After a decade of exploring the vast and varied landscape of the United States, a seasoned travel journalist has delivered a stark warning about one particular destination. Jonathan Thompson, who has visited all fifty states, has compiled a list of must-see locations, but his most passionate advice is about a place to avoid. While he recommends charming spots like Santa Fe, New Mexico, and Portland, Maine, he reserves his strongest criticism for a city he describes as the absolute worst in the nation, advising travelers to steer clear of it at all costs.
That city is Gary, Indiana. Thompson portrays it as a post-industrial landscape that has fallen on hard times, a semi-deserted area where urban decay is immediately visible. He specifically points to the city’s infrastructure, noting potholes so massive they resemble bomb craters, creating a challenging and unwelcoming environment for any visitor. This grim description paints a picture of a place that has struggled to recover from its economic peak, leaving behind a shell of its former self that offers little in the way of tourist appeal or basic comfort.
The city does hold one significant claim to fame: it is the birthplace of the legendary Jackson family, including the King of Pop himself, Michael Jackson. This connection draws a steady stream of dedicated fans hoping to catch a glimpse of the humble childhood home where music history began. For many, this pilgrimage is a powerful draw, a chance to connect with the roots of a global icon. However, this tourist activity exists in stark contrast to the city’s overall atmosphere and the warnings that often accompany it.
Tragically, the risks associated with visiting this area were horrifically highlighted in a recent violent crime. A father and daughter who had traveled to see the Jackson family home were attacked at gunpoint by a man who kidnapped the teenage girl. The perpetrator was later apprehended, convicted on multiple charges including rape and armed robbery, and sentenced to over a century in prison. This incident serves as a chilling real-world example of the dangers that can lurk in the area, validating the travel expert’s stern warnings.
While every city has its own story and complexities, the combined assessment of a professional traveler and the sobering reality of violent crime creates a compelling case for caution. For those crafting their American travel itinerary, the advice is clear: the country is filled with incredible destinations worth exploring, but Gary, Indiana, is one spot where the potential risks and the palpable sense of decline make it a journey best left unmade. The memory of Michael Jackson may shine brightly, but it is not enough to illuminate the shadows that currently hang over his birthplace.
