Imagine having the opportunity to visit every single state in the U.S., from the sunny beaches of California to the rocky coasts of Maine. One travel journalist, Jonathan Thompson, has done exactly that, spending ten years living and working across the country. His journey has given him a unique perspective on the nation’s best hidden gems and its most overrated or challenging locations. While he happily recommends places like Bend, Oregon, and Juneau, Alaska, his most emphatic opinion is a warning about one city he believes all travelers should deliberately avoid.
His pick for the worst spot in America is Gary, Indiana. He doesn’t mince words, labeling it a “post-industrial, semi-deserted hellscape.” His criticism focuses on the visible signs of urban decay, particularly the severely damaged roads, which he says are marred by potholes of an almost catastrophic size. This description suggests a city that has been largely abandoned by the economic forces that once sustained it, leaving behind a landscape that is both difficult to navigate and disheartening to behold. For a professional traveler, these are clear indicators of a destination that has little to offer.
The city’s primary draw for outsiders is its connection to musical royalty. As the birthplace of the Jackson family, it attracts fans from around the world who come to see the house where Michael Jackson and his siblings grew up. This pilgrimage is a testament to the enduring power of the artist’s legacy. However, this point of interest exists within a community that locals themselves caution against exploring after dark, a warning that should give any potential visitor serious pause.
This caution was tragically justified in a harrowing incident last year. A man and his teenage daughter, after visiting the Jackson home, were victims of a violent armed robbery and kidnapping. The assailant was later sentenced to 164 years in prison for his crimes, which included sexual assault. This event underscores the very real dangers that can be present and transforms the travel expert’s subjective opinion into a more serious advisory based on documented safety concerns.
Thompson’s assessment, while harsh, is rooted in extensive firsthand experience. His journey across all fifty states provides a broad context for his judgment. While Gary, Indiana, holds a significant place in music history, the current reality of the city, compounded by a high-profile violent crime, makes it a potent symbol of a failed urban center. For travelers seeking to experience the best of America, the advice is to look toward the scenic beauty and vibrant communities found elsewhere, and to heed the warning about this particular Indiana city.
