Groups thinking about putting a national park on their itinerary will want to be aware of timed reservations that several of the parks are reintroducing this year.
Arches National Park, located in east-central Utah and which had a pilot vehicle registration system last year, will again initiate the program on April 1.
“We received many positive comments from people who enjoyed the guaranteed arrival time and reduced congestion they experienced during the 2023 vehicle reservation pilot,” says Arches National Park Acting Superintendent Brendan Bray. “A repeat pilot program in 2024 will help us learn more about how such systems can provide visitors with the opportunity for enjoyable experiences while protecting the extraordinary landscapes they come to see.”
Program parameters will be the same as the 2023 pilot, according to information from the park. Visitors can book reservations on a first-come, first-served basis through recreation.gov. Reservations will be released three months in advance in monthly blocks. As an example, reservations that opened in January are for the month of April. On Feb. 1, reservations will open for the month of May, and unreserved times in April will remain open. Additional months will continue the same pattern.
According to the National Park Service, the other national parks that will have timed reservations include:
Glacier National Park, beginning May 24 for the west side of Going-to-the-Sun Road and North Fork, and on July 1 for Many Glacier.
Rocky Mountain National Park, beginning May 24.
Yosemite National Park will have a “Peak Hours Plus” vehicle reservation pilot system for park entry on the following dates: On weekends from April 13 to June 30; every day from July 1 to Aug. 16; and on weekends from Aug. 17 to Oct. 27.
Zion National Park will require reservations to visit and hike the popular Angels Landing.
The aim of the timed entries is to help overcrowding at the parks. As an example, Arches National Park saw a 73% visitation growth rate—or an additional 2 million people annually—between 2011-2021, according to the NPS.
“This increase was concentrated during certain hours, causing congestion at key park destinations, reduced visitor enjoyment, and increased resource damage,” according to the agency. “During times of peak congestion prior to implementing the vehicle reservation pilots, the park had to temporarily close its gates until crowding lessened, resulting in many visitors being unable to enter the park at their preferred time or at all.”
It says the vehicle reservation pilots the previous two years “were successful in reducing congestion, improving visitor experiences, providing reliable access, and distributing visitation throughout the day.”
Main Image: Arches National Park, Utah, Credit: NPS/Veronica Verdin
Scenic and historic Winona, Minnesota, is a great destination for group tours. Brimming with history, music, art, and outdoor recreation, this charming city has a wide array of activities to ensure an exciting travel experience for all visitors. Contact Visit Winona to start planning your tour today.
History
Not sure where to start on your Winona travel experience? The Winona County Historical Society and Visit Winona can coordinate step-on guides for bus tours to get an overview of the city. Based on your group’s interests, you can see Winona’s top attractions, view the river valley from atop the bluffs, tour museums, and more.
Groups can also explore Winona’s Windom Park Historic District with the help of local guides. This architecture and history tour sheds light on Winona in the late 1800’s, when the city allegedly had the most millionaires per capita in the United States. Tour highlights include a stop by the statue of the legendary figure We-no-nah, the namesake of the city.
Boats and Bluegrass Festival Credit: Visit Winona
Arts
Winona is an artistic city with plenty of creative activities and events. In addition to its own plentiful art galleries and local performance venues, Winona plays host to popular live music events, including Minnesota Beethoven Festival, the Boats and Bluegrass Festival, the Mid West Music Festival.
From June through the end of July, groups can take in performances at The Great River Shakespeare Festival (GRSF). Each year, the talented company performs multiple works by the Bard, in what Talkin’ Broadway calls “an essential part of summer in Minnesota.” In addition to attending the play, the audience can participate in behind-the-scenes tours, workshops, and panel discussions with the cast and crew.
The Minnesota Marine Art Museum’s (MMAM) education programs and art exhibitions explore mankind’s relationship with water. Located on the banks of the Mississippi River, the museum’s six galleries contain contemporary exhibitions and historic artworks. Schedule a guided tour focused on three specific galleries, then wander the MMAM’s 3.5 acres of gardens with over 60,000 native plants.
Outdoors
Winona is in the gorgeous bluff region, a unique geographic area that offers myriad hiking and biking trails. Sugar Loaf Bluff might be Winona’s most famous landmark, offering excellent views of the surrounding area. The hike up to this nearly 85-foot bluff is only 20 minutes long, making it easy to incorporate into a busy day of exploring.
The National Eagle Center has two floors of exhibits on regional history of the Dakota peoples and other residents, the environment of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge, and the history of eagles in the U.S. Book a tour with a live eagle ambassador and follow local experts to observe nest sites, Bald Eagles, Golden Eagles, and other wildlife. Group discounts are available.
Get out on the water with the Winona Tour Boat. This narrated boat tour covers the history of Winona and its relationship to the mighty Mississippi River as it floats by the commercial port, barge systems, and famous boat house community. Not only will your group get a unique perspective on the city’s history, but it’s a great opportunity to spot eagles, turtles, deer, and more of Winona’s native wildlife.
Lead Image: Winona’s river valley from atop the bluffs Credit: Visit Winona
One of America’s greatest appeals for tourists is its diversity of both cultural and geographical destinations to explore. Whether your tourgoers are looking to follow in the footsteps of its most influential historical figures, try new things, or explore the unparalleled beauty of the nation’s mountains, deserts, coasts, rivers, and forests—there truly is a group tour for everyone in the U.S.
And that appeal to explore this vast country spans far beyond the people who live here. According to the National Travel and Tourism Office, 72.4 million international travelers visited the United States in 2024 (the year with the most recent data). Early projections for 2025 place the number at 77.1 million. The number is predicted to reach more than 85 million in 2026 as the industry continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. The U.S. Travel Association estimates that international travelers contribute about $155 billion to the national economy every year.
So, where are these travelers visiting from, where are they heading, and how can America-based tour operators treat these often-smaller groups to an unforgettable experience? Jacqueline Dobson, president of Internova Travel Group’s (ITG) Leisure division, offers some insight.
“Humans are inherently curious,” Dobson says. “We love discovering new places, enjoying new experiences, and connecting with new people. Travel helps us do just that. Now, more than ever, travel is very accessible, which means more places are readily available for people to explore. Social media and popular culture also have stimulated heightened interest in travel experiences, with people consuming inspiring content on a daily basis.”
Internova Leisure, the division of ITG that specializes in facilitating memorable travel experiences for clients and offering industry-leading services, is composed of four U.S.-based leisure agencies: Andrew Harper, CruCon Cruise Outlet, Cruise Specialists, and Travel Leaders Vacation Center. Also a part of the division is United Kingdom-based Barrhead Travel.
“Across our division, we offer a diverse range of travel products, from cruising to touring, from beach escapes to city breaks, and from exclusive luxury experiences to honeymoons; we’ve got expertise for every travel style and budget,” Dobson says. “We believe there is no better way to book travel than with someone who has personal experience. Our advisors are genuine experts in their fields and are passionate about creating vacations that are completely unique for their clients.”
According to Dobson, Internova Leisure works with hundreds of thousands of clients annually. Among the company’s U.K. travelers, Dobson says demand for travel to the U.S. has increased in recent years. In fact, Barrhead Travel established a dedicated U.S. specialist division last year to meet that growing demand.
“The main gateways—such as Orlando, New York, and Las Vegas—are still as popular as ever, but we also are seeing rising interest for other key areas such as the Deep South, New England, and California,” Dobson explains. “British travelers are spending more money on vacations, and they’re in search of new experiences. Road trips and multicenter trips are booking well, but cruise is also an incredibly important market here.”
She adds that international travelers to the U.S. are looking for unique experiences, so there’s always opportunity to suggest activities or itineraries offering something a little different or off the beaten track.
One trend noted by Dobson is that vacations have taken “center stage” since the pandemic. According to her, customers from both the U.S. and U.K. are saying they’ve ring-fenced funds for travel and will continue to do so in the coming years. Family vacations, and particularly multigenerational travel, also are on the upward swing.
Also prioritized by international travelers: budgeting. “Irrespective of which end of the budget spectrum a client falls, we generally see that people are determined to get the best value for money possible,” Dobson explains, “which means advisors are curating trips that include more excursions, added-value, or offer alternative board basis options such as all-inclusive upgrades.”
To create the perfect experience for international travelers, Dobson recommends establishing a relationship of trust. Clients book with advisers because there’s trust there, she says, so that trust should be replicated between operator and adviser.
Credit: Unsplash/Kylie Anderson
A LOOK AT THE NUMBERS
According to TravelPerk, a travel management company, New York City is the No. 1 American destination for international travelers, welcoming just under 9 million tourists in 2023. Miami, Florida, comes in second, with 4.4 million international arrivals. Los Angeles, California, welcomed 3.6 million international travelers in 2023. However, trends reported by Travel Alliance Partnership, a travel marketing agency, support Dobson’s observation that some groups are looking for that lesser-known experience to sweep them off their feet.
“Travelers are still checking off bucket list items, and a visit to a big city is still on the list; however, the experience has evolved beyond the main attractors,” the agency reports. “Smaller destinations that may not previously have been able to attract travelers away from the better-known destinations are seeing a surge in interest from group tour operators. Itineraries and travel products include more outdoor activities, smaller towns, and out-of-the-ordinary, quirky places.”
The data shows most international visitors come from Canada and Mexico, with 20.5 million and 14.5 million visitors, respectively, in 2023. Coming in third is the U.K., with 3.9 million visitors. Of these millions of international travelers, an estimated 59% visited for leisure.
And where are operators sending their American travelers around the world? TravelPerk notes that about 98.5 million Americans travel abroad annually, with Mexico leading as the go-to destination, followed by Canada and the U.K. Outbound tourism in the U.S. was estimated to reach a value of $108.8 billion last year. In fact, international travel is so popular for Americans, only about 23% of U.S. travelers have never traveled outside the country.
“Our U.S. clients represent a real mix of travelers, and we see wide-ranging trends when it comes to travel,” Dobson says. “The domestic market is important, particularly for cruise departures from the likes of Seattle, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami. U.S. travelers also are taking advantage of the favorable dollar exchange in destinations like Europe and the U.K., where pricing is very keen. Two-week vacations are becoming more popular, particularly when traveling farther afield.”
Regardless of where your travelers hail from, the goal remains the same: to craft a tour that’s reflective of each group member’s values and interests. Understanding these trends allows planners and operators to craft well-informed trips to destinations that will leave an impact on their clients long after the journey is over.
Gun Lake Casino Resort; Photo courtesy of Gun Lake Casino Resort
STAY
The recently opened hotel at Gun Lake Casino Resort is the newest addition to the western Michigan skyline. The stunning 15-story hotel, with its sleek glass exterior, 252 rooms, and 30 deluxe suites, is part of an extraordinary renovation to the popular casino in Wayland. Additionally, every guest of the hotel has access to the new Wawyé Oasis, a spectacular, 32,000-square-foot tropical paradise within a glass atrium.
It features two swimming pools, real palm trees, and always-80-degree weather that offers a year-round resort vacation. Wawyé (meaning “moving water”), is a one-of-a-kind attraction in the area. And every occasion is special when you plan it at Gun Lake Casino Resort. For a small gathering or large parties, the resort offers a number of venues to make any celebration out of this world!
Wowyé Oasis; Photo courtesy of Gun Lake Casino Resort
PLAY
Slots, table games, live poker, and year-round sports betting make for an exciting day, night, or weekend at Gun Lake Casino Resort. This is world-class action that rivals the thrills you can find in Las Vegas or Atlantic City—and that includes the live entertainment. At night, 131 Sportsbar & Lounge grabs the spotlight for live music and popular stage shows. The Wawyé Oasis features live DJs and other special events—by day, you can enjoy luxurious private cabanas and a swim-up bar. By night, it transforms into an out-of-this-world concert venue with fantastic artists and nightlife that goes as long as you can. For a complete calendar, visit gunlakecasino.com/entertainment.
Lobby Bar; Photo courtesy of Gun Lake Casino Resort
DINE
Every taste and every craving are satisfied by a fine array of cuisine. From gourmet fare to casual dining, the restaurants are perfect for intimate evenings or big group celebrations. You can enjoy flame-grilled perfection at the Shkodé Chophouse, craft beer and cocktails at CBK, or catch the big game at 131 Sportsbar & Lounge. And of course, you can find Asian favorites at the Lucky Dragon Noodle Bar, the all-you-can-enjoy Harvest Buffet, classic comfort at the Sandhill Cafe, and plenty more.
If you haven’t been here recently, you haven’t experienced Gun Lake Casino Resort. Along with the new hotel and oasis, it features a variety of new restaurants and lounges. It truly has become a you’ve-got-to-see-it-to-believe-it destination.
Live music from local artists is one of Topeka’s specialties. Your group can find great musical atmospheres and coffee at the Classic Bean or World Cup, or substitute the coffee for a cocktail at the Wheel Barrel. Check out The Celtic Fox for a taste of a good Irish pint or The White Linen for French-inspired cuisine.
DISCOVER
The NOTO Arts & Entertainment District in Topeka is sure to impress art lovers, foodies, and shoppers, as this area features more than 50 murals and sculptures on its streets between local shops and restaurants. Visit established art galleries such as the NOTO Arts Center, find your favorite dish at Bradley’s Corner Cafe, and explore every nook-and-cranny bookstore, thrift shop, and local vendor or artisan.
ADVENTURE
Gage Park is packed with outdoor experiences in Topeka, including the unique Reinisch Rose Garden, which boasts more than 400 types of roses. Make sure to ride the Gage Park Mini Train and embrace your inner child on the fully-operational carousel that dates back to Additionally, groups that want to spend some time on the water or hiking foot trails will be big fans of the nearby Lake Shawnee Recreational Area.
EXPLORE
Downtown Topeka offers plenty of monuments and museums to give a sense of the town’s culture and history. The Kansas History Museum opens the curtains on the state’s rich and unique stories, while the Great Overland Station and accompanying museum give a look into the history of locomotion. Also be sure to visit the Charles Curtis House, an architecturally and historically fascinating landmark at the former home of the first U.S. vice president to be of Native American heritage.
LEARN MORE
Visit Topeka visittopeka.com
Main Image: Bradley’s Corner Cafe; Credit: Kansas Tourism
Inside Glensheen Mansion; Photo Courtesy of Glensheen Mansion
This holiday season, Glensheen Mansion invites you to step into a world where Christmas magic meets international discovery. With 27 beautifully decorated trees spread throughout the historic estate, this year’s theme—Joy to the World—celebrates the Congdon family’s global travels and their passion for culture, exploration, and tradition.
As you wander the grand halls and intimate corners of Glensheen, each Christmas tree tells its own story. One moment, you might find yourself surrounded by vibrant décor inspired by the Swiss Alps—and the next, discovering art and ornaments that echo far-flung adventures around the globe. Every tree features unique holiday traditions and décor, thoughtfully connected to the Congdon family’s personal artifacts collected during their travels. The result is a festive experience unlike any other in Duluth, where history and the holiday spirit shine together.
Among the most treasured displays is the library tree, adorned with original Congdon family ornaments—rare and cherished pieces that give guests a direct glimpse into the family’s own Christmas heritage. It’s a touching reminder that while the Congdons explored the world, their strongest traditions were always held close to home.
Glensheen offers two daytime options to experience Christmas at the mansion: the “Classic Tour” and the “Full Mansion Tour.” The Classic Tour includes the lower level, first floor, and second floor—the signature rooms where beautifully decorated trees and timeless architecture come together to create moments of wonder. Want even more? The Full Mansion Tour lets guests explore all five floors, including the third floor and attic—exclusive spaces decked from top to bottom in holiday décor.
For an extra enchanting experience, visit during the evening for “Candlelight Tours,” offered Friday through Sunday from Nov. 28 through Dec. 28. The mansion’s Christmas trees glow even brighter after dark, illuminated by twinkling lights and soft candlelight that reflect off the detailed craftsmanship of the estate. It’s a truly magical and serene way to enjoy the season—perfect for date nights, family outings, and unforgettable holiday memories.
Whether you’re returning to a beloved tradition or discovering Glensheen for the first time, Christmas at the mansion is sure to fill your heart with joy. Celebrate the season with a tour that brings the world—and the holidays—to life. Tours are expected to fill quickly, so secure your tickets early to experience the magic at glensheen.org/tours.
With huge events and huge anniversaries, 2026 is perhaps the best year yet to get out and explore these United States. With that in mind, Condé Nast Traveler has published its Best Places to Go in the U.S. list for 2026, with an emphasis on those destinations featuring one-of-a-kind experiences in the new year, such as the U.S. Semiquincentennial and the FIFA World Cup. Check out the full list for yourself here, but we’ve summarized a few of the the biggest group-friendly selections below.
Arkansas
For groups looking to get active on two wheels, the Natural State and its mountainous terrain are the perfect place for mountain biking. The state’s first mountain biking park served by a chairlift is set to open in the middle part of 2026. OZ Trails Bike Park will not only offer 20 miles of trails, but also a central gathering space with bars, restaurants, and public spaces. A second bike park is due to break ground this year as well. For those who prefer a bit more leisurely activity, the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art features two new galleries in 114,000 square feet of space to explore.
Buffalo, New York
Buffalo is already well-known for one of America’s most legendary outdoor attractions with its proximity to Niagara Falls, but that scene is quickly expanding. Wilkeson Pointe reopened this year as part of a $300 million waterfront restoration project, offering hiking trails, kayaking, and biking, with a public beach in the planning stages. Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Park will open a new pedestrian bridge in 2026, making it easier for groups to explore the waterfront. And football fans, take note: The Buffalo Bills’ new stadium is set to open in time for the 2026 season.
Catalina Island, California
Catalina is only a 60- or 90-minute ferry ride from the mainland of Southern California, but feels like a world away. And the island celebrates its 100th anniversary as a resort destination in 2026, making it the perfect time to visit. Discover Catalina’s unique history—in the last century it’s been everything from the home of Chicago Cubs spring training to a filming location, and the descendents of a herd of bison brought on for a 1924 film shoot still roam the island today. Cubs owner William Wrigley Jr. developed Catalina with the goal of making a “playground for all,” now ready for your group to enjoy.
Portland, Oregon
Portland is undergoing a large transformation in 2026, starting when you arrive at the newly opened terminal expansion at Portland International Airport. The Portland Art Museum recently opened a 100,000-square-foot expansion. And for the foodies, the long-awaited James Beard Public Market opens this summer and is expected to arrival Seattle’s famed Pike Place Market. And don’t miss the city’s new WNBA team, the Portland Fire, taking the court this May.
Sacramento, California
For those in the know, Sacramento is not only California’s literal capital but also its food capital. Sacramento is in the heart of the Golden State’s agricultural might, and groups can experience that bounty with an outstanding restaurant scene and some unique events. Dine on Sacramento’s iconic Tower Bridge as part of the city’s Farm-to-Fork Festival. Long tables seat more than 800 guests in a picturesque setting like no other. And this spring, Our Street Night Market brings the inspiration of Asian night markets to Northern California with street food, vendors, and music.
Main Image: Catalina Island, California; Credit: Adobe/Jean Bai
Group travel is evolving fast. If you’re in destination marketing or selling group experiences, you need to lead—not follow. Here are five big shifts we’re seeing for 2026 and exactly what to do about them now.
1 | Micro-Groups Rule the Road
Gone are the days when “group” meant 50-plus bodies and one standard itinerary. Smaller, tighter groups built around special interests—wellness, hobbies, friend reunions, multi-gen families—are becoming the norm. Data shows the global travel industry is entering a growth phase, with total travel levels forecast to grow approximately 5.8% annually through 2032. (Bandwango, Youli, SmartFlyer)
Action Step: Build a specific offer for 10-25 people. Package it with a distinct theme (e.g., “Friends Food & Photo Tour”) and make it plug-and-play for planners. Make the inquiry process simple.
2 | Tech and AI Will Scale, but Not Replace Your Human Edge
Travel-planning tech is advancing. Among key 2026 trends: personalization, AI-driven planning, and seamless mobile experiences. (gourmetmarketing.net, Youli)
But group travel still hinges on relationships.
Action Step: Equip your sales team with an AI-enabled “group prospect sheet”—auto-populated fields like group size, interests, and booking window—so the rep enters the conversation already aligned with their group’s mindset.
3 | Print & Digital Work Best (Yes, Print Still Matters)
Digital gets the hype. But many destinations are rediscovering print’s value—especially for inspiration and trust. One report positions 2025-26 as a tipping point for experience-driven travel and personalised stories. (Bandwango)
Action Step: Create a blended campaign: Use digital to drive awareness and capture leads, and use a tactile print piece (e.g., a high-quality micromagazine) in the planner’s hands to reinforce credibility and move them down the funnel.
4 | ROI Gets Rewritten—and You Must Lead That Rewrite
Room nights still matter. But in 2026, group travel success is going to be measured in bigger ways: repeat visits, referrals, user-generated content, and social reach. For example, one trend report highlights how traveler behavior is now shaped more by meaning, not just logistics. (CoStar)
Action Step: Build a measurement dashboard for your team with new KPIs:
“Percentage of group planners who return next year”
“Average size of groups upsold or upgraded”
“Number of social posts created by group attendees that mention the destination”
Then share these metrics with your stakeholders.
5 | Partnerships Win—You’re Not Just Selling, You’re Co-Creating
Group planners are looking for more than destination brochures. They want a partner who understands their goals, provides flexibility, and solves problems. The 2026 travel outlook reinforces this: Experience, authenticity, and collaboration are key. (Youli, SmartFlyer)
Action Step: Develop a “Group Planner Playbook” for your team. Include: standard response timeline (e.g., 24 hours), preferred vendor list, sample packages for different group types, and special perks for return planners. Make the playbook available on your website so planners see you’re prepared.
Final Thought
The destinations that win in 2026 will be the ones that connect people—not just promote places. They’ll act less like advertisers and more like facilitators of shared experiences. If this article makes you feel a little behind, good. Let it fuel your focus. This is your moment to step up.
Ben DeVries is the B2B Sales Manager for Greenspring Media’s Group Tour and Meetings + Events titles as well as the Account Executive, Group Tour Magazine for Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. With years of experience in travel marketing, content creation, sales, and media consulting, DeVries shares his valuable insights into the world of group travel. To read more of his work, check out his LinkedIn.
From Ivy League icons to hidden liberal arts gems, historic universities and colleges are found in communities throughout the Northeast. Known for their walkable charm and lively cultural scenes, these college towns are perfect places to spend a weekend—even if your scholarly days are long past. With picturesque campuses, unique activities, and intellectual buzz, these towns offer a mix of relaxation and inspiration that’s hard to find elsewhere.
Tucked between scenic Lake Champlain and the Green Mountains, Burlington, Vermont, offers an irresistible mix of natural beauty and small-town charm. It’s also home to multiple colleges and universities like the University of Vermont and Champlain College. Church Street is the bustling heart of the city, and its car-free layout makes it the perfect spot for a stroll. For an active group, the Island Line Trail along Lake Champlain is a great option, and its lakeside bike path offers sweeping views and beach access. A boat cruise aboard the Spirit of Ethan Allen is a relaxing alternative for visitors who want to see the lake.
Just a few hours south in Massachusetts, Amherst is another charming college town. Prominent colleges—including Amherst College, the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, and Hampshire College—shape the character of the town. These institutions invite a wealth of activities for students and visitors alike, including lectures, exhibits, and concerts that are open to the public. For museum lovers, Amherst is especially rewarding. The town boasts the Emily Dickinson Museum, The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, and the Beneski Museum of Natural History at Amherst College.
The setting of countless films and home to academic legends, Cambridge is a quintessential Northeastern college town. Stroll through the Harvard Yard and experience centuries of history, or take guided campus tours of Harvard University or the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Between the two campuses is the Charles River, a perfect spot for biking, jogging, or watching the renowned Harvard rowing team. Visitors also can enjoy campus bookstores, museums, and a diverse dining scene ranging from casual eateries to fine restaurants.
New Haven, Connecticut; Credit: Visit New Haven
Farther south in Connecticut, Hartford offers a distinct blend of rich history and college town charm. Landmarks like the Connecticut State Capitol, Mark Twain House, and the Wadsworth Atheneum showcase the city’s rich historical and cultural legacy, while the Trinity College and University of Hartford campuses feature beautiful architecture, vibrant community, and annual activities such as Trinity’s Summer Music Series or the Rogow lecture series at the University of Hartford. Just a half hour outside of Hartford in Storrs, the University of Connecticut boasts NCAA Division I athletics and premier facilities where tourgoers can enjoy a fall football game or watch the school’s legendary women’s basketball program, annually a national championship contender.
New Haven blends Ivy League prestige with coastal character and a thriving arts scene, with Yale University at its center. Visitors can explore Yale’s art gallery or natural history museum, take a guided campus tour, admire the rare book library, or simply stroll through the grounds. Beyond campus, Wooster Square is a charming neighborhood perfect for a walk or quick lunch at one of the iconic pizzerias. For a scenic outing, East Rock Park boasts views of the harbor, a bird sanctuary, and sprawling nature trails. Edgerton Park Conservancy is another natural highlight, with a beautiful assortment of floral and vegetable gardens.
Down the coast in New Jersey, Princeton is known for its Revolutionary War history and, most notably, Princeton University. Its campus is renowned for its incredible Gothic architecture, where stone archways, verdant ivy, and spired halls evoke centuries of academic tradition and achievement. On campus, groups can visit the university’s art museum, enjoy performances at the Richardson Auditorium, and admire the seasonal blooms in Prospect Garden. Adjacent to the campus, Nassau Street offers boutique shopping, cozy restaurants, and access to Morven Museum & Garden, the 18th-century home of Richard Stockton.
By Megan Cornell
Main Image: Burlington, Vermont; Credit: Adobe/Seanpavonephoto
In Baton Rouge, Southern charm meets capital style. Kick off your group’s visit at the iconic Louisiana State Capitol—the tallest in the U.S. Sweeping city views await from the 27th-floor observation deck. Stroll through the Capitol Park Museum to dive into Louisiana’s colorful history, from Mardi Gras traditions to civil rights milestones. For a more intimate brush with history, visit the beautifully preserved Old State Capitol, often called “the Castle on the River.”
Spend a leisurely day exploring the stunning historic homes and plantations that dot the Baton Rouge region. Highlights include Magnolia Mound, a French Creole house dating to the 1790s, and Houmas House Estate and Gardens, where moss-draped oaks frame picture-perfect gardens. Guided tours are a must to unpack the complex stories of these estates.
INDULGE
No trip to Baton Rouge is complete without indulging in its celebrated cuisine. Feast on everything from gumbo and po’boys to fine Creole dining at local favorites like The Chimes, close to the Louisiana State University (LSU) campus. Make time for a culinary tour or cooking demonstration to learn the secrets behind Louisiana’s legendary flavors.
EXPERIENCE
Baton Rouge’s cultural scene is alive and thriving. Explore the vibrant art galleries downtown or visit BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo and Burden Museum and Gardens for a dose of nature. After dark, catch live music at one of the many lively venues, or sip a craft cocktail at a rooftop bar while the city lights twinkle below.
If your trip lines up with one of Baton Rouge’s major festivals or during an LSU Tigers football home game weekend, groups will be in for an unforgettable experience. No matter the season, Baton Rouge knows how to throw a party—and visitors are always invited.
LEARN MORE
Visit Baton Rouge visitbatonrouge.com
Main Image: Louisiana State Capitol; Credit: Visit Baton Rouge
Where does the story of California begin? It’s not an easy question to answer, whether we’re talking about time or location. The Indigenous people of California have called the area home for roughly 20,000 years. Europeans first arrived in the 1500s. But the permanent occupation of California by Europeans did not begin until 1769, when Spanish friar Junípero Serra founded Mission San Diego de Alcalá in what is now San Diego.
It is important to note that while these missions tell a vital chapter of the history of where they are located, if not the history of the United States writ large, it is an incomplete history without acknowledging the impact on the Native peoples who once inhabited the land where these missions were established. The establishment of missions frequently led to conflict, forced labor, the eradication of Native culture and customs, and the introduction of disease for which Native populations had no resistance.
Spanish Franciscans went on to start 21 missions in total from 1769 through 1823, forming a trail that is vital to charting the course of how California came to be. Visitors today can learn that unique history with a visit to any or all of the 21 missions—though some that stand today are replicas. That includes Serra’s first San Diego outpost, which has been rebuilt several times but has stood on the same site near the banks of the San Diego River since 1774.
It is in fact this church that gave this area of San Diego its name: Mission Valley. Located just minutes from San Diego International Airport and iconic destinations like SeaWorld, San Diego de Alcalá is still an active basilica. For groups so inclined, attending mass would be a great way to see the parish “in action.” But for groups of non-Catholics or those more interested in the history of the place, the campus is open for self-guided tours and offers a visitors center and gift shop.
Serra’s trail of 21 missions extends north from there. Perhaps most famous for the legend of the migratory swallows said to return there each spring, Mission San Juan Capistrano was founded in 1776 and is considered the “jewel” of the California missions, attracting 300,000 visitors a year, the mission says. Conveniently located in Orange County, the mission offers group reservations including self-guided, guided, and guided VIP tours.
One other Golden State mission you’ll want to consider is farther north up the coast in scenic Santa Barbara. Mission Santa Barbara dates to 1786 and today contains a museum, a gift shop, and a historic mausoleum which is the final resting place both for Franciscan friars and important citizens of Santa Barbara, telling a vital story of the city’s history. The grounds today are open for tours and also host special events like “Drinks at Dusk,” a summer event series allowing visitors to experience the mission in a totally different way.
Mission San Xavier del Bac, Tucson, Arizona; Credit: Arizona Office of Tourism
Looking beyond California, the influence of the mission system is prevalent across the West. In Tucson, Arizona, stands Mission San Xavier del Bac. The mission was established in 1692, but the current building dates to 1797 and is the oldest European structure in Arizona. The mission is open daily and offers docent-led tours at no cost every day of the week except Sunday.
Some of the oldest missions in the U.S. exist in New Mexico, including San Miguel Chapel, completed around 1610. The current building is roughly 100 years newer and is an excellent example of the traditional adobe architecture found throughout New Mexico. The church today is home to mass, tours, and a variety of performances.
Not far away is San Estévan del Rey Mission Church, located high on an isolated mesa that was once part of a pueblo home to the Acoma people. The Acoma fiercely resisted European influence, though the mission constructed in the mid-1600s survived intact, and today a team of Acoma volunteers helps care for and maintain the building. It is open daily to visitors for a small fee.
They say everything is bigger in Texas, and the vast Lone Star State is of course home to many extant missions. You might know the Mission San Antonio Valero by its later name—The Alamo. Its unique transition from Catholic outpost to military fort to symbol of Texas liberty is a fascinating story that can be explored through guided tours, historic artifacts, and living history.
By Todd Kortemeier
Main Image: Mission San Diego de Alcalá,San Diego, California; Credit: Adobe/JACOB
