The Ultimate Route for Exploring All 48 Continental U.S. State Capitals

In a quest for the ultimate road trip adventure, data scientist Randal Olson has undertaken the math to optimize a journey that visits every 48 continental United States state capital. This comprehensive route not only covers the distance efficiently but also ensures that each of these historic landmarks is visited, providing an unforgettable experience for travelers.

Optimization Challenge

The problem of visiting 48 state capitals can be likened to a complex optimization challenge, similar to the famous Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP). While Randal's findings provide a near-optimal route, finding the true optimal route would require an amount of computational power that far surpasses current technological capabilities. This route, calculated by visiting the actual state capitals, measures a total distance of 13,310 miles for a round-trip exploration.

The Detailed Route

The journey starts from Concord, New Hampshire and continues through a fully detailed route, meticulously planned to ensure efficiency and an engaging experience. Here’s the list in order:

Concord, NH Augusta, ME Montpelier, VT Albany, NY Trenton, NJ Harrisburg, PA Charleston, WV Columbus, OH Frankfort, KY Nashville, TN Indianapolis, IN Lansing, MI Springfield, IL Madison, WI St. Paul, MN Pierre, SD Bismarck, ND Helena, MT Olympia, WA Salem, OR Boise, ID Salt Lake City, UT Cheyenne, WY Denver, CO Santa Fe, NM Phoenix, AZ Austin, TX Oklahoma City, OK Topeka, KS Lincoln, NE Des Moines, IA Jefferson City, MO Little Rock, AR Jackson, MS Baton Rouge, LA Tallahassee, FL Montgomery, AL Atlanta, GA Columbia, SC Raleigh, NC Richmond, VA Annapolis, MD Dover, DE Hartford, CT Providence, RI Boston, MA

Optimization Strategies

While there is no one perfect way to optimize this route, Randal’s approach also considered geographical constraints such as Phoenix, AZ, and Helena, MT, which are significantly far from any other capitals. Phoenix is 480 miles from Santa Fe, while Helena is 488 miles from Boise. These distant capitals are treated as waypoints rather than direct routes, meaning travelers need to find a way to reach these states without specific route constraints.

The Final Route

Randal’s final route totals approximately 12,400 miles, which is shorter than the theoretical optimal route. The strategy employed here is to avoid extensive East-West crossing, since three traversals of the country would add close to 9,000 miles of east-west travel, plus additional north-south travel. The route minimizes these crossings, providing a more direct and less winding journey.

Tips for Travelers

For travelers wishing to embark on this exciting adventure, there are a few key tips to keep in mind:

Plan ahead: Detailed planning is crucial for such a long journey. Allocate time for each capital city to appreciate its unique history and culture. Route flexibility: While the route is linear, feel free to incorporate side trips to less visited state capitals or nearby attractions. Pack smart: Essential items for a road trip, plus materials to capture memories, such as a camera or a journal. Stay connected: Ensure you have a reliable GPS and stay updated with the latest travel advisories.

Conclusion

The journey to explore all 48 continental U.S. state capitals is a challenge and an opportunity for adventure. Randal Olson’s route provides a near-optimal path that can be customized to fit individual preferences. With careful planning and a passion for exploration, this road trip can become an unforgettable experience, enriching your understanding of American history and geography.