7 Must See Historic Sites to Visit Across the US

Jun 22, 2024

With Independence Day just around the corner, it seemed only fitting we highlight some of the unique and interesting places to road trip around the US. Plan your ultimate road trip around these incredible places. Visiting these historic destinations will open your eyes to the storied history of our country, as well as making memories enough to last a lifetime.

So what are you waiting for? Pile your best friends and family members in the car, and let’s hit the road to adventure and experience the US like never before. Check out our picks for 7 must-see unforgettable historic sites across the United States!

Yosemite National Park – Protected national land since 1864, this stunning park is brimming with natural wonder and impressive wildlife. This park is a nature enthusiast’s dream, filled with cascading waterfalls (including one of the largest in the world), glistening granite cliffs, giant sequoia tree groves, lush meadows filled with grasses and wildflowers, and crystal clear lakes and streams. More than 400 types of wildlife reside here including the Sierra Nevada Red Fox, Sierra Nevada Bighorn Sheep, mountain lions, black bear, coyote, mule deer, pika, and more.

Ellis Island – Situated on the boundaries of both New York and New Jersey, this historic site was once the busiest immigrant inspection port and processing center in the entire US. Now, the facility is a park and three-floor museum which chronicles the immigrant experience at Ellis Island, and general immigration history of the US. There’s a self-guided or park-ranger led tour option, depending which you’d prefer. Ticket access also includes a visit to The Statue of Liberty on Liberty ISland via ferry. Make sure you also stop by Liberty State Park, just across the water, which is perfect for nature walks and picnics, shares grounds with the Liberty Science Center Museum, several restaurants and a marina.

The Grand Canyon – This historic site in northern Arizona is considered one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the world. Carved out of the rock by the rushing Colorado River over millions of years, this immense canyon boasts multi-colored rock cliffs and plateaus, dozens of hiking trails, horseback riding tours into the gorge, and its own railway system. Prime time for visits are at sunrise and sunset, for unmatched views of the red rock landscape. The bravest in your group may even wish to try walking across the unique Grand Canyon Skywalk. It’s a spectacular stop for geology enthusiasts, nature photographers, and outdoor adventure lovers. You simply cannot skip this experience so truly life changing and awe-inspiring!
New Orleans – This port city in New Orleans along the Mississippi River is an incredible melting pot of American, African, and French cultures. There’s no shortage of excitement, entertainment, and exploring available for visitors including a plethora of museums, live music venues, riverboat tours, haunted houses and hotels, parties and parades, and plenty of shopping. You don’t want to miss a trip to the vibrant French Quarter area, and especially Jackson Square, home of the St. Louis Cathedral. Preservation Hall is a must-see venue for NOLA style Jazz music, fusing African, Caribbean, and even European influences. Explore the history and artistry of the local architecture with a tour of the Longue Vue House and Gardens, with plenty of hands-on experiences and photo ops! The Backstreet Cultural Museum offer insights into the evolution of the city’s vibrant holidays, parades, parties, and colorful unique traditions. And of course, you’ll need to grab a Po’ Boy, Gumbo, or Jambalaya for a meal, and follow it up with a taste of Bananas Foster, Beignets, and Chicory Coffee!

Mesa Verde National Park – This historic site contains incredible natural wonders like canyons and rock formation overlooks, and it’s also a historic stop to appreciate and explore the vast culture and architecture of local Native American tribes, including preserved Petroglyph rock carvings and art. It’s a pinnacle stop in the Southwest! Opt for a ranger-led tour to hike in and out of the cliff dwellings, or take a self-guided hike on the many trails in the area. The terrain can be challenging, often featuring narrow, steep roadways, ladder climbing, and more, so make sure you’re adequately prepared and can handle the strenuous biking and hiking required. It’s also home to a diverse range of desert dwelling wildlife including weasels, lizards, mule deer, bobcats, owls, black bear, foxes, numerous bird species, several fish, and thousands of species of insects.

Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell – Philadelphia’s Independence Hall is a shining star destination in US history, where 56 delegates gathered in 1556 to sign the Declaration of Independence, finally emancipating the original colonies’ break from English rule, and later the US Constitution. The Hall is open via ticketed tours only. The hall is located in “Independence Square” which also encompassess the Museum of American Philosophical Society in Philosophical Hall, Congress Hall, and the Great Essentials Exhibit in the West Wing. The Liberty Bell is housed at the Liberty Bell Center, and can be viewed from both inside and outside, and requires no tickets to enter. While you’re in Philadelphia, you may wish to check out the Philadelphia Museum of Art, The Museum of the American Revolution, Valley Forge National HIstoric Park, the Mutter Museum, African American Museum, and of course the numerous shops, bars, and restaurants that add so much life and character to this diverse city.
Gettysburg National Park – This national Military Park and Museum protects the site of the Battle of Gettysburg during the American Civil War in 1863, and features 500 cannons, around 150 historic buildings, and an impressive 1,300 monuments. It was also once a major hub for early US settlers and travelers as well as traders, coming together to rest, refuel, or sell their wares. The grounds include the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center, which offers historic artifacts, a special historic film presentation, and a cyclorama painting by French artist Paul Philippoteaux. Be sure to check the “Living History” calendar of events to catch one of the many battlefield reenactments bringing the past to life before your eyes! There are also numerous special events and programs, ranger led tours, and plenty of opportunities to try hiking and horseback riding through the area trails.