Discover One Must-See Stop in Every State
Fire up your RV and chart a new course for the new year with a fresh adventure in every state—from hidden natural wonders and quirky roadside oddities to pop culture icons, local festivals, and epic scenic drives—each one waiting to become your next favorite travel story.
50 Bucket-List Destinations–One Must-See Stop Per State
- Alabama – Russell Cave National Monument (Bridgeport, AL)
Step back 12,000 years at this remarkable archaeological site, where a short nature trail, quiet picnic spots, and a protected cave system reveal the stories of some of North America’s earliest inhabitants. - Alaska – Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve (Haines, AK)
Each October and November, thousands of bald eagles gather along the Chilkat River in this 4,800-acre preserve, offering unforgettable wildlife viewing framed by snowcapped peaks and crisp northern air. - Arizona – Petrified Forest National Park (Holbrook, AZ)
Explore the world’s largest concentration of colorful petrified wood in this national park located right along historic Route 66, with hiking trails and overlooks that showcase otherworldly landscapes and wide-open desert skies.
When you’re traveling across hot, exposed landscapes in the American Southwest, a well-maintained cooling system turns your RV into a true oasis at day’s end. As RV comfort specialists, we recommend regularly checking and cleaning your A/C units and rooftop fans, inspecting seals and filters, and scheduling professional service before peak heat arrives. When it’s time to service, repair or upgrade, use the Airxcel Dealer and Service Center Locator to connect with trusted RV service experts in your area.
- Arkansas – Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art (Bentonville, AR)
Wander free galleries filled with American art, stroll more than 3.5 miles of forested trails, and take in a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed house on 134 acres of Ozark beauty. - California – Black Sands Beach (Shelter Cove, CA)
Park your rig above dramatic volcanic cliffs, then head down to the black sand shoreline to explore tide pools, hike coastal trails, and capture striking photographs along this wild stretch of Pacific coast. - Colorado – Great Sand Dunes National Park (San Luis Valley, CO)
Climb, sled, or sandboard towering dunes backed by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, then explore the wider San Luis Valley with nearby hot springs, quirky roadside stops like the UFO Watchtower, and off-road adventures.
For routes that climb into higher elevations—like Colorado’s San Luis Valley that sits around 7,500 feet above sea level—you’ll want heating components that can perform at higher altitudes. The Aqua-Hot 175 is built to deliver reliable, efficient heat at altitude with an automatic fuel-to-O₂ calibration that keeps the burner clean, consistent, and maintenance-free, so cold mountain nights don’t cut your trip short.
- Connecticut – Dinosaur State Park (Rocky Hill, CT)
Stand above a 200-million-year-old fossil trackway featuring more than 750 dinosaur footprints, then stretch your legs on nature trails and explore interactive exhibits and an arboretum. - Delaware – Trap Pond State Park (Laurel, DE)
Paddle past towering bald cypress trees, join a pontoon tour, or bike and hike the 4.6-mile Bob Trail loop for a peaceful escape into Delaware’s quiet wetlands. - Florida – Lower Keys Underwater Music Festival (Looe Key Reef, FL)
Swap highway noise for bubbles and steel drums at this annual underwater concert, where snorkelers and divers float above a vibrant reef while music plays through submerged speakers to support coral conservation.
In what’s often ranked as the hottest state in the U.S., a well-maintained RV A/C is just as important as your snorkel gear. Before you head south, check filters, clean coils, and make sure your rooftop unit is cooling the way it should. If your current system struggles in the heat or runs louder than you’d like, it may be time to look at a replacement from a trusted RV brand like Coleman-Mach, which offers options tailored to different travel styles and climates.
- Georgia – Cumberland Island National Seashore (St. Marys, GA)
Ferry over to Georgia’s largest barrier island to bike sandy roads, hike through maritime forests, watch wild horses roam, and stargaze on wide, undeveloped beaches.
If you’re planning on staying longer near scenic spots like Cumberland Island, upgrading your RV awning—or replacing a worn canopy—can make a big difference in the RV experience. A well-sized, properly tensioned awning adds dependable shade, shelter, and a more comfortable outdoor living area turning every campsite on your route into an inviting retreat where you can relax and enjoy the view just outside your RV door.
- Hawaii – Waimea Canyon State Park (Kauaʻi)
Drive scenic overlooks above the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” then hit canyon-edge trails, enjoy wildland picnics, and soak in sweeping views that reveal the island’s volcanic past. - Idaho – Kirkham Hot Springs (Lowman, ID)
Along the South Fork of the Payette River, soak in natural hot pools and sit beneath steaming waterfalls accessible down a short staircase from the roadside—just one of many easy-access geothermal escapes in the state with more hot springs than any other state in the U.S. - Illinois – Casey’s World’s Largest Items (Casey, IL)
Stretch your legs in a small town packed with “World’s Largest” roadside curiosities—from rocking chairs and wind chimes to teeter-totters and golf tees—perfect for quirky photo ops between driving days. - Indiana – RV/MH Hall of Fame (Elkhart, IN)
At the RV Hall of Fame in the heart of Elkhart, a city known as the “RV Capital of the World”, visitors can tour vintage campers, classic motorhomes, and exhibits honoring the innovators who helped define life on the road. - Iowa – Field of Dreams (Dyersville, IA)
Step onto the iconic diamond carved from a cornfield as seen in the 1989 movie Field of Dreams, tour the farmhouse made famous by the film, and—if you bring a glove—play catch where movie magic became a real-life pilgrimage site. - Kansas – OZ Museum (Wamego, KS)
Follow the Yellow Brick Road to a museum dedicated to all things Wizard of Oz, featuring rare books, vintage board games, movie memorabilia, and modern collectibles from over a century of Oz history. - Kentucky – Louisville Mega Cavern (Louisville, KY)
Go completely underground for zip lines, a ropes course, tram tours, and seasonal light displays in a former 100-acre limestone mine turned adventure park beneath the city. - Louisiana – Café Du Monde (New Orleans, LA)
Park nearby, then wander into the French Quarter for hot beignets buried in powdered sugar and café au lait at this legendary open-air coffee shop that helped make beignets a Louisiana icon and the state donut.
With Louisiana seeing up to 60 inches of rain a year, keeping water out of your RV is just as important as finding the best beignet. Regularly inspect your roof, seams, and sealant for cracks or gaps, and address any issues before they turn into leaks that can lead to structural damage or mold. Dicor sealants help maintain tight seams to protect rigs even in heavy rain so your trips don’t have a soggy ending.
- Maine – West Quoddy Head (Quoddy Head State Park, ME)
Stand at the easternmost point in the continental U.S. at West Quoddy Head located in the Quoddy Head State Park. Enjoy walking the coastal trails around its signature red-and-white striped lighthouse and take in dramatic ocean views and maritime history at the visitor center. - Maryland – Crystal Grottoes Caverns (Boonsboro, MD)
Discovered by accident in 1920, this cave system invites visitors underground to wander through rooms lined with intricate rock formations, all just a short detour from the highway. - Massachusetts – Norman Rockwell Museum (Stockbridge, MA)
Explore the world’s largest collection of Norman Rockwell’s original paintings and drawings, then step outside to enjoy the pastoral Berkshires setting that inspired so many of his quintessential American scenes. - Michigan – Kitch-iti-kipi (Palm Book State Park, MI)
Glide across Michigan’s largest natural spring, located on Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, while watching teal water bubble up from limestone fissures and trout swim through what the Ojibwa called the “Mirror of Heaven.” - Minnesota – North Shore Scenic Drive (Lake Superior, MN)
Follow the Lake Superior shoreline past waterfalls, rocky overlooks, and four state parks—including Split Rock Lighthouse and Gooseberry Falls—on one of the Midwest’s most beloved scenic drives. - Mississippi – Natchez Trace Parkway (Natchez, MI)
Trace 10,000 years of travel history on this 444-mile National Parkway, where today’s road-trippers can enjoy scenic overlooks, hiking, biking, horseback riding, and campgrounds along a storied corridor. - Missouri – Prairie State Park (Mindenmines, MO)
Wander through one of Missouri’s last remaining tallgrass prairies, where seasonal wildflowers, sweeping grasslands, and a resident bison herd highlight a landscape that once covered a third of the state. - Montana – Garnet Ghost Town (Garnet, MT)
High in the Garnet Mountains, stroll the dirt streets of Montana’s best-preserved ghost town, then continue your adventure on nearby trails for hiking, camping, or backcountry exploration. - Nebraska – Niobrara National Scenic River (Valentine, NE)
Float this gentle, beginner-friendly river by canoe, kayak, or tube, then stay longer for hiking, biking, and wildlife watching along forested bluffs.
After a full day paddling the Niobrara, there’s nothing better than coming back to a hot shower in your RV. To make sure everyone gets the warm rinse they’re hoping for, check that your water heater is serviced and sized for your crew. If you often run out of hot water, it may be worth exploring tankless water heater options that provide on-demand hot water for a more comfortable heating solution.
- Nevada – Valley of Fire State Park (Overton, NV)
Wander through 40,000 acres of blazing red sandstone formations, ancient petrified wood, and petroglyphs over 2,000 years old in Nevada’s oldest and largest state park. - New Hampshire – Kancamagus Highway (Conway, NH)
Drive 34.5 miles through the White Mountains on this National Scenic Byway, famous for brilliant fall foliage, scenic pullouts, trailheads, and rushing mountain rivers. - New Jersey –Blueberry Capital of the World (Hammonton, NJ)
Visit farms around Hammonton in peak season for fresh berries, roadside stands, and local celebrations like the Red, White & Blueberry Festival in this small town with big flavor.
Pack some of Hammonton’s famous blueberries to brighten breakfasts, desserts, and snacks on the road. For fresh ingredients like this, an RV-ready refrigerator with steady cooling, organized storage, and reliable temperature control is essential. InVision’s 10.7 cu. ft. Dual Swing Door RV Refrigerator is built for life on the move, with refrigerator doors that open from either the right or left to make the most of compact galley layouts.
- New Mexico – Blue Hole (Santa Rosa, NM)
Discover a deep, sapphire-blue spring right off Route 66, where crystal-clear water from underground lakes draws swimmers, divers, and road-trippers to this desert oasis. - New York – Women’s Rights National Historical Park (Seneca Falls, NY)
Walk where the first Women’s Rights Convention took place in 1848, touring historic buildings and exhibits that tell the ongoing story of the fight for equality. - North Carolina – Wright Brothers National Memorial (Kill Devil Hills, NC)
Stand where The Wright Brother’s first powered flight lifted off, explore museum exhibits, visit reconstructed 1903 camp buildings, and walk the flight line that traces each historic attempt.
As you’re learning about the science of lift and airflow, it’s a good reminder to think about airflow inside your RV, too. A good ventilations system can pull in fresh air, push out heat and cooking odors, and keep things comfortable even on muggy days. The Maxxfan Deluxe, a10-speed reversible rooftop fan with built-in rain shield and optional remote, can help you master airflow inside your RV for comfortable excursions no matter where you go.
- North Dakota – International Peace Garden (Dunseith, ND)
Straddling the U.S.–Canada border in the Turtle Mountains, this park brings together prairie, forest, and floral gardens—including a charming floral clock—and has served as a living symbol of friendship, cooperation, and shared stewardship between the two nations since 1932. - Ohio – Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (Cleveland, OH)
Head into downtown Cleveland to explore the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, where immersive exhibits trace the evolution of rock—from pioneering artists and producers to iconic instruments and stage costumes. - Oklahoma – Little Sahara State Park (Waynoka, OK)
Trade pavement for sand at this mini-desert of more than 1,600 acres of dunes, where off-road enthusiasts can ride dune buggies and ATVs across windswept hills up to 75 feet tall. - Oregon – The Goonies House (Astoria, OR)
In the historic river town of Astoria, visit the hillside neighborhood made famous by The Goonies, then explore nearby film sites, museums, and coastal viewpoints along the Columbia River. - Pennsylvania – Cherry Springs State Park (Coudersport, PA)
Set up for a night under some of the darkest skies on the East Coast at this International Dark Sky Park, where Milky Way views and meteor showers steal the show.
If you love those late-night stargazing sessions at places like Cherry Springs State Park, quality window shades are a smart upgrade for your rig. They help block that early-morning sun so you can actually sleep in after hours spent under the Milky Way. Don’t forget windshield shades and cockpit shades in your light control plan as the windshield is often the biggest window in a rig.
- Rhode Island – Green Animals Topiary Garden (Portsmouth, RI)
Overlooking Narragansett Bay, this seven-acre estate features more than 80 whimsical topiary animals and shapes, plus vibrant seasonal flower beds set around a historic home. - South Carolina – Kazoobie Kazoo Factory, Museum & Gift Shop (Beaufort, SC)
Take a lighthearted factory tour to see how kazoos are made, learn the instrument’s quirky history, and even build and decorate your own to bring back to the RV for a one-of-a-kind souvenir. - South Dakota – Needles Highway (SD 87)
Navigate narrow tunnels, granite spires, and sweeping overlooks on this 37-mile byway through the Black Hills, including 14 scenic miles inside Custer State Park. - Tennessee – The Lost Sea Adventure (Sweetwater, TN)
Head deep into Craighead Caverns to boat across America’s largest underground lake, exploring a vast cave system filled with fascinating formations and hidden history.
Pair your visit to Tennessee with the Spotify playlist “Pickin & Grinnin’ – Music from the Heartland”, a musical journey through the rich sounds and musical culture of Tennessee inspired by the state’s people, places, and down-home vibe.
- Texas – Texas Route 66 Festival (Texas Panhandle)
Time your trip for this 10-day June celebration in and around Amarillo, where classic cars, live music, cowboy culture, food, art, and retro roadside stops bring the Mother Road to life.
While you’re in Texas, you can also swing by MCD’s Adventure Ready Service Center in McKinney, TX, where they not only install their custom-made RV roller shades, but also offer RV maintenance services from roof repairs to A/C tunes ups to keep your rig road-ready.
- Utah – Bonneville Salt Flats (Salt Lake City, UT)
Drive out onto a blindingly white, 30,000-acre salt crust left behind by ancient Lake Bonneville, a surreal landscape famous for land-speed records and wide-open horizons. - Vermont – Dog Mountain (St. Johnsbury, VT)
Let your pups run free on 150 acres of meadows and trails atop a private mountaintop, and visit the beloved Dog Chapel—an uplifting, dog-friendly stop just minutes from town. - Virginia – Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts (Vienna, VA)
From May through September, pair a night under the stars with concerts, dance, and opera across multiple outdoor venues, or visit in the off-season to hike wooded trails without the crowds. - Washington – North Cascades National Park (Marblemount, WA)
Just a few hours from Seattle is a national park known for its low visitor numbers where you can immerse yourself in rugged alpine scenery with jagged peaks, turquoise lakes, and more than 300 glaciers without the crowds that you often see at national parks.
In a place nicknamed the “American Alps,” a reliable RV furnace makes it much easier to enjoy those crisp mountain mornings and chilly evenings. Before you head into higher elevations, it’s a good idea to have your furnace inspected, cleaned, and ready to go so your RV stays warm and inviting after long days exploring the alpine scenery. If your current unit is struggling to keep up, consider replacing it with a Suburban furnace before your next cold-weather adventure.
- West Virginia – Green Bank Observatory (Green Bank, WV)
Inside the National Radio Quiet Zone, tour towering radio telescopes, learn how astronomers “listen” to the universe, and enjoy dark night skies in a peaceful mountain setting. - Wisconsin – Apostle Islands National Lakeshore (Bayfield, WI)
Explore 21 islands and a wild Lake Superior shoreline by boat, kayak, or hiking trail, discovering sea caves, lighthouses, sandy beaches, and the cultural history of the Ojibwe homeland. - Wyoming – American Fossil Quarry (Kemmerer, WY)
Dig into the famous Green River Formation on a guided fossil hunt where families can uncover ancient fish, plants, and more—and keep every fossil they find.
Whether you’re chasing dark skies, hidden hot springs, quirky museums, or wide-open scenic drives, these 50 stops prove there’s always something new waiting just beyond the next mile marker. As you map out your next travel plan, use this list as a jumping-off point to explore deeper, linger longer, and discover corners of the country you might have otherwise passed by.