In every US state, a handful of attractions get a whole lot of hype – but do they always measure up to the fanfare? Not according to vacation rental company Hawaiian Islands. They studied more than 17,000 Tripadvisor reviews, analysing how often the terms "overrated" and "underrated" sprang up in attraction write-ups. Here we reveal the results and bring you the most overrated and underrated attractions across America. 

As its name suggests, this child-friendly attraction is centred on go-karting tracks, while it also pulls in families with its mini-golf course, bumper cars and 110-foot (34m) Skycoaster. However, some visitors think the park should kick things up a gear. Tripadvisor reviews complain that the attraction is overpriced and the service lacklustre. 

The one-time home of The Great Gatsby author F Scott Fitzgerald and his writer-painter-dancer wife Zelda has been reimagined as a museum, with a pair of guest suites on the second floor. Fans of the late writers can pore over Zelda’s dresses and artworks and love notes shared between the pair, before overnighting in an apartment decked out in period furniture. Reviewers say that the museum guides are delightful and the collection is a treasure trove for fans. 

Perhaps surprisingly, the Inside Passage – a 500-mile (805km) waterway known for its shimmering glaciers and fjords – comes out as Alaska’s most overrated attraction. It’s a popular route for cruise ships, which make regular stops at destinations ranging from wild state capital Juneau to the sprawling, bear-filled Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. However, though Alaska’s natural bounty wows visitors, many complain of overpriced excursions and inattentive staff on several of the cruise ships. 

Visitors flock to the Grand Canyon West area to brave the Skywalk, a soaring platform that rises over the red rocks and the Colorado River at 4,000 feet (1,219m). It’s an impressive sight, but not all visitors say the attraction reaches the dizzy heights they expected. Tripadvisor reviews complain that the site is overcrowded and that the views aren’t as spectacular as they’d hoped. They also claim that personal photos are not allowed. 

Described by the National Park Service as a “wonderland of rocks”, this site protects a landscape of rugged rhyolite pinnacles that thrust hundreds of feet towards the sky, plus caves, peaks and lava flows. It was once frequented by the Chiricahua Apache, a nomadic Athabaskan people who spent winters in the region. Visitors wax lyrical about the beautiful drives through the park, plus the bountiful birdlife and scenic hiking trails. 

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This heritage railway should be a train-lover’s dream. You can pore over exhibits about steam locomotives or take a trip on the rails yourself – the Excursion Train rattles along a forested route with narration from a conductor, while the Lunch and Dinner Trains offer meals such as beef stroganoff and chicken primavera pasta. However, Tripadvisor reviewers complain of dull views and mediocre food. 

Instead, head to Bentonville and the captivating Museum of Native American History. The centre celebrates Indigenous cultures through exhibitions, from the Paleo period to the Mississippian period and beyond. Gaze at elaborate headdresses, pottery and death masks from millennia ago – visitors praise the enthusiastic staff and expertly curated displays. 

You’ll find Opus One Winery in Napa Valley, California’s most celebrated wine region. It’s known for its Bordeaux-style reds, with blends of cabernet sauvignon, merlot, petit verdot, cabernet franc and malbec, and the pared-back estate buildings blend seamlessly into the vine-striped surrounds. However, not all visitors are impressed – some reviews complain of frosty staff and dub the wine ‘mediocre’. 

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Make for this underrated Californian attraction instead, with its peaceful botanical gardens and research library focusing on the American Southwest. The latter is home to some 15,000 tomes, while the grounds are filled with endless palm trees, more than 100 varieties of begonia and a pretty tea garden. It’s regularly described as "a gem" by Tripadvisor users. 

A stone’s throw from Colorado state capital Denver, this cheerful resort has a geothermal swimming pool and a series of private baths, including some in a scenic cave. Visitors can also enjoy the day spa and overnight in rustic rooms and suites. But the site doesn’t necessarily come recommended by Tripadvisor reviewers: some visitors describe the place as a little run-down, with outdated facilities.

Colorado has a wealth of natural wonders and Rifle Falls State Park is one of the state’s lesser-known jewels. Hikers come to drink in the plunging triple waterfall and get lost in forested trails, while limestone caverns prove popular with cave explorers. Tripadvisor users regularly eulogise the park’s beauty, especially the spectacular views of the cascades. 

The best of the American art world is showcased at this underrated museum in central Connecticut. Art lovers can take in more than 8,000 works, from sculptures to oil paintings, with big names represented including still-life artist Raphaelle Peale and Impressionist Ernest Lawson. The place gets rave reviews from visitors, who particularly praise special exhibits such as the recent store of Hudson River School paintings.

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The Winterthur Museum is the estate of horticulturalist Henry Francis du Pont and the site holds an impressive store of artefacts collected by the late proprietor, including vintage cars. Some 90,000 decorative objects are on display, from evocative still-life paintings to ornate vases, while manicured gardens sprawl for 60 acres. However, the treasure-filled site still came out as Delaware’s most overrated attraction. Some visitors were underwhelmed by the site’s historic home tour, while others suggest the attraction could be more organised. 

The Sunshine State is probably the last place you’d expect to find a snow park – but Snowcat Ridge in Dade City (pictured) is exactly that. You’ll find giant snow tubing slopes, a cute Alpine-style village and an 'Arctic Igloo' that houses a snowy play area. However, unfortunately the reviews often fall short – surprisingly some complain that there’s not enough snow, while others say they don’t believe the place is good value for money. 

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Florida’s stellar arts scene is often overshadowed by dazzling Disney parks and powder-white beaches. But many of the state’s art institutions can more than hold their own. Among them is the Wiener Museum of Decorative Arts, an art powerhouse with impressive collections of Chihuly-sculpted glass, Royal Doulton ceramics and fine British pottery. It's located in the sunny beach city of Hollywood. Note that the museum is temporarily closed for rebuilding projects. 

You’ll find many treasure-filled house museums along the charming, oak-lined streets of Savannah and among them is this one, which was built for Hugh Weedon Mercer, a former US army officer and Confederate general. Finished in 1868, the architecture is a blend of the Renaissance Revival style and Greek and Italianate influences, and the interiors are filled with chandeliers, period paintings and ceramics. It was also made famous by acclaimed John Berendt novel Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. Yet, sadly, many Tripadvisor reviewers say they felt rushed on the tour. 

Named for a key patron, this museum bills itself as a “dynamic, interdisciplinary centre for the study of art and culture” and houses an impressive collection of artefacts – from stone and bronze Buddhas to the oldest Egyptian mummy in the Americas. There’s also a magnificent store of drawings in the Works of Art on Paper collection. The place gets glowing reviews, with visitors describing it as “first-rate” and “a real treat”.

Molokini is a volcanic, half-moon-shaped crater that’s seen from above in this striking shot. Located just off the coast of Maui, it's a popular spot for snorkelling and diving, with colourful marine life ranging from reef triggerfish to white-spotted puffer frolicking in the crystal-clear waters. But, surprisingly, it comes out as Hawaii's most overrated attraction – on Tripadvisor, travellers complain of overcrowding and seeing less sea life than they expected. 

The Aloha State has natural wonders aplenty, but it's this lesser-known beauty that comes out as Hawaii's number-one underrated attraction. A short drive from popular Waikiki, the Spitting Cave of Portlock is exactly what it sounds like. Waves crash into the craggy coastal cavern, then burst out as if the rocks are forcefully spitting. Savvy visitors say they can't believe that more people don't make the trip. 

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It's well worth visiting Yellowstone National Park to try to see Idaho's most majestic residents in the wild – but some travellers opt to visit them at Yellowstone Bear World, a drive-thru wildlife park about 90 minutes southwest of Yellowstone. Sadly, though, some visitors complain of below-par animal welfare standards and overcrowding. Best stick to viewing animals in their natural habitats. 

The LEGOLAND Discovery Center bills itself as the "ultimate indoor LEGO playground", with attractions including atmospheric dark rides, a virtual reality experience, a pirate-themed playground and a 4D cinema. However, not all Tripadvisor users agree. Visitors complain of overpriced tickets and regular ride closures. 

America's Gilded Age is celebrated at this under-the-radar museum, named for its founder, philanthropist and businessman Richard H Driehaus. It's home to a dazzling collection, with highlights including Tiffany lamps and fine vintage pianos. Visitors praise the brilliant store of items on show, as well as the interiors themselves, with multiple ornate fireplaces and a stained-glass skylight.

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This family-focused amusement park in Indiana's northwest has all the usual trappings: dizzying roller coasters and thrill rides, twisting slides and a splash pad, plus plenty of cheerful shopping and dining options. Yet the park has more "terrible" ratings on Tripadvisor than it does "excellent": guests regularly complain about poor customer service and closed rides. 

Many Tripadvisor reviewers think this graceful, Neoclassical-style war memorial should get way more attention than it does. It's a striking sight, with soaring Ionic columns and a triangular dome, and it houses an intriguing war museum. Highlights include the Shrine Room, a cavernous space built with materials from across the globe intended to symbolise unity.

Art lovers in Iowa should beeline for the Des Moines Art Center, whose far-reaching collection includes landmark works from big names like Georgia O'Keeffe and Edward Hopper. You'll see work in the mediums of sculpture, fibre, photography and print, and many visitors say their highlight is the John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park, where striking installations are spread across more than four acres.

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Fewer visitors make for this cave and museum in the south of the state – but according to the data, they should. The attraction includes a complex of caverns that unfolds beneath the aptly named city of Horse Cave, plus a museum with detailed exhibits about the USA's fascinating cave systems. The museum is tipped as the only one of its kind in the country. 

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This dinky museum in the Big Easy is dedicated to voodoo, with a tiny tangle of rooms filled with dolls, ceremonial masks and artworks, plus information panels explaining the history and culture of the religion. Unfortunately, though, many visitors using Tripadvisor were disappointed with the museum's limited size.

Another art gallery comes in top for Louisiana's most underrated attraction. This time it's the RW Norton Art Gallery, in the under-the-radar city of Shreveport. The collection covers a period of more than 4,000 years and includes some 400 paintings in impressive rooms with vaulted ceilings. Be sure to explore the botanical gardens too. 

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It's a surprising choice for Maine's most overrated attraction: the quaint Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse, occupying a craggy perch in breathtaking Acadia National Park. The site is no stranger to lists of America's most eye-catching views, but many visitors say that the rocky path to the beacon could be dangerous and state that parking is an issue due to overcrowding. 

One of Maryland's most underrated attractions is located in one of the USA's most underrated cities. Baltimore isn't always held up as a top holiday destination, but it has some fabulous tourist spots, as well as stellar arts and food scenes. Among the sights is the excellent Baltimore Museum of Industry, which hosts exhibits covering everything from Baltimore's role in the early automobile industry to the food brands that got a start in the city. You'll also see recreations of a 1910 pharmacy and a historic print shop. 

It may be simple, but this boulder has great significance – it is widely thought to be the spot where early pilgrims disembarked the Mayflower ship in 1620. It's now part of the Pilgrim Memorial State Park and protected by a graceful portico. Nevertheless, not all visitors are impressed. Many travellers say they found the rock underwhelming, particularly since there's no concrete historical evidence that this was the Mayflower's arrival site. 

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The Walker Art Center is often billed among Minneapolis' top attractions, but according to Tripadvisor users, the museum – which includes striking contemporary art displays and a sprawling landscaped sculpture garden – is overrated. Some visitors complain about a confusing layout, while others begrudged the £14 ($18) entrance fee.

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Instead, Tripadvisor users would recommend you go to the Minnesota Marine Art Museum for your creative fix. Though much more niche, visitors say it's well worth your time, with its huge store of magnificent artworks all inspired by the water. Pore over historic paintings and avant-garde contemporary pieces that all conjure images of lakes, oceans and rivers. 

Tripadvisor reviews would have you visit the not-for-profit Institute for Marine Mammal Studies in Gulfport instead. The facility is committed to the rescue and rehabilitation of various marine creatures, from dolphins to turtles, and always releases the mammals back into the wild once it's safe to do so. 

Several scenic railways made the list of America's most overrated attractions – and the Branson Scenic Railway doesn't manage to buck the trend. The brightly painted trains chug through the foothills of the Ozark Mountains, winding through tunnels and vaulting over waterways. Most negative Tripadvisor reviews revolve around the forest views, which users say are less spectacular than they had hoped.

The flower-filled Ewing and Muriel Kauffman Memorial Garden gets much higher ratings from Tripadvisor reviewers. It honours philanthropist and business owner Ewing Kauffman and his wife, Muriel, also a donor and community leader. Come by to wander through beds laced with colourful perennials and pay your respects at the Kauffman burial site. 

Bozeman's Montana Grizzly Encounter – just an hour away from Yellowstone National Park – exists to rescue and rehabilitate bears who have been held in captivity, and also educate the public about these majestic mammals. However, Tripadvisor reviewers raise concerns about the bear enclosures and some also complain of seeing fewer bears than they'd have liked to. 

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Montana is best known for its cinematic landscapes and natural wonders – but it's actually Bozeman's American Computer and Robotics Museum that comes out top here. Hailed as the oldest continually operating museum of its kind on the planet, you can duck your head in to see fascinating displays, including some of the world's earliest personal computers.

Nebraska's most overrated attraction is in its biggest city, Omaha, itself an underrated urban hub with top-notch museums and restaurants aplenty. However, the city's zoo – home to species including orangutans and elephants – isn't a hit with visitors. Reviewers say enclosures are poorly designed for viewing and that dining options are limited. 

The Museum of American Speed, in the Nebraskan capital of Lincoln, is a triumph with visitors. Exhibits plot the history of racing, with displays of vintage motor cars, plus an impressive gallery showcasing automotive artwork. Special events also draw in petrolheads for road tours and showcases. 

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This overrated Sin City experience has actually closed since the release of this data – which suggests its placement was spot on. Previously, visitors could immerse themselves in the world of crime drama CSI by solving their own murder mysteries in makeshift crime scenes. However, guests say the quests are too easy and the price tag too high. Make for the iconic Vegas Strip (pictured) instead. 

Great Basin is one of America's most underrated national park sites, and that's a real shame. It wows both above and below the ground, with a dazzling cave system beneath and a sea of mountains up top. One of the most striking is Wheeler Peak, a thrusting mountain (pictured here in the grip of fall) that can be viewed on the 12-mile (19km) Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive.

Though this eye-popping autumn snap might make it hard to believe, the Conway Scenic Railroad came out as New Hampshire's most overrated attraction. Trains rattle through the countryside of Mount Washington Valley and Crawford Notch, with special excursions including a fall jaunt to a pumpkin patch and a retro trip on a train with 1950s streamlined passenger cars. Yet visitors say that dense forest obscures what might otherwise be spectacular views. 

At the other end of the scale, visitors really rate Wolfeboro's Wright Museum of World War II. Some 14,000 items make up a poignant collection related to the Second World War, and there are also displays of working military vehicles. Meanwhile, popular events include a lecture series and the chance to explore the museum after dark. 

Another gambling venue that falls short on Tripadvisor, Ocean Resort Casino is located in Atlantic City, the East Coast's answer to Las Vegas. The boardwalk strip is lined with restaurants and casinos, but visitors have a few complaints about this one. Despite the casino's stellar oceanside location, some travellers say that service is lacking and that the property could do with a few updates. 

History and nature combine in this underrated National Historical Park in northeastern New Jersey. This was the USA's very first planned industrial city, founded towards the end of the 18th century. And the mills and factory buildings were all arranged around the gushing Great Falls of the Passaic River, which still cascade today. Come by for a guided tour to learn the site's fascinating history.

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Many painters were inspired by the beautiful city of Santa Fe, with its mountain backdrop and centuries-old missions – but most famous of all was Georgia O'Keeffe. There's a museum dedicated to her work in the city, and it's usually hailed as one of New Mexico's top tourist attractions. However, it failed to impress the travellers showcased in this data. Negative Tripadvisor reviews say that the collection is smaller than expected and the gallery space too crowded.

Many maintain that this Frank Lloyd Wright-designed building in New York City's Upper East Side is dazzling both inside and out. There's the striking, swirling white facade and, inside, a magnificent skylight as well as eclectic art exhibitions. However, some Tripadvisor users disagree, saying that, while the building is a head turner, the collection is lacklustre. 

Strike about 14 miles (23km) north of New York City's 'green lung', Central Park, and you'll find a smaller, less touristed and extremely underrated green space. Located in well-heeled Westchester County, in the NYC suburb of Yonkers, Untermyer Gardens spreads out for 43 acres, filled with rainbow-coloured rhododendrons, rows of vegetables and, soon, an impressive floral sundial. There's also a funky 'ruin garden' too. 

Tourist-facing railways don't fare well on this list, and the data bills the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad as the most overrated spot in North Carolina. Trains beat through the fabled Smokies, hugging the Tennessee and Nantahala rivers. However, some passengers complain about the quality of the food onboard and the price tag.

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Skip the rails and embrace nature instead: North Carolina's most underrated attraction is this charming garden complex in the southeast of the state. You'll stumble across a serene Japanese area complete with a tea house, a fairy-tale garden geared towards kids and a beautiful blooming rose garden as you wander the site's seven acres.

This scenic railway is usually dubbed a top way to experience the bucolic Cuyahoga Valley, with trains running from the little village of Peninsula towards the city of Akron. The National Park Scenic Excursion is a favoured outing: you'll sweep through the park in the vintage rail car drinking in forested views. Yet Tripadvisor reviewers say they wish there was narration onboard and that they tired of the woodland vistas after a while.

Head towards Dayton and this charming museum, which purports to hold the biggest collection of Packard cars and relics on offer in the United States. Some 50 automobiles bring to life the history of the Packard Motor Car Company, which was founded at the end of the 19th century. Car-lovers should look out for special exhibitions too. 

Oklahoma's second city is rarely on the tourist circuit – but if you do manage to visit, Tripadvisor reviewers say you should avoid the River Spirit Casino Resort. It's got all the usual table games and slot machines, plus poker – but guests advise that there are better casinos in the area, complaining of poor service.

Swap a night of gambling for a mighty dose of history at the 45th Infantry Division Museum. Tripadvisor reviewers have catapulted this into first place as Oklahoma's most underrated attraction. Visit for a deep dive into the story of the Thunderbirds (officially the 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team), told through an eclectic store of military artefacts. 

The Mount Hood Railroad offers excursions through the city's bucolic surrounds, with epic views of Mount Hood, plus orchards and vineyards. Yet not all passengers are impressed. There is not a huge store of Tripadvisor reviews, but some say the journey is not worth the money. 

Another automotive museum has come out as Oregon's most underrated attraction. This time it's the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum in the picturesque city of Hood River, known for its cinematic views of Mount Hood. The museum's USP is the fact that it has one of the USA's biggest holdings of still-driving and still-flying antique cars and aeroplanes.

On a sunny day, Pennsylvania's Idlewild and Soak Zone might seem like the ideal place to take the kids. It dubs itself 'Pittsburgh's best amusement park' and is complete with fun slides and wave pools, plus soft rides geared towards little ones and fast coasters for the bigger kids. But not all reviews sing the park's praises – several say the site is in need of maintenance, while others claim it's not worth the price tag.

Philadelphia is known for its revolutionary history, with landmark sites such as the Liberty Bell Center and Independence Hall. But the National Liberty Museum is a lesser-known museum offering insights into this tumultuous period of America's past. The permanent exhibitions spread over four floors and include a replica of the Liberty Bell, an impressive glass sculpture named Flame of Liberty by Dale Chihuly; and a hall dedicated to those who continue to fight for freedom across the world. 

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Newport is well-known for its glittering Gilded Age mansions, featuring rooms thick with chandeliers and grand swirling staircases, and grounds dotted with fountains and topiary. But not all Tripadvisor users are bowled over by the beauty of Rosecliff – various reviewers comment that the mansion is underwhelming and that there is less to see here than in other Newport homes. 

Luckily, there's more to Newport than Gilded Age mansions. Head to the National Museum of American Illustration, which is listed as the state's most underrated attraction. It's housed in the sumptuous Vernon Court, which is said to rival large estates like Biltmore and The Breakers, and showcases a fabulous selection of Gilded Age-era illustrations. Note that the museum is temporarily closed for renovations. 

Ripley's has attractions the world over, but Tripadvisor reviewers are largely unimpressed with the offering in Myrtle Beach. The coastal city is home to an outpost of Ripley's Believe It or Not!, a whimsical and family-friendly museum that focuses on curios and oddities. However, a good slew of reviews say that the exhibitions failed to wow them and that the attraction is overpriced. 

Happily, though, there's plenty to do in the seaside city of Myrtle Beach (photographed here in the midst of a candy-floss sunset), from riding the SkyWheel (pictured) to relaxing on sugar-white sands. You can also visit the Franklin G Burroughs-Simeon B Chapin Art Museum, listed as the state's most underrated tourist spot. 

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When it's eventually finished, this mammoth statue in the Black Hills will be the largest mountain carving in the world (and it's currently the biggest in progress). It depicts Lakota war hero Crazy Horse, and has been under construction since 1948, when the first blast on the mountain occurred. However, some visitors say the gargantuan effigy is not worth the trip, lamenting the entrance fee and the fact that the monument still isn't completed. 

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An hour northeast of the Crazy Horse Memorial, you'll find the Museum of Geology in Rapid City – an attraction that Tripadvisor reviewers say is more worthy of your time. The museum is in a region that's rich in fossils and displays showcase everything from precious minerals to ancient bones. 

Memphis itself is an underrated city, not least because of gems like this. The Belz Museum of Asian and Judaic Art has been going strong for some 25 years and now contains more than 1,400 artefacts, from jade sculptures to ornate ceramics. There's also an impressive store of Judaic art from a range of contemporary Jewish artists.

It's another blow for the LEGOLAND Discovery Center, this time in the Grapevine Mills mall, in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. The indoor playground has meet and greets with LEGO characters, a behind-the-scenes experience at the LEGO factory and a series of themed, kid-friendly rides and amusements. However, a string of Tripadvisor reviews say it's not worth the money. 

Though this historic building is now used by Arlington Baptist University, it's had many guises over the years. It began life as a tearoom in the 1920s and quickly drew in punters with its mouth-watering chicken-fried steaks, before becoming a Prohibition-era nightclub with illegal alcohol and gambling. Now the property retains the striking original turreted gates and organised tours tell its raucous history. 

Southern Utah's Zion National Park has some of the country's most spectacular hiking trails, but Tripadvisor reviews say this one left them wanting. A choice of routes lead through red rocks to a string of waterfalls and bright turquoise pools – however, hikers say that they don't pack as much of a punch as Zion's other dizzying treks. 

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Zion, Arches and Bryce Canyon get much of the love in Utah – but Capitol Reef, another of Utah's 'Mighty Five' national parks, is well worth a visit. Blazing red rockscapes, plunging canyons and natural bridges – all uncovered by miles of rugged hiking trails – await visitors. It's a top spot for backcountry horseback riding and stargazing too. 

You'll find this science and nature museum in Vermont's biggest city, Burlington. Displays are dedicated to everything from sprawling Lake Champlain to Indigenous peoples and their connections to the landscape. There are also live animal exhibits. However, some reviews state that the venue is dated and that the admission fee is too high for the size of the place. 

Around 160 miles (257km) southeast of Burlington, you'll stumble upon the city of Manchester and the state's most underrated attraction. This estate belonged to Robert Lincoln, the son of 16th president Abraham Lincoln, and the president of the Pullman Company. Visitors can tour the elegant Georgian Revival mansion, filled with period furniture, then explore the formal gardens and observatory. 

Williamsburg Pottery has a long history, having been established back in 1938 – and the retail outlet remains a one-stop shop for home goods, garden bits and local gourmet specialities. Customers snap up Virginia wine and beer, plants and patio furniture, as well as candles and lamps, but not everyone is impressed. The outlet has more "terrible" reviews than all other categories, with punters saying that prices are too high. 

According to Tripadvisor, Virginia does the outdoors better than it does shopping, with Meadowlark Botanical Gardens coming in as the state's most underrated spot. Visit to discover a tangle of manicured, flower-filled plots, koi ponds and forested areas, which are particularly spectacular in autumn. Meadowlark's Winter Walk of Lights is a highlight of Vienna's social calendar too.  

The name of this park is fitting given its ranking in the data. Cape Disappointment State Park – whose name is actually a reference to Captain John Meares' failed voyage to the Columbia River – comes out as Washington's most overrated place. The park greets visitors with a historic lighthouse, trails through old-growth woodland and views over the ocean. 

The data has Seattle's Kubota Garden as the state's most underrated spot – and we think it's a good choice. Kubota is a serene, Japanese-inspired garden laced with graceful bridges, spring-fed ponds, flower-filled terraces and an intricate stone garden. Trails for a range of abilities wiggle throughout the peaceful spaces. 

In West Virginia we see yet another casino falling short. You'll find the Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races, a horse-racing facility in West Virginia's far east. Tripadvisor reviewers complain about the drink prices and a smoky atmosphere. 

If you're after total relaxation, head to this salt cave and spa in southeastern West Virginia. The cave's air – which is saturated with negative ions from thousands of pounds of Himalayan salt – is said to have a calming effect, as well as various health benefits. The swish spa, offering indulgent treatments from facials to massages, will have you extra relaxed too. White Sulphur Springs' other major tourist attraction is the sumptuous Greenbrier Resort (pictured), tipped as America's first.

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If you're in the Wisconsin Dells area, Tripadvisor reviewers suggest you needn't bother visiting Mt Olympus Water and Theme Park Resort. There's an indoor and outdoor waterpark, with towering slides and a lazy river, plus roller coasters and a go-kart track at the outdoor theme park. However, visitors complain of high prices and overcrowding. 

The Chudnow Museum of Yesteryear (pictured) – a 19th-century home filled with curios, which the data selected as Wisconsin's most underrated attraction – has sadly since shuttered. But the underrated city of Milwaukee has plenty of other little-visited tourist attractions. We recommend the fabulous Milwaukee Art Museum and the Milwaukee Public Market, which is filled with local vendors. 

Old Faithful is one of Yellowstone National Park's most talked-about sights – the impressive geyser spurts water more than 100 feet (30m) into the air at regular intervals around 20 times per day. Yet many Tripadvisor visitors complain about the crowds and say the natural spectacle is overrated. 

Another of Wyoming's storied natural wonders took the prize for the state's most underrated attraction. Those in the know come to these geothermal hot springs in Bridger-Teton National Forest, which have been developed into a pool with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. It's especially magical in winter, when the landscapes are dusted with snow, and you can zip towards the pool on a snowmobile or dog sled. Picnic tables dot the area too. 

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