Test your U.S. geography knowledge with these quick facts about the 50 states. From capitals to landmarks, here’s a snapshot of what you’ll learn:
- Smallest State Capital: Montpelier, Vermont, with just over 8,000 residents.
- Grand Canyon: Located in Arizona, spanning 277 miles and showcasing 2 billion years of geological history.
- Gateway Arch: Found in St. Louis, Missouri, standing 630 feet tall.
- First State: Delaware, ratified the Constitution on December 7, 1787.
- One-Syllable State: Maine is the only one.
- Land of 10,000 Lakes: Minnesota, home to over 14,000 lakes.
- Smallest State by Area: Rhode Island, covering just 1,545 square miles.
- Most Active Volcanoes: Alaska, with 141 active volcanoes.
- Longest Coastline: Alaska, stretching 33,904 miles.
- Only Royal Palace: Hawaii’s Iolani Palace in Honolulu.
These facts are perfect for trivia nights, classroom activities, or brushing up on U.S. geography. Dive into the details and see how much you know!
Ultimate USA States Quiz | 50 Trivia Questions About US States
1. Vermont's State Capital
Did you know the least populous U.S. state capital has just over 8,000 residents?
It’s Montpelier, Vermont. In 2020, Montpelier had a population of 8,074, making it the smallest state capital in the country. However, during the day, its population grows to about 21,000 thanks to workers and visitors. The Vermont State House, which is over 160 years old, is home to the oldest active legislative chambers in the nation.
Montpelier also boasts a lively mix of independent businesses and farm-to-table restaurants, offering a dynamic atmosphere that stands out even among larger capitals.
Now, let’s see how much you know about one of the world’s most iconic natural wonders.
2. Location of the Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon is located in northwestern Arizona, near the borders of Utah and Nevada, within Coconino County's Grand Canyon National Park. It spans an impressive 277 miles in length, reaches up to 18 miles in width, and plunges over 6,000 feet deep. Covering 1,904 square miles, its size exceeds that of Rhode Island, which is 1,212 square miles. The canyon's rock layers, ranging from Vishnu Schist to Kaibab Limestone, showcase nearly two billion years of Earth's geological history and are part of the ancestral lands of 11 Tribal communities. The area is divided into the South, North, and West Rims and is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Now, which state is home to the iconic Gateway Arch?
3. State with the Gateway Arch
The Gateway Arch, located in St. Louis, Missouri, is a 630-foot stainless steel monument. It's the tallest monument in the U.S. and the tallest arch in the world. Built in 1965, it commemorates Thomas Jefferson's vision of a nation stretching from coast to coast.
Today, the arch is the centerpiece of Gateway Arch National Park, which was established in 1935. The park covers 91 acres and also includes the historic Old Courthouse.
Which state was the first to ratify the Constitution?
4. First State to Join the Constitution
On December 7, 1787, Delaware made history in Dover by becoming the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution. This milestone earned it the nickname "First State". The ratification date is proudly displayed on Delaware's state flag, and in 2002, "First State" was officially adopted as its nickname.
Next: which U.S. state's name has only one syllable?
5. State with One Syllable
Maine stands out as the only U.S. state with a name that has just one syllable.
Next: Which state is famously called the Land of 10,000 Lakes?
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6. State Known as Land of 10,000 Lakes
Minnesota proudly refers to itself as the "Land of 10,000 Lakes", but the actual number is even higher. The Department of Natural Resources tallies 14,380 lakes, while limnologist John A. Downing estimates the count at 17,246. These lakes were formed by glaciers during the last Ice Age, shaping Minnesota's landscape and playing a big role in its identity.
Here are some standout features of Minnesota's aquatic riches:
- Shoreline for days: Minnesota boasts 90,000 miles of shoreline - more than California, Florida, and Hawaii combined.
- Lake Superior: The state shares the world's largest freshwater lake.
- Lake Itasca: This lake is the starting point of the mighty Mississippi River.
Minnesota also ranks second in the nation for registered watercraft over 10 feet, with 822,450 boats. It leads the country in boat-to-resident ratio, with one boat for every six people. Otter Tail County alone has 1,048 lakes, claiming more lakes than any other county in the U.S..
Now, which state holds the title for the smallest by area?
7. Smallest U.S. State
Rhode Island spans just 1,544.89 square miles, measuring about 48 miles long and 37 miles wide. This makes it the smallest state in the U.S., roughly 1/80 the size of Wyoming. Known as the Ocean State, it boasts nearly 400 miles of coastline, with no spot more than 30 miles from salt water. Narragansett Bay, a defining feature of its eastern half, stretches up to 12 miles wide and is home to over 30 islands.
Rhode Island has a rich history. Samuel Slater's 1790 mill marked the start of America's textile industry. Newport, once the fifth-largest colonial town, suffered significant loss during the British occupation from 1776 to 1779, with nearly 500 buildings destroyed. The state's official name, The State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, is the longest of any U.S. state.
8. State with Most Active Volcanoes
Which state has the most active volcanoes?
8. State with Most Active Volcanoes
Alaska tops the list with a staggering 141 active volcanoes, thanks to its position along the Pacific Ring of Fire. Other states with notable volcanic activity include California (18), Oregon (17), Washington (7), and Hawaii (5). While many of these volcanoes are in remote areas, they can still cause major disruptions. For instance, the Mount Okmok eruption in July 2008 stranded residents in Nikolski and grounded flights in Unalaska.
In total, the U.S. has around 200 active volcanoes spread across 12 states, with Alaska alone accounting for more than 70% of them.
Next: which state has the longest coastline?
9. State with Longest Coastline
Alaska boasts the longest coastline in the U.S., stretching an impressive 33,904 miles - more than the coastlines of all other states combined. If you include inlets, islands, bays, and tidal rivers, that number jumps to 46,600 miles. The state’s shoreline features 2,670 islands, glacier-carved fjords, and active glaciers covering over 5% of its land area. Florida comes in second with 8,436 miles of coastline.
Next: which state houses America's only royal palace?
10. State with America's Only Royal Palace
Hawaii is the only U.S. state with an actual royal palace. Sitting in downtown Honolulu, Iolani Palace was the official home of Hawaii's last two monarchs: King Kalākaua and Queen Liliuokalani. Completed in 1882 for $360,000 and covering 7,000 square feet, the palace boasted advanced features for its time, like indoor plumbing, electric lighting, and one of the first telephone systems in Hawaii. Its design blends Italian Renaissance-inspired "American Florentine" architecture with Hawaiian elements, making it truly one of a kind.
The Hawaiian monarchy ended in 1893. After being convicted of treason, Queen Liliuokalani was confined to a small room on the palace's upper floor for eight months. Following the monarchy's overthrow, Iolani Palace became the capitol building for Hawaii's subsequent governments.
Now a museum, the palace offers visitors a glimpse into history. The Throne Room reflects King Kalākaua's royal court, and the grounds even feature remnants of an ancient heiau (Hawaiian temple).
Conclusion
These ten state trivia questions touch on capitals, landmarks, history, and fun facts - great for classrooms, trivia nights, or casual competitions. They can spark engaging conversations, challenge friends, or help students sharpen their U.S. geography knowledge.