The most breathtaking architectural wonder in every US state, ranked

United States of Architecture

From important government buildings to historic residences and even stunning train stations, America boasts an embarrassment of architectural riches to impress and amaze. Here, we have subjectively ranked what we believe are the most beautiful buildings in America, state by state. Did your favorite make the final list?

Read on to discover the finest architecture in the USA...

50. Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, Akron, Ohio

A rare example of a Tudor-Revival building in the US, this eye-catching estate was built in the early 20th century by Goodyear Tire and Rubber company co-founder FA Seiberling. The estate comprises a 65-room manor house and gardens as well as an impressive art collection. Visitors can take a guided tour that snakes through the house and garden, as well as the Gate Lodge – the birthplace of Alcoholics Anonymous.

49. Pittock Mansion, Portland, Oregon

Built by Henry and Georgina Pittock, two prominent Portland residents in the early 1900s, this mansion is a striking vision of French Renaissance architecture. Surrounded by nature, the mansion is open to the public, allowing visitors to explore multiple rooms, peruse the Pittock family's private art collection, and venture out into the landscaped gardens.

48. St Michael's Russian Orthodox Cathedral, Sitka, Alaska

This is the oldest Russian Orthodox cathedral in North America. Built in 1848 by Russian settlers, the cathedral is known for its green onion domes and the abundance of icons decorating the walls inside. It's open to visitors and offers tours that give an insight into the history and culture of the longstanding Russian Orthodox community in Alaska.

47. Stetson Mansion, DeLand, Florida

Built for John B Stetson, the inventor of the Stetson hat, this Florida mansion was finished in 1886 and features 16 distinct rooms across more than 8,000 square feet of living space. Apart from ornate woodwork and stained-glass windows, the mansion has a few surprises up its sleeve.

Those who join a tour will be shown to a hidden door, among other unique features. The house was also home to writer and poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning and even featured on TV show Ghost Hunters. The mansion is closed June through October but reopens for Christmas tours in November.

46. North Dakota State Capitol Building, Bismarck, North Dakota

Standing 242 feet high, the North Dakota State Capitol is the tallest building in the state. An impressively austere prairie-themed Art Deco structure, it was completed in 1934, and its distinctive design features a central tower that hosts an observation deck at the top. Inside, the Memorial Hall is an unmissable space with unique design features such as hanging lights shaped like wheat.

45. George Washington's Mount Vernon, Mount Vernon, Virginia

The historic plantation home of America's First President George Washington, Mount Vernon is an immaculately-preserved, 21-room estate that draws in thousands of visitors more than two centuries after Washington's death. Museum displays explore the lives of the enslaved people who once lived and worked on the estate, while tours cover everything from farming techniques to life in 18th-century America.

44. Castle in the Clouds, Moultonborough, New Hampshire

Also known as Lucknow, this historic estate was built in 1913 as the summer home of the millionaire industrialist Thomas Plant and his family. Its nickname draws inspiration from its location atop a mountain, opening up views of the surrounding countryside.

Following the homely motifs of the Arts and Crafts movement, the building was also known for hosting parties of the most influential people of the time. Now, it's a popular events venue and is open to the public.

43. Emlen Physick Estate, Cape May, New Jersey

Located in Cape May, this is one of the few Victorian-inspired buildings on our list. Built in 1879, the estate is named after its original owner Dr Emlen Physick – one of Cape May's most prominent citizens – and comprises the main house and carriage house plus manicured gardens and grounds. Just like during its heyday, the estate regularly hosts a variety of cultural events, art exhibitions, and festivals.

42. Cathedral Basilica of St Francis of Assisi, Santa Fe, New Mexico

Fusing Spanish, Native American, and English influences, this unique building incorporates elements of various cultures that have been a part of New Mexico history. A striking Romanesque Revival building, its history dates back to the 16th century when the Spanish built the first church in this spot. The current structure was finished in the late 19th century and one of its most striking aspects is its stained-glass windows, designed by artist John C Beyer to depict scenes from the Bible.

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41. Saint Ann's Church, Kennebunkport, Maine

The rustic stone architecture might trick you into thinking that this quaint church is a lot older than it is. It was actually built in 1887, and it remains an important place of worship for the Catholic community in Maine. It's renowned for its 25 miniature stained-glass windows too.

40. The Elms, Newport, Rhode Island

For a sneak peek at the privileged lives of the wealthy during the Gilded Age, visit Newport's The Elms, a historic mansion that was completed in 1901 for coal magnate Edward Berwind's family. The French Chateau-esque estate features impressive woodwork, tapestries, and furnishings that reflect the family's luxurious lifestyle. Today, the mansion and its 10 acres of land are open for guided tours and it's a popular wedding venue too.

39. Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist, Charleston, South Carolina

A French-Gothic church built in 1896, the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist is a must-visit attraction in Charleston. Its soaring spire reaches a height of over 200 feet, while at ground level there's stained glass windows, marble floors, ornate altars, and a stunning pipe organ to admire.

Built from Connecticut brownstone, the building was refurbished in 2007 and further interior renovations began in 2019 and finished in 2020. Pay a visit to pray, or simply to quietly contemplate the beauty of this church.

38. The House of the Seven Gables, Salem, Massachusetts

This historic 17th-century mansion in Salem was made famous by Nathaniel Hawthorne's novel of the same name, published in 1851. Named for the seven gables that adorn it, the building has an interesting history harking all the way back to the Salem witch trials of the 1690s. Today, it's a popular tourist attraction and is even said to be haunted.

37. Seattle Public Library, Seattle, Washington

The only modern marvel on this list, this impressive glass and steel building was opened in 2004. Designed by architect Rem Koolhaas, it's 11 stories tall and was designed to create an open and welcoming space for visitors, with natural light and views of the city. Its most impressive feature is the Book Spiral, a continuous ramp that winds its way up through all the levels of the building.

36. Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Mobile, Alabama

Known for its stained-glass windows, which were imported from Europe and include depictions of Jesus, Mary, and various saints, The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception is a fine example of Gothic-Revival architecture. It was finished in 1850 and is Alabama's oldest Catholic cathedral. It was also the site of the first Catholic mass in the state.

35. St Mary in the Mountains Catholic Church, Virginia City, Nevada

Dating back to 1868, this historic church in Virginia City has been a fixture in the community for over 150 years and is one of the oldest continuously-operating churches in the state. A beautiful Gothic-Revival building, it's surprisingly simple on the inside, with ornamented altars and understated woodwork.

34. Wyoming State Capitol, Cheyenne, Wyoming

Completed in 1890, the Wyoming State Capitol has been the heart of the state's political life for over a century. Grand and imposing, the exterior is dominated by a dome, while the interior is just as impressive, with grand staircases, ornate decorations, and a rotunda modeled after the US Capitol in DC. If you take a tour, you'll see that the Senate chamber is adorned with paintings of Wyoming's early pioneers and other famous figures.

33. Idaho Falls Temple & Visitors' Center, Idaho Falls, Idaho

One of the oldest operating temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (informally known as the Mormon Church), the Idaho Falls Temple was opened in 1945 and is a stunning example of Art Deco architecture.

The white granite façade appears to glisten in daylight, while its spire, topped by a golden statue of the Angel Moroni, stands 143 feet tall. Although it's an active place of worship, visitors can take a tour of the temple grounds and learn about the history of the fascinating building and the church.

32. St Peter's Roman Catholic Church, Harpers Ferry, West Virginia

A Gothic-Revival church finished in 1833, this church was the first Catholic place of worship to be built in West Virginia. The architecture is distinctly Catholic, while the interior is pared back. During the Civil War, the church was used as a hospital by both Confederate and Union soldiers and is the only church in Harpers Ferry that wasn't destroyed by the conflict.

31. The Baltimore Basilica, Baltimore, Maryland

Another beautiful example of Neoclassical architecture in America, this church was designed by the same architect who conceived the United States Capitol in Washington DC. Completed in 1821, the basilica was the first Roman Catholic cathedral to be built in the United States and was also the site of the first Catholic bishop's consecration in the country. Since then, the cathedral has even hosted Pope John Paul II.

30. Fallingwater, Mill Run, Pennsylvania

Hovering over cascading waterfalls, this multi-tiered house somehow blends in with its forest surroundings and brings the outside in with numerous terraces, walkways, and wall-to-ceiling windows.

Built in 1935, the house is often regarded as Frank Lloyd Wright's most accomplished design and is included in the Smithsonian's list of "28 Places to See Before You Die." Both guided tours of the interior and self-guided tours of the grounds are available.

29. The Guardian Building, Detroit, Michigan

An Art Deco masterpiece, this 1920s building perfectly summarizes the golden age of Detroit. The exterior is made of Indiana limestone and features carvings, friezes, and sculptures that evoke the spirit of Detroit's historic industries – automotive and manufacturing.

Drawing inspiration from Aztec and Maya cultures, architect Wirt C Rowland achieved a look so distinct that the building is now a National Historic Landmark and a must-visit attraction in Detroit.

28. Grand Opera House, Wilmington, Delaware

A perfect example of why historic preservation matters, this gorgeous Beaux-Arts building was originally finished in 1871 but has recently undergone major renovation and modernization. The interior is just as impressive, with over 1,200 seats in an auditorium that's reached via a grand staircase through the lobby. It's a beloved institution and has hosted opera, ballet, and live music, with Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra among those taking the stage.

27. Kansas State Capitol Building, Topeka, Kansas

A marvelous building inside and out, the Kansas State Capitol was finished in 1903. Its central dome, topped by a bronze statue, is said to be visible from a mile away.

The building's most impressive feature, though, lies inside. The rotunda is adorned with a mural that depicts key moments in the state's history, including the struggles of the Civil War. Self-guided tours are available to those who want to discover its grand hallways, marble staircases, and ceremonial and legislative offices.

26. Santa Barbara County Courthouse, Santa Barbara, California

An impressive Spanish Colonial Revival building, Santa Barbara's courthouse is a feast of red-tiled roofs, white stucco walls, intricate wrought-iron features, and murals and mosaics that depict the region's history. One of its most notable features is the 85-foot-tall clock tower that's open to visitors and offers gorgeous views over the city and the Santa Ynez Mountains.

25. Thorncrown Chapel, Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright's Prairie School architecture, the 1980-built Thorncrown Chapel appears to be at one with its natural Ozarks surroundings. Known for its eye-catching appearance, which features 425 windows set into a wooden frame, it was designed by architect Euine Fay Jones to reflect the landscape around it. The abundance of glass gives it a spacious, open-air feel.

24. Cathedral of St John the Baptist, Savannah, Georgia

This cathedral in Savannah has a striking Gothic façade that's hard to miss. It was built in 1873 and its exterior is adorned with intricate carvings, statues, and stained glass. On the inside, soaring vaulted ceilings and a great pipe organ awe most visitors.

23. Vermont State House, Montpelier, Vermont

Home of the Vermont General Assembly, the state's legislative body, the State House is a beautiful 1859 Greek Revival building. Its most noticeable feature is, of course, the gold leaf dome, sparkling in front of the leafy trees that are verdant in summer and burgundy in the fall.

Guided tours take visitors through the House and Senate chambers as well as the governor's office. You'll be able to take in the impressive collection of historic portraits and art displayed throughout the building.

22. Chapel in the Hills, Colonial Pine Hills, South Dakota

A unique church, reminiscent of fantastical Arendelle in Frozen, this wooden structure is actually based on a traditional Norwegian stave church. The chapel was finished in 1969 and is constructed entirely out of wood, featuring intricate carvings, a hand-crafted altar, and an antique pipe organ. Visitors can not only use it as a place of worship but also learn about the history and traditions of Norwegian stave churches.

21. Temple Square, Salt Lake City, Utah

Home to the headquarters of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, plus gardens, monuments, and historic exhibits related to the religion, Temple Square is an unmissable Salt Lake City landmark. Its main feature is the Salt Lake Temple, whose Neo-Gothic spires seem to be piercing the sky. If visiting, you'll have to admire the church from the outside only as entrance is only permitted to Mormons recommended to the temple.

20. Nebraska State Capitol, Lincoln, Nebraska

Unusually for a state capitol, this building has a distinctly Art Deco interior and exterior. Made of Indiana limestone, the building's most impressive feature is the central tower, rising 400 feet into the sky. Inside, there's a grand rotunda adorned with murals depicting the state's history, as well as a massive mural dedicated to the progress of human civilization by Hildreth Meiere.

19. Texas State Capitol, Austin, Texas

A National Historic Landmark since 1986, this sprawling marvel (inspired by Italian Renaissance architecture) has been the political heart of Texas since 1888. Some of the building's most notable features include a grand dome, a stunning rotunda, and Lone Star motifs emblazoned on its façade. The 22-acre complex includes several other lovely buildings, gardens, and monuments.

18. Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Notre Dame, Indiana

The only building on this list to be located on a college campus, this church from 1888 is part of the University of Notre Dame. Designed by French architect Father Edward Sorin (who also founded the university), the basilica is one of the most striking in the country.

A famous feature is the statue of the Virgin Mary, which sits atop the main entrance. The Golden Dome Madonna, as it's known, serves as a symbol of the university too.

17. Chapel of the Holy Cross, Sedona, Arizona

Blending into the surrounding red rocks, this chapel was built in 1956 by visionary architect and sculptor Marguerite Brunswig Staude. It was designed to reflect the spiritual essence of the Sedona landscape.

Staude was inspired by the powerful steel frameworks of skyscrapers – a theme that's explored with its central iron cross, which serves an aesthetic purpose and is a structural support. The striking design is rounded off with a 210-foot-tall central nave and windowed altar.

16. Cathedral of Saint Paul, St Paul, Minnesota

Looming over Minnesota's capital is the Cathedral of Saint Paul and its two soaring towers. Finished in 1915 and made of gray granite, the cathedral's exterior was inspired by the great churches of Europe, while the interior is just as impressive with a grand central nave with stained-glass windows and richly-ornamented altars and chapels.

15. Cathedral of St Helena, Helena, Montana

A beautiful example of Neo-Gothic architecture, the Cathedral of St Helena sits on a hill overlooking the city and the surrounding Rocky Mountains. Made of stone with two bell towers, the church was finished in 1914, and its interior is particularly impressive with lots of intricate gold detailing and colorful stained-glass windows. The baptismal font (in the foreground of this image) adds a lovely splash of color.

14. New Capitol Building, Frankfort, Kentucky

Built in 1910 to replace the earlier capitol building – which is still standing in downtown Frankfort and now serves as a museum – the new capitol is actually the fourth capitol building since Kentucky achieved statehood in 1792. It's a sprawling Beaux-Arts confection, with decorative lunettes above the chamber doors which depict significant historical moments from Kentucky's past.

13. St Mary Basilica, Natchez, Mississippi

Constructed from unusual red brick, this 1842 church is built in the Gothic-Revival style. You'll find lots of flourishes in its interior, from ornate woodwork to carvings and other decorative elements on the altars. Don't forget to cast your eyes upwards at the glorious pastel-blue ceiling. Located in the heart of downtown Natchez, it's an active place of worship, open to visitors daily.

12. Oklahoma State Capitol, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Completed in 1917, this building is a stunning example of Greco-Roman architecture. During a major restoration project much work was done to modernize the building while maintaining its historic character. A steel-enforced and plaster cast dome tops off the spectacular construction.

The building is open to the public. Visitors shouldn't miss the many artworks, murals, and sculptures displayed throughout. The complex is also famous for its oil wells and, outside, you'll find the only state capitol grounds in the US with active oil rigs.

11. Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis, St Louis, Missouri

Often referred to as the New Cathedral to distinguish it from the original church that was destroyed by fire in 1849, this dazzling cathedral incorporates elements of both Gothic and Byzantine architecture. One of its most striking features is the two massive bell towers that rise 210 feet above ground.

If that wasn't enough to impress you, the interior is even more awe-inspiring, with a grand nave that features more than 40 million pieces of colored glass in its mosaic ceiling.

10. Colorado State Capitol, Denver, Colorado

Located in the heart of Denver, this magnificent building was completed in 1894. Built in a Neoclassical style, the Capitol's stunning gold dome rises 272 feet and was covered in gold leaf in 1908 to commemorate the Colorado Gold Rush.

Inside, visitors can admire the intricate marble work, wood paneling, and stained-glass windows. Free guided tours are available and include a visit to both chambers for a peek at the state's legislative process.

9. Grand Central Terminal, New York City, New York

Probably the most famous train station in the world, Grand Central Terminal really is grand. Opened in 1913, it features a ceiling fresco in the Main Concourse depicting the constellations of the zodiac, and the building itself has been designated a National Historic Landmark due to its magnificent Beaux-Arts façade.

8. Nashville Parthenon, Nashville, Tennessee

You might be puzzled as to why a full-sized replica of the Parthenon sits in Nashville's Centennial Park. The answer is simple: the copycat attraction was constructed in the late 19th century to mark Tennessee's International Exposition in 1897. It became such a popular attraction that the state decided to make it permanent, and today it's an art gallery complete with a giant golden statue of the goddess Athena.

7. Capitol Building, Des Moines, Iowa

Another stirring capitol building, this impressive structure was finished in 1886, and its footprint is dominated by an impressive dome that's covered in 23-karat gold leaf. Open to the public, the building offers self-guided tours that take visitors through the legislative chambers, the Supreme Court, and the impressive Law Library. There are also breathtaking views to take in if you ascend to the top of the dome.

6. Byodo-In Temple, Kaneohe, Hawaii

Evoking a mythical Japanese land, this non-denominational temple is in fact found on the island of O'ahu in Hawaii. It was constructed in 1968 to mark a century since the first Japanese immigrants arrived in Hawaii and is a replica of a thousand-year-old temple of the same name in Uji, Japan. The temple is open to visitors daily.

5. Wisconsin State Capitol, Madison, Wisconsin

Built in the Neoclassical style we've seen in plenty of state capitol buildings on this list, this one was completed in 1917 and remains one of Wisconsin's most recognizable landmarks. The towering dome rises 187 feet and is made of white granite.

At the top sits a statue of a globe-clutching lady known as Wisconsin, which represents the state's motto, "Forward." The two interior must-sees are the rotunda, modeled after the Pantheon in Rome, and the Senate chamber, which is reminiscent of the Parthenon in Athens.

4. Biltmore, Asheville, North Carolina

One of the country's most spectacular pieces of architecture, this Gilded Age mansion was constructed in 1889 by George Vanderbilt, grandson of the business magnate Cornelius Vanderbilt. The largest residential home in the US, it spans nearly 180,000 square feet with more than 250 rooms, and took six years to finish. Visitors can tour the property, and even spend the night in one of its historic cottages.

3. Holy Name Cathedral, Chicago, Illinois

In a city where great architecture abounds, it's quite the accolade to be named most beautiful building. The honor goes to the 19th-century Holy Name Cathedral, a Gothic-Revival marvel.

The cathedral's spire stands out at 210 feet and is a familiar sight in Chicago's skyscraper-punctuated skyline. A Catholic place of worship, the cathedral is just as majestic inside too, with wood carvings and stained glass on almost every wall.

2. Connecticut State Capitol, Hartford, Connecticut

Sat on a hill overlooking Hartford, the Connecticut State Capitol is an example of a very specific architectural style: Eastlake, a Victorian movement which was briefly popular towards the end of the 19th century. The building was completed in 1878 and features one of the largest masonry domes in the world, measuring over 250 feet in circumference. It's adorned with gold leaf and weighs more than 3,000kg.

1. St Louis Cathedral, New Orleans, Louisiana

Somewhat reminiscent of a Cinderella castle, this dreamy cathedral is one of America's most famous places of worship. Finished in 1727 and brought to life by French engineer Adrien De Pauger, the original cathedral sadly burned to the ground less than 60 years later. Its replacement took shape in 1794, and has been standing at the heart of New Orleans ever since.