50 States Challenge: Epic Bonus Goals for an Unforgettable Adventure

There's something uniquely American about the "50 States Challenge" – the ambitious goal to set foot in every state across our diverse nation. While crossing state lines can earn you those coveted checkmarks on your travel map, adding thoughtful bonus goals can transform a simple geographic achievement into a rich tapestry of experiences that tell the story of America – and your journey through it.

Whether you're a seasoned traveler already halfway through your 50-state quest or just beginning to plan this bucket-list adventure, incorporating themed challenges can add depth, direction, and delightful memories to your travels. These bonus goals not only make your journey more meaningful but also guide you toward authentic experiences you might otherwise miss.

Let's explore some fantastic bonus goals to supercharge your 50-state adventure!

50 States Goals:

• Sports Fan's Paradise: Visit All Major League Ballparks

• Culinary Adventure: Sample Iconic Local Foods

• Nature Lover's Challenge: Photograph the Tallest Waterfall in Each State

• Presidential History Tour: Visit Presidential Birthplaces, Homes, and Libraries

• Sweet Tooth Satisfaction: Ice Cream Across America

• Roadside Americana: Visit Quirky Attractions in Each State

• Birder's Delight: Photograph Every State Bird

• Small Town America: Visit the Smallest Incorporated Town in Each State

• Planning Your Multi-Goal Adventure

  
  

Sports Fan's Paradise: Visit All Major League Ballparks

For baseball enthusiasts, combining your state quest with a tour of America's cathedrals of baseball creates the perfect marriage of travel goals. With 30 MLB stadiums spread across 17 states and Washington D.C., this challenge covers a significant portion of your state list while immersing you in America's pastime.

Notable experiences include:

• Watching a Red Sox game at historic Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts, America's oldest MLB stadium (opened 1912)

• Experiencing the perfect blend of modern amenities and classic baseball atmosphere at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with its stunning views of the city skyline

• Taking in a Dodgers game at Chavez Ravine in Los Angeles, California, where the weather is almost always perfect for baseball

• Visiting the iconic Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois, with its ivy-covered walls and hand-operated scoreboard

• Attending a Mariners game at T-Mobile Park in Seattle, Washington, where you might need to dodge raindrops but can enjoy amazing local seafood while watching the game

Pro tip: Plan your baseball stadium visits during interleague play to maximize the number of teams you can see with fewer games!

Culinary Adventure: Sample Iconic Local Foods

Every region in America boasts distinctive culinary traditions that tell the story of its people, history, and geography. Making it your mission to sample the signature dish of each state creates a delicious motivation to explore beyond tourist traps.

Some must-try regional specialties include:

• Gooey butter cake in Missouri, a St. Louis specialty with a sweet, custard-like top layer and cake-like bottom

• Fresh lobster rolls in Maine, ideally enjoyed at a waterfront shack where you can watch the boats come in

• New York Style Pizza or a sandwich at a delicatessen

• Burnt ends in Kansas City, Missouri, where barbecue is their claim to fame

• Chicago is known for loaded hot dogs and deep-dish pizza

• Nashville hot chicken in Tennessee, a fiery, spicy creation that's become a national sensation

• Hatch green chile dishes in New Mexico, where the state question might as well be "red or green?"

• Cuban sandwiches in Florida, particularly perfect in Tampa or Miami

• Wild-caught salmon in Alaska, perhaps prepared traditionally by local Indigenous communities

• Fort Worth Stockyards in Texas serves up juicy thick steaks

• Cheese curds in Wisconsin that squeak when fresh, best enjoyed at a local dairy

This delicious bonus goal encourages you to connect with locals for recommendations and often leads to finding hidden gem restaurants that aren't typical travel guides.

Nature Lover's Challenge: Photograph the Tallest Waterfall in Each State

For outdoor enthusiasts, tracking down and photographing the tallest waterfall in each state combines natural beauty with the thrill of the hunt. This goal will lead you to some of America's most breathtaking landscapes while developing your photography skills.

Some spectacular waterfalls to add to your list:

• Yosemite Falls in California, with its impressive 2,425-foot drop through three magnificent sections

• Multnomah Falls in Oregon, a stunning 620-foot cascade accessible via a short hike

• Akaka Falls in Hawaii, dropping 442 feet through lush tropical rainforest

• Fall Creek Falls in Tennessee, is the highest waterfall in the eastern United States at 256 feet

• Palouse Falls in Washington, where waters plunge 198 feet through a dramatic canyon

• Ruby Falls in Tennessee, a 145-foot underground waterfall illuminated by colored lights

• Arethusa Falls in New Hampshire, New England's tallest single-drop waterfall at approximately 160 feet

This challenge often requires venturing beyond main highways, leading to discoveries of less-visited natural wonders along your journey.

Public Lands Explorer: Visit a State Park in Each State

While national parks get most of the glory, state parks often provide equally magnificent landscapes with far fewer crowds. Committing to visit at least one state park in each state introduces you to locally treasured natural areas you might otherwise bypass.

Some exceptional state parks include:

• Custer State Park in South Dakota, where you can drive the Wildlife Loop Road and encounter free-roaming bison

• Cumberland Falls in Kentucky is home to America's only reliable moonbow

• Fall Creek Falls State Park in Tennessee, is home to cascading waterfalls and over 34 miles of hiking trails

• Echo Bluff State Park in Missouri is home to wild horses, beautiful bluffs, and canoeing

• Hunting Island State Park in South Carolina features a historic lighthouse and pristine beaches

• Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas welcomes guests to dig for their souvenir diamonds

• Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in California, the largest state park in the contiguous United States, known for spectacular wildflower blooms

• Baxter State Park in Maine, home to Mount Katahdin and the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail

• Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada, where vibrant red sandstone formations create otherworldly landscapes

• Cama Beach State Park in Washington offers historic cabins on the waterfront of Puget Sound.

State parks often provide excellent value with lower entrance fees than national parks while showcasing each region's unique natural character.

Presidential History Tour: Visit Presidential Birthplaces, Homes, and Libraries

American history buffs can enrich their 50-state journey by visiting sites connected to U.S. presidents. This educational bonus goal provides fascinating insights into the lives of leaders who shaped our nation.

Significant presidential sites include:

• Mount Vernon in Virginia, George Washington's meticulously preserved estate

• Monticello in Virginia, Thomas Jefferson's architectural masterpiece and personal sanctuary

• Abraham Lincoln's birthplace in Hodgenville, Kentucky, features a memorial building housing a symbolic cabin

• Harry S. Truman Library and Museum in Independence, Missouri, where you can see a replica of the Oval Office

• Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota, preserving the landscape that shaped the conservation-minded president

• Jimmy Carter National Historical Park in Georgia, including his boyhood farm and high school

• John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston, Massachusetts, with stunning views of Boston Harbor

This history-focused challenge naturally leads you through battlefields, historic homes, and museums that deepen your understanding of American history.

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction: Ice Cream Across America

For a deliciously lighthearted bonus goal, why not sample local ice cream in each state? From historic ice cream parlors to innovative artisanal creameries, this sweet challenge highlights regional flavors and America's love affair with this frozen treat.

Standout ice cream experiences include:

• Black raspberry chip at Graeter's in Ohio, made using the French Pot process

• Original flavors at Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams in multiple states, particularly at their Ohio flagship

• Lobster ice cream at Ben & Bill's Chocolate Emporium in Maine (yes, with real lobster chunks!)

• Bittersweet chocolate with sea salt at Bi-Rite Creamery in San Francisco, California

• Unique flavors like lavender honey at Salt & Straw in Oregon

• Bourbon and cornflake ice cream at Morgenstern's in New York

• Gooey butter cake ice cream at Clementine's in Missouri

This delicious challenge often leads to lighthearted conversations with locals about their favorite flavors and shops, creating sweet memories alongside your frozen treats.

Roadside Americana: Visit Quirky Attractions in Each State

America's highways are dotted with delightfully bizarre attractions that showcase our national love of the weird and wonderful. Making it your mission to visit at least one quirky roadside oddity in each state adds elements of whimsy and surprise to your travels.

Unforgettable roadside attractions include:

• Elwood, the World's Largest Concrete Garden Gnome in Ames, Iowa

• Cadillac Ranch in Texas, where ten Cadillacs stand buried nose-down in the desert

• The World's Largest Ball of Twine in Cawker City, Kansas

• The Trollway, featuring wooden trolls scattered throughout Mount Horeb, Wisconsin

• Foamhenge in Virginia, a full-size replica of Stonehenge made entirely of styrofoam

• The Corn Palace in Mitchell, South Dakota, is decorated annually with thousands of bushels of corn and grains

• The International Banana Museum in California houses the world's largest collection dedicated to a single fruit

• The Blue Whale of Catoosa along Route 66 in Oklahoma

• Lucy the Elephant in Margate City, New Jersey, a six-story elephant-shaped building from 1881

These offbeat attractions often make for the most memorable photos and stories from your journey, while providing welcome breaks during long drives.

Birder's Delight: Photograph Every State Bird

For nature photographers and bird enthusiasts, attempting to photograph each official state bird in its natural habitat combines wildlife watching with a scavenger hunt. This challenge connects you with local ecosystems and conservation efforts across the country.

Notable state birds to capture include:

• The California quail in California, with its distinctive topknot plume

• The scissor-tailed flycatcher in Oklahoma, known for its spectacular long tail

• The common loon in Minnesota often heard calling across northern lakes

• The nene (Hawaiian goose) in Hawaii, is an endangered species found nowhere else in the world

• The northern cardinal in seven states including Ohio and Virginia, beloved for its brilliant red plumage

• The western meadowlark in six western states including Montana and Wyoming, recognized by its melodious song

• The ruffed grouse in Pennsylvania, a forest-dwelling bird that creates a distinctive "drumming" sound

This challenge naturally leads you to wildlife refuges, state parks, and natural areas where you can enjoy peaceful moments connecting with nature.

Political Architecture Tour: Visit Every State Capitol

For architecture enthusiasts and government buffs, visiting all 50 state capitol buildings provides a fascinating study of American political architecture while ensuring you reach the heart of each state. These buildings range from simple historic structures to elaborate domed masterpieces.

Remarkable state capitols include:

• The rotunda ceiling of the Texas State House features a star

• The Massachusetts State House in Boston with its distinctive gold dome

• The honey-colored Nebraska State Capitol in Lincoln, a 400-foot art deco tower visible for miles

• The Alaska State Capitol in Juneau, an unassuming building that reflects the state's practical frontier spirit

• The Rhode Island State House in Providence, topped with the world's fourth-largest self-supporting marble dome

• The New Mexico State Capitol in Santa Fe, the only round state capitol in the United States, was designed to resemble the Zia sun symbol.

• The ornate Texas State Capitol in Austin, built from sunset-red granite

• The Hawaii State Capitol in Honolulu, with its distinctive columns resembling palm trees and reflecting pools representing the Pacific Ocean

Many capitol buildings offer free guided tours, providing an educational dimension to your visit while showcasing artwork and architecture unique to each state.

Urban Explorer: Visit the Largest City in Each State

Cities contain the beating cultural hearts of their regions. By visiting the largest city in each state, you'll experience the diversity of urban America and gain insights into regional differences in everything from architecture to nightlife to food scenes.

Diverse urban experiences include:

• The non-stop energy of New York City, New York, with its iconic skyline and unmatched cultural offerings

• The musical heritage of Nashville, Tennessee, where live music spills from honky-tonks every night of the week

• The distinctive neighborhoods of San Francisco, California, each with its character and microclimate

• The rich Creole culture of New Orleans, Louisiana, where food, music, and celebration are ways of life

• The outdoorsy vibe of Denver, Colorado, where mountain views frame the modern skyline

• The tech-forward yet laid-back atmosphere of Seattle, Washington

• The historic charm of Charleston, South Carolina, with its cobblestone streets and antebellum architecture

This urban-focused challenge ensures you experience the cultural diversity that defines American life beyond rural areas and small towns.

Small Town America: Visit the Smallest Incorporated Town in Each State

Contrasting with the big city challenge, visiting the smallest incorporated town in each state reveals a completely different side of America. These tiny communities often have fascinating stories of resilience and pride in their small but mighty status.

Charming tiny towns include:

• Buford, Wyoming (population: 1), which was famously auctioned off to a Vietnamese businessman

• Monowi, Nebraska (population: 1), where the sole resident serves as mayor, librarian, and bartender

• Lost Springs, Wyoming (population: 4), a former railroad town that refused to disappear

• Funkley, Minnesota (population: 5), home to the Funkley Bar, where the mayor often serves drinks

• Weeki Wachee, Florida (population: 13), famous for its mermaid shows at the natural spring

• Thurmond, West Virginia (population: 5), a once-thriving railroad town now largely preserved as a ghost town

• Ismay, Montana (population: 19), which temporarily renamed itself "Joe" in honor of NFL quarterback Joe Montana

These small towns often offer warm welcomes to visitors intrigued enough to seek them out, creating memorable personal connections during your journey.

Historical Homage: Visit Famous Final Resting Places

For history enthusiasts, visiting notable graves across America provides a unique lens through which to view our national story. From presidents to civil rights leaders to cultural icons, these final resting places often become places of reflection and inspiration.

Significant gravesites include:

• Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia serves as the final resting place for numerous American heroes, including Presidents John F. Kennedy and William Howard Taft, Dr. Anita Newcomb McGee, the pioneering female surgeon in the U.S. Army and founder of the Army Nurse Corps, as well as Five Star Generals Marshall, Arnold, and Bradley.

• Martin Luther King Jr.'s tomb at the King Center in Atlanta, Georgia

• Elvis Presley's grave at Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee

• The modest grave of Johnny Appleseed (John Chapman) in Fort Wayne, Indiana

• Susan B. Anthony's grave in Rochester, New York, where voters leave their "I Voted" stickers on Election Day

• The ornate tomb of Buffalo Bill Cody on Lookout Mountain in Colorado

• The simple marker for Henry David Thoreau in Sleepy Hollow Cemetery in Concord, Massachusetts

This contemplative challenge connects you with American history in a profound way while leading you to beautifully designed cemeteries and memorial parks across the country.

Planning Your Multi-Goal Adventure

When incorporating bonus goals into your 50-state journey, consider these practical tips:

1. Choose complementary goals: Select 2-3 bonus challenges that naturally work together based on your interests and travel style.

2. Use digital tools: Create custom Google Maps with pins for each category of bonus goal to visualize your journey.

3. Build in flexibility: Allow yourself to discover unexpected treasures that might not fit your original goals.

4. Document thoughtfully: Consider creating a dedicated Instagram account, blog, or journal for each bonus challenge.

5. Connect with communities: Join online groups dedicated to specific challenges like stadium-chasers or capitol visitors to gain insider tips.

The Journey Beyond Checkboxes

Although there's a certain satisfaction in marking states off your list, the real magic of the 50-state challenge lies in the areas between borders. By setting thoughtful bonus goals, your travels across the country evolve from a geographic accomplishment into a profound exploration of American culture, history, and landscape.

What will your bonus challenge be?