I don’t know what prompt me to do this list or how I came up with the idea but I was really excited about this post. I am so grateful that I have been able to travel and see so many different things. Some people think it’s weird but I really don’t have a desire to travel internationallly. There are so many places in the United States that I haven’t seen. I have never thought about creating a state bucket list, but I’m excited to see what comes from it all.
Alabama
Mobile Carnival Museum – Y’all know how much I love Carnival and Mardi Gras. When I visited the Mardi Gras Museum they mentioned that that carnival
Alabama Football Game – Bryant Denny Field
Auburn Football Game – see the eagle before the game.
Everything in the Alabama state bucket list is sports related. I’m sure there are tons of other great things to do in Alabama, but for me everything is sports related.
Alaska
I want to go to Alaska for the midnight game of baseball. There’s a baseball game on the day in Alaska where it’s sunlight for 24 straight hours. I didn’t even know this existed until I lived in Everett. When I was working one of the beer portables, I started talking with a group of guys and what brought them to the game. They said this way their layover before going to Alaska. Then told me about the game. I thought it was the coolest thing ever. I went home and researched it and it immediately became a bucket list things. An Alaskan cruise is also my list of things I want to do, and I have always said it’s going to be my first cruise. Which I think is kinda funny because I don’t like being cold.
Arizona
Sedona. it’s always my first answer. I lived in Arizona but never made it to Sedona. Now that I am into hiking I can’t wait to go and spend a few days hiking. The rough plan is to hike in early morning and late afternoon, and spend the rest of the time either reading or writing.
I have been to the Grand Canyon before, but I didn’t get to explore much of the trails. This is definitely a bucket list item not only a state bucket list item. The pictures that I have seen are spectacular. From my brief visit to the Grand Canyon, it was so amazing to see. I highly recommend any type of visit.
Arkansas
This is a really tough one because I use to live in Arkansas. There are a lot of really bad memories associated with Arkansas. This has been a state that I have said I will never go back. When I think about Arkansas, it honestly brings a lot of anxiety. Arkansas is a really pretty state, and there are a lot of things to do and definitely should be on your list of states to visit.
Hot Springs is the #1 things I want to do in my Arkansas state bucket list. Our family would go to Hot Springs all the time growing up, but now as an adult I want to go back and hike. I want to stay The Arlington Hotel. Growing up I thought it was so fancy. I would also want to go to the Arkansas Derby.
California
Big Sur. When I lived in California, I feel like I saw a lot of things I wanted to see but Big Sur is the only thing I didn’t get to. It’s kinda like Sedona in Arizona. I have also wanted to go to the Pacific Coast Highway from start to finish. I have done parts of it except Northern California, but doing it in one trip would be amazing.
The another thing my state bucket list would be the Joe Kelly mural in LA. When I went to LA it’s the only thing that I didn’t see that was on my list. I love Joe Kelly so much. He is hands down one of my favorite baseball players right now. The look he gave to the Astros players was absolutely the best. If you have no idea what I’m talking about google Joe Kelly Dodgers vs Astros or Joe Kelly pout. I love how he traded his jersey for a marachi jacket then wore said jacket to the White House.
There are actually so many things that I want to see in California that I never got to see. But I feel like you can live there your whole life and not see everything. I could probably write a whole post of things I want to do in California.
Colorado
Colorado is a state that I want to explore to the fullest. I want pack up everything in my car and camp my way through the state. I have a few friends who have went to Colorado and absolutely loved it. Colorado hasn’t always been on my list of places to visit, but it increasing on my list of states to visit.
Red Rocks is the #1 thing I want to see. I would love to see a concert there.
Colorado Rockies – lots of hiking and camping
Garden of the Gods
Colorado Rockies game
Colorado Buffalos game – Prime Time
Connecticut
I had to research things to do in Connecticut. From my research, I think it would be fun to visit during the fall. There are also of places to hike. Connecticut is also by the water, so I’m sure I could find so many things to do.
Delaware
Another state that I had to research things to do. Doghead Brewery is on my list, because I love visiting different breweries. There looks like a bunch of state parks to visit. I think it would also be fun to go to the boardwalk or riverwalk. There is an Opera House in Delaware that looks pretty. I love taking pictures of building and bridges.
Florida
Florida Gators Football Game
Jules Underwater Lodge is a place that I want to stay next time in Florida. You get to the hotel by scuba diving to the room. You can also get pizza delivered to your room.
I feel like Florida is a lot like California. There are more things that I want to do than things I don’t want to do. Florida isn’t on my top 10 states I want to visit soon, because I recently made a lot of trips to Floria. But it is up there on my state bucket list.
Georgia
This is another state bucket list that is purely sports related. I want to go to a Braves game, Falcons game, etc. It’s kinda of an inside joke that you would think that I am from Atlanta because I love all their sports teams. I’m know that Georgia has a lot of really great things to do, but I’m a sports girl at heart.
Hawaii
Stairway to Heaven is the only answer right here. I want to go to Hawaii, but I have heard that the stairway is considered trespassing. From my research, I heard it’s not that much so if I ever go to Hawaii I would do it.
Idaho
One of my bucket list things to do go to a hot spring. I have seen so many people spend time in a hot spring. I haven’t really thought about visiting Idaho, but after checking out the VisitIdaho website. Idaho is top #5 states that I want to visit next. I’m kinda shocked by this because I knew I wanted to visit Idaho but didn’t think it would move so high on my list.
Illinois
This is actually really hard because I currently live here, and there are so many places that I want to see. If I have to pick one place I think it would Cave in Rock. I also want to explore more of Chicago more.
My goal is to spend this summer exploring all of Illinois. I want to check out all the hikes, unique places, etc. I’m excited for this summer because I am constantly finding things and places to visit.
Indiana
Indianapolis 500. There is a run there every year as well. Where you can finish by kissing the bricks. Which I am kinda torn on because I feel like not everyone should be able to do that. I’m kinda shocked there isn’t more things for Indiana on my state bucket list.
Iowa
Even though I am from Iowa, there are several places that I haven’t been to or it has been a long time since I have been. I have gone to Iowa a lot since I moved back to Midwest, and each time I try to explore something different or take a different route. The place I want to in Iowa always shocks people because I am a huge baseball fan, but I have never been to Field of Dreams.
When I lived in Iowa before, I wasn’t into hiking but now that I am there are tons of places I want to visit. I’m hoping I can explore Iowa more in the fall.
Kansas
I lived in Kansas for a short time, and I’m going this spring to visit a friend. I’m excited to explore Lawrence because it is a school that I wanted to attend. At the time, they had a one of the best photojournalism schools in the country.
I found this website that obscure places in each state. I’m excited to visit some of these on my next trip. To be honest, I don’t really know of anything that is on my Kansas state bucket list. I know that there are probably some cool things but there isn’t anything on my bucket list.
Kentucky
Kentucky Derby. fingers crossed it’s something that I get to see soon. I really want to do the whole week before the Derby. I went a few years ago to Thunder over Louisville which is the “kickoff” to the Derby. It was so much fun! I did a tour of Churchill Downs it was amazing. i grew up wanting to be a jockey. My uncle breed horses and I have always had a spot for horses.
Bourbon Trail is a must on a state bucket list. I have visited a few distilleries, but there are so many more that I want to visit.
Louisana
Mardi Gras. is there any other answer? But seriously there is so much to do in Louisiana. I would want to do another airboat tour during the season. Spending more time in Jackson Square and City Park in New Orleans. I would also want to hit as much as I can on this list.
Maine
I don’t have anything specific but I want to go to Maine. I have heard nothing but the MOST AMAZING THINGS.
Maryland
Maryland is a place that I was never on my list of places to visit. If I went I wouldn’t mind, but It’s not a place that I need to visit right now. There are other states that I want to visit more.
Baltimore Orioles Game
Massachusettes
Fenway – hands down. I don’t care where I sit, BUT if I could sit on the green monster I would be the dream.
Salem would be another place on my bucket list.
Michigan
This is going to be checked off very soon. I am doing an AMESOME trip this summer.
Upper Pennisula. I got to see a little bit of it and started planning a trip immediately.
-Mackinaw Island – if you have not been. You need to go to. This has easily become the #1 place that I will recommend people to visit. It’s so beautiful, and there are no cars. Even though I have been there I want to go back. I really want to stay at The Grand Hotel but it’s kinda expensive. My goal is if I stick or stay under budget for my UP trip then I will stay on the Island.
Minnesota
This is another state that’s not on my list that I want to visit right away. I’m sure that there are plenty of amazing things to do in Minnesota, but right now there is nothing I am dying to visit right away.
-St. Paul Saints is a team that I haven’t seen before and looking forward to seeing.
There is also a Graduate Hotel located in Minneapolis. I am absolutely obsessed with this hotel. I want to visit them all.
Mississippi
The Grove – any Ole Miss football game. I have been before but it has been a very long time, and I didn’t really understand everything behind it. The goal is to go back this upcoming football season.
Elvis Presley Birthplace & Museum – Not many people know this about me, but I LOVE ELVIS. I have been to Graceland, and it’s absolutely amazing. I have never been to his birthplace.
Missouri
The Arch – I went as a kid, but I would love to go back. I want to explore more of St. Louis.
There are a lot of places to go hiking and kayaking. I don’t have anywhere specific but just to be out and to explore.
Montana
Glacier National Park
Yellowstone National Park
Nebraska
College World Series – I went at the old location, but I haven’t been to the new one for an actual game in downtown Omaha.
Tanking float trip in Nebraska is something that I found out about last year. I think it’s such a unique experience.
Nevada
Valley of Fire is a place that I want to go back. I want to hike it more.
Grand Canyon – I got to see a little bit by helicopter but I want to see more.
There are so many things that I want to see and do in Nevada. This is another state with more things I want to do than not.
New Hampshire
This is a lot like Maine. I don’t have anything specific I want to do but just visit.
New Jersey
I’m sure there are things to do in Jersey, but it’s not high on my list of places to visit. I don’t I would make a special trip to NJ. I’m open for suggestions.
New Mexico
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
White Sands National Park
I don’t think I would go to NM just for that specific state, but if I was doing a trip of the southwest I would definitely include New Mexico. I have only been to NM once and when I was moving to Arizona.
New York
New York City staying in the Eloise Suite at the Plaza Hotel. Let’s be honest, If i can stay in any room at the Plaza Hotel I would be happy. I would probably cry because it has been on my list since I was kid. I was obsessed with Eloise. Plus, I am a huge Law & Order fan so I would try to find as many places that Olivia has been to.
Central Park
Times Square – It would be cool to see and experience, but not something I have to do.
The Hamptons
North Carolina
Duke vs UNC basketball. This is the first thing that came to my mind. I have visit NC several times living in WV.
Asheville – I lived there for a short time, but didn’t experience much of it. I would love to go back for hiking, shopping, and drinking.
Chimney Rock
North Dakota
Theodore Roosevelt State Park
I think there are lots of cool things to do in North Dakota, and it would be fun to visit the state. I can’t really think of anything that’s on my bucket list. it’s probably in the middle pack of states that I want to visit.
Ohio
Hocking Hills State Park. There is also a place nearby that lets you sleep in a text on the water.
Ohio State Football game – or at least going by the stadium to take pictures
Canton, Ohio – National Football Hall of Fame
Oklahoma
First response would be Oklahoma vs Oklahoma State football game, but that is over unless it’s a bowl game. There are so many amazing things to see and do in Oklahoma. I absolutely love my time in OKC.
Route 66
Softball World Series
Pennsylvania
Penn State Night Game White Out. Hands down. I love Joe Pa and will ride with him until the end. If you know me, you know I have a thing for old men.
Liberty Bell
Phillies game
Rhode Island
I had to google things to do in RI, but I couldn’t find anything that I HAD to do. I’m sure if I researched more I would find something to do. I’m sure that there are a lot of lighthouses there, and I love seeing the differences in all the types of lighthouses. Martha’s Vineyard would be fun to visit as well.
South Carolina
This is actually really hard, because sports wise this is the state that I hate the most. it’s actually 1A/1B with another state. Maybe go to Charleston because of Southern Charm. I would go to Craig’s store. I’m sure that I can find things to do there because it’s by water, and y’all know I love being on the water.
South Dakota
I had to google to confirm that Mt Rushmore was in SD. I think it would be cool to visit. It’s not on my list to visit anytime soon unless it’s on the way with another trip.
Tennessee
Grand Ole Opry Hotel –
Smokey Mountains are obviously something I want to see. It’s definitely a bucket list trip to hike and car camp the Smokey Mts. I would want to see as much as I could. I know it’s impossible to see everything single part of the Smokey Mountains but I would love to try.
Texas
There are so many places in Texas I can’t even list them all. I could easily make a post of things only in Texas. I’ve been to Texas several times and each time I fall in love more and more with the state. I know this is so wrong because an Iowa State grad, but seeing anything with the Longhorns would be amazing. If I could meet Coach Sark and his wife, I would be speechless.
Utah
Zion. Arches. Bryce Canyon. Monument Valley. Since I have gotten into hiking, Utah is on the top of my list of places that I want to visit. I am trying to make a trip possible in the fall, but I don’t know if I will be able to make it work.
Vermont
Vermont hasn’t been on my list of places that I really want to visit. I would make sure that I would go to Vermont if I did a northeastern state visit. I have heard that it’s absolutely beautiful.
Virginia
Even with google, I didn’t find any places that I really wanted to go.
Washington
There are so many places I would visit. Even though I lived there and I did accomplish a lot, but I would go back and redo things. I would also add more things to my list. Mount Rainer would be top on my list.
West Virginia
Nothing. Absolutely Nothing. I’m going to leave it at that.
Wisconsin
I had to google this one to find an answer. Cave of the Mounds
Sports Wise I have hit most of the important ones – lambeau and Miller Park. The only thing I I haven’t done is a Wisconsin Game. I think it would be cool to experience jump around.
Wyoming
Grand Teton National Park.
Jackson Hole
This state has a lot more things that I thought, and I’m really excited to visit. I want to get to Wyoming sooner rather than later.
Final Thoughts
When I started this list, I honestly thought it would be super easy to come up with something each state. Some states were easier than others. I also started ranking the states in order that I want to visit, and realized there are some states that aren’t high on my list. I’m still open to travel the United States, and see everything.
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