The United States is a vast country with diverse geography, including mountain ranges, deserts, forests, and coastlines. However, not all states have direct access to the ocean. These states, known as landlocked states, are surrounded by other states and have no coastline along major bodies of water like the ocean or sea. We’ll explore what it means to be a landlocked state, identify which U.S. states are landlocked, and uncover some interesting facts about them.
What is a Landlocked State?
A landlocked state is a state that has no coastline along any ocean or sea. While these states don’t have access to maritime resources like ports and beaches, many have large lakes, rivers, and reservoirs that offer ample opportunities for recreation and natural beauty.
List of Landlocked States in the USA
There are 27 Landlocked States in the U.S.A. spread across various regions. Here’s a complete list:
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Michigan (though Michigan has access to the Great Lakes, it does not have ocean access)
- Minnesota (bordering the Great Lakes but no direct ocean access)
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Mexico
- North Dakota
- Ohio (touches Lake Erie but no ocean)
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania (also borders the Great Lakes but no ocean)
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Utah
- Vermont
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Double-Landlocked States
A Double Landlocked State is one that is surrounded entirely by other landlocked states, requiring travel through at least two states to reach the nearest ocean. In the U.S., only two states are double-landlocked:
- Nebraska
- Kansas
Both of these states are located in the central U.S., far from the coasts, making them completely dependent on neighboring states for any access to maritime resources.
Unique Features of Landlocked States
Even though landlocked states don’t have access to the ocean, many of them boast breathtaking natural landscapes, large lakes, and rivers that provide endless opportunities for outdoor activities. Here are a few interesting features of some landlocked states:
- Colorado: Famous for the Rocky Mountains, Colorado offers some of the best skiing, hiking, and mountain scenery in the country.
- Utah: Known for its stunning deserts and the Great Salt Lake, Utah has some of the most unique landscapes in the U.S., including national parks like Zion and Arches.
- Michigan: While landlocked by definition, Michigan’s access to four of the five Great Lakes makes it a prime destination for boating, fishing, and water sports.
- Tennessee: With the Great Smoky Mountains and the Mississippi River bordering the state, Tennessee is rich in both scenic beauty and history.
- Minnesota: Nicknamed the “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” Minnesota offers abundant freshwater activities, making it a paradise for anglers and boaters.
Economic and Cultural Impacts of Being Landlocked
Landlocked states often rely on land-based transportation, like highways and railroads, to access goods and services. While coastal states benefit from international trade through ports, landlocked states have developed strong agricultural, manufacturing, and mining industries that don’t depend heavily on maritime trade.
In addition, many landlocked states are culturally rich, with traditions influenced by their geographical isolation. For example, states like Tennessee and Kentucky have become cultural hubs for country music, while the Midwest is known for its farming communities and heartland values.
How Do Landlocked States Access International Trade?
Even without direct access to the ocean, landlocked states can still engage in international trade by using neighboring coastal states’ ports. Goods are transported via truck or rail to ports in nearby states like California, Texas, or Florida for overseas shipping. Many landlocked states also trade with Canada and Mexico via land borders, making them important hubs for North American trade.
Conclusion
Although landlocked states in the U.S. lack coastlines, they offer their own unique beauty and economic advantages. From the majestic mountains of Colorado to the abundant lakes of Minnesota, these states provide a wide range of opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts, travelers, and residents. So, even without an ocean in sight, these landlocked states are worth exploring for their natural wonders and rich cultural landscapes.
