Summarize and humanize this content to 2000 words in 6 paragraphs in EnglishWith 50 states to choose from, planning a holiday to the USA can be something of a challenge. And if you’ve already ticked off The Big Apple and Sin City you might be wondering where to explore next. But don’t worry. Heather Anderson, a 43-year-old writer from Washington, has visited all 50 states and here she reveals the USA’s most underrated destinations to MailOnline Travel.It took the adventurer around 40 years to visit every state, a mission that she explains she took ‘very seriously’ over the last two decades. Heather tells MailOnline Travel that there are five underrated U.S. states, saying: ‘Each of these states has an often overlooked amount of natural beauty and outdoor recreation. They also have interesting history, lively cities and incredibly friendly people.’ And there’s also a state she finds ‘dull’ that you might want to leave off your itinerary… North DakotaThis Midwestern state is part of North America’s Great Plains region, an expanse of grassland that stretches from Canada to Mexico. Heather Anderson, a 43-year-old writer from Washington, has visited all 50 states and reveals the USA’s most underrated destinations to MailOnline Travel Heather recommends North Dakota and explains you can hike through canyons at Theodore Roosevelt National Park (pictured above) North Dakota is a Midwestern state that’s part of North America’s Great Plains region. Pictured above is Theodore Roosevelt National ParkHeather tells MailOnline: ‘North Dakota is home to Teddy Roosevelt National Park. ‘Here you can hike through bluffs (rounded cliffs) and canyons where wild horses and bison roam freely. ‘Mountain bikers can enjoy the 100mile/160km+ long Maah Daah Hey Trail as well.’ Fan of a city break? Heather recommends visiting Fargo which she describes as ‘a plains city with a lot to offer’. The expert picks out Fargo’s Red River Farmer’s market, open every Saturday selling local produce, as a highlight. She also recommends tourists visit one of the city’s museums. Top choices include the Plains Art Museum or the Fargo Air Museum. Wyoming A state in the USA’s Mountain West subregion, Wyoming is a ‘nature lover’s paradise’, says Heather. Wyoming is a ‘nature lover’s paradise’ says Heather who recommends Grand Teton National Park (pictured above) She explains: ‘[It has’] the Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks in the northwest corner and the rugged Wind River mountain range just south of there.’ Heather adds: ‘Cities like Jackson, Cheyenne and Laramie offer Wild West charm, rodeos and more. Skiers will find ample slopes along the Teton mountain range.’ And the adventurer reveals that tourists will also find ‘fly fishing galore in the rivers throughout the state’. MaineLocated in New England, Maine’s ‘incredible coastline’ makes it one of the country’s best underrated gems, reveals Heather. She says: ‘Visit Acadia National Park to see the best of the coastline and be sure to check out a few of the many lighthouses. ‘Inland, there are rugged mountains and picturesque lakes. Watch out for moose if you go for a hike!’ While Maine’s natural beauty might be hard to tear yourself away from, Heather also recommends visiting Portland. Maine’s ‘incredible coastline’ makes it an underrated gem. Pictured above is the Acadia National Park Heather loves Maine’s ‘rugged mountains’. She’s pictured here at Baxter Peak in the stateShe explains: ‘With a low population density, it’s easy to find solitude in Maine but Portland has plenty to offer city seekers. ‘Wander the shops and restaurants downtown and visit the Coastal Maine Botanical Garden.’ Arkansas A southern state on the border of the Mississippi River, Arkansas is worth adding to your U.S bucket list. Heather says: ‘Arkansas offers rolling hills, long hikes and plenty of opportunities for mountain biking in the Ouachita Mountains.’ Looking to add a city break to your itinerary? Don’t miss Little Rock, Arkansas’ state capital, says the travel expert. ‘It has a wide variety of museums to visit, as well as the state capitol building,’ she reveals. Little Rock, Arkansas’ state capital, has a ‘wide variety of museums to visit’ (pictured above)Michigan Located in the upper Midwest, Michigan is a fantastic destination for an adventure holiday, explains Heather. She reveals: ‘Michigan provides ample opportunity for outdoor recreation from watersports on the many lakes to its miles of hiking trails. ‘Spend a few hours walking the shores of Lake Michigan in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Seashore to find petoskey stones (a special type of fossilized prehistoric coral).’ Away from nature, Heather recommends history-lovers visit Fort Michilimackinac and Mackinac Island. The 18th century fort was built by the British in 1780 and is the oldest building in Michigan. Tourists can watch live reenactments there. And don’t miss Grand Rapids, a city situated on the banks of Michigan’s Grand River. The adventurer adds: ‘Grand Rapids offers everything you want in a city from farmer’s markets to the Meijer Botanical Gardens and a full summer calendar of outdoor festivals.’ Heather recommends visiting Mackinac Island in Michigan (pictured above is the island’s harbour)
Are there any overrated states?Heather says: ‘I don’t think any states are, but people tend to assume that major cities define entire states. ‘If you visit New York City, LA or Chicago…go somewhere else in those states as well. You will discover a completely different world.’ But the travel expert admits she does have a least favourite state.Heather reveals: ‘Indiana. I went to university there and it was quite dull. Also, as someone who really enjoys hiking, there are very few opportunities to do so.’ Want more from Heather? Check out her website – wordsfromthewild.net, or follow her on Instagram – @_wordsfromthewild or Facebook – AnishHikes.
