In 2026, we marked the 250th anniversary of the USA, connecting travelers to stories, traditions and people that shaped this country. The pathway to America’s past remains open, and we welcome you to follow along to places where history was made — from battlefields and colonial towns to compelling monuments and memorials.

Exploring missions in San Antonio, TexasSan Antonio, Texas
Elfreth's Alley in Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania
Selling handwoven Gullah baskets in Charleston, South CarolinaCharleston, South Carolina
Washington, D.C.
Mesa Verde National Park, ColoradoMesa Verde National Park, Colorado

Map America’s Story

From colonial settlements to civil rights landmarks, the USA’s rich history is written across its landscapes. Explore the iconic sites that shaped a nation.

Regions States U.S. Territories

  • Northeast

  • Southeast

  • Midwest

  • Southwest

  • West

  • Pacific

Major International Airports

Relive the Past

Historic Trails

  • See landmarks across New York State that retrace revolution, innovation and independence.

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  • Find landmarks across the Southeast from churches where grassroots efforts began to memorials honoring courageous individuals.

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  • Scenic byways, battlefields, towns and military sites in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C., tell the story of the U.S. national anthem.

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Heritage-Rich Highlights

  • Explore the history and traditions of the 200-plus Alaska Native tribes at this dynamic Anchorage museum.

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  • See pagoda-style architecture, savor authentic food and wander shop-lined streets in the USA’s oldest and largest Chinatown.

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  • Witness history in the making at the Black Hills landmark that will be the largest mountain carving in the world once finished.

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Born Here. Felt Everywhere.

American Originals goes to the source — the people, places, and moments where the things the world loves about America first took shape. From the pitmaster’s fire to the landscapes that defined a culture, these are the stories behind the icons.

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American Originals – Broadway

American stories, places, and heritage, celebrating the country’s cultural roots, historic traditions, and unique contributions that define the American spirit — showcasing people, landscapes, and traditions that make the United States distinct and beautiful.

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American Originals – Monument Valley

American Originals – Texas Barbeque

American Originals – Rock & Roll

American Originals – Broadway

More Trip Ideas

Nobska Light in Falmouth, Massachusetts on Cape Cod; Credit: Randi Baird

Arts & Culture

Massachusetts Road Trip Guide: Explore Boston, Coast and Countryside

Plan a Massachusetts road trip through Boston, Cape Cod, Central Massachusetts and the Berkshires, exploring history, coastline and scenic stops along the way.

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Battle Rock in Oregon; Credit: Cort Muller

Arts & Culture

Journey Across the Indigenous Lands of Oregon

Experience the rich, vibrant culture of the nine federally recognized tribes of Oregon.

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Ground Zero Blues Club in Clarksdale, Mississippi; Credit: Visit Mississippi

American Originals

U.S. Cities That Shaped the Music of the World

Explore the U.S. cities where world-changing sounds were born, and walk in the footsteps of the legends who helped shape the soundtrack of our lives.

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Smitty’s Market in Lockhart, Texas

American Originals

Austin & the Hill Country: A Tour of Central Texas Barbecue

Savor slow-smoked brisket, riverside adventures and cultural gems on this ultimate Central Texas barbecue road trip from Austin to Fredericksburg.

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Aerial view of Sheridan, Wyoming

History & Heritage

Rugged & Beautiful Wyoming Road Trip: Cheyenne to Sheridan

Hit the road through Wyoming’s high plains and Rocky Mountain vistas, discovering scenic byways, rodeos, geological wonders and timeless cowboy culture.

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Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual in Cherokee, North Carolina; Credit: VisitNC.com

Arts & Culture

Native American Cultural Sites in the Southeast

Experience Indigenous traditions and a glimpse into history across the Southeast.

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Oconaluftee Indian Village in Cherokee, North Carolina

Arts & Culture

5 Places for One-of-a Kind Immersive Indigenous Experiences & Shopping

Discover how authentic Native American culture and craftsmanship are intertwined in historic locations across the USA.

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Observing the Blackfeet Memorial at Glacier National Park; Credit: Montana Department of Commerce, visitmt.com

Arts & Culture

Experience the Enduring Culture of Montana’s Native Americans

The 12 Native American tribes in Montana are an integral part of its social, historical and cultural landscape.

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Saxman Native Village in Ketchikan, Alaska; Credit: Travel Alaska

Arts & Culture

Living History & Heritage in the Great Land: Alaska Native Cultural Tours & Experiences

Immerse yourself in Alaska’s diverse Indigenous communities on an adventure through the state.

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More Experiences

American Originals

Discover the stories that make the USA distinct and beautiful.

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Indigenous Heritage

Experience the living history of the USA’s Indigenous peoples.

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02/03

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Arts & Culture

Immerse yourself in creativity at museum sites, arts districts and local celebrations.

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03/03

America 250

Join The Celebration

Plan your visit to experience 250 years of history, culture and connection.

FREE A bookshelf filled with old-looking volumes
“In Pursuit of Life, Liberty & Happiness” Exhibit

Smithsonian Institution

Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, 1300 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, District of Columbia

03/01/2026 – 03/01/2027

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FREE A bookshelf filled with old-looking volumes
Photographic Memory: Fifty Years of Photography at the National Portrait Gallery

Smithsonian Institution

Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, District of Columbia

05/15/2026 – 02/28/2027

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FIFA World Cup 2026™ Fan Zone Washington D.C on the National Mall Ahead of 2026 World Cup

,

06/11/2026 – 07/16/2026

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FREE
The Great American State Fair

,

06/25/2026 – 07/10/2026

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FREE An aerial view of the Annapolis Harbor at sunset
Sail4th 250 Parade of Sail: Class B Tall Ships

East River, Hell Gate Bridge, New York, New York

07/03/2026

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A scenic rolling hills landscape at dusk
El Paso County Fair

America 250 – Colorado 150 Commission

El Paso County Fair & Events Center, 366 10th St, Calhan, Colorado

07/11/2026 – 07/18/2026

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VIRTUAL A scenic rolling hills landscape at dusk
NFR Open at the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo

America 250 – Colorado 150 Commission

Norris Penrose Event Center, 1045 Lower Gold Camp Road, Colorado Springs, Colorado

07/14/2026 – 07/18/2026

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A child taking a small American Flag from a collection of American Flags
North Dakota State Fair

The North Dakota America250 Commission

Fairgrounds, 2005 Burdick Expressway East, Minot, North Dakota

07/17/2026 – 07/25/2026

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A scenic rolling hills landscape at dusk
Douglas County Fair & Rodeo

America 250 – Colorado 150 Commission

Douglas County Fairgrounds, 500 Fairgrounds Drive, Castle Rock, Colorado

07/24/2026 – 08/02/2026

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FREE A scenic rolling hills landscape at dusk
Moffat County Balloon Festival

America 250 – Colorado 150 Commission

Moffat county Balloon Festival, Loudy-Simpson Park, Craig, Colorado

07/31/2026 – 08/02/2026

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A row of Revolutionary War reenactors firing their muskets in a field
USA 250th & Niagara County Celebration

NY

Old Fort Niagara, Fort Niagara State Park, Youngstown, New York

08/01/2026 – 08/02/2026

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FREE
IndyCar Washington D.C. Street Race

National Mall, , Washington, DC

08/21/2026 – 08/24/2026

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FREE A scenic rolling hills landscape at dusk
Palisade Peach Festival

America 250 – Colorado 150 Commission

Riverbend Park, 451 Pendleton St, Palisade, Colorado

08/21/2026 – 08/22/2026

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FREE A scenic rolling hills landscape at dusk
Colorado State Fair

America 250 – Colorado 150 Commission

Colorado State Fairgrounds, 1001 Beulah Ave, Pueblo, Colorado

08/28/2026 – 09/07/2026

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A woman holding lit sparklers
State Fair of Texas

Texas America250

3809 Grand Ave., Dallas, Texas

09/25/2026 – 07/10/2026

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Dig Deeper

Use the prompts below to tailor U.S. history and heritage experiences just for you.

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