This article was originally published on Kueez
The United States of America is one crazy place. And all 50 of its states seem to have their own little story to tell. Whether it is of craziness or boringness or just endless miles of corn, each state is unique. So instead of trying to explain the essence of each state, you are presented with this list of 40 hysterical pictures to help you understand life in each of the states. Fasten your seat belt and be prepared for a journey full of snickers and knee-slapping laughter.
Mississippi Still Has a Long Way to Go
Mississippi is quite a difficult word to spell, there's no arguing about that. But you would think that the people writing an entire article about the literacy level in the state of Mississippi would make a little more effort to ensure that they got it right before publishing. And to think that this ironic article almost definitely made it past multiple edits before being sent out to the world.
Well, no one can disagree that it's a good thing that the literacy rate is overall improving, but it seems like Mississippi still has quite a long way to go.
Wyoming's Road Signs Tell the Truth
Wyoming is an often forgotten state. Nothing too eventful seems to happen there and it rarely finds its way into the news. As a matter of fact, most people aren't even able to pinpoint it on a map. Perhaps, as these signs suggest there is a reason for that. If you're going to visit Wyoming, know that certain areas of land are so incredibly boring that you may travel more than 250 miles without seeing anything interesting in the least.
Although Wyoming may have some of the largest and most boring portions of land, there are certainly some areas boasting some of the most incredible scenery.
The Hawaiian Way to Wait in Line
It seems like the Hawaiin people have learned the best way to live. Instead of uncomfortably standing as you wait in a long and never moving line, why not just line up your shoes in the order of who arrived first, take a seat, and wait for your turn to arrive. Everyone can agree that it's a much better alternative to standing endlessly in a line no one wants to be in anyway.
The only downfall of this method is that you have to walk with your bare feet on what is most certainly a very, very dirty floor. Maybe consider coming with socks to slip on.
Arizona Has Some Strange Gas Rules
Stay far away from this area of Arizona if you happened to eat beans or anything gas-inducing within the past 24 hours. Arizona seems to have a strange and extremely flammable forest, one that is so flammable even a simple fart can set it off. As no one wants to be the one who caused a forest fire (especially from just one fart), maybe steer clear of this flammable forest in Arizona.
Do you think they made this sign because of a bad experience? How did they know that the forest was so flammable that even a fart could set it off?
Colorado Has a Unique Type of Problem
As one of the first and only states to legalize marijuana, Colorado has a unique and interesting set of problems, unlike almost any other state. Of course, you can't just walk into any store and buy some weed, and yet it seems like many people have tried. This store is so fed up with the influx of weed-seeking customers that they even put a sign on the door to ward them off.
What is this office doing wrong that they look so much like a store that would sell weed that they had to put up a sign to keep people away?
Hikers and Bikers in Louisiana Need to Take Extra Precautions
It's difficult to imagine anyone wanting to go hiking or biking in Louisiana while facing the threat of potentially running into this many alligators on the side of the road. And what's even worse is that, according to the sign, they should slip right down to the side of the road, into the alligator pit, when a car comes by. There's probably (rightfully so) a very small number of pedestrians and cyclists in Louisiana.
It would be scary enough to even drive past this many alligators at once. At least bikers have a chance to get away quickly, but everyone needs to be careful hiking in Louisiana.
An Average Day at the Beach in Maine
Imagine you want to go spend the day relaxing on the beach. In Maine, you already don't have too many options of warm days to spend in the sand and sun. Instead of the normal seagulls and crabs that you could see along the beach, out of the corner of your eye, you spot a moose. Yes, a full-sized moose just casually walking and running along the beach like it's no big deal.
Guess you can't blame the moose for wanting to enjoy the beach a little bit as well. The beachgoers don't seem too concerned by his presence anyway.
New Mexico Got Creative With Their Name Game
Someone in one of New Mexico's location naming offices way back in the day decided to get quite creative with their name game. Instead of the usual Williamsburg or Greenville, they went crazy. Elephant Butte seems like an interesting place to live, so interesting that it even also got a lake named after it as well. And don't forget you always have the option to take the road to Truth or Consequences.
It would be interesting to know what the names of the towns on the left side of the road are and why they aren't written on the sign. It's as if your only real option is to go to Elephant Butte.
Oklahoma and Their Watermelon Vegetables
There is one fruit/vegetable that is the subject of constant debate. Is it a fruit or is it a vegetable? And that is the tomato. The watermelon however has never entered that discussion. Everyone can agree, across the board, that watermelon is a fruit, not a vegetable. And yet, the state vegetable of Oklahoma is none other than...a watermelon. In case it wasn't already clear, the state vegetable is in fact a fruit.
Maybe their state fruit is actually a vegetable? Would be interesting to know if they intentionally are trying to confuse everyone, or if it was a very crazy mistake.
Illinois and It's Two Faced Terrain
Chicago is quite a famous city. Books have been written about it, songs have been sung about it, and millions of people dwell in it. However, ask the average person to name one place in Illinois and it's unlikely that someone will know of anywhere besides this one city. Why is that? Simply because the rest of Illinois looks very different than the world-famous Chicago. Instead of skyscrapers, it is fields of grain and corn.
Of course, there are some other big cities in Illinois. Chicago isn't even the capital city (Springfield is), but it is the biggest and most famous by far.
New York's Warning to Its Many Visitors
There was a very terrible phase in the early 2000s where the cool thing for men to do was wear pants that drooped so far down off the body that the rest of the world was forced to see an entire butt-full of underwear. Belts were not a thing apparently and the farther your pants hung down, the cooler you were. This sign comes from those dark days of fashion.
Things must have gotten pretty desperate in New York for them to install an entire sign warning the inhabitants of the city that no one wants to see their underwear and to ask them to pull their pants up.
Gotta Be Careful in West Virginia
The only good thing about this sign is the fact that they are very clear with their intentions. If their citizens do have concealed weapons, it's at least nice to be warned about it beforehand. However, it does still seem like quite a scary place to wander - Wood County, West Virginia. Despite their parting words telling everyone to enjoy their stay, it seems unlikely that anyone will be able to do that.
Gun laws vary so much from state to state, but it looks like the residents of West Virginia, specifically Wood County, have pretty easy access to guns, and they're not afraid to use them.
The Moose Just Wanted to Go for a Swim in Vermont
There aren't many who could resist the allure of taking a little dip into this little kiddie pool on a hot summer day. In Vermont, it looks like even the moose needed a little break from the heat. This momma moose decided to even bring along her whole family for the experience. Apparently, that's what life is like in the countryside of Vermontץ At any given moment the wildlife may come to swim with you in your pool.
The little family of moose really seem to be having quite a good time wading in the cool kiddie pool. The baby moose are even exploring the wonderful world of floaties.
Only Texas Would Have Such a Drive Through
Drive-through dining is a convenient phenomenon that has swept the entire United States of America and just about the entire world. It's a quick and easy option for dinner (or breakfast and lunch) on the go. While most people drive up with their automobiles, Texans do it a little bit differently. This Texas woman decided to ride up on her horse, bringing her favorite cow along for the ride.
Do you think she ordered some food just for herself? Or did her horse and cow also get a tasty treat on the go? Hopefully, they enjoyed their first drive-through experience.
Minnesota's Ironic Nickname
Whoever gave Minnesota the nickname of "The Sunshine State" either did it as a tragically ironic joke or because they happened to visit on one of the only sunny days of the year. Under normal circumstances, Minnesota is infamous for its endless and brutally snowy days complete with harsh winds. On the other hand, despite the snow-covered sign, it does appear to be a semi-sunny day, so maybe they're not all wrong.
Even if they do have sunny days and blue skies, the cold and harsh weather makes it almost impossible to enjoy the warm sun's rays.
Washington Is a Complicated State
Washington state (not to be confused with the US capital, Washington DC) can be a bit confusing to people who have never visited there. Americans think it to be a rainy and gloomy place, society associates it with Starbucks, cinema has an entirely different image in store, foreigners constantly confuse it with Washington DC, and conspiracy theorists have countless crazy theories surrounding it. What is the reality? Washington is one of the most beautiful nature spots in the US.
Maybe because of all the confusion surrounding the state, it is not one of the most visited locations, often being overlooked by tourists and perhaps the reason its nature is in such an incredibly preserved state.
Kansas Is One Scary Place
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Kansas? The most common answers are The Wizard of Oz or endless fields of corn. Well, if you remember, the entire plot of the Wizard of Oz was based around a massive tornado. Considering where the film took place, it is quite realistic. Kansas' flat terrain makes it the perfect brooding ground for some of the worst storms.
This double tornado, double lightning situation is quite terrifying. It's a little bit surprising Dorothy was so eager to get back home when this is the weather she would have to deal with.
Things to Do in Idaho
Idaho is definitely one of the lesser-visited US states, famous mostly for a potato that's named after it. As this sign would suggest, perhaps there is a reason so few people come to visit Idaho and that is because the attractions are rather minimal. Either someone just never finished their job of completing this list or there is really just nothing to do in this part of the state.
Despite how this sign looks, Idaho is quite a popular location to visit for those who are interested in skiing with its Sun Valley being so famous multiple songs have been written about it.
Wisconsin Is More Than Ready for the Snow
While the entire southern portion of the country may not be prepared for the difficulties of snowy winter days, certain states are prepared for the next Ice Age. Wisconsin definitely falls in the latter category. With seemingly endless snow throughout the winter, piling high in enormous multiple feet tall banks, they are certainly no strangers to snowplows and icicles. This Wisconsin man even pulled out his grill to start cooking during a snowstorm.
If you have so few days of summer to enjoy your brand new grill, why not just pull it out in the winter, despite the enormous amounts of snow. Seems like a waste to only be able to use it a few months out of the year.
The Symbol of the South in Alabama
It's no surprise to anyone that the southern portion of America has a very unique group of people unable to be found in the rest of the country. This man, in his bedecked trailer, stands shirtless with tall cowboy boots on and gun positioned. His tractor is also seen in the picture, along with the confederate flag and enormous bottles of alcohol. This fellow may perfectly symbolize what people imagine Alabama to be like.
You can almost hear him talking with a thick Southern accent yelling at you to get off his land or else he'll shoot. No trespassing!
It Takes a Special Type of Person to Live in South Dakota
Imagine waking up in the morning to so much snow outside your door that you can't even find your car. It has been completely covered in the fluffy white wintery substance. As you walk outside to uncover your vehicle, you managed to see just the roof of it exposed. Instead of being shocked, you get your things together to go off to school or to work. Everyday life in South Dakota.
How did these people even manage to open their doors in the morning? That is so much snow that they could very easily just have been buried inside. Hopefully, they didn't forget anything important in their cars!
Monster Truck School Busses in Missouri
Most people tend to assume that school busses are more or less the same across all of the United States. But this photo shows that that is not necessarily the case in some US states. It turns out Missouri has a new hybrid version of the school bus roaming the streets. Instead of a normal yellow school bus with normal wheels, someone created this monster truck version with unnecessarily enormous wheels.
Where is this school bus planning on going with these huge off-the-road wheels? Isn't it just supposed to be taking children to and from school?
Moonshine for Sale in Virginia
Next time you have a hankering for some homemade moonshine, head on over to Virginia and you'll surely be able to find some made by Bill Jones himself. Although he could use a little help spelling certain words on his sign, there is plenty of moonshine FER sale and he even offers free samples. Just make sure you don't contact the POHLICE, because even though prohibition is long over, he is still operating illegally.
Although it clearly says not to inform the police of Bill's secret moonshine business, it looks like his sign is large enough to attract the police without anyone informing them.
California Is the Land of Google
Google seems to be the ruler of the state of California, so much so that if they are hiring new employees, you don't even have to bother to apply. They already know if you are looking and are interested and they know everything there is to know about you. In just a few days a representative with contact you with different employment opportunities...almost undoubtedly the easiest way to find a new job.
Although this is mostly a joke, the Googleplex is located in California and it's quite an enormous college-campus-like structure that takes up more than 2 million square feet of office space.
Are You Allowed to Marry Your Cousin in Arkansas
This picture frame is either a very poor choice of marketing or is a little bit more common than anyone would like to think. According to the looks of this picture, it's perfectly normal to marry your cousin in Arkansas. Not only is it normal, but it is promoted. Hopefully, this is just a very simple mistake since it is technically illegal to marry your first cousin in Arkansas.
Maybe someone thought it would be a funny joke to switch the pictures from a "Just Married" picture frame to the "Cousins" one. Regardless, Arkansas has a strange sense of humor.
North Carolina and Its Extreme Weather
The enormous difference just a little bit of sun can make is so clearly shown in just this one photo. Underneath the sun, it can feel like a hot summer day and you're ready to dress in sandals and short sleeves. But if you venture back to the shade, it's both freezing and literally covered in snow. Ahhh the crazy days of spring in North Carolina have everyone confused.
That snow will probably never melt unless the sun somehow moves so that it is directly facing the shady spot. Stay on the sunny side until the summer officially comes!
Rhode Island Making Hello Kitty Jealous
Rhode Island, at about 1,200 square miles, is by far the US's smallest state. Using that to their advantage, these Rhode Islanders decided to compare themselves to the lovable and cute Hello Kitty. They claim that they are even smaller and even cuter than this beloved fictional character. The only way to find out for sure is to go and visit Rhode Island and see what all the hype is about.
According to the sign, it looks like despite Rhode Island's small size, they still have some fun things to offer, like boating!
Put on Some Decent Clothes in Tennessee
You have been warned. Next time you decide to go for a jog, know that this neighborhood house should be strongly avoided. As the homeowners have written clearly for all to see, they are not interested in seeing or having their children see your "obscene anatomy". Not so great for body positivity, but it looks like that is not really their priority or the message they care to spread.
It may be best to avoid this entire property altogether. Who knows what they will consider to be appropriate clothing and what is considered suitable for their children's eyes.
Nevada Has an Interesting Set of Priorities
If Las Vegas is any example, it seems like Nevada has a very interesting set of priorities, far different from the rest of the country. According to this sign, liquor, gambling, and prostitution are all legal 24 hours a day. What is the only thing that is not legal, at all, any time of day? Lobsters. Although there may be a perfectly good reason for this, it's hard to imagine what it could be.
Don't even try to buy lobsters or bring them into Nevada. They actually are illegal, despite their fairly liberal laws regarding most other things.
Oregon Is the Hipster Haven of the World
Portland Oregon may not be the most famous of all cities. But the one thing they are very well known for is for being one of the best places to live as a hipster. Hipsters from all around the world flock to Portland to talk about kombucha and medical mushrooms and pickling. This hipster took it to another level with his interesting laptop, which is actually a vintage typewriter. Only in Oregon!
Don't forget to also appreciate his hand-crocheted hat and fair trade scarf shawl wrapped around him. The look is complete with the reusable tote bag to carry all of his things.
Florida Is One of a Kind
Florida is perhaps the strangest of all states in America. From insanely and almost unbelievable news stories to perhaps the largest conglomerate of actual psychos, Florida is almost constantly in the news. This man, with his crazy long mullet hairdo along with short jorts may just sum up the state in one simple picture. Add in the alligator bag and t-bone tattoo and there you have it folks—Florida's representative.
If there's one thing the world can thank Florida for, it's for providing endless comical and interesting news headlines to laugh about over and over again.
Try to Enjoy Your Visit to Maryland
Something is going down in Maryland! It's not really the most appealing welcome you've probably ever seen with a car going up in flames and thick black clouds of soot and smoke. It's great to know that "Maryland welcomes you" and to "enjoy your stay", but perhaps you should turn tail and run in the opposite direction if this is any sign of what Maryland really has in store for you.
It seems that things are not quite so merry in Maryland. Although it may just be a very poorly timed photo and the car blew up right as you were welcomed to the state.
Connecticut Would Like to Apologize
Connecticut at first seemed pretty proud about the fact that George W. Bush was born there (or at least the person who created the sign was proud), but some string of events led to the reversal of that pride. Either a new anti-Bush sign maker joined the team and wanted to fix what he saw as wrong or the original sign maker had a change of heart. Regardless, now Connecticut would like to formally apologize for one of its most famous offspring.
The addition of the "We Apologize" sign was definitely added as an afterthought. Regardless of your politics, it's quite funny.
Take a Bath With a Bear in Montana
What could be better than taking a bath in the good old outdoors, surrounded by trees and mountains and beautiful scenery? According to Montana, the only thing that could make that better is if you were joined by a nice big brown bear. Despite the fact that brown bears are actually quite dangerous, this man seems to be quite happy and enjoying himself in the bath with the bear, oblivious to the risks.
Also, why is this man wearing clothing while taking a bath? And not even something particularly warm, assuming it was cold outside. He just has on a simple t-shirt, that is now soaking wet.
That's How They Raffle in North Dakota
North Dakota is no doubt a cold place. Hockey is always popular in cooler climates, and North Dakota is no exception. If you are into hockey and raffles then it looks like Mr. Cal Helgeson, President of the West Fargo Hockey Association has a special treat and opportunity for you. What's the prize for whoever wins the raffle? They will be giving out 200 guns to the lucky winners.
You can only hope that the winners of these 200 guns will only receive them if they are legally allowed to own a gun and have the proper and necessary licenses.
Luxury Road Stop in Nebraska
Whether you are traveling specifically to the seemingly boring state of Nebraska or just passing through on your way to somewhere else, don't worry about the road stops along the way. Nebraska has you covered with some luxurious rest areas featuring bales of hay and one solitary toilet. Does the toilet actually flush and have running water or is it only for show? You'll never know until you try.
It doesn't even look as if this rest area is even by a road. Do cars even pass by here or is it a rest area for tractors and farmers?
Hillbilly Fishing in a Puddle in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is quite a large state with a wide variety of inhabitants. Whether it is busy city dwellers in Philadelphia, comfortable suburban families, Amish in the countryside, or just plain old hillbillies in the mountains, Pennsylvania has it all. This hillbilly, complete with a straw hat and bare feet, has decided to grab a fishing pole and start hoping he gets lucky....in a puddle on the side of the road.
This man will probably be sitting there for quite a while hopelessly hoping to catch something. Considering Pennsylvania abounds in lakes and rivers, it is a bit ironic that this is his first option for a fishing location.
Wisconsin Shouldn't Really Be so Proud of This
Wisconsin, unfortunately, is home to a disturbingly large number of serial killers. Although they don't always stay in the state, a good amount of serial killers were born and raised there. It's not really clear what Wisconsin does to its inhabitants to make them turn crazy, but it doesn't seem like the ideal place to live. This t-shirt seems to show that Wisconsin inhabitants know about their reputation and sort of find it funny anyway.
What else can you do when your state, unfortunately, produces a large number of terrible people? Laugh about it and hope that at some point those numbers will change for the better. Wisconsin should be more famous for its cheese.
Pennsylvania in One Simple Photo
Pennsylvania is oftentimes famous for its large and thriving population of Amish people. As they are a unique cultural aspect of Pennsylvania's diverse dynamic, many love to visit the Amish communities in the countryside, see how they live, and purchase handmade goods from them. If you didn't know, the Amish are famous for their general rejection of technology, hence the use of the horse and buggy for transportation, not using electricity, and dressing as if they are in the 1800s.
The irony of this photo is seeing this Amish man driving his horse and buggy past a gas station, something he would never use. The beauty of Pennsylvania is that the Amish community lives happily and undisturbed right near non-Amish communities and cities.
New Hampshire and Its Moose Crossings
Clearly, this sign was not joking around when it warned motorists of the potential of moose crossings for the next 12 miles. Obviously, the moose are everywhere in this New Hampshire area and it's nearly impossible to avoid them. In that case, follow the instructions given on the road signs throughout the state, listen to them, and hope these enormous creatures stay far away from you at all times.
People underestimate the size and power of moose. They are incredibly large animals that can cause an insane amount of damage. Almost no one will survive a run-in with an angry moose.