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Alabama -

Alabama state's welcome sign makes reference to the 1974 song 'Sweet Home Alabama' by southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd.

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Alaska -

This Alaska welcome sign features a map as well as a refence to the Klondike-Alaska Gold Rush. The state is home to a plethora of natural wonders, including the historic Fortymile River Region and Denali, the tallest mountain in North America.

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Arizona -

The 48th state is known for the majestic Grand Canyon, and its welcome sign reflects that. Around five million people visit this natural wonder each year.

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Arkansas -

Arkansas is the only state where diamonds are actively mined. Arkansas state law requires all front seat passengers to wear seatbelts (as well as those under 16 in all seats), hence the slogan. 

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California -

This sign features California golden poppies, one of the natural symbols of The Golden State.

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Colorado -

Colorful Colorado is home to magnificent scenery, including hot springs, mountains, and the tallest sand dune in America. 

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Connecticut -

The state where you'll find Mark Twain's house and one of the world's largest maritime museums is full of surprises, according to the slogan. 

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Delaware -

The bug of the First State is the ladybug, which can also be called a "small wonder."

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Florida -

Florida is known as the Sunshine State. The sign attempts to capture what Florida is about—sun and palm trees! P.S. The sun might just be an orange, which would also make sense given that Florida produces around 70% of the country's citrus fruits. 

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Georgia -

Georgia's welcome sign makes reference to Hoagy Carmichael's and Stuart Gorrell's 1930 song 'Georgia on My Mind,' which was successfully covered by Ray Charles in 1960.

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Hawaii -

The Aloha state doesn't have an official state sign, but there are a few signs spread out across the islands, like this one welcoming visitors to the historic town of Hana.

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Idaho -

Idaho is known as the Gem State because it's home to a number of different minerals. The slogan is also used as a figurative expression for Idaho's natural beauty. 

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Illinois -

Fun fact: Despite the slogan, Abraham Lincoln was not actually born in Illinois. The former US president did however call Illinois home, having moved to Springfield at age 21.

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Indiana -

Indiana's welcome sign makes reference to the state's location at the junction of four major Interstate Highways. 

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Iowa -

The state slogan was launched in 1999 but as of 2023 it's being phased out and replaced with a new 'Iowa, Freedom to Flourish' sign. 

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Kansas -

Kansas' welcome sign features a sunflower, which is the official state flower.

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Kentucky -

Illinois may be "The Land of Lincoln," but Kentucky was the US president's birthplace. The state welcome sign also makes reference to the famous horse race, the Kentucky Derby.

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Louisiana -

The state welcome sign can be read in both English and French, due to Louisiana's bilingual heritage. 

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Maine -

The Pine Tree State is the go-to place for lobster. Maine's slogan used to be 'Vacationland.'

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Maryland -

The state welcome sign features the state flag as well as the state flower, the black-eyed Susan.

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Massachusetts -

The Massachusetts welcome sign sports two symbols of the state: the chickadee and the mayflower.

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Michigan -

Michigan's amazing shoreline attracts visitors and locals alike, keen to experience the Great Lakes. 

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Minnesota -

This arty welcome sign was created by University of Minnesota students. 

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Mississippi -

The state welcome sign makes reference to the Mississippi Delta, the birthplace of Blues and therefore the "Birthplace of America's Music."

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Missouri -

The first journalism degree in the world was offered by the University of Missouri. Missouri has a lot of neighbor states. In fact, eight in all. 

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Montana -

Montana' state welcome sign features a mountain, a reference to the natural beauty of its landscape. 

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Nebraska -

Arbor Day was founded in Nebraska, hence the reference.  

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Nevada -

The driest state in America is also the Silver State. A reference to the historical silver rush days features on the state welcome sign. 

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New Hampshire -

One of the 13 colonies to declare independence from England, New Hampshire emphasizes the importance of freedom in its sign. The French Bienvenue is aimed at the many Canadians who visit the state.

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New Jersey -

The Garden State earned its name because the state's economy was once mostly based on agriculture.  

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New Mexico -

New Mexico's colorful welcome sign makes reference to the state flag colors, as well as its agriculture, illustrated by red and green chilies.

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New York -

The nickname "The Empire State" dates back all the way to 1785. George Washington described New York "the Seat of the Empire" in a letter to the New York Common Council.

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North Carolina -

North Carolina takes great pride in its military and veterans communities, and this is reflected on the state's welcome sign. 

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North Dakota -

North Dakota has different signs, depending on where you enter the state. This one makes reference to the Red River Valley region. 

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Ohio -

The Buckeye State keeps it simple with this sign. Ohio is the birthplace of seven United States presidents.

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Oklahoma -

Oklahoma is one of the states with the largest population of Native Americans. It's also home to the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum.

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Oregon -

This sign can be found on Interstate 5, when travelling from California to Oregon. It alludes to the state's lush forests.

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Pennsylvania -

The slogan on the state's welcome sign was added in 2004. It's a reminder of Pennsylvania's importance in American history, including the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.

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Rhode Island -

The Ocean State is a popular destinations for those looking to enjoy activities such as sailing, fishing, and surfing. 

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South Carolina -

"Smiling Faces, Beautiful Places" is what one expects to find in the Palmetto State.

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South Dakota -

The state welcome sign makes reference to its iconic landmark, Mount Rushmore, where the faces of US presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln, can be found sculpted in rock. 

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Tennessee -

The slogan on the state's sign is a reference to the War of 1812, when thousands of Tennessee men volunteered to fight the British.

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Texas -

Everything is bigger in Texas, including the state's reminder to drive responsibly as one crosses state lines. 

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Utah -

Utah is home to amazing scenery, a fact reflected in the state's welcome sign. Zion National Park, Arches National Park, and Bryce Canyon National Park, are some of the state's most popular destinations. 

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Vermont -

Vermont's welcome sign is a good example of the image matching the slogan. Want to convey green mountains? You got it.

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Virginia -

Virginia's welcome sign features both the state's bird and the state's flower, i.e. the cardinal and the American dogwood.

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Washington -

The only state that is named after a president is also known as The Evergreen State, because of its verdant scenery.  

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West Virginia -

The slogan "Wild and Wonderful" was added to the state's welcome signs in 2007. It encapsulates what West Virginia is all about. 

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Wisconsin -

These rustic-looking Wisconsin welcome signs are made from redwood. The logs mention "Recreation," "Industry," and "Agriculture."

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Wyoming -

Wyoming's welcome sign includes the slogan "Forever West." Home to Yellowstone National Park, among other attractions, it's easy to see how the untamed wilderness of the state attracts visitors. 

Sources: (Reader's Digest) (Condé Nast Traveler) (Next Luxury) (New-York Historical Society) 

See also: The favorite comfort food of every US state

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