To help travelers decide on which hidden gem to visit next, the travel experts at luxury vacation rental service Wander released a ranking of the 10 most overlooked U.S. destinations. In May, the experts analyzed data from Google searches, TripAdvisor, Instagram and Numbeo to identify several hidden gems in the U.S., based on lists from media outlets like CNN and Yahoo. Specifically, the team analyzed the number of restaurants, museums, landmarks and more along with factors such as safety and cleanliness. 10. Springfield, Illinois Located three hours away from Chicago, Springfield is a history buff’s paradise. Not only is the capital of Illinois set along the historic Route 66, but it was also the home of Abraham Lincoln when he became president. Travelers can visit places significant to the 16th President, like touring his former home at the Lincoln Home National Historic Site and seeing his final resting place at the Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site.
Thomas J. Turney/The State Journal-Register, Thomas J. Turney/The State Journal-Register / USA TODAY NETWORK Via Imagn Images
9. Williamsburg, Virginia Williamsburg offers more than just being the capital of colonial Virginia and the epicenter of the American Revolutionary War. While there are plenty of museums and historic attractions to visit, the city also offers theme parks like Busch Gardens, ghost tours and several art museums.
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People dressed in traditional costumes chat in front of a house in the historic area known as Colonial Williamsburg, November 22, 2011. Colonial Williamsburg is the preserved and restored former colonial capital of Virginia and offers an 18th century experience to thousands of visitors each year.
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Salvaged busts of former US Presidents can be seen at a mulching business where they now reside on August 25, 2019, in Williamsburg, Virginia. Howard Hankins rescued the giant busts of former US Presidents from the closed Presidents Park in Colonial Williamsburg when he was commissioned to destroy them.
BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI, AFP Via Getty Images
8. Bozeman, Montana Bozeman may be known as a gateway town to the ever-popular Yellowstone National Park, but it’s a destination all on its own. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the rustic city’s endless adventures, such as hiking, fishing and mountain biking, before relaxing at the natural hot springs or one of the several locally owned distilleries.
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7. Vancouver, Washington Not to be confused with the city in British Columbia with the same name, Vancouver, Washington, is a riverside city right above Portland, Oregon. As one of the first permanent settlements west of the Rocky Mountains, the city has a historic charm while also offering plenty of outdoor activities like hiking.
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6. Bowling Green, Kentucky Located just 60 miles north of Nashville, Bowling Green is a vibrant city with the Southern charm Kentucky is known for. Besides exploring the picturesque downtown, travelers can enjoy some more unique activities, such as visiting the National Corvette Museum, where “America’s sports car” is assembled, but also make a day trip out to the sprawling cave system at Mammoth Cave National Park.
Michael Clevenger, Courier Journal
5. Bentonville, Arkansas Bentonville has long been a beloved destination by mountain bikers for its year-round trail access, but it’s quickly rising as an arts and culture hub. In 2023, The Wall Street Journal deemed the city “the new capital of cool” for its growing dining scene and numerous public art installations.
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Appraisers value items brought by people to Antiques Roadshow at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas on Tuesday, May 15, 2024.
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4. Helena, Montana As the second Montana destination to make the ranking, Helena draws in travelers for its charming downtown and slew of outdoor activities such as mountain biking and hiking. One of the biggest attractions is to take a boat tour around the stunning Gates of the Mountain, named by Meriwether Lewis of the Lewis and Clark Expedition but also known as the Missouri River Canyon.
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3. Athens, Georgia Less than 100 miles from Atlanta, Athens is more than just a college town for the University of Georgia. “Athens prides itself on its rich performing arts scene, with live music events taking place almost every night, whilst constantly welcoming new experiences and creators,” Matt Kowalewski, chief of staff at Wander, told USA TODAY in a statement. “From the botanical gardens to Sandy Creek Park, thereÕs a wide range of activities and places to visit in the city.Ó
Joshua L. Jones, Online Athens Via USA TODAY NETWORK
Locals check out the work on the Hot Corner mural while Elio Mercado and Broderick Flanigan take a break at the corner of North Lumpkin Street and East Washington Street in downtown Athens, Ga., on Wednesday, June 12, 2019. The Mural was originally planned to adorn one of the sides of the Martin theater But due to a complication was moved to the side of the Costa Building.
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The Twilight women’s pro Criterium passes the Georgia Theatre in downtown Athens, Ga., on Saturday, April 22, 2023.
Joshua L. Jones, Online Athens Via USA TODAY NETWORK
2. Eau Claire, Wisconsin Nestled right where the Chippewa and Eau Claire Rivers meet, Eau Claire is a vibrant city, especially for music lovers. “It’s the hometown of the band Bon Iver and has a rich music and arts scene, with various festivals hosted in the city,” said Kowalewski. “The spot is also the second-fastest growing major city in Wisconsin, so it likely won’t be” overlooked” for long. “Anyone hoping for a quiet vacation might want to get to Eau Claire sooner rather than later.”
Tim Mosenfelder, Getty Images
1. Tupelo, Mississippi “Tupelo, Mississippi, has been named the most “overlooked” off-trend travel destination in our study, with only 4,300 annual Google searches for the likes of ‘vacation in Tupelo, Mississippi’, 150,000 searches less than the most searched off-trend destination, Rapid City,” said Kowalewski. “This suggests that people often don’t think to take a trip to the Mississippi city.” Travelers may be attracted to the city for the legacy of Elvis Presley, but they’ll stay for the vibrant nightlife and food scene.
Chris Day, The Commercial Appeal Via USA TODAY NETWORK
The statue “Becoming” which depicts a young Elvis Presley with a guitar on his lap and the adult, famous Elvis Presley standing behind him at the Elvis Presley Birthplace in Tupelo, Miss., on July 31, 2025.
Chris Day, The Commercial Appeal Via USA TODAY NETWORK
Larry and Christina Jones sit in the “Elvis Presley Booth” within Johnnie’s Drive In in Tupelo, Miss., on July 31, 2025. The restaurant was one of the places Elvis Presley would frequent as a child living in Tupelo.
Chris Day, The Commercial Appeal Via USA TODAY NETWORK
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