The Most Patriotic Destination In Every State Gallery

The Fourth of July is a time when many Americans not only take a break, but also reflect on the great pride they feel for their country. This holiday can be the perfect opportunity to combine a feeling of patriotism with a well-deserved day trip or long weekend. The United States is immense, and full of many incredible destinations and natural wonders that would fill anyone with a great sense of pride. Some locations that make people think of America — say, the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York, or the World of Coca-Cola in Atlanta — are vivid symbols of our nation, but don't actually hold patriotic significance. As we compiled this list, we looked for places that are historically significant and also make people feel patriotic themselves while visiting.

Because of this, not all the locations in this gallery are obvious. They might be underappreciated (but meaningful) locations that deserve a bit more attention. Then again, others are very popular, and can even be a bit cliché — which is perfectly fine, too!

As far as which location in each state is the most patriotic, that can get a bit tricky, because each state has numerous worthy entries. So hit the road and decide for yourself! Use this list as a travel guide to explore 50 of the most can't-miss destinations across America, and a solid starting point for a patriotic journey around this great land.

America's 49th state has only been a state since 1959, but it still has a rich history and boasts a whopping 50 U.S. National Historic Landmarks. As much as we'd like to choose destinations like the islands of Attu and Kiska — both significant in the fight against Japan during World War II — there is very little left there, the location is extremely remote, and the weather can be harsh and dangerous. Instead, we opted for the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, which commemorates the migration of an estimated 100,000 prospectors looking for their piece of the American Dream. Tourists can take ranger-led walking tours of the Skagway Historic District, ascend the 2,865 feet to White Pass via the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway, explore the museum and visitor center for the Gold Rush's 33-mile Chilkoot Trail, or even hike the route themselves.

We almost gave this spot to the USS Hoga tugboat — which played a crucial defensive role during the attack on Pearl Harbor and which is now stationed in Arkansas — but decided to go with something with a bit more Arkansas-related history. The Old State House was built in the 1830s and is the oldest surviving state capitol building west of the Mississippi River. It was once home to both houses of the state's General Assembly, and was the site of a fatal knife fight between legislators in the House of Representatives in 1837. Union troops used the State House while occupying Little Rock during the Civil War, and it once served as the Arkansas War Memorial and was a meeting place for patriotic organizations. It became a museum in 1947 — which it still functions as today — showcasing exhibits related to the state's history and culture. Admission is free.

Home to over 4,000 cadets, the U.S. Air Force Academy celebrates its 64th anniversary in 2018, and is easily the most patriotic location in Colorado. Visitors can check out scenic views of the Honor Court, Arnold Hall, Cadet Field House, and Falcon Athletic Center from overlooks, or visit the Cadet Chapel (and its stunning architecture), Visitor Center, Falcon Stadium, and Association of Graduates Building. When school is in session, seeing the entire student body in noon mealtime formation will certainly fill observers with national pride. Not too far from the Academy in Colorado Springs is another site where strong young Americans are trained for future "battle" against other countries: the United States Olympic Training Center.

What better way to celebrate patriotism in America's first state than a visit to First State National Historical Park? Although it was only created in 2013, the park was a much-needed way to group together numerous historically-significant sites in the region, including the First State National Monument, The Green (the site where Delaware voted to ratify the U.S. Constitution), and the New Castle Court House Museum, where New Castle, Kent, and Sussex Counties first declared their independence and created the state of Delaware.

Georgia used to be home to the National Museum of Patriotism, but it unfortunately closed in 2010, so the torch must be passed. The state has a lot of important locations and figures from history worthy of recognition, but two patriots are especially deserving of this spot. Stephen Heard was a veteran of the French and Indian War, friend of George Washington, and a hero of the American Revolution as a lieutenant colonel. Heard was captured at the Battle of Kettle Creek in 1779, but he was rescued by one of his slaves, named Kate, and went on to become Governor of Georgia. Both he and Kate are both interred at Stephen Heard Cemetery (also called Gods Acre Cemetery) in Elberton, Georgia.

In the middle of the nineteenth century, over 400,000 settlers traveled through harsh and dangerous terrain on the 2,000-mile-long California Trail from the Missouri River to the West Coast looking for better lives for themselves and their families, paving the way for future generations of Americans. Many passed through what is now the City of Rocks National Reserve in southern Idaho (also known as the Silent City of Rocks), and some carved or wrote their names in axle grease on rocks in the area — specifically "Register Rock" — and these names can still be seen today, almost 200 years later.

Before any Lincoln-lovers point out that we should have picked the Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial for Indiana's entry, we'd like to remind everyone that the house on the site is only a replica built in 1945. Although it's still very impressive, we're giving the nod here to the Indiana World War Memorial Plaza. Located in Indianapolis, the site was first built in 1926 as a WWI monument, and also in an attempt to showcase the state's patriotism and lure the newly formed American Legion away from New York City. It worked, and the site was expanded to include a WWII memorial as well. In total, the plaza includes a 210-foot-tall main building (based on the Mausoleum of Mausolus in Turkey and built out of Indiana limestone), which houses a very impressive military museum, as well as the aforementioned American Legion headquarters, a cenotaph square, and the Veterans Memorial Plaza, which includes an obelisk and numerous fountains.

Although another famous battle is generally regarded as the first of the Civil War (more on that later), some believe the Battle of Black Jack in Palmyra Township, Kansas, was the true beginning. After noted abolitionist John Brown's two sons were captured by pro-slavery forces, Brown and 29 others faced off against Henry C. Pate and his men on June 2, 1856. The five-hour battle resulted in a victory for Brown, who managed to capture Pate and 22 of his followers. They were released in exchange for Brown's sons. Although the war wouldn't officially begin for another five years, this battle showed the lengths determined and principled American citizens were willing to go to fight for freedom. The battlefield was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 2012, and patriotic tourists are free to visit from dawn to dusk daily.

Lasting for 48 grueling days in 1863, the Siege of Port Hudson in Louisiana was the final engagement in the Union campaign to recapture the Mississippi River during the Civil War. Northern forces struggled to capture the fort, but Confederate general Franklin Gardner eventually surrendered after learning of the fall of Vicksburg, Mississippi, to the Union. Port Hudson was also the first place where African-American military units fought for the Union Army under African-American field leadership. The site was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1974 and now includes a museum about the siege, artillery displays, and numerous informative and commemorative plaques.

Fort McHenry in Baltimore is a star-shaped fort most famous for defending Baltimore Harbor from a British Navy attack during the war of 1812. Francis Scott Key was witness to the event, and it inspired him to write a poem that later became the United States' national anthem. You can't get much more patriotic than that! Today, the site is a National Monument and Historic Shrine, and it draws thousands of visitors every year — especially on Defender's Day, September 12, when programs, fireworks, and other events are scheduled in remembrance of the aforementioned Battle of Baltimore. Among other historic artifacts, the original flag featured in the Star Spangled Banner is on display at the fort. Entrance is $10, but children under 15 are free.

Ask people where the most decorated U.S. submarine still in existence is currently located, and few people would guess that it's currently in Muskegon, Michigan. Having sunk a confirmed total of 23 ships during World War II and awarded 12 battle stars and a Presidential Unit Citation, the U.S.S. Silversides is now retired and resting as the centerpiece of its own namesake museum. Along with the Prohibition-era U.S. Coast Guard cutter McLane, the vessel is open year round for public tours and even overnight encampments.

Vicksburg National Cemetery in Mississippi is one of the largest military burial sites in America, second only to Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. Out of the 17,000 Union soldiers whose remains are interred there, 75 percent are listed as unknowns — which is all the more reason to visit and pay tribute to these anonymous heroes. Vicksburg was the first national cemetery established by Congress, and the surrounding national military park also memorializes the Battle of Vicksburg, waged from May 18 to July 4, 1863, which was one of the most crucial Union victories of the Civil War. Entrance fees are $20 per vehicle, and tours are available through numerous non-NPS companies.

The Lewis and Clark expedition passed through Montana on their way to the Pacific, and one of the biggest challenges for the expedition came on the Missouri River in the area now known as the Great Falls Portage. The team carried their boats overland for 31 brutal days to make the 18-mile portage, and two separate portions of this route are now recognized as national historic landmarks. Further illustrating the location's significance, the Great Falls Portage was named by the National Trust for Historic Preservation as one of America's most endangered places in 2008.

The Hoover Dam didn't make this list just for being a big tourist destination (otherwise we would have simply gone with Las Vegas), but instead because it perfectly showcases American ingenuity. When the dam opened back in 1935, it was both the largest hydroelectric power-producing facility and the largest concrete structure in the world. Staring at this unbelievably large feat of engineering really fills most visitors with pride. Plus, the dam gets bonus points for being named after a president — even though Hoover was not invited to (nor was he mentioned at) the dedication ceremony due to his perceived role in the Great Depression.

New Jersey is absolutely packed with Revolutionary War history, from the Ford Mansion (which General Washington used as a headquarters in 1779 and 1780) to the entire Morristown National Historical Park (which commemorates the site of the Continental Army's frigid winter encampment during the same time period). However, nothing gives us that true patriotic feeling like visiting the iconic site where Washington and 2,400 of his men crossed the Delaware River on Christmas night in 1776 as part of a surprise attack. Although the visitor center museum and Washington Crossing State Park are worth exploring — especially on Christmas Day every year, when a speech and reenactment of the crossing takes place — it's humbling to simply stand on the shore and picture the events that transpired there, which led to a victory in Trenton that lifted American morale at a difficult time for the Revolution.

With great respect to the beautiful new 9/11 Memorial Museum at One World Trade Center, we decided to go with a classic here. Although the construction of the Statue of Liberty is significant historically, the structure's symbolism is what truly makes the destination patriotic. Completed in 1886, the statue was one of the first sights seen by hopeful immigrants entering America at the turn of the twentieth century, and the name and image have both become synonymous with America, freedom, and patriotism. Looking to visit? Unless you have your heart set on climbing to the top ($21.50), we'd recommend skipping a visit to Liberty Island altogether, as $18.50 of that fee is just for the ferry ride alone. Instead, take the Staten Island Ferry around the harbor, which features fantastic views of the statue, Ellis Island, and the Manhattan skyline — all for free. Also, if you're feeling thirsty, the Staten Island Ferry sells some of the cheapest beers in all of New York City. America, right?

Theodore Roosevelt National Park isn't on this list just for being a scenic park — there are a ton of those already. And it's not just for the name either. This park makes the list because the badlands of North Dakota was the place where the New York native Roosevelt first fell in love with the rugged, outdoors-y lifestyle possible in America, and it inspired him to become a lifelong naturalist. In addition to buying ranches for himself, Roosevelt also established the United States Forest Service and signed into law the creation of five national parks and 150 national forests, setting aside more land than all of his predecessors combined. Admission to his namesake park costs $30 per vehicle.

The 1863 Battle of Honey Springs was the largest confrontation between Union and Confederate soldiers fought in what was then called Indian Territory (and in what would later become Oklahoma), but it also was the only battle in which white soldiers were the minority — on both sides. Armies consisting mostly of African-Americans and Native Americans — two groups greatly disenfranchised in American history at that point — fought in one of the most important Union victories in the region and of the war in general. The site is now managed by the Oklahoma Historical Society, which is currently building a 5,000-square-foot visitors center on the land.

Independence Hall in Philadelphia is where both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were debated and adopted, and it is now the centerpiece of the numerous Independence National Historical Park sites. If that isn't enough to get your blood pumping, the famous Liberty Bell is also one of the attractions in the area. Admission to the park and its sites is generally free (including seeing the bell), but free timed-entry tickets need to be obtained for Independence Hall at the Visitor Center on the morning of your visit. The Benjamin Franklin Museum, also located in the park, costs $5.

South Carolina was the site of a number of important battles during the American Revolution, but King's Mountain was the most decisive victory for the Patriots. When British forces launched a campaign to split the southern colonies from the rest of the country, a band of volunteer militia gathered to confront a Royalist detachment and forced the surrender of the entire force. Thomas Jefferson called it "the turn of the tide" for the war, and Theodore Roosevelt later agreed that King's Mountain had been "the turning point of the American Revolution." The battlefield park is also adjacent to King's Mountain State Park, which offers camping and a living history farm.

It was hard to pass on some of the historic battlefields located in Tennessee, but here's something we should all feel patriotic about: America invented the musical genres of blues, R&B, country, and rock-and-roll — and that should be celebrated in this list. If you haven't heard of Sam Phillips or his Sun Studios, which deserve a lot of credit for helping to pioneer these genres, perhaps you recognize some of the people who recorded there: Howlin' Wolf, B.B. King, Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, Roy Orbison, and Jerry Lee Lewis. Further confirming the site's significance, it was named a national historic landmark in 2003, and now offers tours for $14 a pop. As a bonus, the studio is only 15 minutes from Graceland, and a free shuttle is provided to transport guests between the two!

Many of the great tourist destinations in Utah are National Parks or other outdoor attractions that, although beautiful, aren't necessarily historically significant. However, there's one special place that fits the patriotic bill: the Golden Spike National Historic Site, which commemorates the completion of America's first transcontinental railroad, where the Central Pacific Railroad and Union Pacific Railroad met on May 10, 1869. Although trains might not seem too exciting to contemporary Americans, this was a huge deal at the time and still stands as an impressive feat of American engineering, determination, and hard work. Today the site hosts re-enactments, views of historic trestles, fully-functioning locomotive replicas, guided tours, and semi-regular events with an entrance fee of only $10 per vehicle.

Our pick for Virginia was a no-brainer, as no patriotic or historic tourist trip to the state would be complete without visiting Colonial Williamsburg. Although not generally known for any specific historical events, the town was nevertheless historically significant as far back as the seventeenth century. It was one of the initial American settlements then, and for 81 years in the eighteenth century it was the center of government, education, and culture in the colony of Virginia. Presidents Washington, Jefferson, Monroe, and Madison all spent a significant amount of time in town, as did numerous other famous patriots. Williamsburg is now a living-history museum; an entire town of well-preserved buildings and costumed workers who help educate guests of all ages on the founding and establishment of America via tours, museums, and reenactments.

The Greenbrier is a beautiful luxury resort in West Virginia's Allegheny Mountains, but that's actually the least interesting thing about it. In addition to having been visited by a whopping 26 U.S. presidents, The Greenbrier is also the site of a massive underground bunker that was intended to serve as an emergency shelter for the United States Congress during the Cold War and possessed the code name "Project Greek Island." However, the history actually goes back even further. The property was also controlled by both the Confederate and Union armies at different times during the Civil War (and was almost burned down by the latter), and it was an army hospital and relocation center for Axis diplomats interned as enemies of the U.S. during World War II. Today it contains a Presidents' Cottage Museum showcasing exhibits about these distinguished guests and the fascinating history of The Greenbrier in general.

Westward expansion might not have been possible without the Oregon Trail, and the Oregon Trail Ruts near Guernsey, Wyoming, are evidence of this. Due to the heavy traffic between 1841 and 1869, this half-mile stretch of land was worn down anywhere from two to six feet into a ridge of solid sandstone. This area is undoubtedly the best-preserved set of ruts anywhere along the Oregon Trail, and Wyoming residents feel a strong sense of national pride knowing that their state played such a crucial role in the early history of America. Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1975, the site is a popular tourist destination for history buffs. Have these patriotic destinations whetted your appetite for a little travel? From the Atlantic across to the Pacific (and beyond), any area of the country you'd like to explore will feature some of the best patriotic road trip locations ever!

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