1

The US touches three oceans

Image: Daiwei Lu

Most people remember the Atlantic and the Pacific, but the Arctic often gets overlooked. Alaska’s northern edge dips into icy Arctic waters, technically giving the US access to all three. From sunbathing to snowshoeing, we’ve got the full spectrum of ocean vibes covered!

2

America has the shortest river in the world

Image: Gaurav Kumar

Montana is home to the Roe River, which runs for just 201 feet. That’s shorter than a city block! It flows from its source at Giant Springs to the Missouri River near Great Falls. Sure, it’s not as mighty as the Mississippi, but it holds the record for shortest river, and that’s enough to brag about.

3

Some NYC buildings are big enough to have their own zip codes

Image: Andrew Jephson

Most of us share a zip code with our neighbors. In New York City, though, some skyscrapers are so massive they have one all to themselves. You know the Empire State Building? Yep, it has its own zip code: 10118. The same goes for the MetLife and Chrysler Buildings. Manhattan alone has over 300 zip codes!

4

Alaska is the westernmost and easternmost state

Image: Rod Long

That’s right: Alaska holds the title as both the farthest west and farthest east state in the United States. How is that possible? Well, the Aleutian Islands, which belong to Alaska, stretch so far out that they cross the International Date Line and enter the Eastern Hemisphere. Isn’t that just fascinating?

5

From Stamford, CT, all roads lead to New York

Image: Matt Foxx

Picture this: no matter which direction you drive—north, south, east, or west— you can end up in New York if you start in Stamford, Connecticut. Heading east requires a boat, of course, but it still counts!

6

Florida and California don’t have the longest coastline

Image: Jakob Owens

Think sun and sand, and Florida or California might come to mind. But the state with the longest coastline is actually Alaska, by a long shot. With over 6,600 miles of shoreline, it beats the combined coastlines of all other states. Snow lovers will enjoy this one!

7

California has almost as many people as all of Canada

Image: Joseph Chan

Yes, the Golden State is that packed. California’s population hovers around 39 million, not enough to beat Canada, which has roughly 41 million. But give it two more years, and we’ll discuss this again. This may not sound so surprising, but bear in mind that we’re comparing a single state to a whole country!

8

Only two states are truly off on their own

Image: Dave Hoefler

Most states have neighbors, but that’s not the case for Alaska and Hawaii. They’re the loners of the country, separated by either the ocean or international borders. Meanwhile, Missouri and Tennessee are the social butterflies of the map, each touching eight other states. Whatever the number of neighbors, we love them all!

9

The four largest US cities (by area) are in Alaska

Image: Kedar Gadge

When we talk about big cities, most folks think of population. But if you’re measuring square miles, Alaska takes the cake. Sitka, Juneau, Wrangell, and Anchorage are the four largest cities by land area. You could fit entire states inside some of these!

10

The first US capital wasn’t D.C. or Philly

Image: Florian Wehde

Washington, D.C., may be the capital now, but it wasn’t the first, you know? That honor goes to New York City, which held the title for a couple of years after the Constitution was ratified. The capital later moved to Philadelphia and then finally settled in D.C.

11

Los Angeles had a name as long as your arm

Image: Roberto Nickson

Before it was known for Hollywood, Los Angeles had a name that would never fit on a postcard. The original Spanish settlers called it El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Ángeles de Porciúncula . Translation? You try saying that! Thankfully, we shortened it. "L.A." is just easier for everyone.

12

Nebraska is the only triply landlocked state

Image: Laura Seaman

If you’re in Nebraska and want to see the ocean, you’ll have to cross at least three states. That makes it the most landlocked state in the U.S.—"triply landlocked," to be exact. For those craving a beach day, that’s a bit of a hike. But for folks who love open plains, it’s prime real estate.

1

Waterpark Capital of the World, Wisconsin Dells

Image: Kenny Eliason

Waterparks are a funny thing. Adults go there almost exclusively to take their kids, but end up enjoying themselves, sometimes even more than the younger ones. Self-proclaimed as the " Waterpark Capital of the World ," Wisconsin Dells offers fun and adventure for kids and the aforementioned kids at heart.

Its multiple resorts include Noah’s Ark, the largest outdoor waterpark in the world, The Wilderness Resort, which has the largest indoor-outdoor combination, Bigfoot Ziplining, The Original Wisconsin Ducks, Devil’s Lake State Park, boat tours, spas, golf courses, casinos and much more.

2

City of Big Shoulders, Chicago

Image: Sawyer Bengtson

The Windy City needs no introduction but no Midwestern treasures list would be complete without mentioning it. As the Midwest's largest metropolitan area, Chicago is a popular option for a weekend getaway. It houses numerous parks, including ones with lakefront beaches, or iconic sculptures like "The Bean."

Its incredible architecture is best viewed from the water during a river cruise or while boating on Lake Michigan. Its virtually i nfinite food options , ranging from Greek to Mexican to Polish, and its world-class museums , make for a must-visit.

3

Museum City, Kansas City

Image: gilber franco

Sitting on the state line between Missouri and Kansas, the City of Fountains has a vast assembly of museums ready to be discovered by visitors from all over the world.

From local landmarks like the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, boasting an impressive collection of over 34,000 pieces and 5,000 years , the National WWI Museum and Memorial, The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, to the newly renovated Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum, this city has it all.

4

Ozarks Lake, Missouri

Image: K. Mitch Hodge

Long before the TV series of the same name, the Ozarks was a region famous for its natural beauties, entertainment opportunities, and multiple cuisine options. This expansive reservoir with more than 1,100 miles of shoreline has spots like Lake of the Ozarks State Park, Bridal Cave, and various restaurants and resorts.

And if the water activities are not your thing, you can visit the links at one of several golf courses or enjoy a day of wine tasting on the Lake of the Ozarks Wine Trail.

5

Wining and dining, Traverse City

Image: Pablo Merchán Montes

Traverse City may be famous for its slices of pie and tart cherries, which can be found at farm stands across the Up North region through late summer. But it has much more to offer its visitors.

Acres of wineries and orchards all along the Leelanau and Old Mission peninsulas' rolling hills are complimented by the Lake Michigan scenery and the nearby Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. And, when the summer season is over, the Traverse City area also boasts enviable skiing terrain, fat-tire bike trails, and snowmobile routes , making it an attractive destination for winter recreation.

6

Hiking paradise, Duluth

Image: Tom Gainor

This Minnesotan city located on the shores of Lake Superior is an ideal spot for a weekend getaway. Visitors of the Canal Park area can bike or walk along the Lakeway , a nearly 8-mile path that follows the shoreline, take pictures of the Aerial Lift Bridge , and explore local art galleries .

Travelers can also tour all 39 rooms at Glensheen, a historic estate built in the early 1900s, or book a first-class ticket in a domed train car on the North Shore Scenic Railroad. And, when hunger strikes, Duluth boasts a generous selection of lakeside eateries and breweries.

7

Family trip favorite, Omaha

Image: Andrew Seaman

Whether you are into history, nature, arts, or the food scene, Omaha has it all. And, with attractions like the Omaha Children's Museum and the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium , this city is a great choice for a family trip.

The Durham Museum is a great place for history buffs, the Lauritzen Gardens Botanical Center has an impressive collection of plants flowers, and trees, and its noteworthy restaurants and bars attract culinary visitors from around the world.

8

Black Hills National Forest, South Dakota

Image: Frank Thiemonge

The amazing Black Hills National Forest can be found at the western edge of South Dakota, where a small mountain range is surrounded by 1.2 million acres of protected wilderness, making it a haven for outdoor activities.

Visitors of the Black Hills can hike, bike, ride horses, rock climb, and visit the Mount Rushmore National Memorial , which features giant mountainside busts of four American presidents.

9

Small-town charm, Mackinac Island

Image: leah hetteberg

If you are looking for a holiday destination with no cars or chain hotels and, instead, horse-drawn carriages and bed and breakfast accommodations in family-owned hotels , Mackinac Island might be the place you are looking for. Located between Michigan's Upper and Lower peninsulas, this Lake Huron island beckons to visitors who want to relax and unwind.

Mackinac Island State Park occupies most of the island, providing visitors with countless opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, biking, horseback riding , and a variety of eateries serving everything from American classics to its famous fudge.

10

Prince’s legendary Paisley Park Studios, Minneapolis

Image: DJ Johnson

The former home and recording studio of the "Purple Rain" composer is located outside of Minneapolis in Chanhassen, Minnesota. Prince built Paisley Park back in 1987 and lived here until he died in 2016.

His Royal Badness himself requested that his home be open to the public after his death and now fans can tour the complex and see the studio where he recorded some of his biggest hits and the soundstage where he rehearsed for tours.

1

Technology

Image: Shoeib Abolhassani

The U.S. tech sector exceeds $2 trillion in market value and leads the world in software, cloud computing, and semiconductor innovation.

While major hubs like Silicon Valley concentrate much of the activity, the industry has a nationwide footprint—from research centers and investor networks to hardware design and advanced manufacturing. Also, AI investment now represents a substantial share of the sector, which remains overwhelmingly U.S.-driven.

2

Healthcare

Image: Piron Guillaume

Healthcare spending in the U.S. surpassed $4.5 trillion recently, accounting for nearly 20% of GDP. Hospitals, insurers, biotech firms, and pharmaceutical companies together form the largest employment ecosystem in the country.

Moreover, the pharmaceutical segment alone exceeds $600 billion, placing the U.S. at the forefront of global drug development and clinical research.

3

Finance

Image: Nick Chong

Banking, investment, and insurance services generate over $2.5 trillion annually, and Wall Street remains the world’s largest capital market by trading volume.

Believe it or not, U.S. asset managers oversee more than $30 trillion in global funds, a scale unmatched anywhere else. American payment networks and credit systems also form a major part of the infrastructure that supports international commerce.

4

Energy

Image: Documerica

The U.S. is one of the world’s top producers of oil and natural gas, with the energy sector generating hundreds of billions of dollars each year. Texas is the largest state contributor, while New Mexico and North Dakota also rank among the leading producers.

Although renewables now surpass several fossil fuels in total electricity generation—driven largely by wind and solar—the energy sector as a whole remains robust and highly diversified.

5

Manufacturing

Image: Simon Kadula

Manufacturing underpins the growth of countless other industries, and American heavy industry contributes more than $2.3 trillion to GDP, spanning automobiles, machinery, electronics, and advanced materials.

The sector employs over 12 million people and remains a global leader in areas like industrial automation, chemical production, medical devices, and food processing. U.S. factories also rank among the world’s most productive thanks to high-tech equipment, robotics, and supply chains that integrate everything from raw materials to final assembly.

6

Retail

Image: Viktor Bystrov

Feel like going shopping? You’re certainly not alone—the U.S. retail sector generates over $7 trillion annually. Big-box chains, e-commerce giants, and grocery networks together make up one of the nation’s largest employment sectors.

E-commerce alone now exceeds $1 trillion, fueled by major progress in logistics, fulfillment technology, and nationwide delivery networks.

7

Agriculture

Image: Hannah Shedrow

The fertile Midwest and Great Plains are often called the "breadbasket of the world," and it’s no exaggeration—U.S. farms produce more than $500 billion in goods each year.

While corn, soybeans, beef, and dairy dominate overall output, the sector supports a wide array of other crops and livestock. It also drives innovation in precision machinery, fertilizer development, and agricultural technology that shapes global food production.

8

Transportation

Image: Documerica

Transportation is a massive sector—covering airlines, shipping, trucking, and rail—and generates more than $1.4 trillion annually. Trucking alone moves over 70% of domestic freight, while rail remains essential for transporting bulk commodities like grain, coal, and industrial materials.

Air travel supports millions of jobs, with major hubs such as Atlanta and Dallas ranking among the world’s busiest by passenger traffic. Ports like Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Houston handle some of the highest cargo volumes in the Western Hemisphere, while the U.S. highway system remains one of the largest and most heavily used in the world.

9

Construction

Image: C Dustin

In a country where iconic skylines are considered part of the landscape, construction is naturally a major economic force. The sector now exceeds $2 trillion in annual output, driven by persistent housing demand and large-scale commercial development.

Infrastructure also accounts for a significant share of spending, covering everything from bridges and tunnels to highways and transit systems. Residential building cycles strongly influence employment, making construction one of the most sensitive indicators of broader economic health.

10

Aerospace & defense

Image: Hermeus

As one of the world’s leading centers of innovation, the U.S. aerospace sector—often intertwined with the defense industry— contributes more than $400 billion annually, driven by aircraft manufacturing, satellite technology, and advanced defense systems.

Government defense spending, which exceeds $800 billion per year, supports major contractors, sustains global military partnerships, and helps maintain a technological edge over international competitors.