For the curious explorer, hidden-gem states Louisiana, North Carolina, Illinois and Michigan are perfectly poised to host your unexpected active adventure.
If you’re planning an active adventure to the USA, you’ll hear a lot about bucket-list places like Yellowstone and Yosemite — and they are most certainly spectacular. But for the curious explorer, untold treasures are buried within the 50 states. Primed for a paddle? Expand your range to bayous and bogues of Louisiana. Ready for a ride? North Carolina takes cyclists from shoreline to summit and back again. Looking for an urban escapade? Illinois’ cultural and architectural riches are best enjoyed al fresco. Feeling reflective? Michigan is brimming with bright-blue lakes and countless ways to dive in. So pack your discerning eye and daring spirit; it’s time to dig up some hidden American gems.
Like its famed cuisine, Louisiana’s natural wonders are full of experiences you’ll only find here. The Bayou State is home to 3 million acres of living wetlands — including swamps, cypress forests and those world-famous bayous — all enticing exploration by kayak, stand-up paddleboard or boat. Boasting unparalleled ecological diversity, Louisiana’s five National Park Service parklands offer trails for hikers of all abilities, through varied terrain that spans ridges, rivers, ravines and more. Whether you’re into hunting, fishing or just watching, wildlife is abundant here. Want to get the big picture before taking the plunge? Roll out along one of Louisiana’s 17 scenic byways to uncover the hidden gems worthy of a deep dive.
Even among the USA’s diverse coastal destinations, North Carolina’s Outer Banks are unique: 150-plus kilometers of white-sand, barrier-island shoreline begging to be discovered. The options here cover every level of activity, whether you prefer to catch a pastel-hued sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean, try bodysurfing in the waves or climb the 268 steps of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. North Carolina is a cyclist’s dream, offering three fully supported intrastate bike tours that cover a jaw-dropping spectrum of mountain and ocean-view terrain. For a boost of adrenaline, go whitewater rafting on the churning Nantahala River or take an unforgettable stroll across Grandfather Mountain’s Mile High Swinging Bridge, 1,616 meters up.
With an enviable location on the shores of Lake Michigan, big-city Chicago has much to offer outdoorsy types. Its 29-kilomter Lakefront Trail meanders past six beaches and a variety of parks, including sightseeing favorites Grant Park (home to the iconic Buckingham Fountain) and Millennium Park (home to the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture). Due south in Springfield, pay tribute to Abraham Lincoln with a visit to his tomb and picnic in the surrounding parklands. In Shawnee National Forest, you’ll find a wealth of hiking, rock climbing and birdwatching; don’t miss the lush, panoramic views proffered by Garden of the Gods. If you’re following the Frank Lloyd Wright Trail, prioritize the Laurent House, a fascinating and fully accessible midcentury marvel.
Home to an astounding 11,000 lakes and bordering four of the five Great Lakes, Michigan is a great place to get out on the water. For total immersion, see the red rocks and azure waters of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (in Munising) via guided kayak tour. For equal parts perspiration and inspiration, scramble to the top of Sleeping Bear Dunes (in Empire) for breathtaking views of Lake Michigan. For stunning solitude, make the trek to Isle Royale National Park; you’ll share this remote, rugged Lake Superior wilderness with moose, wolves and other native species. And for sheer variety, explore Lake Superior’s Upper Peninsula from Marquette. The black-rock beaches of Presque Isle Park, the music of Morgan Falls and the rewarding hike to Yellow Dog River Falls are all nearby.
