11 Stunning States No One Seems To Visit

Ever driven through a state so empty you wondered if you took a wrong turn into another dimension? Some places in the U.S. are so stunning! And yet… nobody’s there.

Why do some of the most breathtaking states have fewer people than a packed New York subway car? Is it the brutal winters? The sheer remoteness? The fact that the nearest Target is a three-hour drive? Whatever the reason, these states remain vast, quiet, and criminally underrated.

So, if you’re the type who loves solitude, untouched beauty, and landscapes that make your jaw drop, you might just find your next great escape here.

1. Wyoming

Wide-open skies, rugged mountains, and rolling plains—Wyoming is a masterpiece of untouched wilderness. The high peaks of the Tetons look like they were chiseled by the gods, while Yellowstone’s geysers put on a show no theme park could ever match.

The state is pure, unfiltered adventure, with endless trails, roaring rivers, and a night sky so clear you can practically touch the stars.

So, why is it the least populated state? Well, Wyoming doesn’t do city life. It’s the kind of place where your closest neighbor might be a herd of bison. Winters here aren’t just cold—they’re brutal. Many people just pass through on their way to somewhere busier. Craving solitude? This is your heaven!

2. Montana

Montana is big. Not just in size, but in sheer, breathtaking beauty. Glacial lakes shimmer like sapphires, alpine meadows burst with wildflowers, and mountain ranges stretch endlessly into the horizon.

The phrase “Big Sky Country” isn’t just a nickname—it’s a feeling. There’s something about standing beneath Montana’s endless heavens that makes you feel both small and infinite at the same time.

But with all this beauty, where is everyone? Simple: Montana is wild. The rugged terrain, harsh winters, and sheer remoteness keep population numbers low.

Outside of a few charming cities like Missoula and Bozeman, much of the state is wide-open space—fantastic for grizzlies, but not so convenient for Starbucks lovers.

3. North Dakota

Rolling prairies, dramatic badlands, and some of the most spectacular sunsets you’ll ever see—North Dakota is criminally underrated. The Theodore Roosevelt National Park is paradise where wild horses roam free, and the wide-open landscapes create a sense of peace that’s hard to find elsewhere.

So why does barely anyone live here? Well, for starters, winter hits hard. The kind of cold that turns your eyelashes into icicles. There’s also a serious lack of big-city excitement. There’s no nightlife, no massive music festivals, just the quiet hum of small-town life.

If you’re into remote living, though, North Dakota is a dream. The people are warm, the landscapes are stunning, and if you can handle the cold, it’s an undiscovered slice of Americana.

4. South Dakota

Meet the home to some of America’s most iconic sights. I’m talking about: Mount Rushmore, Badlands National Park, and the Black Hills, just to name a few. They’re all in South Dakota! It’s a land of sweeping plains and rugged beauty, where bison still roam and prairie winds whisper through golden fields.

Yet, somehow, it remains sparsely populated. The main reason? South Dakota is quiet—very quiet. There’s no major metropolis, no coastline, and winters that make you question your life choices.

It’s a place of simplicity, where small towns dot the landscape and life moves at a slower, steadier pace. It’s the kind of place where you can take a deep breath and actually hear the silence.

5. Alaska

Here, nature likes to flex its muscles! Towering mountains, endless glaciers, and deep, untamed forests make this state feel like an epic, real-life nature documentary. Moose casually stroll down the road, the Northern Lights dance across the sky, and the air is as crisp as it gets.

So why isn’t everyone moving there? Well, Alaska is really remote! The distances between cities are vast, winters are long and unforgiving, and in some places, the sun disappears for months. Not to mention, bears are basically your neighbors.

But for adventurers, there’s no better place. Alaska offers an experience that’s as wild as it gets!

6. West Virginia

West Virginia is a postcard of rolling mountains, forests, and misty rivers. The Appalachian Mountains carve through the state, creating landscapes straight out of a folk song. It’s an outdoor lover’s dream, with world-class whitewater rafting, hiking, and some of the most scenic drives in the country.

So why do people skip over it? Blame the economy. Once a booming coal-mining region, West Virginia has seen its population shrink due to job losses and economic downturns. Plus, it’s often unfairly overlooked in favor of more “famous” destinations.

But for those in the know, West Virginia is a goldmine.

7. Nebraska

What’s Nebraska about? All about subtlety! Rolling prairies stretch to the horizon, sunflower fields sway in the wind, and the Sandhills offer some of the most underrated landscapes in the U.S. The sunsets here? Absolutely legendary.

So why isn’t it packed with people? Well, it is quiet. No dramatic mountains, no oceans, no big attractions pulling in millions of tourists. The state thrives on simplicity and agriculture, making it more of a “drive-through” state than a vacation hotspot.

But those who stop and explore will find unexpected gems—charming small towns, stunning state parks, and locals who define Midwestern hospitality. Sometimes, beauty is best appreciated without the crowds.

8. Idaho

You think Idaho is just about potatoes? Well, think again! The Sawtooth Mountains are pure wilderness magic, the lakes are pristine, and the rivers carve through some of the most stunning canyons in the country. It’s an adventurer’s paradise, with hiking, whitewater rafting, and skiing all within reach.

Idaho’s beauty is still somewhat of a secret. Sure, Boise is growing fast, but much of the state remains untouched and remote.

Plus, the winters are no joke, and many people just don’t know what Idaho has to offer. But those who do? They’re in on something special.

9. Vermont

Vermont is storybook-level charming. Covered bridges, rolling green hills, and fiery autumn foliage make it one of the most beautiful states in the U.S. It’s got that cozy, small-town vibe, where farm-to-table dining and maple syrup rule.

So why is it so empty? Vermont values its quiet. There are no major cities, no massive industry hubs, and winters that can bury cars in snow. The state is perfect for those who love tranquility—but not so much for those who need urban hustle and bustle.

It’s the kind of place where you sip coffee by a crackling fire and feel like you’ve stepped into a postcard.

10. Maine

Maine is a dreamland of rocky coastlines, forests, and lighthouses standing guard against the Atlantic. Acadia National Park alone is worth the trip, with rugged cliffs, misty trails, and some of the best seafood you’ll ever taste.

Yet, Maine remains one of the least populated states. The winters are brutal, and much of the state is rural, with small towns spread far apart.

There’s also a certain ruggedness to life here—Maine folks are tough, and you have to be, too. Sunrise over Cadillac Mountain? Unforgettable. A plate of fresh lobster with a seaside view? Perfection.

11. New Mexico

Here, contrast gets a whole different meaning! There’re red rock deserts, snow-capped mountains, and ancient pueblos all in one place. The sunsets here are like watercolor paintings, and the mix of Native American, Spanish, and Western cultures makes it one of the most unique states in the U.S.

So why is it so empty? The desert climate can be harsh, job opportunities are limited, and major cities are few and far between.

Plus, it’s often overshadowed by its more famous neighbor—Colorado. Are you seeking adventure and mystery? Then, this is a destination for you!