Imagine you’re on a cross-country road trip, windows down, hair whipping in the wind. You dream of salty air and crashing waves, but as you consult the map, a sobering realization hits you – you’re smack dab in the middle of the USA, hundreds of miles from the nearest ocean. This might be a familiar feeling for residents of the surprising number of landlocked states in the US.
While coastlines bring obvious advantages, these inland havens boast unique cultures, thriving economies, and surprising beauty, all their own. Buckle up, as we explore the heart and soul of America’s landlocked gems.
A List of the Landlocked States in the USA
Despite being landlocked states, these states of the USA have a lot to offer. Here is why you should visit each of them.
| Sr. No | State | Total Area (sq miles) |
| 1 | Arizona | 113,990 |
| 2 | Arkansas | 53,179 |
| 3 | Colorado | 104,094 |
| 4 | Idaho | 83,569 |
| 5 | Illinois | 57,914 |
| 6 | Indiana | 36,418 |
| 7 | Iowa | 56,273 |
| 8 | Kansas | 82,278 |
| 9 | Kentucky | 40,408 |
| 10 | Michigan | 96,716 |
| 11 | Minnesota | 86,936 |
| 12 | Missouri | 69,707 |
| 13 | Montana | 147,040 |
| 14 | Nebraska | 77,348 |
| 15 | Nevada | 110,572 |
| 16 | New Mexico | 121,590 |
| 17 | North Dakota | 70,704 |
| 18 | Ohio | 44,825 |
| 19 | Oklahoma | 69,899 |
| 20 | Pennsylvania | 46,054 |
| 21 | South Dakota | 77,116 |
| 22 | Tennessee | 42,144 |
| 23 | Utah | 84,897 |
| 24 | Vermont | 9,616 |
| 25 | West Virginia | 24,230 |
| 26 | Wisconsin | 65,498 |
| 27 | Wyoming | 97,813 |
1. Arizona
The “Grand Canyon State” is a land of dramatic landscapes. From the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon National Park to the towering Saguaro cacti of the Sonoran Desert, Arizona has a lot to offer.
It is also home to vibrant Native American cultures. Arizona boasts ancient cliff dwellings and a rich archaeological heritage. Moreover, Phoenix, the state capital, is a major metropolis known for its sunny climate and stunning desert scenery.
2. Arkansas
The “Natural State” lives up to its name with stunning natural beauty, including the Ozark Mountains and the Mississippi Delta. Hot Springs National Park is a haven for relaxation, while music lovers can explore the rich blues scene in Memphis and Helena.
Moreover, Arkansas played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement. The Little Rock Central High School integration was a pivotal moment of the movement.
3. Colorado
The Rocky Mountains dominate the landscape, offering world-class skiing, hiking, and camping. Nicknamed the “Centennial State” for entering the Union in 1876, Colorado is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.
Additionally, Denver, the “Mile High City,” is a vibrant metropolis with a thriving craft beer scene. Not just that, but Colorado is a leader in the legalized cannabis industry and boasts a progressive spirit.
4. Idaho
Idaho, also known as the “Gem State” is known for its natural beauty. It has vast wilderness areas, pristine lakes, and the majestic Rocky Mountains. Yellowstone National Park, partially located in Idaho, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Furthermore, Idaho boasts a strong agricultural sector, producing potatoes, wheat, and dairy products. The state is known for its conservative political leaning and independent spirit.
5. Kansas
Kansas played a significant role in the Civil War, with “Bleeding Kansas” a period of intense violence over slavery. Wichita, the largest city, is a center for aircraft manufacturing. Kansas is a major producer of wheat and is known for its friendly Midwestern hospitality.
On top of that, The Kansas, also known as the “Sunflower State” is a vast expanse of rolling plains, known for its golden fields of sunflowers in summer.
6. Iowa
Iowa is another landlocked state within the USA that offers many interesting sites for visitors to explore. It is commonly known as the “Hawkeye State”. It is a heartland gem, known for its rolling cornfields and status as a leading producer of corn and soybeans.
Additionally, the Iowa State Fair is a major summer attraction. Des Moines, the capital, offers a mix of history and modern amenities.
7. Kentucky
Steeped in bluegrass music and bourbon history, Kentucky is the “Bluegrass State.” Home to the legendary Kentucky Derby and Louisville Slugger baseball bats, Kentucky boasts rolling hills, Mammoth Cave National Park (the world’s longest cave system!), and a rich heritage.
Don’t miss the chance to sample some of Kentucky’s world-famous sites.
8. Missouri
Missouri, another very important state, especially in the context of US civil war, is a land of contrasts, with bustling urban centers like St. Louis, known for its Gateway Arch, and the rolling Ozark Mountains.
Missouri played a pivotal role in the westward expansion of the United States. Kansas City, another major city, is a center for jazz music and barbecue.
9. Montana
The “Big Sky Country” lives up to its name with vast, open spaces, majestic mountains like the Glacier National Park, and endless opportunities for outdoor adventure.
Montana boasts a rich ranching history and is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Yellowstone National Park, partially located in Montana, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
10. Nebraska
Nebraska is nicknamed as the “Cornhusker State,” It is a major agricultural producer, known for its vast cornfields and cattle ranches. The state capital, Lincoln, is home to the University of Nebraska and the state capitol building, a replica of the U.S. Capitol Building.
Moreover, Sandhills National Park offers a unique landscape of rolling grasslands.
11. Nevada
Nevada is synonymous with gambling and bright lights. Las Vegas, a global entertainment destination, attracts millions of visitors each year with its casinos, shows, and extravagant hotels.
Nevada is also home to stunning natural beauty, including Great Basin National Park and Death Valley National Park, one of the hottest places on Earth.
12. New Mexico
New Mexico, commonly known as the “Land of Enchantment” offers a rich cultural tapestry, blending Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo influences. Santa Fe, the capital city, is known for its art scene and historic adobe architecture.
Moreover, New Mexico boasts stunning scenery, from the volcanic landscapes of Capulin Volcano National Monument to the ancient gypsum dunes of White Sands National Park.
13. North Dakota
North Dakota shares an international peace park with Canada, symbolizing peace and friendship between the two nations. North Dakota is a major producer of wheat and plays a significant role in American agriculture.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park preserves the natural beauty of the Badlands, where the former president once ranched cattle.
14. Oklahoma
Oklahoma was settled during the Oklahoma Land Run of 1889, a time when thousands rushed to claim land in the newly opened territory. Oklahoma City, the capital, is a major center for the oil and gas industry.
Native American culture thrives in Oklahoma, with numerous tribes preserving their traditions and languages. The state also boasts a vibrant music scene, known for its rich history of blues, jazz, and country music.
15. South Dakota
South Dakota is sometimes referred to as the “Mount Rushmore State,”. It is home to the iconic presidential monument carved into the Black Hills. Badlands National Park offers a dramatic landscape of eroded rock formations.
Mount Rushmore isn’t the only presidential connection; South Dakota is also the site of the Wounded Knee Massacre, a pivotal event in Lakota history.
16. Tennessee
Music lovers flock to Tennessee, the “Volunteer State,” birthplace of country music and home to Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers stunning scenery, while Memphis sizzles with blues and barbecue.
Tennessee played a pivotal role in the Civil War, and its capital, Nashville, was once known as “The Athens of the South” for its educational institutions.
17. Utah
Utah is a land of extraordinary natural beauty, with five national parks, including the awe-inspiring Arches National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park. Salt Lake City, the capital, is the center of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons).
Utah boasts a thriving ski industry and is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with opportunities for hiking, camping, and rock climbing.
18. Vermont
Vermont is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with stunning ski resorts in winter and vibrant fall foliage. Maple syrup production is a major industry, and Vermont boasts a strong commitment to local agriculture and sustainability.
Moreover, Quirky towns like Woodstock and Burlington add to the state’s charm.
19. West Virginia
West Virginia is known for its dramatic Appalachian Mountains, perfect for whitewater rafting and stunning fall foliage. Rich in coal mining history, West Virginia offers a glimpse into American industrial heritage.
When you visit West Virginia, don’t miss the pepperoni rolls, a local favorite!
20. Wisconsin
Wisconsin is known for its love of cheese (especially cheddar!), Friday night fish fries, and rich dairy industry. Winter brings stunning snowfalls, making Wisconsin a haven for winter sports enthusiasts.
Milwaukee, the largest city, offers a vibrant arts scene and historic architecture. The state boasts a strong German heritage, evident in its breweries and traditional foods.
21. Wyoming
Also known as the “Equality State” for being the first to grant women the right to vote, Wyoming is known for its vast, open spaces, majestic mountains like the Grand Teton Range, and Yellowstone National Park, which partially resides within its borders.
Yellowstone is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s first national parks. Wyoming is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, and skiing.
22. Illinois
Illinois, known as the “Prairie State,” is a landlocked state in the Midwest. With over 12.6 million residents, Illinois ranks as the sixth most populous state in the U.S. Chicago, Illinois’ largest city, is a bustling hub for finance, technology, and culture. Although Illinois lacks direct ocean access, it connects to major waterways through Lake Michigan, which opens up shipping routes to the Atlantic via the Saint Lawrence Seaway. Additionally, the Illinois and Mississippi rivers play a vital role in commerce, contributing to the state’s strong agricultural and industrial economy.
23. Indiana
Located in the heart of the Midwest, Indiana is a landlocked state with a population of approximately 6.8 million. Known as the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana has a well-developed transportation infrastructure that supports its thriving manufacturing industry, especially in the automotive sector. Indiana benefits from access to Lake Michigan in its northwest corner, which connects it to the Saint Lawrence Seaway. The state’s agriculture, especially corn and soybean production, remains a major contributor to the local economy, with efficient transport networks linking Indiana to domestic and international markets.
24. Michigan
While Michigan is often associated with the Great Lakes, it remains technically landlocked due to its lack of direct ocean access. Home to over 10 million people, Michigan is uniquely divided into two peninsulas surrounded by four of the five Great Lakes. Its vast coastline along the lakes plays a crucial role in shipping and recreation, with Detroit standing out as a historic center for the automotive industry. Despite its landlocked status, Michigan has extensive waterway access that supports its economy, making it one of the largest import and export states in the Midwest.
25. Minnesota
Minnesota, also known as the “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” is a northern landlocked state with around 5.7 million residents. The state’s geography is rich in lakes and rivers, most notably the Mississippi River, which originates in Minnesota. This access to inland water routes supports both commercial and recreational activities, contributing significantly to Minnesota’s economy. With a robust agricultural industry and substantial mining resources, particularly iron ore, Minnesota plays a vital role in the region’s economy, even without direct access to an ocean.
26. Ohio
Ohio, with a population of over 11.7 million, is a pivotal landlocked state in the Midwest. Known as the “Buckeye State,” Ohio has a significant industrial base, with strong manufacturing, healthcare, and financial sectors. Ohio’s access to the Great Lakes, particularly through Lake Erie, provides indirect access to international markets via the Saint Lawrence Seaway. This connection has historically bolstered Ohio’s economy, allowing industries to thrive and making the state an essential logistics and transportation hub in the Midwest.
27. Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania, located in the northeastern United States, is home to approximately 13 million people, making it one of the most populous landlocked states. Known as the “Keystone State,” Pennsylvania is a critical player in manufacturing, agriculture, and natural resources. The state’s rivers, including the Delaware and Ohio rivers, play a crucial role in transportation and commerce. Despite its landlocked nature, Pennsylvania’s infrastructure and proximity to other major economic hubs make it highly interconnected, supporting industries from energy production to pharmaceuticals.
Conclusion
While they may lack coastlines, the landlocked states of the USA offer a wealth of experiences that go far beyond sandy beaches. From the rolling bluegrass hills of Kentucky to the majestic peaks of the Rockies in Colorado, these states boast stunning natural beauty, rich histories, and vibrant cultures.
Whether you’re a history buff exploring Civil War battlefields, a music lover drawn to the sounds of Nashville or Memphis, or an outdoor enthusiast seeking adventure in national parks, America’s landlocked gems have something for everyone.
FAQs
Besides Mount Rushmore, What Cool Stuff Can I See in the Landlocked States?
There’s tons to see! From bluegrass music in Kentucky to stunning mountains in Colorado, these states offer natural beauty, historic sites, and vibrant cities
What Do People Do for Work in States That Don’t Have a Coast?
Landlocked states are powerhouses in many industries! Agriculture, manufacturing, and even tourism are all big players.
Are Landlocked States Boring Because They Don’t Have Beaches?
Not at all! While they may not have coastlines, they offer unique experiences and
adventures you won’t find by the sea.
What Is the Most Landlocked State in the US?
The most landlocked state in the U.S. is Nebraska. Located in the central Great Plains, Nebraska is entirely surrounded by other states and is the furthest from any ocean. It lies about 1,000 miles from both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, making it one of the most isolated states from coastal access.
Is Illinois a Landlocked State?
Yes, Illinois is considered a landlocked state. Although it has access to Lake Michigan in the northeastern part of the state, Illinois has no direct access to an ocean. However, its connection to Lake Michigan provides indirect shipping access to the Atlantic Ocean via the Saint Lawrence Seaway, supporting its economy and commerce.
