Lists and lists of the things that make each US State unique, from the weirdest laws to the most popular drinks and dog breeds to the shows residents are streaming most on Netflix.

This Is America

Weird

Each American state carries a personality all its own, a set of characteristics that sets it apart from every other member of the union. As with any personality, there are oddities and quirks that come along with it, which may explain some of the weirdest state traditions. Every state boasts at least one custom or practice people from&nbsp;other states simply shake their heads at in confusion and wonder. <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/50-bizarre-state-laws/litgoddess" target="_blank">Bizarre state laws</a> and <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/50-bizarre-state-laws/litgoddess" target="_blank">outrageous food laws</a> ensure a state&#39;s peculiarities get official notice, but strange state traditions ensure said peculiarities are celebrated.

In most cases, the tradition in question connects to the state in some way. In others, finding a link between the custom and the state is much more difficult. Nevertheless, residents come together to take part in these unusual festivities and celebrate the quirkiness that makes their state unique. In this day and age of divisiveness and division, communities gathering together is a good thing indeed - even if the reasons for such gatherings are a little odd.

The Weirdest State Traditions

General

Donn Saylor

Cities / Towns

The worst US cities to live in or visit, ranked by hundreds of voters who have had the misfortune to actually go to these places. Anyone can vote on this list of the worst cities in the US, making it a trustworthy way to find out which US cities to avoid. You can even add your own list of the worst cities in the USA to these rankings. Whether you're traveling or looking to move somewhere permanently, these are the US cities to avoid at all costs.

Dumont

The Worst Cities in America to Live in or Visit

City/Town

Worst Places to Live or Visit in America | US Cities To Avoid

Ranker Community

Old Stuff

What food you eat can be as much of a signifier of local pride as wearing a beloved sports team's jersey. Ask residents of any American&nbsp;state, and they'll likely have a strong opinion on what dish exemplifies their region. Arkansas locals might champion their catfish, while Washington prefers salmon. And then there's New York – you guessed it, it's all about the pizza there.People have strong opinions on their home states, whether they're debating the <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/most-famous-tv-show-from-each-state/zack-howe" target="_blank">best TV show</a>&nbsp;or <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/most-famous-movie-from-each-state/mason-weigel" target="_blank">film</a> set there or praising the talents of their preferred home-grown <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-actor-from-every-state/matt-manser" target="_blank">actor</a>. And when it comes to each state's signature foods, it's best to listen to the actual residents voicing opinions <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/6n5wtk/all_50_us_states_are_going_to_a_picnic_and_each/" target="_blank">on</a> <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/17ygnl/american_redditors_what_is_the_signature_food/" target="_blank">Reddit</a>. These popular dishes may not be official state foods, but they might as well be.

The Most Popular Food In Each State, According To People Who Actually Live There

Food

Nathan Gibson

Places/Travel

There&#39;s not a whole lot happening in rural Kansas, unless of course you&#39;re the Devil. According to some local lore, Hell&#39;s gate is in Kansas. The quiet, 19th century resting ground known as Stull Cemetery might just be one of the world&#39;s <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/super-deep-holes/eric-vega" target="_blank">portals to Hell</a>.

It&#39;s unclear why Satan would claim a small, sleepy rural town about 15 miles from Lawrence as his homebase. He seems like a true city-slicker. Maybe he was just looking to retire or wanted to be left alone (it must certainly be disheartening seeing your name attached to every bad thing that happens, ever). Either way, the town of Stull is said to be home to one of the few churches that <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/hellmouths-on-earth/harrison-tenpas" target="_blank">sit on Hell&#39;s mouth</a>. That&#39;s right, Satan&#39;s zip code is truly 666(06).

Places where people have reportedly found <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/creepy-gateway-to-hell-stories/luke-y-thompson" target="_blank">real portals to Hell</a> are rare, but Stull Cemetery and the old stone church on its property&nbsp;is one of the most renowned. You don&#39;t get the title of most evil graveyard in America for nothing - you need sizable&nbsp;reports of ghosts, demons, and inexplicable supernatural occurrences. This property has had rumors swirling&nbsp;since the &#39;70s, much to the dismay of the local police force. You&#39;d think that few people are begging to knock on Satan&#39;s door, but when a Kansas church hides a portal to Hell, all hell truly does break loose. 

This is the story of Stull Cemetery &ndash; a quiet, rural cemetery&nbsp;so frightening it had Ariana Grande, one of the most well-traveled pop stars in the world, turn right around. It is a cemetery so mysterious that it&nbsp;was&nbsp;featured on Supernatural. The devil is truly in the details.

A Genuine Portal To Hell Might Be In This Rural Kansas Church

Mariel Loveland

Shocking Behavior

Just because a person happens to be at the Happiest Place on Earth does not mean they are a happy person. In fact, many people who attend theme parks just might be having a miserable time... and want to take down everyone around them. Over on Reddit, people who worked at amusement parks shared stories of the biggest adult meltdowns they have ever witnessed. Vote up the hissyfits that deserve a time out.&nbsp;

Amusement Park Employees Share The Times Adults Threw A Full-Scale Temper Tantrum At A Theme Park

Damon Davis

Travel

The safety and comfort-zone hierarchy while traveling starts with a staycation, then progressively moves up to in-country, and&nbsp;then overseas. The farther away from home, the fewer words you can speak or read;&nbsp;the more foreign the customs, government, and people; and&nbsp;the greater chance you have of encountering something weird, creepy, unsettling, unfamiliar,&nbsp;or downright unsafe.

People who shared their creepy travel experiences via Reddit -&nbsp;whether&nbsp;they ventured to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/most-beautiful-cities-in-europe/ranker-travel" target="_blank">most beautiful cities</a> abroad or ones that might be considered a little less desirable as safe travel destinations -&nbsp;have strange stories to tell. Blockades, shaky transportation options, curious critters, foul&nbsp;weather, natural disasters, and more led to their harrowing tales.

Perhaps their stories should serve as a warning about overseas travel, but most vacations abroad offer fun and recreation rather than fear. You could <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/parasites-you-get-from-traveling/laura-allan" target="_blank">worry about parasites</a> and pickpockets, or be extra careful while still enjoying&nbsp;the adventure.

Travelers Reveal Their Creepiest Experiences Abroad

Craziest Travel Stories From Real People's Experiences Abroad

Samantha Dillinger

Eager to get up in the air and travel again? So are we! Before you get ready to jet set yourself out of here, check out these <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/gross-airline-secrets/ranker-travel" target="_blank">airplane</a>&nbsp;horror stories from the people of the internet. Maybe you can better prepare yourself for your next flight experience (or re-think it all together)!

17 People Are Sharing Their Worst Airplane Travel Stories And We're Stunned

People Are Sharing Their Worst Airplane Travel Stories And We're Stunned

Kendall Kroll

Lists about the beautiful, fascinating, sometimes terrifying features and living things that naturally developed on this spinning rock we all call home.

Our Amazing Planet Earth

Trending on Ranker

Thousands of natural wonders exist in the world. But have you ever wondered about the history behind them? Some of these amazing formations and events date back millions of years, while others are less than 100 years old. There are legends&nbsp;and theories attached to how some of them came into existence, but what are the actual scientific explanations? And while <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/things-that-will-actually-make-you-care-about-climate-change/loganrapp" target="_blank">climate change</a>&nbsp;is a major topic in the 21st century, what role did this play in the formation of these natural wonders, and how has it affected them in the years since they were formed?

These are the stories about how some of the most amazing natural wonders came into existence.

How 14 Natural Wonders Of The World Were Actually Formed

TGWrites

Traveling to a different country can be one of the most exciting things for those who seek a new experience. No matter how much research one may do, it&#39;s tough to fully comprehend what another country could be like until the traveler lands in the airport. Reddit user&nbsp;u/<a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/nc0yya/what_is_the_thing_that_surprised_you_the_most/?utm_source=share&amp;utm_medium=web2x&amp;context=3" target="_blank">Spilakkk</a> asked: &quot;What is the thing that surprised you the most when you traveled to a country you had never been to before?&quot; and the answers had us looking up flights.

People Are Sharing Things That Surprised Them About Traveling To A New Country

Brian Roque

Who doesn&#39;t have some creepy small town stories? Isolated and insular places can&nbsp;have some of the scariest vibes anywhere. After all, every community is different, and plenty of <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/weird-american-small-towns/noah-henry" target="_blank">towns are just plain weird</a>. Maybe it&#39;s a history of xenophobia, or a political dispute institutionalized over the years, or possibly a doomsday cult attempting to summon the apocalypse by sacrificing unsuspecting travelers.

Whatever the case, creepy small towns are everywhere, and this list collects some of the most off-putting&nbsp;for you to remember next time you&#39;re driving back roads late at night.

People Describe The Creepiest Small Towns They've Ever Passed Through

Joesph Langdon

What more amusing than a day at the fun park? 

A Day at the Amusement Park

Amusement Parks

As the&nbsp;name implies, amusements park rides are meant to exhilarate and thrill. To experience the most notoriously scary&nbsp;rides, people are willing to wait for hours in line, just so they can spend less than a minute getting whipped around at high speeds. However, when rogue&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/theme-park-employee-code-words/jacobybancroft" target="_blank">operators</a>&nbsp;decide to take the riders' amusement into their own hands, what often results are some pretty dangerous theme park rides.&nbsp;Some deadly amusement park rides&nbsp;seem&nbsp;so slapdash that&nbsp;one has to&nbsp;wonder how anyone&nbsp; ever thought they sounded like fun. Loony ideas such as a human catapult&nbsp;or a 16-story drop with no harness&nbsp;usually end with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/the-10-most-horrible-amusement-park-accidents/ihateeverything" target="_blank">disastrous accidents</a>&nbsp;that seem totally out of place in the synthetically happy atmosphere of an amusement park.&nbsp;While such incidents are rare, some reckless theme park rides have led to serious injuries, and even deaths. While the rider is occasionally at fault, more often than not, a ride's issues stem from faulty&nbsp;construction and outlandish design choices. If your water park has a ride nicknamed &quot;The Grave Pool,&quot; you know you're doing something wrong.&nbsp;

The Most Ludicrously Reckless Theme Park Rides Ever Created

The 12 Most Ludicrously Dangerous Theme Park Rides Ever Created

People describe their weirdest, zaniest, and most upsetting experiences and encounters while on the job.

All in a Day's Work

Strange True Stories

Going to a theme park is a joyous occasion. Working at a theme park, however, is hardly as much fun. Theme park employees&nbsp;on Reddit have seen some serious stuff go down while at work. Their stories will make you seriously reconsider special family vacations to the water park.And if you thought <a href="http://www.ranker.com/list/most-dangerous-theme-park-rides-ever/nathan-gibson" target="_blank">certain carnival&nbsp;rides were scary</a>, you should prepare to learn about&nbsp;the horrible things that can happen at theme parks.

Theme Park Workers Share The Most Disturbing Things They've Ever Experienced On The Job

Theme Park Workers Share The Creepiest Things That Have Ever Happened To Them On The Job

Stefanie Hammond

First settled by humans more than 1,200 years ago, gorgeous Hawaii is so much more than America's 50th state!

Aloha, Hawaii

Culture

Although Hawaii consists of well over 100 islands, only&nbsp;eight are considered main&nbsp;islands. One is Niihau, which&nbsp;is privately owned and has a history wildly different from Hawaii&nbsp;as a whole. Niihau is known as the &quot;Forbidden Island,&quot; and access is highly restricted. The family that owns the land reserves the right to evict people, regulating who is allowed to visit. There are also&nbsp;strictly enforced rules for those who live on Niihau - residents can&#39;t partake in illicit substances&nbsp;or alcohol, and they have to follow certain codes with regard to appearance. The small number of people who live on the island don&#39;t pay rent&nbsp;or buy their own food - it&#39;s all supplied by the island&#39;s owners.

Going to the island is easier today than it was in the past; for a little over $400, you can fly above the island in a helicopter and touch down on one of its well-preserved beaches. Though it&#39;s had its fair share of controversy, not unlike the <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/who-is-the-heir-to-the-hawaiian-throne-fight/megan-summers" target="_blank">Kingdom of Hawaii</a>, Niihau has managed to preserve Hawaiian culture on a series of islands <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/injustices-committed-against-hawaii/erin-mccann" target="_blank">forcibly overtaken</a> by&nbsp;American interests.

Inside The Privately Owned 'Forbidden Island' Of Hawaii

What Is Hawaii's Forbidden Island? Inside The Privately Owned Niihau

Bailey Benningfield

Shining a flashlight on real places around the world that are really haunted and really spooky.

Hello Is There a Ghost Here?

Supernatural & Paranormal

Is Edinburgh haunted? Ask any of the dozens of ghost tour guides&nbsp;in the Scottish city, and the answer will be a definite &quot;yes.&quot; The <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/history-of-edinburgh-scotland/genevieve-carlton " target="_blank">bloody history of Edinburgh</a>&nbsp;has inspired countless rumors and legends of ghosts, from the coffin cages in Edinburgh&#39;s graveyard to spirits haunting the strange system of vaults under the city. And dozens of stories claim <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/friendly-nice-ghosts/laura-allan?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">there are ghosts</a> in Edinburgh Castle. According to legends that date back hundreds of years, the medieval fortress on a hill is home to a ghost bagpiper and a headless drummer boy. And many believe the witches tortured in the castle and then thrown into the lake below may still haunt the city.&nbsp;

Just like the <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/what-ghosts-haunt-the-tower-of-london/erin-mccann" target="_blank">ghosts haunting the Tower of London</a>, these specters have deep roots in Edinburgh&#39;s history. The underground street where plague victims were locked away and the notorious slayers who sold their victims to science have fueled the city&#39;s haunted reputation. Edinburgh&#39;s Black Dinner even inspired the gruesome Red Wedding from&nbsp;Game of Thrones. Its many ghost stories make Edinburgh one of the most haunted cities in the world.&nbsp;

Edinburgh's Bloody History Makes It One Of The Most Allegedly Haunted Cities In The World

Genevieve Carlton

Action Park was reportedly one of America's deadliest&nbsp;amusement parks. The park opened in 1978 as&nbsp;the brainchild of Eugene Mulvihill, a man&nbsp;considered equal parts P.T. Barnum and Walt Disney. He envisioned a theme park with slightly more thrills,&nbsp;one where the riders &quot;controlled&quot; the action.What he ended up with, though, was a deadly New Jersey amusement and water park, which still lives on in the memories of New Jerseyans and New Yorkers&nbsp;born in the '70s and '80s. Even New Jersey Senator Cory Booker <a href="https://twitter.com/CoryBooker/statuses/372559998900895745" target="_blank">fondly remembers&nbsp;his scrapes and scars</a>&nbsp;from riding the&nbsp;park's Alpine Slide.Nostalgia aside, some dark stuff went down, way beyond run-of-the-mill injuries. Multiple visitors sustained injuries on <a href="http://www.ranker.com/list/most-dangerous-theme-park-rides-ever/nathan-gibson" target="_blank">the park's&nbsp;dangerous attractions</a>.Still, none of the owners or operators ever went to jail for negligence; the park only shuttered in 1996 due to financial woes. We've compiled a list of the most frightening events in the park's 18-year history, a place that remained open 14 years <a href="http://www.ranker.com/list/ways-to-die-at-a-water-park/jacob-shelton" target="_blank">after its first accidental death</a> in 1982.

The True Story Of Action Park, New Jersey's Deadliest Theme Park

The True Story of Action Park, New Jersey's Deadliest Theme Park

Collin Flatt

America

Every US state has its own story to tell. The south is hot, the north is cold, and weed is legal in Colorado. The United States is a melting pot of diversity. Think about how different the lifestyle of a person is who lives in rural Georgia versus the lifestyle of a person <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/celebrities-who-live-in-brooklyn/celebrity-lists?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">who lives in New York</a> City. Thankfully, a picture can tell a thousand words, and we can laugh at the <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/americans-summarize-states-in-one-sentence/hugh-landman" target="_blank">general assumptions about each state</a>. Here are 50 hilarious photos that perfectly describe every American state.Sit back and enjoy these funny photos. From the mountains to the valleys, from Hawaii to Maine, each state gets lampooned in our list below. Be sure to make your voice heard. Vote up the funniest picture that perfectly describes a US state.

Hilarious Photos That Perfectly Describe Every American State

50 Hilarious Photos That Perfectly Describe Every American State

Ann Casano

Places and Travel lists at Ranker provide the best rankings of places to visit, interesting travel destinations, and popular attractions voted on by 1000s of travel fans.

Places & Travel lists on Ranker

Best Rankings of Places to Visit, Interesting Travel Destinations and Popular Attractions

Serbia

Wales

Canada

Charlotte

Montreal

Portland

Rose Bowl

Michigan Stadium

Ohio Stadium

Italy

Iceland

Greece

What is the <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-country-flags/ranker-travel?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">best flag in the world</a>? What is the most beautiful flag in the world? Well, these are the best country flags in the world, and it's your turn to decide which country has the best. Maybe you think your home country has the best flag in world. Maybe you should get over yourself. The world is a big place and there are lots of countries—expand your horizons!Flags serve a specific purpose. They mean more than just those things we raise at The Olympics. The flags of all the world's nations are symbols of pride. They represent us, at a weird genetic level, the representation of our &quot;tribe&quot;. Our flags are our colors and our rallying cry. They are our reason to fight, our reason for mercy, our cause for celebration. People have fought and died for every single flag on this list.&nbsp;These are the best flags of the world. So what do you think? What are your top 10 flags? What do you think are the most beautiful flags in the world?

The Prettiest Flags in the World

Country

Prettiest Flags in the World | The Best Flags

The most beautiful, stunning, unforgettable cities, beaches, and attractions at the world that should be at the very top of your Must-See list.

Dream Destinations

The Travel Bug

There's nothing like traveling and seeing the world to broaden your horizons and the countries on this list are the most beautiful places in the world. Vote up the most gorgeous destinations below or add a beautiful country to visit if it isn't already listed. This list should encourage you to travel and see some of these gorgeous landscapes for yourself. The pictures of beautiful countries below are incredible, but nothing beats seeing these locations in person.Many people love Italy because of the <a href="http://www.ranker.com/list/the-most-magical-cities-in-the-world/island-hopper-dan" target="_blank">magical cities</a> of Rome, Venice, Florence, and the spectacular Amalfi Coast. Breathtaking scenes are everywhere! What factors go into considering the most beautiful countries in the world? Certainly, many of these gorgeous countries are home to the <a href="/crowdranked-list/the-most-beautiful-natural-wonders-in-the-world" target="_blank">most beautiful natural wonders in the world</a>, along with the <a href="/crowdranked-list/the-most-beautiful-buildings-around-the-world" target="_blank">most beautiful buildings</a>. It's hard to argue, for example, with Australia as a popular travel destination, given the extraordinary natural wonders it is home to.What do you believe is the prettiest country? Time to vote and rerank the <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/most-beautiful-female-celebrities-2019/calistylie?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">top most beautiful</a> countries in the world below.

Austria

The Most Beautiful Countries in the World

Most Beautiful Countries In The World

College Football Is Life

poll

The best college football stadiums are those football fields on college campuses that are the most loved by fans of the home team and most feared by rival fans. Hosting in excess of 100,000 fans per game each Saturday in the fall, these are the biggest, most popular and absolute best stadiums college football has to offer.It's hard not to name the <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/largest-college-football-stadiums-in-the-united-states/world-stadiums?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">biggest stadium in America</a>, and the third-largest in the world, as among the elite. Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan, home to the winningest team in college football history, the Michigan Wolverines, remains the gold standard for college football stadiums. Following in terms of biggest capacity, Beaver Stadium, where the Penn State Nittany Lions call home, and Neyland Stadium, home field of the Tennessee Volunteers follow with each hosting over 102,000-plus when at full capacity. But there are plenty of other absolutely fabulous stadiums across the country for college football fans. Bryant-Denny Stadium, home of the Alabama Crimson Tide, Tiger Stadium, where the LSU Tigers compete, Kyle Field, home to the Texas A&amp;M Aggies and Notre Dame Stadium, the mothership of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish are all favorites for fans of the home team and numerous others around the country and world.So, whether you prefer the world record crowds packing The Big House or the history and charm of the Rose Bowl, if you're a true college football fan, you owe it to yourself to experience a game in these best college football stadiums. Vote for your favorites below then go vote for the <a href="http://www.ranker.com/list/best-nfl-stadiums/sportsyeah" target="_blank">best NFL stadiums</a> and <a href="http://www.ranker.com/list/best-college-basketball-arenas/sportsyeah" target="_blank">best college basketball arenas</a> too!

The Best College Football Stadiums

Location

Blake Edwards

Lists about America's pastime, including rankings of MLB players by every position. 

Play Ball!

Cities that should have a baseball team include the large metropolitan areas in the United States and Canada that are currently lacking a Major League Baseball team but certainly could make a good case as to why they deserve one. Currently, the MLB fields 30 teams and attracts an average of more than 30,000 fans per game, second only to attendance of the National Football League. With a draw like that, it only makes sense to bring America's pastime to other big cities across North America.Many of these cities have baseball teams currently, home to minor league teams, but as of the 2012 season, none of these areas enjoy a MLB team. Columbus for instance has the Clippers in the International League. Indianapolis also has an International League team with the Indians. The Portland Sea Dogs play in the Eastern League while the Oklahoma City RedHawks play in the Pacific Coast League. All of these cities have baseball teams, but there's a certain bit that is left desired between having a minor league team and one in the big leagues of the MLB.But even worse than having a minor league baseball team is not having one at all. Some formerly were home to MLB teams only to see the team move to another location for one reason or another. The Montreal Expos are the most recent example of that having been the first MLB franchise outside of the United States and existing from 1969 to 2004. Alas the Expos faced a multitude of issues and relocated, interestingly enough to America's capital, Washington DC.Whether these cities are simply big, deserving American cities like Buffalo, New York, Indianapolis, Indiana, and New Orleans, Louisiana, or worthy cities in Canada like Montreal, Vancouver and Ottawa, each of these metro areas could easily support a Major League Baseball team. Live in a great city that deserves a professional baseball team? Add your city below or vote for the cities you think deserve an MLB team! Who knows, maybe one of them will be home to the next <a href="http://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/the-greatest-baseball-players-of-all-time" target="_blank">greatest baseball player of all time</a>.