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Alaska isn’t exactly known for blending in with the crowd. Our businesses are unique, our people are courageous, our land is rugged and even our churches find a way to stick out from the norm. Take this tiny little church in Soldotna, Alaska for example. With just three pews and a handful of bibles, this tiny church gives locals unlimited access to God in a quaint and charming space. Courtney Stanley Head to the tiny town of Soldotna on the Kenai Peninsula and turn right to head down the Kenai Spur Highway from Soldotna heading towards the town of Kenai....

Even though our state is land-locked, that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy a lazy day on a beautiful, crystal clear river. While the weather is still warm, take a trip to the Current River. This premier river in Missouri flows from the southeastern portion of the Ozarks all the way into northeastern Arkansas. Missouri Division of Tourism/flickr The 184-mile river draws in visitors from all over the region to float, kayak, canoe and swim along its vibrant blue water....

If you are a native to Kansas (or ever took an elementary school field trip), you are probably familiar with Hutchinson’s Strataca: Kansas Underground Salt Museum. While you know the general concept of the mine and museum, did you know that you can actually take a tour of the historic, yet still-working mine? Did you also know that: Before becoming the Hutchinson Salt Company, the mines were known as the Carey Salt Company and were originally opened in 1923....

We truly believe that Rutledge Falls is one of the most beautiful depictions of Tennessee hospitality that we’ve ever seen. The falls are privately owned, but are open to the public at the discretion of the owners. They have even gouged a parking lot out of the wilderness – seriously. Hey there, Tennessee. What a beautiful heart, what a beautiful place. Please be safe whenever swimming in the wilderness – the falls can be slippery, and there have been accidents....

More than 83 million years ago, an asteroid the size of Bryany-Denny or Jordan-Hare Stadium hit what is now Elmore County, Alabama, on Wetumpka’s eastern side. After traveling at a speed of 12 miles per hour, this asteroid eventually made contact with land—resulting in a blast that was 175,000 times greater than Hiroshima in 1945. This event is one of Alabama’s greatest natural disasters. And today this historic site is simply known as the Wetumpka Impact Crater....

Tennessee is a gorgeous place, we all know that. But. If you want to see some unseen shots of this southern belle’s hidden beauty, then you have to look to the locals. We are constantly amazed at the beautiful photos our readers send to our Only In Your State – Tennessee Facebook page, and we just HAD to share these ones. We’re seriously breathless – at the talent AND the state....

Earlier this summer, investment website Wallet Hub released an article ranking the 50 states in order of patriotism, with Kansas coming in at no. 22. Umm, investment site say what?! Since we disagree with Kansas coming in toward the middle of the list, we have compiled a list of our own showing why Kansas is actually one of the most patriotic states in the country! Our 11 reasons include: Kansans love to lend a helping hand....

If you grew up in West Virginia there are certain things you’ve probably come to hate over the years. Here are a few of them: When people ask you how far you live from Richmond. Samuel Augustus Mitchell Get a geography book, people. Or a history book or a just a map. Rich Rodriguez One raised eyebrow/flickr He knows what he did. Potholes Michael Gil/Flickr Ugh. These are especially bad after a hard winter....

Montanans are definitely a special kind of people. Not everyone can (or should) live here. It takes a good mix of moxie and laid-back attitude to be a proper Montanan, right? In case you were wondering, here are 10 undeniable ways you know you’re from the state of Montana. This is your idea of nightlife. Bureau of Land Management/flickr If you wanted clubs and raves, you’d be a city slicker. This is just right, thank you very much....

Oregon is known for its artsy cities, dense forests, stunning landscapes and, of course, for being at the end of the Oregon Trail. There are tons of interesting facts about Oregon that they don’t teach you in school though. For instance, you may have never heard these 12 unusual facts about the Beaver State: Oregon is home to a whopping 152 breweries. Plus, Portland has more microbreweries than any other city in the world....

The Great Depression took place mostly in the 1930s after the stock market crashed in 1929. As a result, many Americans were unemployed and most of the banks failed across the country. President Roosevelt tried to turn things around with his reform measures. However, the economy only began to turn around after World War II began. Let’s go back in time to see what life was like in Wyoming during this time....

Sometimes, the photos taken during inclement weather are the most interesting. Rain, fog and storm clouds give familiar places an entirely new dimension. Here are 19 photos of places you might recognize…with a slightly eerie twist. Snowbird Paulimus J./flickr Riding the tram at Snowbird in the fog is a surreal experience. Antelope Island Greg Miller/flickr Antelope Island rising above the fog. Arches National Park Anthony Quintano/flickr Lightning is both scary and stunning....

Let me ask you something: Does this picture take you back to your childhood? Flickr/Brian How about this? Flickr/Brian Wikimedia Commons If you answered yes to either or both of these, you obviously grew up in Kansas and had the best childhood EVER. If you have no idea what I’m talking about, I give you Joyland Amusement Park: Wikimedia Commons Opened in Wichita in 1949, Joyland Amusement Park was originally founded as a home for an antique 12-inch gauge steam locomotive, but quickly grew into a full-blown amusement park complete with a ferris wheel, roller coaster, and other carnival favorites....

San Francisco does not have warm summers, so what do you do if you want to have some summery fun? Look no further than this water park near the city. Check out this overlooked water park that will start you summer in style. Aqua Adventure Waterpark is in Fremont and only 40 miles from San Francisco. Aqua Adventure is a 3-acre family-oriented waterpark located in Fremont on Lake Elizabeth/Central Park....

So many restaurants in Maryland, so little time. While there are a variety of eateries in the Old Line State, it’s safe to say not many of them offer a charming garden atmosphere. The following spot will make you feel like you’re among the French countryside, so prepare to feast your eyes, and your stomach. You can find Cafe Bretton tucked away on a residential road in Severna Park. It’s surrounded by trees, shrubbery, and gardens, which are used to make the freshest French cuisine imaginable....

Fun Fact: Does this image look familiar? That’s because this Idaho landscape is so mind-bogglingly gorgeous that Windows turned it into desktop wallpaper nearly a decade ago. While many people associate Idaho with its rugged mountains and stark rural steppe deserts, those who live here know otherwise. Idaho is home to some of the most diverse ecosystems in the country. But in a landscape made up of endless natural wonders, there are certain places in Idaho where nature just seems to explode with all the magic and colors of the rainbow....

Before there was a McDonald’s on each corner and a gas station in every town, there was this iconic Illinois restaurant that has been popular for over 70 years – and, if you’re a true Illinoisan, you need to visit. Hot dog lovers will find themselves in heaven. If you haven’t eaten at this gem, you’re missing out. Keep scrolling to find out what all makes this place an old-fashioned favorite....

Lagoon has served as Utah’s quintessential amusement park since 1886, when it opened as Lake Park, near the Great Salt Lake. In 1899, it moved to its current location, and the park has added new rides and attractions ever since. These photos show how different it looked 25 years ago. Kiddie Boats Lagoon Amusement Park/Facebook How many Utah scrapbooks contain a photo of the little boats in Mother Goose Land?...

Much like our scenery, parks, and people, Montana’s water quality is top notch. We have dozens and dozens of known hot springs here in the Treasure State, including some wonderful hot springs resorts. But when you just want to go for a nice, relaxing, cleansing swim, there’s really no better place to be than the spring fed pool at Lost Trail Hot Springs. Lost Trail Hot Springs is located in the tiny community of Sula in the Bitterroot National Forest....

Massachusetts is no stranger to natural beauty. More towns than we can count offer plenty of gorgeous sights and lush natural attractions. However, there’s a tiny village tucked away out west that really brings its A-game in this department. From unique geological wonders to a bridge overflowing with blooming flowers, this charming community is really something special. The village of Shelburne Falls is one of the most naturally beautiful communities in Massachusetts....