10Best Readers’ Choice is out to create the ultimate guide to America’s best attractions. To do so, we’re asking our readers to vote for their favorites – region by region and state by state. Voting has now wrapped up for the Western, Midwestern and Northeastern United States.
Click on each category below to see the full list of winners, and check back on Friday, January 19 for the announcement of our Southern winners.
Best Alaska Attraction: White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad
White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad — Photo courtesy of iStock / Chilkoot
The White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad was built during the Klondike Gold Rush in 1898. Today the real treasures aboard this narrow gauge railroad – an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark – are the glaciers, gorges, mountains, waterfalls, tunnels and bridges on display as the vintage train climbs almost 3000 feet in just 20 miles.
Full list of winners: 10 best Alaska attractions
Best Arizona Attraction: Kartchner Caverns State Park
Kartchner Caverns State Park — Photo courtesy of AP Photo/The Arizona Republic, Christine Keith
Two local explorers stumbled upon Kartchner Caverns in 1974 and revealed the existence of the caves to the property owners, James and Lois Kartchner, in 1978. Now a state park, this impressive cavern system continues to “grow” as dripping water deposits minerals on the existing formations. Features include Kubla Khan, the tallest column in Arizona, as well as one of the world’s longest soda straw stalactites.
Full list of winners: 10 best Arizona attractions
Best California Attraction: Balboa Park
Balboa Park in San Diego — Photo courtesy of iStock / f11photo
Encompassing 1,200 beautiful acres, San Diego’s Balboa Park comprises several smaller attractions, including performing arts venues, 17 museums, numerous gardens and recreational trails. A free tram takes visitors around the complex, now listed as a National Historic Landmark.
Full list of winners: 10 best California attractions
Best Colorado Attraction: Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad in Colorado — Photo courtesy of Denise Chambers/Miles
One of the most authentic steam-operated railroads in existence, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad runs for 64 miles between Antonito, Colo. and Chama, N.M., passing through the San Juan Mountains and the scenic Conejos Valley along the way. This moving National Historic Landmark represents one of Colorado’s most spectacular day trips.
Full list of winners: 10 best Colorado attractions
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Best Connecticut Attraction: Lavender Pond Farm
The 25-acre Lavender Pond Farm features some 10,000 lavender plants — Photo courtesy of Romy Lee Photography
With the singular goal of making the world a more beautiful place, Lavender Pond Farm invites visitors to come and enjoy the 25-acre property, planted with more than 10,000 lavender plants. Guests can walk through the fields or pick up all-natural lavender products in the farm store.
Full list of winners: 10 best Connecticut attractions
Best Delaware Attraction: Air Mobility Command Museum
This Delaware museum is a must-visit for aviation enthusiasts — Photo courtesy of VisitDelaware.com
Dedicated to military airlift and air refueling history, Dover’s Air Mobility Command Museum houses more than 30 aircraft of varying sizes, as well as exhibits on the humanitarian and war efforts of the U.S. military.
Full list of winners: 10 best Delaware attractions
Best Hawaii Attraction: Polynesian Cultural Center
Polynesian Cultural Center — Photo courtesy of Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Tor Johnson
One of Oahu’s top attractions provides glimpses into the cultures of Polynesia (Hawaii, Samoa, Tahiti, Fimi, New Zealand, Marquesas and Tonga). Each one maintains a separate village, where visitors are regaled with information about celebration and survival in ancient days. Demonstrations, performances, narratives, and even a luau are presented, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the spectacle and character of the past.
Full list of winners: 10 best Hawaii attractions
Best Idaho Attraction: World Center for Birds of Prey
World Center for Birds of Prey — Photo courtesy of iStock / chameleonseye
The World Center for Birds of Prey, an indoor/outdoor education center in Boise, brings visitors eye to eye with flying predators from around the world. A 1/4-mile trail winding through the surrounding restored wilderness offers opportunities to spot raptors in the wild.
Full list of winners: 10 best Idaho attractions
Best Illinois Attraction: American Writers Museum
American Writers Museum — Photo courtesy of AFP/Getty Images
This newly opened museum is already earning rave reviews. A celebration of the American writer, the museum features a timeline of literary history in the United States, interactive kiosks where visitors can search for authors who’ve lived or worked near them and an interactive space where visitors can write their own stories using pen and paper, old-fashioned typewriters or digital media.
Full list of winners: 10 best Illinois attractions
Best Indiana Attraction: Brown County State Park
Brown County State Park — Photo courtesy of Rain0975 / Flickr
Known as the Little Smokies due to its resemblance to the Great Smoky Mountains, Brown County State Park comprises 16,000 acres of narrow ridges, rugged hills and quiet ravines. It’s one of Indiana’s great fall color hot spots.
Full list of winners: 10 best Indiana attractions
Best Iowa Attraction: Maquoketa Caves State Park
Maquoketa Caves State Park — Photo courtesy of Phil Roeder / Flickr
There are more caves within this Iowa state park than in any other state park in the country. An interpretive center gives a geological and historical overview of the caves, while 6 miles of trails link the caves and other significant sites.
Full list of winners: 10 best Iowa attractions
Best Kansas Attraction: Eisenhower Presidential Library & Boyhood Home
Eisenhower Presidential Library & Boyhood Home — Photo courtesy of Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library
Visitors to the Eisenhower Presidential Library & Boyhood Home get insight into the 5-star general and 34th president’s life and times. Exhibit topics include Ike’s role in World War I, the historic Chisholm Trail and the president’s boyhood home.
Full list of winners: 10 best Kansas attractions
Best Louisiana Attraction: Houmas House Plantation
Houmas House Plantation and Gardens — Photo courtesy of Houmas House Plantation and Gardens
Located between Baton Rouge and New Orleans, Houmas House Plantation is one of the best along the River Road. Surrounded by 200-year-old oaks, the meticulously restored Greek Revival mansion and connected rear house occupies 38 acres of scenic gardens filled with indigenous Louisiana plant life.
Full list of winners: 10 best Louisiana attractions
Best Maine Attraction: Maine Windjammers
One of the best ways to experience coastal Maine is aboard an historic schooner — Photo courtesy of Maine Windjammer Association
Maine is home to one of the nation’s largest fleets of historic schooners, and during the summer months, visitors can embark on a range of themed cruises from both Rockland and Camden. Each vessel is unique, making this one of the state’s most singular experiences.
Full list of winners: 10 best Maine attractions
Best Maryland Attraction: U.S. Naval Academy
Naval history comes alive at one of the nation’s most prestigious undergraduate universities — Photo courtesy of Maryland Office of Tourism Development
Annapolis’ United States Naval Academy is one of the most selective undergraduate universities in the nation. On formation weekdays, visitors can watch as 4,000 midshipmen and -women perform a military march. The onsite Naval Academy Museum highlights America’s naval history.
Full list of winners: 10 best Maryland attractions
Best Massachusetts Attraction: Tanglewood
The Boston Symphony Orchestra plays at Tanglewood throughout the summer months — Photo courtesy of Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism
The summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, 200-acre Tanglewood also hosts summer concerts by a variety of world-famous musicians. The performance space includes a 5,000-seat main shed, as well as a more intimate 1,200-seat hall for chamber music and solo acts.
Full list of winners: 10 best Massachusetts attractions
Best Michigan Attraction: Gilmore Car Museum
There are so many vintage cars to explore at Gilmore Car Museum — Photo courtesy of Gilmore Car Museum
Auto enthusiasts will find one of the best car museums in the world in Hickory Corners. The Gilmore Car Museum’s collection includes more than 400 cars and motorcycles from many eras.
Full list of winners: 10 best Michigan attractions
Best Minnesota Attraction: Como Park Zoo & Conservatory
Get in touch with nature at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory — Photo courtesy of Como Park Zoo & Conservatory
Saint Paul’s Como Park Zoo & Conservatory features a variety of indoor and outdoor exhibit spaces, as well as a stunning tropical conservatory with an always changing display of seasonal plants and flowers.
Full list of winners: 10 best Minnesota attractions
Best Missouri Attraction: Branson’s Entertainment District
Branson by night — Photo courtesy of Branson Convention and Visitors Bureau
Branson is known as the Live Music Show Capital of the World, so it’s no surprise that this entertainment district has something for everyone. Besides 50 live performance theaters, the area has a walkable downtown with loads of shopping options.
Full list of winners: 10 best Missouri attractions
Best Montana Attraction: Makoshika State Park
Makoshika State Park — Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons / Tbennert
Makoshika is the Lakota word for “bad land” or “bad spirits,” but visitors will find immense beauty in these pine and juniper studded badlands of Montana’s largest state park. A triceratops skull sits on display within the visitors center, and the 11,538 outdoor acres afford opportunity for hiking, biking, camping and even disc golf.
Full list of winners: 10 best Montana attractions
Best Nebraska Attraction: Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo
Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo — Photo courtesy of Nebraska Tourism
Continued investments have allowed Henry Doorly Zoo to offer one-of-a-kind exhibits to guests, including the world’s largest indoor desert where arid plants and animals – meerkat, peccaries, quail, gila monster, death adders, rattlesnakes and inland taipan, the world’s most venomous snake – are visible inside a geodesic dome year-round in the heart of the Midwest.
Full list of winners: 10 best Nebraska attractions
Best Nevada Attraction: Nevada Museum of Art
Nevada Museum of Art — Photo courtesy of Kaitlin Godbey/TravelNevada
The award-winning Nevada Museum of Art, situated just south of downtown Reno, displays a permanent collection of 2,000 pieces divided into four themed sections: Altered Landscape Photography, Art of the Greater West, Contemporary Art and The Work Ethic. The outdoor grounds of the museum house several pieces from the Burning Man festival.
Full list of winners: 10 best Nevada attractions
Best New Hampshire Attraction: Clark’s Trading Post
Clark’s Trading Post is a theme park fashioned after a Victorian main street — Photo courtesy of Dennis Jarvis / Flickr
One of New Hampshire’s most popular family-friendly attractions, Clark’s Trading Post offers a little bit of everything: Chinese acrobats, a steam train, water raft ride, climbing tower, magic show, antique photo booth and five museums located along a recreated Victorian main street.
Full list of winners: 10 best New Hampshire attractions
Best New Jersey Attraction: Silverball Museum
The Silverball Museum celebrates a favorite pastime, pinball — Photo courtesy of Rob DiCaterino / Flickr
Located on the Asbury Park Boardwalk, the Silverball Museum maintains a collection of some 200 classic pinball machines manufactured between 1950 and today. Visitors also enjoy classic 80’s video games, air hockey, skee-ball and a cafe serving boardwalk treats.
Full list of winners: 10 best New Jersey attractions
Best New Mexico Attraction: Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad in New Mexico — Photo courtesy of NewMexico.org
This spectacular rail journey was nominated in Colorado and New Mexico, both states where it operates, and it won over readers to take the crown in both categories.
Full list of winners: 10 best New Mexico attractions
Best New York Attraction: Letchworth State Park
Letchworth State Park is sometimes called the “Grand Canyon of the East” — Photo courtesy of iStock / JimVallee
Nicknamed the “Grand Canyon of the East,” New York’s Letchworth State Park is considered one of the most scenic areas in the Eastern USA. The Genesee River runs through a gorge cutting through the park, passing over three magnificent waterfalls along the way. Hikers have access to 66 miles of trail, and rafting, kayaking, horseback riding, mountain biking and hot air ballooning are also on offer.
Full list of winners: 10 best New York attractions
Best North Dakota Attraction: Scandinavian Heritage Park
Scandinavian Heritage Park — Photo courtesy of North Dakota Tourism
Strolling through Scandinavian Heritage Park in Minot is like stepping across the pond to Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland and Iceland, thanks to a series of replicas. Highlights include a 30-foot Swedish Dala horse and a replica stave church.
Full list of winners: 10 best North Dakota attractions
Best Ohio Attraction: Toledo Museum of Art
Toledo Museum of Art has one of the best collections in the country — Photo courtesy of Toledo Museum of Art
Some 30,000 works of art – among the best collections in the country – are on display at the Toledo Museum of Art’s 35 galleries. Notable artists represented here include Manet, Picasso, Rembrandt, Miró, Degas, Monet and van Gogh.
Full list of winners: 10 best Ohio attractions
Best Oklahoma Attraction: Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum
Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum — Photo courtesy of EPA/LARRY W. SMITH
Somber and poignant, the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum commemorates those killed (and those who were forever changed) during the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing. The Memorial Museum recounts the story of that tragic day, while allowing visitors to hear oral histories from friends and family members of victims. The outdoor memorial includes a 318-foot reflecting pool, Survivor Tree, Rescuers Orchard and the Field of Empty Chairs, each chair representing one of the 168 lives lost.
Full list of winners: 10 best Oklahoma attractions
Best Oregon Attraction: Crater Lake National Park
Crater Lake National Park — Photo courtesy of Christian Heeb / Travel Oregon
Crater Lake National Park’s main claim to fame is that it houses the deepest lake in the country (1,943 feet) – a body of water so deep and so blue that it attracts half a million visitors per year. A majority of visitors come in the summer, driving the 33-mile Rim Drive loop, snapping their photos and heading out. Visitors who hop out of the car for biking, hiking or even snowshoeing in the winter months will find trails all to themselves.
Full list of winners: 10 best Oregon attractions
Best Pennsylvania Attraction: Presque Isle State Park
During summer, Presque Isle State Park offers visitors several prime swimming beaches — Photo courtesy of Presque Isle State Park
Visitors to Presque Isle State Park are in for a singular Pennsylvania experience: the state’s only formidable shoreline, which boasts a number of beaches. Beach 11 is the park’s most sheltered, and therefore most serene. Its shallow water is a safe option for visitors with little ones and boasts views of the Erie skyline. Beach 6, on the other hand, is a draw for young people, with its concession stands and volleyball courts. The flipside: it is often the most crowded.
Full list of winners: 10 best Pennsylvania attractions
Best Rhode Island Attraction: Roger Williams Park Zoo
Roger Williams Park Zoo ranks among the nation’s oldest zoological parks — Photo courtesy of N.Millard/GoProvidence.com
The 40-acre Roger Williams Park Zoo is one of the oldest zoological parks in the nation, home to more than 100 species of animals. Visitor favorites include a Komodo dragon, red pandas, zebras, African elephants, harbor seals and sloths.
Full list of winners: 10 best Rhode Island attractions
Best South Dakota Attraction: Reptile Gardens
Reptile Gardens — Photo courtesy of South Dakota Department of Tourism
Reptile Gardens in Rapid City holds the Guinness Book of World Records title of the World’s Largest Reptile Zoo. Opened in 1937, the botanical garden and zoological park is home to giant tortoises, prairie dogs, bald eagles and a giant saltwater crocodile, among other critters.
Full list of winners: 10 best South Dakota attractions
Best Texas Attraction: San Antonio River Walk
San Antonio River Walk — Photo courtesy of Bob Howen / Visit San Antonio
Even in terms of total visitors, the San Antonio River Walk is the most popular tourist attraction in Texas. The 3 miles of stone pathways along the San Antonio River wind through the heart of downtown, providing easy access to restaurants, bars, shops, hotels and other attractions, like Market Square, Tower of Americas and Mission San Jose.
Full list of winners: 10 best Texas attractions
Best Utah Attraction: Temple Square
Temple Square in Salt Lake City — Photo courtesy of 2010 Douglas Pulsipher / Utah Images
One of Utah’s most famous cultural attractions, Temple Square is home of the beautiful headquarters of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The 35-acre space contains more than a dozen attractions related to the Mormon faith, including the Church History Museum and two visitors centers. The all-volunteer Mormon Tabernacle Choir performances are free and open to the public.
Full list of winners: 10 best Utah attractions
Best Vermont Attraction: Dog Mountain
Dog Mountain celebrates our four-legged friends with a dog park, hiking trails and art gallery — Photo courtesy of Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing
Situated on a private 150-acre farm in Vermont’s stunning Northeast Kingdom, Dog Mountain offers a vast off-leash area complete with swimming ponds, hiking trails and a gallery with dog-centric works by folk artist Stephen Huneck.
Full list of winners: 10 best Vermont attractions
Best Washington Attraction: San Juan Islands
San Juan Islands, Washington — Photo courtesy of Jim Maya / San Juan Islands
Off the northwest corner of Washington State lies an archipelago of some 400 islands and rocks, famous for stunning sunsets, pristine wilderness, sandy beaches and stellar wildlife viewing. The San Juan Islands, accessible by boat or plane, get half the amount of rain as Seattle, making them a popular escape.
Full list of winners: 10 best Washington attractions
Best Wisconsin Attraction: Door County
The expansive Door County boasts several historic lighthouses — Photo courtesy of Door County
Door County comprises some of Wisconsin’s most scenic landscapes, including 300 miles of shoreline, five state parks, 11 historic lighthouses and 19 charming communities.
Full list of winners: 10 best Wisconsin attractions
Best Wyoming Attraction: Pryor Mountain Wild Mustang Center
Pryor Mountain Wild Mustang Center — Photo courtesy of AP Photo/Pryor Mountain Wild Mustang Center, Matt Dillon
In the Pryor Mountains just outside of Lovell, wild horses still roam freely. This herd, derived from the horses of Portugal and Spain, have lived in the region for nearly two centuries. At the Pryor Mountain Wild Mustang Center, visitors learn about the historic significance of the horses and view live mustangs in the surrounding natural scenery.
Full list of winners: 10 best Wyoming attractions
That’s all for now, but remember to check back here on Friday, January 19 to see which attractions our readers vote the best of the South.
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