Despite being the heart of a state, the capitals often get forgotten about by travelers. But there's never been a better time to give them a chance.

From dazzling State Capitol buildings and quirky museums to urban natural wonders, click through the gallery to discover our favorite attraction in every state capital... 

Known as the birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement, intriguing Montgomery has a vast amount of history. Stop by numerous sites dedicated to the past on your way to the Rosa Parks Library and Museum. Part of the Montgomery Campus of Troy State University, the museum is situated near to where Rosa Parks courageously refused to give up her bus seat, changing the course of America's history. Inside, you'll learn about the former seamstress's life, as well as the bravery of early Civil Rights activists. 

It might seem odd that America's biggest state has a tiny capital, but good things come in small packages, right? Accessible only by flight or boat, stunning scenery and wildlife are in abundance here but Mendenhall Glacier is a real sight to behold. The 12-mile-long (19km) icy spectacle northwest of downtown offers walking trails, kayaking, and rafting tours, though be warned: the water is very cold.

Get out of the Arizona heat and explore a museum: the Musical Instrument Museum to be precise. It's filled with almost 7,000 artifacts and memorabilia from around the world, and you don't have to be a music maestro yourself to be swept away by one of Phoenix's top attractions. A self-guided tour where you'll travel the world through music will definitely hit all the right notes.

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You can't miss the glistening gold cupola sitting atop the beautiful State Capitol building in the heart of Little Rock, but it's not just the exquisite exterior that'll draw you near. A free tour takes you through permanent exhibits such as Call of Duty: Arkansas at War and Mentors and Models, while the grounds offer a trail of memorials dedicated to different historic events.

All aboard the state capital's railroad museum. This huge exhibit space is dedicated to the West's illustrative railroad history with restored engines, artwork, and interactive stations. The highlight is the 19-strong collection of steam locomotives dating back to 1862, including the 40-tonne Central Pacific Railroad No.1 Gov Stanford (pictured). Kids won't want to miss The Magic of Toy Trains exhibition.

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No matter what season it is or which flowers you love most, this diverse expanse of florals and gardens will leave you feeling blooming lovely. Sitting pretty in York Street, Denver Botanic Gardens contains 18 collections spread over 24 acres. Once you've seen the arid plants that thrive in the Colorado climate in the Gardens of the West, take in the water gardens, the ornamental, and the internationally inspired gardens. Don't forget your camera.

Follow in the footsteps of the nation's famous author, Samuel Clemens (aka Mark Twain), by visiting his home: The Mark Twain House and Museum. Within the three-story, 25-room Gothic mansion you'll see the grand hall, library and even the billiards room where Twain wrote Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and The Prince and The Pauper, among others. Learn about the author's life and legacy on a tour, before checking out the museum next door. What a novel way to spend an afternoon.

Dubbed a 'must stop' by visitors, Dover's Air Mobility Command Museum is bursting with more than 30 aircraft of all sizes including helicopters, fighters, and even a Second World War bomber. As well as exciting exhibits and artifacts, the Control Tower, Commemoration Park, and simulators will wow you – and admission is free. From April to October, the museum has an Open Cockpit Day on the third Saturday of the month, where you can access many of the aircraft up close.

OK, so strictly speaking Wakulla Springs isn't exactly in Tallahassee, but it's not far off. Just 14 miles (22.5km) south of the state capital in Crawfordville lies this state park that boasts the world's largest and deepest freshwater springs. You can swim, snorkel, or take a guided boat tour to witness manatees, alligators, and turtles in their natural habitat. Film fans will also appreciate its stint on the silver screen: it's where the underwater scenes of the Creature from the Black Lagoon were filmed, as well as Tarzan.

Atlanta's Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park joins together poignant sites that were significant to the great Civil Rights leader. First and foremost, they include his boyhood home, a humble two-story Queen Anne-style house that was built in 1895. Take a free ranger-led tour of the home to learn about King's early life, then visit Ebenezer Baptist Church, where he was baptized, and the World Peace Rose Garden at the visitor center. 

The most historic building in every state

In December 1941, Japanese forces authorized a surprise attack on a US naval base at Pearl Harbor in Oahu, killing 2,403 US personnel. And you can pay your respects and learn more about the history at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. Most poignant of all is a visit to the USS Arizona Memorial, a striking structure that's reached via a Navy-operated shuttle boat. There are also detailed historical displays covering the attack and its aftermath at the visitor center.

This rugged state capital has its fair share of outdoor highlights, including Kathryn Albertson Park and the Boise River Greenbelt, but Old Idaho State Penitentiary is an eerie highlight. The old prison, opened in 1872, was fully functioning until 1973, and is a fabled piece of Boise's history. The site has 30 historic buildings, including cell blocks and gallows, and features many permanent and new exhibitions detailing the untold stories of inmates and their lives of crime.

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Abraham Lincoln's presence lingers everywhere in the city he called home, and a tour of the 16th President's house, plus several other historic sites dedicated to him and his time in office, shouldn't be missed. Tickets to tour Lincoln's 12-room home are free and highlights include the exquisite formal parlor, sitting room and Lincoln's bedroom. The nearby presidential museum uses special effect theaters and interactive exhibits and you might run into the man himself as performers re-enact his life.

Art-lovers should set time aside to explore Indiana's capital, which is rich in galleries and sculpture parks. Among them is Newfields, an impressive 152-acre campus that encompasses grounds dotted with striking statues and the lauded Indianapolis Museum of Art. Get lost in the IMA's extensive collection, which includes works from Old Masters such as Rembrandt and Cezanne, plus fine displays of pop art and eclectic contemporary works.

Just because the Iowa State Fair isn't until August, it doesn't mean a riot of color and fun can't be had in the state capital. The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden has plenty to delight visitors over its seven acres including its Botanical Blues concert series, which returns in January 2024. Don't miss the geodesic tropical conservatory or the Gardeners Show House. The Meredith Terrace café offers fantastic views of downtown Des Moines to enjoy with your coffee and cake too.

Kansas' State Capitol building is striking indeed, from the two stories below ground right up to the magnificent 306-foot (93m) dome. Drenched in beautiful frescoes and adorned in crystal and gold leaf, the gleaming building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971. Don't miss a tour of the dome: it's 296 steps to the top, but worth it for the breathtaking bird's-eye views of the city.

The most beautiful building in every state

Wet your whistle at the oldest continually operating distillery in the US. The Buffalo Trace Distillery's Trace Tour will captivate you immediately with the evocative smell of bourbon, which sleeps inside aging barrels. You'll head inside the Blanton Bottling Hall and see signature bourbons getting filled and packaged, before sampling some of the fine stuff yourself. There's also an Arboretum and Botanical Gardens Tour and a National Historic Landmark Tour, all including complimentary drinks. 

Those who live here, and those who visit, all rave about the USS Kidd military museum. The Fletcher-class destroyer is recognized as one of the most authentically restored vessels in the world and you'll see for yourself when you step onboard. The attached Veterans Museum showcases artifacts and exhibits that serve as a reminder of the sacrifices and service of Louisiana's Navy veterans.

Find a slice of the wild in Maine's capital at Viles Arboretum. The natural expanse spreads out over 224 acres and is laced with six miles of (10km) hiking trails that strike through forests, wildflower-scattered meadows, and wetland areas. The arboretum is a joy to visit in winter, when cross-country skis and snowshoes are available for rent at the visitor center. 

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Since Annapolis is the self-declared 'Sailing Capital of the US', a day out at the US Naval Academy should be first choice. You'll take in interactive exhibits, heart-stopping photography of the navy's most significant moments and see what life was like as a midshipman on a tour of the Yard. You can also get your fill of the sea at Ego Alley in the heart of Annapolis. Wander and watch boats parade around the basin or get on the water yourself.

Ask anyone what's the best thing to do in Boston and many will say the Freedom Trail. If it's your first time in the city, a self-guided 2.5-mile stroll or tour takes in 16 landmarks such as the grand Massachusetts State House and the USS Constitution, retracing the historic steps of America's Founding Fathers.

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For a science lesson you'll definitely pay attention to, head to the Science Museum of Minnesota that sits in an idyllic location on the riverfront in downtown. Engage in exciting interactive exhibits and see collections showcasing everything from dinosaur fossils to ancient ceramics, plus a topical study on viruses. 

One for families, the colorful Impression 5 Science Center immerses visitors in the world of science. Imaginative exhibits cover everything from nuclear science to the human body and feature giant, hands-on installations. For the littlest kids, the First Impressions room offers a great introduction to science in an immersive space. 

The best family-friendly attraction in your state

There are more than 20 different museums in Jackson that all rate highly among visitors, but the one to make a beeline for is the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum. The museum explores the fight, strength and sacrifices of those involved in the freedom struggle through eight interactive galleries. Look out for This Little Light of Mine, a dramatic sculpture (pictured) that encircles the galleries and glows brighter as people draw near.

How are your nerves? Fancy spending a few hours in prison? OK, so the history tour (or ghost tour, if you're up for it) of the Missouri State Penitentiary is hardly like being banged up, but it's still incredibly evocative. Once named the 'Bloodiest 47 acres in the US', the halls were formerly home to notorious prisoners such as James Earl Ray and Sonny Liston.

Go back to nature and tackle one of several trails in Mount Helena City Park. Towering 5,468 feet (1,666m) above sea level, the peak affords hikers breathtaking views. There are trails for all abilities, and you can even tackle parts on horseback. The 1906 Trail offers the most direct route to the top of the mountain, following the limestone cliffs before passing the Devil's Kitchen – a distinctive cave in the cliffside. After endless photos, head down the Hogback Trail, which features lots of unexpected twists and turns and more awe-inspiring scenery. 

Lincoln's Sunken Gardens are a real treat for the senses. When the flowers are in full bloom, it doesn't just showcase a kaleidoscope of color, but the flora fill the air with a sweet fragrance. Keep an eye out for vivid butterflies that call the area home, as well as koi ponds and small waterfalls. Visitors love the peace and relaxation the gardens offer, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Leave the gambling to the experts across the state and focus on money of an ancient sort at the Nevada State Museum. You can't miss Coin Press No.1 (pictured) as you enter through the former Carson City Mint building, where coins were minted from 1870 to 1893. The rest of the museum boasts 11,000 square feet (1,022sqm) of permanent exhibition space bursting with regional artifacts and displays that celebrate the history of the area. The highlight is the 13-foot (4m) articulated mammoth skeleton in the permanent gallery.

A place with a name like Concord is crying out for you to enjoy some aviation-style attraction, and where better to spend a few hours than the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center? An interactive space museum and planetarium, it appeals to all ages, with visitors experiencing life in orbit and seeing unique NASA artifacts up close, including a space toilet and treadmill.

These images of space are out of this world

Go back in time to 1777 and learn all about the American Revolution at the Old Barracks Museum. Located in the heart of downtown, a costumed guide will recruit you into General George Washington's Army before taking you around the expertly restored buildings including the officers' quarters and grounds. Listen to historic tales from the Battle of Trenton and more, as you try on coats, hats and uniforms worn by regiments in the past.

This unique, lively district in downtown Santa Fe is dedicated to art. Canyon Road is packed with more than 80 art galleries, plus boutiques and restaurants, while sculptures line the street. You'll spot artworks from all over the world, from traditional to abstract, as you wander the neighborhood. If you want expert guidance on the artists, join an organized Canyon Road Arts District Tour.

Climb aboard the last Destroyer Escort still afloat in America, the USS Slater. Moored on the Hudson River in Albany, the restored ship, which served in the US Navy during the Second World War, offers 90-minute guided tours. Thanks to informative, engaging, and hands-on exhibitions (which kids will love), you'll learn how the sailors worked, hear sounds of a working ship, and relive a piece of US history.

The exterior of the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, with its huge protruding globe, is enough to make you stop and stare, and is a photo opp in itself. But step inside and you'll be swept away in a world of dinosaurs, whale skeletons, live animals, walk-through dioramas and theaters, special exhibits, and science talks. Download the app before you go, it acts as a guide so you won't miss a thing – and what's more, it's free to enter.

There's no better place to learn about your surroundings than at the North Dakota Heritage Center and State Museum. Located inside the grounds of the State Capitol building, the museum allows you to travel through time past a life-size skeleton of a T-Rex, to see rare beadwork and pottery created by Indigenous people, and to examine the world's biggest giant squid fossil. This well-respected museum covers all aspects of the state's history through specimens and artifacts, 3D displays and interactive exhibits. You'll be a North Dakota expert when you finally prize yourself away.

Seeing the colorful flowers and landscaped grounds of the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens makes for a lovely day out, whatever the weather or season. Kids will be entranced by the butterflies and fishpond, while vibrant plant-packed biomes and exotic gardens, beautiful artwork, and a fancy light show at the John F. Wolfe Palm House will stop you in your tracks. Don't leave without buying a nature-themed gift at the shop.

Don your spurs and shout 'yee-haw!' as you saddle on up to the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. You might be lucky enough to time your visit with one of the many events that honor the Western legacy, but if not, there are plenty of other artifacts and exhibits to get your teeth into. Don't miss the galleries that showcase life as a cowboy, plus films and art that depict the early days of the Wild West.

Don't think this attraction is only for kids. Adults will be transfixed by the magic these creative worlds offer too. The Enchanted Forest is split into mini villages such as Storybook Lane, where you can crawl through the Rabbit Hole from Alice in Wonderland's; and Tofteville Western Town, where you can usually try your luck at the shooting range or remote-control boat. Grown-ups will enjoy belly-busting laughs at the Comedy Theater, while the Fantasy Fountains water-light show puts on an epic display for all. (Note that the park is open seasonally). 

Boasting one of the most impressive Civil War collections in the world, the National Civil War Museum also claims to be the only one that presents a balanced, unbiased look at the conflict. From before the war, during it and even the tensions and actions that followed, the museum covers the carnage through artifacts, (sometimes bloody) dioramas, battle scenes, weapons, uniforms, theatre footage, and eerie audio triggered by sensors as you walk by. 

The RISD Museum (Rhode Island School of Design Museum) is an artistic powerhouse in Rhode Island's creative but underrated capital. Changing temporary exhibitions err on the contemporary side, while the core collection features everything from ancient Greek and Egyptian artifacts to decorative arts such as fine European ceramics and intricate American glasswork.

Columbia is often overshadowed by the charming, Spanish-moss-laced city of Charleston, but South Carolina's capital has plenty of jewels too. The treasure-filled art center showcases everything from textiles to centuries-old oil paintings and sculpture. Wander the spacious halls and look out for names such as folk artist Yvonne Wells and Sigmund Abeles.

This popular museum is packed with artifacts, memorabilia, war vehicles (think airplanes and tanks) and exhibitions, both inside and outside. Honoring the National Guard members both past and present, one of the most moving tributes is the write-ups of all the South Dakotans who died in the Second World War. 

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It goes without saying that you should fully embrace Music City in all its glory. Hit the Honky Tonks and scoff the famous hot chicken, but also make time for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. The 350,000-square-foot (32,516sqm) space is packed to the rafters with artifacts and music memorabilia, with rotating exhibitions and two theaters. Don't miss Sing Me Back Home, a permanent installation that takes you on a journey through the evolution of country music.

You can't help but be lured into the magnificent State Capitol and Visitors Center, a registered Historic Landmark. When running again, join a tour of the Crypt, Rotunda, and Statuary Hall, before heading to the Senate and House Galleries – for which you'll need separate passes. If Congress is in session while you're there, you might see history being made. Stop by the US Botanical Garden nearby too.

In a state famous for its spectacular canyons and arid landscape, it might seem odd to head inside – but bear with us. The Natural History Museum of Utah, set in the foothills above Salt Lake City, introduces you to the paleonotology of the area with more than 5,000 artifacts and engaging exhibitions, and lets you journey to the top of a three-story indoor canyon. The Antarctic dinosaur fossils are a highlight. Make sure you head up to the observatory deck for breathtaking views across the land before you leave too.

It may be the smallest state based on population, but its locals sure know how to welcome their visitors. Not least by tempting you to try maple syrup at one of the area's many sugarhouses, including Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks, Vermont's oldest maple farm. Take a tour and learn about Vermont's harvesting tradition. Don’t forget to buy a bottle or two to take home.

The Virginia Museum of Fine Art holds some pieces that are 5,000 years old. Precious works of art from cultures all over the world are showcased here, and you can see them all for free. Collections include vast stores of European paintings, plus avant-garde contemporary works, and heritage crafts such as quilting.

For a serene day out, Olympia's Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge is both vast and pretty. More than 3,000 acres of salt and freshwater marshes, grasslands and forest land provides a resting and nesting spot for a wide variety of migratory birds and wildlife. Don't forget your binoculars.

Sitting next to the Capitol State building near the Kanawha River, the West Virginia State Museum takes you back in time with a series of cool, interactive exhibits that tell the fascinating history of West Virginia. From the prehistoric period right through to the present day, you'll see dancing, costumed fleas (yes, really!), a recreated coal mine complete with evocative sounds of dripping water, battlefield murals, and more. You'll definitely need a few hours here to explore it all.

Whether it's paintings, sculptures, photography, drawings, or print works that float your boat, the Chazen Museum of Art located in the University of Wisconsin–Madison will not disappoint. Permanent and rotating exhibits showcase American and European artworks and you can take a guided tour for the lowdown on the history of some 20,000 works of art across all genres.

A dazzling display of plants, flowers, shrubs, and trees await you in this tranquil space, and you can easily spend a whole day here. The Paul Smith Children's Village is a big hit with kids of all ages thanks to a wetlands area, sheepherder wagon, secret garden, and giant Jenga. But it's the Shane Smith Grand Conservatory that really draws in the crowds. A 34-foot (10m) palm tree takes center stage among the lush tropical collection, while the art of the Bonsai House never fails to impress.

Ancient structures you can visit in every state