The open road has long called to adventurers and history buffs alike, offering a path through landscapes brimming with stories that shaped the United States. For travelers who wish to dive deeper into America’s roots, a road trip across historical routes and sites provides an unforgettable way to experience the country. Here, we outline a 2024 guide to some of the most iconic historical road trips across the U.S., filled with stops that range from Revolutionary War landmarks to sites of the Civil Rights Movement. Each trip is a journey through time, linking together the places where key events unfolded and showcasing how those events continue to impact our nation.
1. Colonial History Route: New England’s Revolutionary Road
Route Overview:
Starting in Boston, Massachusetts, and winding through towns like Concord, Lexington, and Salem, this route immerses travelers in the birthplace of the American Revolution. The journey typically stretches from Boston to Newport, Rhode Island, covering roughly 100 miles.
Highlights:
- Boston Freedom Trail: A 2.5-mile path packed with 16 significant sites, including Paul Revere’s House and the Old North Church.
- Lexington and Concord: Known as the place where the “shot heard ‘round the world” was fired, these towns offer preserved battlefields and guided tours.
- Salem, Massachusetts: Famous for its 1692 witch trials, Salem offers a unique look at colonial justice and its lasting impact.
- Newport, Rhode Island: A historic seaport with a concentration of colonial-era buildings, Newport provides a scenic end to the journey.
Best Time to Visit: Late spring or early fall, when New England’s foliage is in full color, making the journey both historically engaging and visually stunning.
2. Southern Civil Rights Trail: From Selma to Montgomery
Route Overview:
This route spans just over 50 miles but is rich in sites that chronicle the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. Starting in Selma, Alabama, and ending in Montgomery, this route offers a powerful journey through the landmarks that witnessed pivotal moments in the fight for racial equality.
Highlights:
- Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma: Site of “Bloody Sunday,” where peaceful protesters were met with violent opposition, sparking national support for civil rights.
- Brown Chapel AME Church: A headquarters for Civil Rights leaders in the 1960s and the starting point for the Selma-to-Montgomery March.
- The Civil Rights Memorial Center in Montgomery: A tribute to those who lost their lives in the fight for justice, with an interactive exhibit detailing the timeline of the movement.
- Dexter Avenue Baptist Church: Where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. served as pastor, this church remains a crucial landmark in the story of the Civil Rights Movement.
Best Time to Visit: February through April, aligning with Black History Month and anniversaries of notable marches.
3. Lewis and Clark Trail: Exploring the Westward Expansion
Route Overview:
Following the footsteps of Lewis and Clark from St. Louis, Missouri, to the Oregon coast, this route stretches nearly 3,700 miles. It’s a journey through the heart of the United States, showcasing the country’s vast and varied landscapes.
Highlights:
- Gateway Arch in St. Louis: The starting point for the Corps of Discovery expedition, this iconic monument offers breathtaking views and an in-depth museum.
- Fort Mandan, North Dakota: A reconstructed fort where Lewis and Clark spent the winter of 1804-1805, learning from local Native tribes and preparing for their journey westward.
- Lolo Pass in Montana and Idaho: Known for its stunning scenery, this pass was one of the most challenging parts of the journey, and today features hiking trails that follow in their footsteps.
- Fort Clatsop in Oregon: The expedition’s winter camp, which has been faithfully reconstructed to offer visitors an immersive historical experience.
Best Time to Visit: Late spring through early fall for the best access to outdoor activities and open roads.
4. The Great River Road: Following the Mississippi River’s Historic Path
Route Overview:
This route follows the Mississippi River from its source in northern Minnesota all the way to New Orleans, Louisiana, covering over 2,300 miles. The Great River Road weaves through diverse regions, cultures, and landscapes, touching on the histories of Native American tribes, early European settlers, and antebellum America.
Highlights:
- Itasca State Park, Minnesota: The river’s headwaters are a peaceful and scenic beginning to the journey.
- Dubuque, Iowa: Known as the “Masterpiece on the Mississippi,” Dubuque is rich in 19th-century architecture and offers the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium.
- Vicksburg, Mississippi: This city is home to one of the most significant Civil War battlefields and the Vicksburg National Military Park.
- New Orleans, Louisiana: A city bursting with history, music, and culture, New Orleans is the perfect place to end the journey down the Mississippi.
Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall offer pleasant weather, while winter brings unique southern festivities in New Orleans.
5. Route 66: America’s Main Street Through Time
Route Overview:
One of the most famous highways in the United States, Route 66 stretches from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California. Though many parts of the original route have been bypassed by newer highways, Route 66 remains a beloved path that tells the story of America’s automobile culture and mid-century expansion.
Highlights:
- Route 66 Museum in Pontiac, Illinois: Filled with memorabilia, this museum captures the magic of the road.
- Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas: An eccentric installation of half-buried Cadillacs that pays tribute to car culture.
- Santa Fe, New Mexico: This historic city offers a look at the blending of Native American, Spanish, and Mexican cultures.
- Santa Monica Pier, California: The official end of Route 66, with its ocean views and vibrant atmosphere, is the perfect spot to conclude the trip.
Best Time to Visit: Late spring or early fall, avoiding the peak heat of the desert stretches in summer.
6. The Oregon Trail: Following Pioneers’ Paths to the West
Route Overview:
The Oregon Trail spans over 2,000 miles, from Independence, Missouri, to Oregon City, Oregon. It’s an epic journey across plains, mountains, and rivers, reflecting the trials and triumphs of 19th-century pioneers.
Highlights:
- Independence, Missouri: The official start of the Oregon Trail, with museums dedicated to the journey.
- Scotts Bluff National Monument, Nebraska: An iconic landmark that was a major milestone for pioneers heading west.
- Fort Boise in Idaho: Once a key trading post, now part of the Boise National Historic Trail, it provides insight into the challenges faced by travelers.
- Oregon City, Oregon: The trail’s end, where you can learn about the lives of settlers who arrived here in the 1840s.
Best Time to Visit: Late spring or early summer, when the landscapes are lush and wildlife is active along the route.
7. California’s Gold Rush Route: Sacramento to San Francisco
Route Overview:
This route traces the Gold Rush era, from the Sierra Nevada foothills into San Francisco. Covering about 200 miles, it’s a journey through the excitement and hardship of California’s early days.
Highlights:
- Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park in Coloma: The site where gold was first discovered in 1848, marking the start of the Gold Rush.
- Old Sacramento: A preserved Gold Rush-era town with historic buildings, museums, and wooden sidewalks.
- San Francisco’s Gold Rush History: The city quickly grew from a small port town to a bustling city during the Gold Rush, with sites like the Wells Fargo History Museum and Alcatraz Island offering a look into its complex past.
Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall are ideal for avoiding the summer crowds and getting comfortable temperatures.
Tips for Planning a Historic Road Trip
- Research Sites in Advance: Some landmarks require reservations or have limited hours, especially during peak travel seasons.
- Embrace Local Tours and Guides: Local guides can offer insights that you won’t find in books, bringing historical events and places to life.
- Pack for the Road: For extended journeys, especially on remote routes like the Oregon Trail, prepare with extra supplies, a good GPS, and roadside emergency kits.
- Explore Nearby Museums and Visitor Centers: Museums near historic sites often have artifacts and exhibits that deepen the experience and help you better understand the stories behind each location.
- Respect the Sites: Many historic locations, such as battlefields and memorials, are protected and deserve respect. Keep noise to a minimum, follow posted rules, and leave no trace.
Taking a road trip through historical routes in the U.S. is a way to experience American history firsthand. From the early colonial days to the Civil Rights Movement, and from the paths of westward expansion to the story of Route 66, these routes and the stories they hold form an essential part of the American experience. A road trip in 2024 is a way to connect with these narratives, bringing the past to life as you drive through places where history was made.
