Top 5 Destinations to Visit in America’s Flyover States

If you enjoy discovering unique getaway destinations far from the crowded coastlines and rowdy beaches, then we think you should set your sights on America’s so-called, and often overlooked, “flyover states.”

From its creative, artistic urban hubs to cruising along the insanely beautiful Million Dollar Highway, whether you’re on a solo adventure away or looking for an action-packed family vacation, join us as we explore these fantastic flyover state hidden gems that are packed with unrivaled experiences and surrounded by awe-inspiring vistas that will take your breath away.

Soak in the Scenery of the Legendary Landscapes Around Montrose, Colorado

Undoubtedly, one of the most spectacular flyover state destinations to visit has to be Montrose, Colorado, which, beyond its dramatic landscapes and towering peaks, has earned a reputation for its world-class outdoor adventures too. For the keen anglers among you, Montrose provides superb access to the Gunnison River’s Gold Medal trout waters, complemented by the region’s stunning geology and sweeping canyons with unparalleled riverscape views.

That said, Montrose is also perfectly positioned for anyone eager to embark on a scenic road trip like no other, given it has the stunning Million Dollar Highway on its doorstep – one of Colorado’s all-time bucket list attractions. So, whether you choose to spend your days casting for trout or creating life-long memories along dramatic mountain passes and hairpin turns of US Route 550, Montrose is guaranteed to deliver some of the most thrilling experiences in the heart of the Rockies.

Explore the exciting twists and turns of the Million Dollar Highway before getting a sound night’s sleep every night at the Best Western Montrose Inn in Montrose, Colorado.

Sip, Taste, & Discover the Wondrous Traditions Found in Martinsville, Indiana

Tucked among the rolling hills of southern Indiana, our next best secret flyover state destinations find us heading to the historic city of Martinsville, famous for its cultivation of flavors created using nostalgic traditions and processes of old. Also known as the “City of Mineral Water,” we kick off our Martinsville recommendations by heading downtown to the iconic Martinsville Candy Kitchen, home to a family of skilled confectioners who, to this day, carry on the legacy of producing handmade candy canes using their original 1919 recipe.

Our next top suggestion of things to do in Martinsville is to make your way over to the sensational Cedar Creek Winery, Brewing Co., and Distillery. Operated by a family truly passionate about winemaking, brewing, and distilling, here you can sample a number of their barrel-aged craft beers and regional wines during their free tasting events hosted in the estate’s beautiful French-European inspired tasting rooms.

Enjoy the foodie-inspired offerings of Martinsville, Indiana, before settling down for a cozy night’s rest at the nearby Best Western Edinburgh/Columbus.

Browse Kentucky’s Inspiring Crafted Designs and Street Art Murals in Richmond and Berea

When it comes to US cities that wholeheartedly foster a creative mindset, our next top flyover state destination of Richmond, Kentucky, is an artisan’s dream destination dedicated to artistry and handcrafted innovations. If this sounds like your ideal vacation getaway, then without doubt, your first port of call should be to head out to enjoy a walking tour of the city’s growing collection of street art, which includes a powerful mural honoring Tuskegee Airman Frank Douglas Walker on the Madison County Library.

However, another top artisan attraction can also be found just south of Richmond at the Kentucky Artisan Center outside of Berea. Featuring a rotating display of hundreds of pieces, from hand-thrown pottery and woven textiles to paintings and handcrafted jewelry, the Kentucky Artisan Center is a dedicated treasury designed to showcase the state’s extensive creative spirit.

Stroll through Richmond’s vibrant street murals and admire handcrafted treasures at the Kentucky Artisan Center, before relaxing each evening nearby at the Best Western Winchester Hotel.

Get Down to the Groove at the Cherokee Jazz & Blues Festival in Cherokee, Iowa

Few destinations authentically capture the true spirit and culture of the Midwest quite like Cherokee, which firmly places this amazing town in our shortlist of the best flyover state hidden gems. For visitors to Cherokee, our top summertime attraction has to be the highly entertaining Cherokee PRCA Rodeo – the longest continuously running professional rodeo in Iowa – where bull riders, bronc riders, and barrel racers will keep your whole family enthralled and sitting on the edge of their seats watching as the action unfolds.

Alternatively, as winter rolls around, the town shifts focus, swapping its cowboy boots for the melodic guitar riffs and soulful sounds of the Kee Live Music Festival. Here, every January, the city hosts a multi-day pub-crawl-style selection of talented musicians in a number of dynamic live music venues, including The Brightside Lounge, Whiskey Throttle, and Little Sioux Event Center, so you can dance the night away until your heart is content.

Immerse yourself in the adrenaline-fueled rodeo experience or listen to the soulful rhythms of the Kee Live Music Festival by booking your stay at the Best Western La Grande Hacienda in Cherokee, Iowa.

Enjoy a Scandinavian Escape to “Little Sweden USA” in Lindsborg, Kansas

Our final top hotspot on our handpicked shortlist of flyover state destinations sees us heading to the heart of Kansas, to the town of Lindsborg that proudly embraces its Scandinavian roots for a vacation away with a Nordic twist. Nicknamed “Little Sweden USA”, Lindsborg draws from its cultural heritage, which saw its founders construct a town made up of Scandinavian-inspired architecture that still likes to celebrate with time-honored native events, including the Midsummer Festival.

If you’re someone who loves to uncover the historical and cultural ties of a region, our first recommendation is to head to Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum, which features a number of carefully restored structures and fascinating exhibits that retell the story of the town’s creation. Another popular thing to do in Lindsborg is to venture out to spot the 36 colorful Wild Dala Horse statues, all individually hand-painted by local artists and carefully positioned throughout this mini-Swedish town in the picturesque setting of the rolling plains in the Sunflower State.

Discover the magnificent story behind “Little Sweden USA” and Lindsborg’s Scandinavian legacy when you book your hotel room at the Best Western Plus McPherson in nearby McPherson, Kansas.