Exploring the USA doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Every state offers incredible free attractions, from world-class museums and galleries to historic landmarks and err, Spam. With that in mind, we've ranked the best free attraction in every US state, according to the opinions of our well-traveled editorial team.
Click through this gallery to discover our ranking of the 50 best free attractions in America...
Small but fascinating, this free museum is dedicated to Mississippi's carnival tradition. Located in the historic train depot at 1928 Depot Way, the museum showcases over a dozen elaborate Mardi Gras costumes and headpieces from past parades.
Nashville isn’t called Music City for nothing – and nowhere embodies that energy quite like Lower Broadway. This neon-lit strip is packed with legendary honky-tonks and bars, all offering live music every night with no cover charge.
While you might be tempted to grab a beer, you don’t need to spend a dime to soak up the atmosphere – just stroll along the boulevard and let the music spill into the streets around you.
A treasure trove of maritime history, interactive exhibits bring the region’s shipwrecks to life – you can even climb aboard a life-sized schooner model and examine artifacts recovered from real wrecks beneath the Great Lakes.
The adventure continues outdoors on the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Trail, where a scenic boardwalk, lined with historic plaques, leads to restored docks that once bustled with maritime activity.
Love this? Follow our Facebook page for more travel inspiration
A hub for contemporary art, the Frye Art Museum has been a Seattle staple since 1952. Originally the private collection of local businessman Charles Frye and his wife, it was later gifted to the city, forming the museum’s foundation.
The permanent collection remains a notable tribute to German art, while rotating exhibitions showcase a dynamic mix of contemporary works, including pieces from local artists. Best of all, admission is always free.
The Charleston Tea Garden lays claim to being the only tea plantation in North America, with acres of lush tea bushes stretching across the landscape.
A commercial operation since the late 1980s, it offers free entry and complimentary factory tours, where visitors can watch the production process up close. For a deeper dive, hop on a trolley tour through the fields – just note that this experience comes with a small fee.
The pretty New England town of Stowe has attractions aplenty: a postcard-perfect church, acres of color-splashed foliage in fall, and world-class ski trails. The dinky Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum is free to enter (donations are appreciated), and is dedicated to highlighting and preserving the state's skiing heritage. It's tucked away in the 19th-century Town Meeting House, which is an attraction in itself.
The origins of this beloved Raleigh museum date back to the 1920s, when the North Carolina State Art Society was founded and began curating a modest collection.
Today, it attracts art enthusiasts from all over with Italian Renaissance masterpieces, ancient Greek and Roman antiquities, and striking bronzes by Auguste Rodin. The 164-acre Museum Park is also a highlight, featuring scenic trails, thought-provoking sculptures, and a serene terraced pond.
There’s no admission fee at this unique museum in Bardstown, Kentucky, a key stop on the American Whiskey Trail. The collection traces the history of the beloved spirit through rare bottles, antique distilling equipment, and vintage memorabilia.
Founded in 1957 by whiskey enthusiast Oscar Getz, the museum remains family-run, preserving a rich legacy of bourbon culture in the heart of the Bluegrass State.
Free year-round, the Baltimore Museum of Art (BMA) has been a cultural landmark since its founding in 1914 in Baltimore’s Charles Village district. The museum houses an extensive collection of international works, including over 1,000 pieces by French artist Henri Matisse. Visitors can also explore two sculpture gardens, featuring striking works by artists like Joan Miró.
To immerse yourself in jazz legacy start at the visitor center, where rangers share insights into the city’s musical roots and recommend top live music spots.
For a self-guided tour, head to Louis Armstrong Park, home to the Louis Armstrong statue, historic Congo Square, and many free concerts and educational programs. Tragically, the Trump administration has targeted the visitor center for lease cancellation as part of cost-cutting measures – so visit while you still can.
If you're looking for something a little offbeat in Boise, Freak Alley Gallery is a must-see. Touted as the largest open-air mural gallery in the Northwest, this ever-evolving art space transforms downtown walls into a dynamic canvas for local and regional artists.
Located between 8th and 9th Streets and stretching from Bannock to Idaho Street, the outdoor gallery is free and open to the public year-round. Beyond the alley itself, the indoor gallery (also free) offers a rotating selection of exhibits that highlight emerging local talent.
Close to the cities of Palmer and Wasilla, Hatcher Pass is worth exploring for stunning views of the surrounding Talkeetna Mountains and for capturing the iconic red-roofed Independence Mine buildings that dot the landscape.
If you’re traveling in summer, you can visit Independence Mine State Historical Park or drive up to Summit Lake when the road is open. During winter, Hatcher Pass becomes a hub for winter sports like snowboarding, skiing, and snowmachining.
Part of the University of Wisconsin, this fascinating museum has been educating visitors since 1848. Home to over 120,000 specimens, it features everything from dazzling minerals to dinosaur fossils. Self-guided tours are free, while expert-led tours are available for just $3 per person. Open Monday through Saturday, it’s a must-visit for science lovers and the curious.
A must-visit for art lovers, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art has been a cultural gem in Bentonville since its opening on November 11, 2011. Home to an impressive collection featuring icons like Georgia O’Keeffe and Andy Warhol, the museum celebrates American creativity.
Its striking architecture – bold concrete forms and sloping copper roofs – was masterfully designed by Moshe Safdie, and beyond the galleries, an extensive library is filled with art and design references.
Step into history at Fort Scott National Historic Site, where 20 restored buildings bring the 19th century to life. Established in 1842, this former military post played a key role in Bleeding Kansas and the Civil War. Today, visitors can explore preserved barracks, officer quarters, and the surrounding tallgrass prairie – all free of charge.
Founded in the 1950s, this longstanding museum is a treasure trove of artworks. Its vast collection – more than 10,000 pieces – ranges from prints by Pablo Picasso and Georgia O'Keeffe to an extensive collection of Chinese art. Check the museum’s online calendar for art talks, musical performances, and film screenings to make the most of your visit.
You don’t need to be a train aficionado to enjoy the Oklahoma Railway Museum, which celebrates the state’s railroad heritage. The museum features a steam engine, historic train cars, restored railroad buildings, and plenty of locomotive history to explore.
If you're up for a ride, hop aboard one of the museum's vintage trains. These 40-minute excursions run on select Saturdays from April through October for a small fee.
Recognized as one of the top galleries in the state, this artistic treasure trove holds over 27,000 objects. It has been welcoming art lovers since 1951, with pieces ranging from Native American works to those from Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Make time to see the Charles W. Ireland Sculpture Garden in the upper plaza. A permanent exhibition, it spans over 13,000 square feet, featuring a striking water installation designed by renowned American artist Elyn Zimmerman.
You'll find the unassuming Yellowstone County Museum close to the airport in Billings, Montana's largest city. Established in the 1950s, the museum is dedicated to preserving the region’s rich heritage, with a diverse collection of artifacts ranging from Native American tools to wagons and saddles used by working cattlemen. With free admission, it’s a must-visit for anyone interested in the area's storied past.
Nestled in Vail Village, the Colorado Snowsports Museum and Hall of Fame is a must-visit for ski and snowboard enthusiasts. Showcasing vintage gear, medals, and memorabilia, legendary athletes and industry pioneers are honored in its Hall of Fame.
Admission is free (though a $10 donation is welcomed), and visitors can also join a Vail History Walking Tour for a deeper dive into the town’s alpine legacy.
Spanning 140 acres, this New England sculpture park is one of the largest of its kind, featuring over 100 avant-garde sculptures. Created by engineer Paul Andres and acclaimed sculptor John Weidman, visitors can explore miles of hiking trails that wind through stunning forest. Admission is free, though donations are always appreciated.
An extension of Washington DC's renowned Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, this vast facility houses more than 1,000 aviation and space artifacts, including the Space Shuttle Discovery and the Enola Gay.
Visitors can take in sweeping views from the observation tower or watch aircraft undergo meticulous restoration at the Mary Baker Engen Restoration Hangar. Admission is free, though parking costs around $15.
The final resting place for over 225,000 individuals, graves include those of President Benjamin Harrison and Vice Presidents Charles W. Fairbanks and Thomas A. Hendricks.
The most famous gravesite, however, is that of Hoosier poet James Whitcomb Riley, perched atop 'The Crown' – the cemetery’s highest point, offering sweeping views of downtown Indianapolis. Beyond its historical significance, Crown Hill is also an arboretum, home to over 150 species of trees and plants.
Yes, there is an entire museum dedicated to SPAM in the southeastern town of Austin, Minnesota. The institution is a loud, proud celebration of the canned meat, which was invented back in the 1930s.
You'll learn all about the history of SPAM, including its key role in the diets of troops during World War II, and pore over a huge store of SPAM memorabilia. Free guided tours are available over the weekend and upon request.
For a good grounding in state history, head to the Arizona Capitol Museum in Phoenix. Memorabilia and informative exhibitions come together to chronicle Arizona's political and cultural past.
Prized features include the restored House Chamber and a display dedicated to the USS Arizona, a battleship sunk during the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. General admission is free, and all exhibitions are included at no cost.
This insightful museum, part of The University of New Mexico, uses fossils, skeletal remains, and more to recount over 2.5 million years of human history. Permanent exhibitions include a detailed look at our ancestors and a dedicated display on the people of the Southwest US. The museum also regularly features temporary shows curated by experts in the field.
Reopened in May 2024 following a renovation, the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse is a historic treasure on the southwest shore of North Wildwood. Once a key beacon for 17th-century whalers, it now stands as a cultural landmark and museum.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1977, the lighthouse continues to serve as an active navigational aid while welcoming visitors. Guests can explore its history inside the lighthouse, before taking a stroll through the beautifully restored Victorian-style gardens.
Stretching over 3,000 feet into Lake Michigan, Navy Pier is one of Chicago's most iconic attractions. Established in 1916, it initially served as a docking and recreational facility, before transitioning into a naval training center during World War II.
In 1995, it was remodeled into a bustling leisure complex, and today visitors can freely explore the pier, which is lined with shops, restaurants, family-friendly rides, and exhibitions. While general admission is free, certain attractions and amusements require a fee.
To truly experience Wyoming, you need to step into its wild landscapes – and Castle Gardens offers both natural beauty and ancient history. This remote site is famous for its petroglyphs, intricate rock carvings dating back to around AD 1000, with many depicting armed warriors.
The journey here is rugged, but admission is free, and the chance to see these centuries-old engravings in their original setting makes it well worth the trip.
The West Virginia State Capitol in Charleston is a Neoclassical masterpiece, crowned by a 292-foot gold dome – taller than the US Capitol’s. Designed by Cass Gilbert (of Woolworth Building fame), it was completed in 1932 and remains a striking symbol of the state’s history. Inside, free guided tours reveal marble-clad halls, intricate detailing, and insights into West Virginia’s government.
This hulking Omaha museum has a huge variety of collections. Most notable is its store of European art (from Renaissance to Medieval works) and its large set of ancient antiquities, including Egyptian statues and Grecian urns. While general admission is free, certain special exhibitions may require a fee.
Science buffs will love this modern museum in St Louis. It's family-friendly with tons of interactive exhibits and fascinating live demonstrations covering everything from the environment to world discoveries. Most sections are completely free to explore, but you'll need a ticket for planetarium shows and other special events.
Perched along Connecticut’s Thames River, the Submarine Force Museum is a deep dive into naval history. Home to over 33,000 artifacts, including model vessels, historic documents, and weaponry, it’s a must-visit for maritime enthusiasts.
The star attraction? A chance to step aboard the USS Nautilus, the world’s first nuclear-powered submarine. Admission is free, though donations are welcomed. The museum operates Wednesday through Monday (closed Tuesdays), with seasonal hours.
Visiting the Harold L. Lyon Arboretum in Honolulu feels a little like stepping into Jurassic Park. Located at the northern end of Manoa Valley, the 194-acre tropical arboretum is home to more than 5,000 native and non-native plant species.
A part of the University of Hawai'i at Manoa, it also functions as a research and preservation facility and is a fantastic way to experience the island's diverse flora. Although free to enter, there is a suggested donation.
'The Topiary Park is a landscape of a painting of a landscape'. That’s how its creator, local sculptor James T. Mason, described this one-of-a-kind garden gallery in Columbus, Ohio.
This free attraction brings art to life with meticulously sculpted greenery, recreating Georges Seurat’s iconic painting, A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte, in three-dimensional form.
The Enchanted Highway is a fitting name for this stretch of road in southwestern North Dakota, where a series of towering metal sculptures turn the drive into an open-air gallery. Created by local artist Gary Greff, these larger-than-life installations – ranging from pheasants and soaring geese to a giant yellow grasshopper – were designed to draw visitors to the small town of Regent.
Spot these head-turning works along the route from Gladstone to Regent, where you can pull over, take a closer look, and snap a photo with the whimsical roadside marvels.
There's no charge to explore this archaeologically rich site in east-central Oregon. Known for its brightly colored fossil beds, which unfold in bands of buttery yellow, sunset orange, and red, the site holds fossils that chronicle more than 40 million years of history on Earth. Hiking and biking trails lace through the park's three units, and you can also raft on the John Day River.
The Providence Athenæum has been a cultural gem in the heart of the city for nearly 200 years. This independent library is packed with rare books, fascinating natural history volumes, and a handful of prized artworks. Visitors can browse the historic collection, soak up the atmosphere, and even join a free guided tour to learn more. Admission is free, with a $5 suggested donation.
Walking the Freedom Trail is one of Boston’s top experiences, offering a deep dive into the city’s revolutionary past – for free. This 2.5-mile route connects key sites from the American Revolution and other pivotal moments in US history, making it an open-air museum you can explore at no cost.
Along the way, several major landmarks are free to enter, including Faneuil Hall, a historic meeting place and hub of revolutionary debate, and King’s Chapel, a stunning 18th-century church.
The colossal rock carvings of Mount Rushmore draw millions of visitors each year – and entry to the site is free. Since 1941, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln have stood watch over the Black Hills, chosen for their profound influence on American history. For a closer look, follow the Presidential Trail, which winds around the monument and offers some of the best vantage points.
While many of New York City’s iconic buildings charge for access, the best views of the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty come from this iconic ferry ride. The Staten Island Ferry offers stunning, free views of both landmarks as it travels daily from Whitehall Terminal in Lower Manhattan to St. George Terminal in Staten Island.
A tour of this National Historic Site in downtown Atlanta should begin at the Visitor Center, where a detailed exhibition introduces key milestones of Dr. King's life and the civil rights movement.
Beyond this, you'll find several landmarks, all free to explore. Highlights include the Ebenezer Baptist Church, where King was baptized and later served as co-pastor, and his birth home, which offers free guided tours. Tours operate on a first-come, first-served basis, with limited spots available – so arriving early is recommended.
The National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola is the world’s largest of its kind, home to over 150 meticulously restored aircraft. From World War II bombers to Vietnam-era fighters, the exhibits bring naval aviation history to life.
Visitors can explore interactive displays, take a spin in the flight simulators (for a fee), or join one of the free guided tours offered daily. Best of all? Admission and parking are completely free.
This fascinating museum pays tribute to the Mormon pioneers who journeyed west in the 19th century, offering a deep dive into their lives and hardships with an extraordinary collection of artifacts – from medical tools and handcrafted furniture to Victorian-era hair art. With the largest collection of pioneer-related antiquities in the world, it’s a must-visit for history buffs and the curious alike.
The Alamo is one of Texas’ most storied landmarks, best known as the site of the 1836 Battle of the Alamo. For nearly two weeks, Texan defenders clashed with Mexican forces in a fight that became a defining moment of the Texas Revolution.
Today, this preserved mission stands as a historic site and education center, offering insight into the battle’s legacy. The site offers complimentary entry to the church (shrine) and grounds, though some special tours and exhibits may require a ticket.
Once a booming mining town in the early 20th century, Rhyolite was home to bustling shops, a jail, a grand bank building, and homes for workers. However, by 1916 the town was abandoned, and today, only crumbling remnants remain.
Take a step back in time and explore the eerie silence of the town's once-thriving structures. The train depot and mercantile building stand out as some of the most impressive sights, offering a glimpse into a past now overtaken by nature.
Stretching 25 miles from Ankeny to Woodward, the High Trestle Trail is a must-visit in central Iowa. Winding through four counties – Polk, Story, Boone, and Dallas – the former railroad line now serves as a scenic escape through the heart of Iowa’s countryside.
The showstopper? The High Trestle Trail Bridge, an architectural marvel that spans half a mile over the Des Moines River Valley. As the sun sets, the bridge comes alive with blue LED lights, creating a mesmerizing tunnel effect that has made it one of the most photographed spots in the Midwest.
Perched high above Los Angeles, Griffith Observatory has been a gateway to the cosmos since 1935. Home to world-class exhibits and free-to-use telescopes, it offers a front-row seat to the wonders of the universe.
While admission to the building and grounds is free, the Samuel Oschin Planetarium hosts astronomer-led shows that are well worth the ticket. And the panoramic city views from the observatory’s terraces are priceless – especially after dark, when LA glitters below.
Visiting the Liberty Bell, a symbolic piece of American history, is completely free. It is housed in Philadelphia's Liberty Bell Center, part of Independence National Historical Park, and does not require tickets or reservations. Visitors can walk through the exhibit to learn about the bell’s history before viewing it up close.
The best free attraction in America has to be the vast Library of Congress, which sprawls over three buildings on Capitol Hill. The Thomas Jefferson Building is the most visually stunning, with intricate gilding, grand columns, arches, and frescoes.
Then there are the books: the library holds over 167 million items, making it the largest library in the world. Admission to all three buildings is free, though the John Adams and James Madison Memorial Buildings primarily serve research purposes.
Now see how we've ranked the best views in the United States