This vibrant city near Denver is characterized by an active artist scene, numerous outdoor opportunities, and a relaxed atmosphere.
- Manitou Incline: The challenging hiking trail in Colorado Springs consists of over 2,700 steps and offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscape.
2. Oregon
Oregon is another state that I particularly value. Portland, a hip city, impresses with its quality of life and a unique flair. The volcanoes and the pristine nature in the state are simply breathtaking and offer a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.
Facts about Oregon
- Capital: Salem (really not Portland)
- Nickname: “Beaver State”
- Largest City: Portland
- Population: about 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, art scene, and vibrant gastronomy.
- Volcanoes and Nature: Oregon has a diverse landscape with tall volcanoes, scenic beaches, and lush forests.
- Quality of Life: Residents of Oregon value the relaxed lifestyle and the focus on sustainability and environmental protection.
3. Alaska
As one of the most unique states in the USA, Alaska has impressed me. The scenic 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. Known as “The Last Frontier,” Alaska is a must for adventurers.
Facts about Alaska
- Capital: Juneau (not Anchorage)
- Nickname: “The Last Frontier”
- Largest City: Anchorage
- Population: about 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, tundras, mountains, and a rich wildlife, including bears, whales, and eagles.
- Juneau: The picturesque capital of Alaska offers a mix of modern life 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 USA and definitely one of the most beautiful states in the US. The city of Portland (yes, there are two Portlands in the USA) offers a vibrant art and culture scene, while the White Mountains provide 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: about 1.3 million (as of 2021)
- Famous Attractions: Acadia National Park, Portland Head Light, 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 a 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 bear German names and there are even German festivals there, demonstrates the deeply rooted German culture in this state. Over 50 million Americans have German roots, reflecting the cultural diversity of the country. A continuation from North Dakota to Minnesota is definitely worthwhile. The capital Bismarck is characterized by German culture, and it is fun to communicate with the locals in their native language.
Facts about Minnesota
- Capital: Saint Paul
- Nickname: “Land of 10,000 Lakes”
- Largest City: Minneapolis
- Population: about 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 of New Ulm is definitely worth a recommendation, as are “German Days” in St. Paul.
- Cultural Diversity: Minnesota is known for its diverse cultural scene and has a high proportion of residents with foreign roots.
- North Dakota (For Further Travel): A visit to Minnesota can be well 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 states of the USA was undoubtedly a unique experience that impressively brought to my attention the diversity and beauty of this fascinating country. Each state has its peculiarities, and the USA is a country of contrasts and cultural diversity. My top 5 states have 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 just by bartering) are just two of his travel actions.
His self-experiment “How to Travel the World for Free” was a success. For this, the German TV station 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 corporate seminars and lectures. These are based on his adventures. He uses them to assist employees and executives in Germany as well as in the USA. His goal is to promote motivation, resilience, time management, and mental health.
Have you also been to so many states? Which ones are the most beautiful states in the US for you? Leave us 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
