Visiting the United States off the beaten track? The choice is wide, but the almost unknown state capitals offer a great alternative to New York, Boston or San Francisco. Presentations.
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Didier Forray
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And New YorkLos Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, Dallas or Miami stand out as the most populated and best-known metropolises in the UNITED STATESnone of these cities has the status of its state capital.
Our selection invites you to explore 10 capitals that are often totally unknown to tourists. Another America, authentic and off the beaten track!
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1. Sacramento (California): the most Western
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150 km northeast of San Francisco, Sacramento was founded in 1848, in the midst of the gold rush frenzy. The city then marked the terminus of the railway line that linked the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. The alleys of the old town have preserved the architecture of the time and give the strange impression of walking through the decor of a Western.
The California Railroad Museum recounts the saga of the arrival of the iron horse. The museum brings some twenty locomotives back to life, including an 1862 Central Pacific.
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2. Tallahassee (Florida): the most student
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Tallahassee is not just an administrative capital: the city is home to some of the best universities in Florida. The large student population represents almost a quarter of the 200,000 inhabitants. Better still, Florida State University invites visitors to discover its very own fine arts museum, MoFA.
The old Capitol, built in 1845, gave way to a new Capitol in 1977. The original building now houses a museum. Climb up to the observatory set up in the adjacent tower and dominate the city.
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3. Albany (New York): the most natural
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Among the major cities of the United States at the beginning of the 19th century, Albany was largely overtaken by the explosion of metropolises on the East Coast. However, it retained its status as the capital. The city has also kept a privileged link with nature. Go on an adventure in John Boyd Thacher State Park, renowned for its fossils and waterfalls. The Albany Pine Bush Reserve is home to a rare species of butterfly, the distinguished Plebejus Melissa Samuelis.
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The Irish American Heritage Museum highlights Irish immigration history.
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4. Harrisburg (Pennsylvania): the most historic
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A strategic city during the Civil War, Harrisburg robbed Philadelphia of the title of capital of Pennsylvania. Visit the National Civil War Museum, a museum founded in 2001 that chronicles the American Civil War comprehensively. The collection brings together more than 24,000 objects, manuscripts, photographs and documents. Another place to see: the State Museum of Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania State History Museum
For stunning views of the city, wander Riverfront Park, a landscaped park along the Susquehanna River.
5. Montpelier (Vermont): the most gourmet
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Montpelier appears as the smallest state capital in the USA, with less than 8000 inhabitants. This city on a human scale has some tasty surprises in store for you: wander through the vineyards of the North Branch estate and become an expert on maple syrup during a visit to the Bragg Farm Sugar House. Continue to one of the main factories of the famous Ben & Jerry’s ice cream parlour, 20 km from the center of Montpelier. Taste new flavors!
Cross the Coburn Covered Bridge, built in 1851, one of the finest covered bridges in the country.
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6. Springfield (Illinois): the most political
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Although surpassed by Chicago, Springfield retains a special place in American history. The capital of Illinois remains marked by the imprint of Abraham Lincoln, who lived there from 1837 to 1861 and began his political career. Visit his opulent home and bow before his tomb, a grand monument. Another symbol: it is here that Barack Obama launched his presidential candidacy in 2007.
A stopover on Route 66, Springfield is home to the improbable gas station museum. Its founder, Bill Shea, has put together a unique collection!
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7. Baton Rouge (Louisiana): the most port
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Eighty miles northwest of New Orleans, Baton Rouge remains an industrially vibrant city, with one of the largest ports on the Mississippi and an active oil terminal. Board the USS Kidd, a former World War II destroyer converted into a museum. At the end of the day, watch the sunset over the Mississippi from Riverfront Plaza and the docks.
For panoramic views of the city and the Mississippi, climb to the observatory at the top of the Capitol. Free entry !
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8. Austin (Texas) : la plus high-tech
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Located about 300 km south of Dallas, Austin rivals California’s Silicon Valley. Silicon Hills is home to the big names in American computing, from Dell to Texas Instruments via IBM, Oracle and Apple. New technologies also invite themselves into the creations of the South by Southwest music festival in March. Also, don’t miss a look at the surprising pink granite Capitol.
The Ann Richards Congress Avenue Bridge is home to the largest urban bat colony in the world. To see at nightfall!
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9. Carson City (Nevada): the most cultural
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Far from the casinos of Las Vegas, Carson City has retained its Victorian atmosphere. This elegant little town has many museums, starting with the Nevada State Museum, which evokes the conquest of the West. Also visit the Warren Engine Company No. 1, transformed into a museum, and the Brewery Arts Center, a brewery transformed into an art gallery.
About 30 minutes from Carson City by car, admire the crystal clear waters of Lake Tahoe. Discover the largest mountain lake in North America and the second deepest lake in the USA.
10. Olympia (Washington): the most artistic
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In the shadow of Seattle, Olympia is a green and peaceful capital of 55,000 inhabitants. The city is dominated by the Capitol and state administration buildings. Olympia stands out above all for its Street Art and more than 70 original frescoes. Compulsory selfie in front of the Rainbow Rails, an old railway line whose sleepers have been painted.
For lunch, you will find your happiness at the Olympia Farmer’s Market, a market that brings together a hundred farmers. Open Thursday through Saturday on Capitol Way.
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