33 Patriotic Sites to Make Your Kids Fall in Love with America

Brad SchaefferApril 14, 2022

The United States has packed a lot of history into its relatively short existence. We have created so much history, in fact, that one could travel from shore to shore, and border to border, traversing the land visiting places that are all unique threads woven into the fabric of our national identity and never get to see them all.

For those historically-minded Americans who want to learn the story of us, here are some — but certainly not all — of the must-see places to visit in order to connect to our past to better understand our present.

Antietam National Battlefield

Nestled away in a beautiful pastoral, Western Maryland setting, this Civil War battlefield is the site of the bloodiest day in American history (23,000 casualties in 12 hours). Remarkably well preserved, the Antietam Battlefield features a visitor center, national cemetery and both professional and self-guided tours. As one of our nation’s most hallowed places, this hidden gem is a must for anyone wishing to be in true communion with the history of America’s most tragic war.

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

Home to the mother of all Civil War battlefields, Gettysburg offers something for the whole family. Whether taking a guided tour of the grounds, enjoying the many exhibits in the state-of-the-art visitor center, contemplating the cyclorama painting depicting the climax of the battle or perusing the many gift shops, the National Military Park will not disappoint. Finish your day settling in for dinner at one of the town’s excellent restaurants before retiring at one of the many local hotel options.

Independence Hall

An excellent focal point to any Philadelphia trip, this iconic meeting hall hosted two of the most consequential events in U.S. history: the debating, drafting and signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and the U.S. Constitution in 1787. Stand where America’s founders — including Washington, Jefferson, Adams, Franklin, Madison and Hamilton — created our nation and try not to be awed by the historical significance of this place.

National Air and Space Museum, Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center

Located in Virginia 23 miles from the National Mall, this incredible museum contains the vast majority of the Smithsonian’s air and space collection. For military aviation enthusiasts, it is heaven. The enormous hangars offer everything from the earliest canvas and string biplanes, to some of the most iconic 20th-century warplanes — including the B-29 Enola Gay that dropped the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima — to the Space Shuttle Enterprise.

9/11 Memorial and Museum

No visit to New York City should forgo a trip to lower Manhattan to experience the 9/11 Memorial at Ground Zero. The museum, located in the subterranean space in the bedrock of the former World Trade Center, exhibits over 60,000 artifacts. At ground level, surrounding the two remaining footprints of Towers 1 and 2, are the engraved names of nearly 3,000 innocent victims of the 1993 and 2001 attacks that changed the city and our country forever.

Alcatraz

Also known as “The Rock,” this forbidding island situated in San Francisco Bay was a federal penitentiary from 1934-1963. While in operation, it housed some of America’s most notorious criminals, from “Birdman” Robert Stroud to Al Capone. Today, it is open to the public as a museum. Visitors can take guided walking or audio tours through the prison to learn the history of this dark yet fascinating part of Americana.

Newport, Rhode Island

This playground/summer retreat of the Gilded Age offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the idle 19th-century rich. Euphemistically called cottages, one gaudy uber-mansion after another lines the cliffs overlooking Narragansett Bay. Some of the more famous estates include The Breakers (Vanderbilt), Beechwood (Astor), Marble House (Vanderbilt), Chateau-Sur-Mer (Wetmore) and Rosecliff (Oelrichs) as well as Hammersmith Farm (Jackie Kennedy’s childhood home).

Annapolis, Maryland

Step back in time strolling the brick and cobbled streets of this historic state capital, which still retains a colonial feel by the water’s edge. Visit the oldest capitol building in the country, explore the U.S. Naval Academy or check out the statue of Alex Haley reading from his book “Roots” to three children on the spot where his African ancestor, Kunta Kinte, was herded off the ship and into tragic enslavement in the New World.

Boston Freedom Trail

“Every step tells a story” is how the promotion goes. The two-and-a-half-mile walking tour features historic meeting houses, taverns, churches, parks, a cemetery, a ship and markers retelling the story of colonial Boston during those heady days of revolution. The trail also features specialized tours led by guides sporting costumes from the era, including knee breeches, tricorn hats, colonial dresses and bonnets.

Yellowstone National Park:

Established by the Grant administration in 1872, Yellowstone is the country’s first national park. Spanning over 2.2 million acres, it features some of the most pristine and beautiful wilderness in North America. Camp on the grounds or stay in comfort as there is plenty of quality lodging throughout the park. From its thermal vents and geological wonders to its hiking trails and wildlife, Yellowstone offers visitors an opportunity to connect back to the great unspoiled tracts of land that greeted settlers over 150 years ago.

West Point

Positioned strategically overlooking a sharp bend in the Hudson River, West Point started off as a Revolutionary War fortress. Today, it is the oldest continuously operated fort in the country. In 1802, it became home to the U.S. Military Academy. Some of America’s most celebrated soldiers — including Grant, Lee, MacArthur, Patton and Eisenhower, to name a few — hailed from this hallowed school. Beyond touring the grounds, interacting with gray-clad cadets or attending a football game, the town offers plenty to do and places to eat and sleep.

Baltimore Harborplace Ships

U.S. history comes alive in downtown Baltimore. After a visit to the city’s renowned aquarium, head over to the historic ships moored in the harbor: the sloop-of-war USS Constellation (1854) — the last all-sail warship commissioned by the U.S. Navy — the Treasury Class US Coast Guard Cutter 37 (1936), The Lightship LV116 Chesapeake (1930), and the Tench Class Submarine USS Torsk (1944), which saw action in the Pacific against Japan. Experience life on the high seas from the majestic age of sail to the claustrophobic existence aboard a World War II submarine.

Old Slave Mart Museum

Established in 1938, the Old Slave Mart Museum is the oldest museum of African-American history in Charleston, and the first on the history of slavery in the U.S. Housed in the only remaining structure of a once four-building slave market complex known as Ryan’s Mart, the museum invites visitors to learn the history of the slave trade in the New World via tours through the kitchen, infirmary, a four-story jail where captives were held prior to sale, and the large enclosed lot used as a slave pen. This excellent exhibit sheds important light on one of our nation’s darkest chapters.

Wrigley Field

This iconic 41,000-seat stadium is located in the heart of Chicago’s residential Wrigleyville and was first opened in 1914 as Weeghman Park for the Federal League’s Chicago Whales. The league folded a year later and the field became the continuous home of the Cubs in 1916; it was renamed Wrigley Field in 1926 in honor of the Cubs’ owner and chewing gum magnet William Wrigley Jr. The oldest field in the National League and second oldest in Major League Baseball, “The Friendly Confines” is renowned for its ivy-covered brick outfield wall, red marquee over the entrance and hand-turned scoreboard. It was designated a National Landmark in 2020.

Fenway Park

The oldest active ballpark in Major League Baseball, this legendary stadium located near Kenmore Square opened in 1912 and has been the home of the Red Sox ever since, as well as the Boston Braves until 1952. In its centennial year, Fenway was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Between its infamous 37-foot-high left-field wall — the “Green Monster” — and the 11 World Series that it’s hosted, Fenway Park has been labeled a shrine by baseball aficionados the world over.

Tombstone, Arizona

Step back in time to the 1800s before the Wild West was tamed by walking down Allen Street, which maintains much of the historic character of the Old West. In the Tombstone Theater at the legendary O.K. Corral — the scene of the famous gunfight involving the Earps, Doc Holliday and the Clanton-McLaury gang — actors recreate the blood feud. The area also features some well-preserved landmarks, including the museum at Wyatt Earp’s home, Boot Hill cemetery and two supposedly haunted theaters. When hunger and thirst call, relax at Big Nose Kate’s Saloon.

Arlington National Cemetery

Situated on the former estate of Confederate General Robert E. Lee in Arlington, Virgina, this national military cemetery is the final resting place of approximately 400,000 U.S. veterans and their dependents. Every American should visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, complete with a moving changing-of-the-guard ceremony every hour (or half hour in colder months). Make sure to catch the Marine Corps Sunset Parade in the shadow of the Iwo Jima Memorial. The silent drill is especially impressive.

The Grand Canyon

The majestic Grand Canyon should be on everyone’s bucket list, history buff or not. In addition to the breathtaking vistas that must be seen in person to be truly appreciated, there is history afoot in this natural wonder. The visitor center on the South Rim offers a 20-minute movie about the canyon, an impressive display of historic artifacts and guided tours. Learn about Pueblo Indian life at the nearby Tusayan Ruin and Museum, or get your science on at the Yavapai Geology Museum.

Vicksburg, Mississippi

Settled in the early 1700s, this Mississippi town is one of the most historical spots in the nation. Known during the Civil War as the “Gibraltar of the South” for its position on commanding bluffs overlooking a hairpin bend in the Mississippi River (now diverted south), it was the scene of the famous battle and 47-day siege that changed the course of the war. There are excellent museums for everyone, from the Old Depot Museum — which tells the story of the siege in detail — to the Biedenharn Coca-Cola Museum. Tour Vicksburg National Military Park to learn about this pivotal battle, or enjoy walking the Vicksburg Heritage Walking Trails that pass 35 markers through the downtown and historic districts. Vicksburg also offers a casino and lively art scene.

The Alamo

Travel to San Antonio in the heart of Texas and visit the scene of the most famous last stand in U.S. history. Although, at the time of the 13-day siege (1836), the mission was occupied and defended by mostly Texans seeking independence from Mexico. (Texas wouldn’t become a U.S. state until 1845.) The mission building, which began construction in 1744, features a one-hour guided tour. Visitors are also treated to hands-on demonstrations of what life was like in the 1830s. Additionally, there is an excellent museum of exhibits that tell the story of Travis, Bowie and Crockett’s fight to the death against the army of Santa Anna.

The Betsy Ross House

Considered one possible birthplace of the American flag, this exhibit gives visitors a sense of what life was like for ordinary Americans — especially working women — in the 18th century through interactive, historical programming and reenactors. It’s an easy and fun addition to any Philadelphia trip.

The U.S. Capitol Building

Completed during the height of the Civil War, this recognizable structure in Washington, D.C., is the epicenter of the legislature, our most important branch of government. Take a guided tour through the Crypt, the Rotunda and National Statuary Hall and marvel at the stunning Greek-inspired architecture.

Ellis Island

Located in New York Harbor, this iconic landmark served as the gateway to the U.S., and a new life, for more than 12 million immigrants from across the world. Today, over 100 million Americans can trace their roots back to this sublime place. Island visitors can trace their own heritage at the American Family Immigration History Center.

Graceland

This Memphis, Tennessee, estate is, of course, the home of Elvis Presley. Rock ’n’ roll music, which traces its roots back to African-American blues and gospel, is an integral part of the American cultural story — and no American did more to launch it into the mainstream than “The King.” Take an iPad tour of the property and get a behind-the-scenes look at Elvis’ home and gardens. While in Memphis, be sure to visit the legendary Sun Studio, which recorded other greats like B.B. King, Jerry Lee Lewis and Johnny Cash.

Jamestown, Virginia

Travel back in time to 1607 and experience the first permanent English settlement in the New World. Along with the archeological site, there is a reconstruction of the Jamestown Settlement, recreations of ships of the early colonial era, a fort, and an Indian village where visitors can see how the Powhatan Tribe — whom the first settlers encountered after landing in this new, forbidding wilderness — lived their lives.

Arizona Memorial

Pearl Harbor is the number one visitor destination in Hawaii. Take a boat from the visitor center to the moving wreck of the USS Arizona. Oil still leaks from the submerged battleship, sunk by the Japanese air attack on the morning of December 7, 1941. It is the resting place of 1,177 sailors considered buried at sea.

Yosemite National Park

Famed for its giant, ancient sequoia trees, Tunnel View, soaring Bridalveil Fall and El Capitan and Half Dome granite cliffs, this California park is one of the most beautiful places in North America. Yosemite village contains shops, lodging, restaurants, the Ansel Adams Gallery — featuring the famous photographer’s iconic black-and-white landscapes — and the Yosemite Museum.

The U.S. Supreme Court

Scene of some of the most important — both for better and worse — trials in our history, the Supreme Court building bears a dignified majesty unlike any other building in D.C. There is only a self-guided tour option, which explains exhibits about former justices and the building’s architecture. Courtroom sessions are open to the public.

Mystic Seaport Museum

Mystic, Connecticut, is a great midpoint stopover if you’re ever driving between New York City and Boston. The exceptional nautical museum offers a nice review of life at sea in the 19th century as the U.S. was becoming a burgeoning sea power. It features a captivating recreation of a New England seafaring village from that time period and a well-maintained fleet of old ships from a bygone age of sail. The Charles W. Morgan is a whaling ship right out of Melville’s “Moby-Dick” and represents the world’s oldest surviving trading vessel.

Kennedy Space Center

Florida has more to offer than beaches and Disney World. For any science or aviation buff, this Cape Canaveral destination must make the list. The Kennedy Space Center has been NASA’s primary launch center since 1968; you can still catch a launch to this day if you time your visit right. If you find yourself there on a non-launch day, don’t worry. There are many other fun attractions to check out, including the Apollo launch site from which the missions to the moon departed.

The Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park

Located in Atlanta, Georgia, this park features several buildings documenting the work and life of Dr. King as well as a visitor center with exhibits on the Civil Rights Movement. A visitor will learn about MLK’s childhood home and the church in which he was baptized. The center also features exhibits dedicated to Dr. King’s wife, Coretta, and Mahatma Gandhi.

Hoover Dam

Completed in 1935, this iconic dam located 30 miles east of Las Vegas was (and still is) an incredible feat of engineering. It shielded the surrounding farmlands from frequent flooding by the Colorado River, but at a cost of some 96 fatalities during its construction. Visitors can marvel at its sheer scale while discovering the part it played in the growth of Sin City.

Mount Rushmore

In Keystone, South Dakota, the 60-foot-tall faces of four American presidents (George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln) gaze out from the Black Hills granite. Almost 3 million visitors come to see the sculptural feat every year.

The views expressed in this opinion piece are the author’s own and do not necessarily represent those of The Daily Wire.