Single, Double, And Triple Landlocked States In the USA

Some states in the United States are far from the coast and surrounded by land. This distinguishes them from states along the coast. These “landlocked” states must pass through other states or even nations to reach the ocean.

This blog will discuss these Landlocked states in the USA. Some states are “doubly landlocked”—you have to pass two other states to get to the ocean! Even one state is “triply landlocked”!

Learning about these states allows us to better understand how they deal with issues, connect with other areas, and contribute to the overall economy.

Single Landlocked	Double Landlocked	Triple Landlocked	Total Landlocked
16	10	1	27

List Of 27 Landlocked States In The USA

The United States is home to 27 landlocked states, which means they do not have direct access to any ocean or sea. These states provide various landscapes, cultural richness, and unique attractions, making them worth visiting despite their distance from the coastlines.

• Arizona
• Arkansas
• Colorado
• Idaho
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Missouri
• Montana
• Nebraska
• Nevada
• New Mexico
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Pennsylvania
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Utah
• Vermont
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming

1. Arizona

Arizona is like a state caught in the middle, with California blocking its way to the Pacific Ocean. Despite being surrounded by other states and Mexico, Arizona is not completely out of luck. If you really want to view the ocean, head to California or Mexico. Even without its own beach, Arizona’s unique geography makes it an excellent destination.

2. Arkansas

Louisiana intervenes between Arkansas and the Gulf of Mexico, leaving Arkansas single-landlocked. Arkansas, located in the center of the southern United States, lacks a direct ocean path. To reach the ocean, they must pass via Texas, Louisiana, or Mississippi. Even without a coastline, Arkansas takes use of its location by being close to major rivers that facilitate the movement of products and people.

3. Colorado

Colorado is located between New Mexico and Mexico, making it doubly landlocked. Despite being surrounded by other states, getting to the coast requires crossing state lines several times. This may be a disappointment for beach lovers, but Colorado’s position in the heart of the Rockies qualifies it in other ways. Furthermore, its strong economy compensates for the lack of a shoreline.

4. Idaho

Idaho is another state that struggles to reach the Pacific Ocean on its own. Washington and Oregon function as gatekeepers, preventing direct access. But Idaho is not completely stuck! They have two options for going to the beach because they share a border with Oregon and Washington. Despite its landlocked location, Idaho is a great destination for trade and tourism.

5. Illinois

Illinois has lovely beaches along Lake Michigan, but it is doubly landlocked because its neighbors, Kentucky and Virginia, limit access to the Atlantic Ocean. Because of this unique geographical feature, despite the state’s proximity to a large body of water, there are no direct ways to the ocean. Nonetheless, Lake Michigan provides plenty of fun and relaxation possibilities for both residents and visitors.

6. Indiana

Indiana, like its neighbor Illinois, is doubly landlocked since Kentucky and Virginia block southern access to the Atlantic Ocean. Despite its lack of direct beach access, Indiana has a broad range of landscapes and recreational options, from rolling farmlands to vibrant cities. While it lacks beaches, Indiana provides plenty of inland adventures for both locals and tourists.
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7. Iowa

Iowa is in an interesting geographical location, being doubly landlocked from direct ocean access by Minnesota and Canada, which divide it from the Hudson Bay. Furthermore, Iowa’s southern point is triple-landlocked by Illinois, Kentucky, and Virginia, limiting access to the Atlantic Ocean. Despite these limits, Iowa’s beautiful plains, lovely towns, and rich agricultural heritage provide several attractions for both residents and visitors.

8. Kansas

Kansas is like a state stuck in the midst of the United States, isolated from any coast. Oklahoma and Texas serve as obstacles, keeping it away from the Gulf of Mexico. Kansas is doubly landlocked, which means it must go through other states to reach the ocean. Even lacking a beach, Kansas is a crucial element of the country’s transportation infrastructure and produces a large amount of food for all. Sure, they can’t carry stuff directly by ocean, but their strategic location and great infrastructure allow them to move things around.

9. Kentucky

Kentucky is landlocked, which means it can’t reach the ocean until it crosses another state, in this case, Virginia. Even without a shoreline, Kentucky thrives due to its central location and excellent highways and trains that facilitate the movement of goods and people.
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10. Michigan

Michigan is an interesting situation. Despite being enclosed by land on one side (Canada blocks access to Hudson Bay), it boasts a large amount of shoreline on four of the Great Lakes! These massive lakes are essentially freshwater seas, connecting Michigan to the Atlantic Ocean via the Saint Lawrence River. So, while Michigan is officially landlocked, it nevertheless benefits from being close to a large body of water for shipping, enjoyment, and business.

11. Minnesota

Minnesota is another state that struggles to reach the coast on its own. Canada blocks access to Hudson Bay. But here’s the cool thing: Minnesota has a massive border with Lake Superior, one of the Great Lakes! Even though it is legally landlocked, this large lake benefits Minnesota’s shipping, recreational activities, and general economy. They may not have a beach on the Atlantic Ocean, but they have the next best thing!

12. Missouri

Missouri is double-landlocked, with Arkansas and Louisiana standing between it and the Gulf of Mexico. Despite its geographical restrictions, Missouri is rich with natural beauty, including rolling hills, forests, and the majestic Missouri River that runs through its center. While the state lacks direct access to the Gulf, it provides lots of natural activities and cultural experiences for both visitors and locals.

13. Montana

Montana is another state that is caught in the center, isolated from the coast. Canada is like a massive wall separating it from the Pacific Ocean. Montana is landlocked, yet it shares a border with Idaho, which serves as a bridge to the ocean. This state’s cold mountains and rivers may not be the beach, but they have played an important role in Montana’s growth and trade throughout history.

14. Nebraska

Nebraska is the odd one out among US states! It’s the only one completely stranded in the middle, with no access to the water. There are no beaches here. To reach the Gulf of Mexico, you must go through three states (or two states and Canada).

Being far from the coast may appear to be a disadvantage, but Nebraska compensates in other ways. Its extensive farmlands produce a large amount of food, and its economy is strong due to factories and good transit links. Even if it cannot send goods directly to the ocean, Nebraska remains an essential part of the overall picture.

15. Nevada

Nevada is another state that cannot access the ocean on its own. It’s kind of stuck in the middle, with California restricting access to the Pacific Ocean. But Nevada isn’t bothered; they can simply catch a ride with California or Oregon to the beach! Even without a shoreline, Nevada’s position, as well as its good roads and trains, contribute to its economic success.

16. New Mexico

New Mexico is another state that observes the ocean from a distance. Texas acts as a roadblock, keeping it away from the Gulf of Mexico. But New Mexico isn’t too disappointed; they can go through Texas or even down to Mexico to get to the water. Even without a beach of its own, New Mexico’s location in the Southwest and diverse economy make it a unique place.

17. North Dakota

North Dakota is stuck in the midst of the United States, like a state unable to reach the ocean. Canada serves as a large wall, separating it from Hudson Bay. Despite being landlocked, North Dakota is well-suited for agricultural and energy production, and it has historically played an important role in regional trade.

18. Ohio

Ohio has a unique geographic location because its ocean access is through Canada’s Ontario province, which leads to Hudson Bay. Within the United States, Ohio is doubly landlocked, dependent on West Virginia and Virginia for access to the Atlantic Ocean. Despite these limits, Ohio has diverse landscapes and lively cities, giving residents and visitors lots of possibilities for exploration and enjoyment.
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19. Oklahoma

Texas marks Oklahoma’s southern boundary, preventing direct access to the Gulf of Mexico. Despite its landlocked status, Oklahoma is rich in natural beauty, with rolling plains, forests, and lakes across the state. While it misses beach views, Oklahoma has a distinct blend of culture, history, and outdoor activities for its citizens and visitors to enjoy.

20. Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is separated from the Atlantic Ocean by New Jersey, New York, Delaware, and Maryland. However, a small portion of the state shares a border with Lake Erie, providing some waterfront access. Despite its lack of direct ocean access, Pennsylvania has diverse landscapes, historic monuments, and lively towns, making it a popular destination for both residents and tourists.

21. South Dakota

South Dakota is in a double landlocked condition, with North Dakota and Manitoba limiting its access to Hudson Bay. Despite its geographical limitations, South Dakota is known for its breathtaking natural scenery, such as the legendary Black Hills, Badlands National Park, and the Missouri River. South Dakota has a strong Native American history and a variety of outdoor leisure options.

22. Tennessee

Tennessee, located in the southeastern United States, has access to both the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico via its surrounding states. Tennessee can reach the Atlantic by traveling through Georgia, Virginia, or North Carolina. Alternatively, the Gulf of Mexico is accessible via Mississippi or Alabama. Despite its landlocked location, Tennessee’s various landscapes, rich musical tradition, and southern hospitality make it a lively and culturally significant state.

23. Utah

Utah finds itself doubly landlocked, with Nevada and California preventing direct access to the Pacific Ocean. Despite this geographical individuality, Utah is known for its wonderful landscape, which includes national parks such as Zion and Bryce Canyon, as well as the Great Salt Lake. Utah, with its numerous outdoor recreational activities and rich cultural past, has lots of attractions for both residents and visitors.

24. Vermont

Vermont, located in the northeastern United States, borders three states to the east, west, and south, as well as Canadian provinces to the north. While Vermont lacks direct coastal access, it is connected to the Atlantic Ocean via neighboring states New Hampshire, New York, and Massachusetts. Despite its interior location, Vermont’s beautiful landscapes, cute villages, and outdoor recreational activities make it a popular destination for both residents and visitors.

25. West Virginia

West Virginia benefits from its eastern neighbors, Virginia and Maryland, which serve as access points to the Atlantic Ocean. Despite being landlocked, West Virginia has gorgeous landscapes such as the Appalachian Mountains and the New River Gorge. West Virginia has a strong cultural past and offers chances for outdoor adventures such as hiking, rafting, and skiing.

26. Wisconsin

Wisconsin is in a double-landlocked condition, with Michigan and the Canadian province of Ontario blocking access to Hudson Bay. Wisconsin does, however, have beautiful borders with Lake Superior and Lake Michigan, which provide residents and visitors with possibilities for water-based activities. Despite its interior location, Wisconsin’s diverse landscapes, which include woods, lakes, and rolling hills, attract outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
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27. Wyoming

Wyoming is another state that is far from the coast. Imagine Idaho and Oregon as mountains limiting access to the Pacific Ocean. Unlike Nebraska, Wyoming simply needs to travel to two states to reach the beach. Even though it is not on the coast, Wyoming boasts a wealth of natural resources such as minerals and electricity, making it a vital part of the US economy. Sure, they can’t move products directly over the water, but their resources and position allow them to flourish in other ways! This is only one of the many fascinating geographical aspects of the United States.

Single Landlocked States In The US

The following 16 states have one other state or Canadian province that prevents direct access to an ocean or port.

• Arizona
• Arkansas
• Idaho
• Kentucky
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Montana
• Nevada
• New Mexico
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Pennsylvania
• Tennessee
• Vermont
• West Virginia

Double Landlocked States In The US

Ten of the landlocked states are also double-landlocked, which limits their access to coastal waters.

• Colorado
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Missouri
• South Dakota
• Utah
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming

Triple Landlocked States In The US

• Nebraska 

The following table provides a concise overview of each landlocked state in the USA, its ocean access, and any additional geographical notes.

US State	Geographical Notes
Arizona	Blocked by California, access via California or Mexico
Arkansas	Single-landlocked, must pass through other states
Colorado	Doubly landlocked, access requires crossing state lines
Idaho	Access via Oregon or Washington
Illinois	Doubly landlocked, access blocked by Kentucky and Virginia
Indiana	Doubly landlocked, access via Kentucky and Virginia
Iowa	Doubly and triple-landlocked, access requires crossing multiple states
Kansas	Doubly landlocked, access requires crossing other states
Kentucky	Single-landlocked, access requires crossing other states
Michigan	Single-landlocked, access via the Great Lakes
Minnesota	Single-landlocked, access via Lake Superior
Missouri	Single-landlocked, access via surrounding states
Montana	Single-landlocked, access via Idaho
Nebraska	Completely landlocked, access requires crossing multiple states
Nevada	Single-landlocked, access via California or Oregon
New Mexico	Single-landlocked, access via surrounding states
North Dakota	Single-landlocked, access blocked by Canada
Ohio	Doubly landlocked, access via surrounding states
Oklahoma	Single-landlocked, access blocked by Texas
Pennsylvania	Single-landlocked, access via surrounding states
South Dakota	Single-landlocked, access blocked by North Dakota
Tennessee	Single-landlocked, access via surrounding states
Utah	Doubly landlocked, access via surrounding states
Vermont	Single-landlocked, access via surrounding states
West Virginia	Single-landlocked, access via surrounding states
Wisconsin	Single-landlocked, access via the Great Lakes
Wyoming	Single-landlocked, access via surrounding states

Conclusion

So there you have it, the Landlocked states in the USA. We explored the twists and turns landlocked states take to reach the ocean. From Nebraska, a three-times landlocked state, to Michigan, a Great Lakes champion, each state has strategies to deal with being away from the ocean. 

While some may long for sandy beaches, these inland states flourish thanks to their central locations, rich landscapes, and robust economy. After all, the absence of an ocean view cannot stop a state from becoming a vital and significant component of the larger picture.

FAQs

Which Is the Largest Landlocked State in the United States?

Montana is somewhat larger than Japan, covering 147,040 square miles (380,800 square kilometers). It is the fourth-biggest state in the United States, following Alaska, Texas, and California, and the largest landlocked state.

Which Continents Don’t Have Any Landlocked Countries?

North America, Australia, and Antarctica are the only continents with no landlocked countries.

Which Country Is the Most Landlocked?

Kazakhstan is the world’s largest landlocked country, and Ethiopia is the most populous landlocked country.

What Is a Landlocked State?

A landlocked country is one that has no ocean-connected territory or whose coastlines are entirely made up of endorheic basins. There are 44 landlocked countries in the world.

Which Is the Richest Landlocked Country in the World?

The richest landlocked country in the world is Luxembourg, a tiny European nation nestled between France, Germany, and Belgium. It’s a financial powerhouse. On the other hand, Switzerland, Austria, Czech Republic, Kazakhstan, and Hungary are also some of the wealthiest landlocked countries in the world.