Actually, there is a Cabela’s store (outdoor gear) near the Speedway that, if it hasn’t already, is expected to exceed the Natural History Museum at the University of Kansas as the state’s top “tourist attraction”. Yeah, I’m gonna travel out of state to go shopping. :rolleyes:
You may have the largest, but we in Minnesota have the largest built by one man 
Then again…the biggest pair of balls is in Branson, MO
So much pride spread over so much country.
Ahem… actually, last time I was in KCK I made a point of going to Cabela’s. It’s pretty cool. I was looking for some camping items I was having trouble finding.
What?
Well, I can’t speak as to the per-capita tourism dollars exactly, but over the course of my life I’ve had the burden/privilege to hear many speehces and learn many facts about our state, and consistently, tourism is in the top three sources of income for WV.
There’s scenery, and hiking, and fishing. And two major ski resort places. And several historic-value sites.
And of course, the thousands of WVU football fans that come in to Morgantown from all over the country for nearly each and every game. 
Holy crap my home state is #5! No way! Is that per capita? Cause VT does have the second or third smallest population. I can’t believe that we get more money from tourism than Maine or New York.
Don’t forget the Garden of Eden in Lucas. We traveled through Kansas when I was a kid and stopped here. One of the strangest places I’ve ever been to. Some crazy old guy made a bunch of bad statues out of concrete to represent the Garden of Eden and other historic themes. He had Adam wearing a Masonic apron, which I found interesting, though I am doubtful as to its historical accuracy. As an added bonus, you can see his mummified body, which is on display, too.
Not per capita, but as a percentage of the total state product for all industries (which probably scales pretty closely with population, though). Vermont actually has the second-lowest total gross state product (just barely beating North Dakota, in fact), so even though you’re 12th from the bottom in tourism dollars*, that’s still a major chunk of the total GSP.
*Note my definition of tourism dollars probably isn’t an official definition; just one that I thought was reasonable and makes it easy to use the available data.
If not then you’ll be missing the pilgrimages in Natchez, Vicksburg, Holly Springs, etc.
The casinos around Tunica are more impressive than the ones on the coast. There are several blues festivals in Mississippi (home of the blues). I’ve been to the one in Greenville and also the one in Clarksdale. Anyone traveling between Memphis and B’ham with time to spare, should visit Oxford which is not only the home of Ole Miss, but of William Faulkner and John Grisham. Oxford’s Square is very beautiful. After prowsing in the different shops, I suggest lunch at the “Grocery” or “Proud Larry’s”. Of course I can’t close without mentioning that you can drop by Elvis’ birthplace in Tupelo. Tupelo is also the headquarters of the “Natchez Trace”, which is a National Parkway. After the end of next year, you will be able to drive from Natchez, MS to Nashville, TN without having to stop for a red light or stop sign.
Gotta like the write up…
Cool! Makes we want to visit!
and for those that like their Hells with the fires on, visit Centralia, PA
What?? Not even to visit moi ??
A lot of money gets lost in Tunica here. They’re also building and indoor golf course!
One thing to remember about Western states like Wyoming, North Dakota, Montana etc, is that Out-of-state hunting and fishing licenses make a decent bit of dough compared to the small population. Colorado and Utah make that plus tons of skiing money.
When I lived in St. Louis, I heard many times that people went on vacations or honeymoons to the Ozarks. Many of those people made it across the state border into Arkansas.
North Dakota has the added difficulty of being on the way to not much. If you’re staying in the States, you have be coming from or heading to Montana, pretty much.