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Top Tech in Group Travel

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Those of you who have been in the tour planning game for some time could no doubt make a long list of the ways this industry has changed. Change is a constant in any industry, especially when it comes to advancing technology. The way you plan and organize your work is likely different than it was even a decade ago, and with advancing new technology like artificial intelligence (AI), who knows what it’ll look like in another 10 years?

One of the ways technology can be most efficient is its ability to help us stay organized. It can digitize what once was on paper, automate tasks that used to be manual, and remind us of things we might forget. When you think about it like that, it’s almost impossible to imagine how much more difficult it must have been to plan trips back in the old days.

So, why not look ahead to the future? Explore some of the newer technological advancements that are continuing to revolutionize the group tour industry day after day.

PRESERVING MEMORIES

For a sign of how much technology has progressed, consider the Group Travel Videos app. Back when the company was founded in 1999, almost every aspect of the business model is nearly unheard of today. They were in the business of mailing single-use film cameras to school groups, says Founder & President Dave Martinson, for those groups to use on school trips. Group Travel Videos then developed the film, made the photos into a video on a VHS tape, and sent that video back to the school for a memento of the trip.

Needless to say, that is no longer the process. Digital cameras replaced film, DVDs then replaced VHS, and when smartphones replaced everything, Group Travel Videos became an app in 2012. In app form, the company can keep its flagship product updated to stay on track with current technology.

“[Tourgoers] now can stream the video and watch it on their smartphones or their TV,” says Martinson. “After COVID-19, most senior adults now have a smartphone, and our product is being embraced by more retail adult tour groups than ever before.”

Photos, and the memories they keep alive, are perhaps the most important takeaway for tourgoers. And the Group Travel Videos app helps tour planners facilitate that part of the experience. After the tour operator contacts the Group Travel Videos team, they get a username and password for their group members to use to log in to the app and start uploading their photos while on the trip. “No emails, phone numbers, or account setups are required by the travelers,” says Martinson. “There is no advertising on the app. Once they sign into the app, they can start sharing their trip photos with each other. Their name appears under the photos they share.”

The tour operator receives their own login, which has administrative capabilities. In the rare event an objectionable photo is shared, the tour operator has the power to remove that from the collection. They also can use the app to share important documents or message the group. Following the trip, travelers receive their video automatically. And photos remain on a server for three years; guests can download any one of them, as well as re-download the video. They get an easy way to keep their memories, and tour operators get a kind of backdoor marketing tool that helps spread word-of-mouth.

“Like back in the ‘old days’ when the only memento of a trip was a group photo, our video becomes a tradition for [the group],” says Martinson. “For senior adult groups, they show their family and friends the video and become little ‘marketing agents’ for the tour company. If they had a great trip, they tell their friends all about their experience.”

Credit: Adobe/Mirko Vitali

A HELPING HAND

As a tour planner, it’s your expertise in planning an itinerary that tourgoers are investing in. But, occasionally, you might want to get the group involved. Maybe it’s a group vote on that night’s dinner destination. Maybe it’s a vote on what time to meet up to head out for the day. That’s where Troupe comes in.

Troupe is a group travel planning app that allows the members of your group to vote on things like accommodations, destinations, and activities. But that is just one feature; the app is also an easy way to reach the entire group to communicate things and share notes. Once you create a Tripsite, the members of your group can all access it, keeping all relevant information in one place.

“Troupe also helps you implement deadlines and reminders,” reads Troupe’s website. “The app allows you to send out reminders or quick nudges to group members, taking the pressure off the planner and easing everyone along throughout the process.”

Sometimes even the tour planner needs a little bit of inspiration. In that case, just ask Layla. Layla is an AI-based trip planner and itinerary builder, capable of setting out a completely outlined schedule. You might not need Layla to build an entire itinerary, but it can also help fill in the gaps. Maybe you’re planning a trip to a brand-new destination and want to get the lowdown on the can’t-miss group-friendly activities.

“[AI doesn’t] just help you plan; once you’re on your trip, I’m your ultimate wingwoman when it comes to exploring a new city,” says “Layla.” “Armed with the deets on must-see attractions, hidden gems, and the trendiest local joints, I’ll guide you to all the places where the locals actually hang.”

If you’re somewhat up to date on the current state of technology, it probably won’t surprise you that there is a whole wave of AI-based tools to help with travel planning. While an AI planner might lack the personal touch and nuance of a person, they are able to learn from each input and make better recommendations of what you’re looking for.

If you’re new to using AI, Wonderplan might be a good tool to start with, because it comes with no cost or commitment. Wonderplan can build an itinerary, and then is completely editable if you want to swap out different ideas or build in things you know for sure you want to hit. The tool will also keep your itinerary saved for offline access. The itinerary can even be exported to a PDF for easy printing or distribution.

The aptly named Trip Planner obviously does what it says on the label, but it also has specific features attractive to group tours. It updates in real time so that anyone viewing the itinerary online will see the latest version. It uses AI in much the same way as the other tools mentioned in terms of recommendations, but also has a feature called “route planning.” Particularly useful for motorcoach trips trying to travel between destinations quickly, route planning uses AI to find the most efficient routes.

Last, but not least, iPlan gives you a bit more control of your AI-based recommendations. Sliders in the app allow you to weigh your priorities—a tendency toward more historical destinations, or ones that are less physically intense, say—so that the AI has a better starting point. The resulting itineraries are customizable and collaborative, easy to share with the entire group.

Whether it’s offering an extra feature to your clients or getting a bit of a boost in planning, technology is here to help. Even if you’re not ready to outsource all your planning to AI, you might just find a tool that gives the helping hand you were looking for. At the very least, exploring the latest technology is a good way to stay on top of where the travel industry is headed.


By Todd Kortemeier

Main Image Credit: Adobe/Rawpixel.com

Fort Collins CVB

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7 Old Town Square, Suite 100
Fort Collins, CO 80524
Phone: (970) 232-3840
Email: information@ftcollins.com
Web: visitftcollins.com

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City of Greeley Museums

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714 8th Street
Greeley, CO 80631
Phone: (970) 350-9592
Email: museums@greeleygov.com
Web: greeleymuseums.com

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From Farm to Fork

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Tower Bridge, Sacramento
Tower Bridge Photo courtesy of Visit Sacramento

When you want the best food, you go to the source, and Sacramento is America’s “Farm-to-Fork Capital.” In Sacramento, restaurant menus change with the seasons—or daily—and farm fresh isn’t a sales gimmick. It’s just the way it has always been done. The rich land surrounding Sacramento contains 1.5 million acres of farms and ranches, producing a diverse blend of 160 crops feeding markets both local and far afield.

Tower Bridge Dinner
Tower Bridge Dinner
Photo courtesy of Visit Sacramento

You won’t have to look far to find restaurants using those locally grown ingredients to their full potential. Whether you enjoy dining at the Michelin-starred The Kitchen or Localis, hitting up a mom-and-pop brunch spot, or getting authentic pho in Little Saigon, the food you eat in Sacramento is going to come from the surrounding agricultural lands. Many offer options for group events, such as Bear & Crown in the Old Sacramento Waterfront District and Butcher & Barrel in downtown.

The Kitchen
The Kitchen
Photo courtesy of Visit Sacramento

The Sacramento region offers over 40 farmers markets, highlighted by the Midtown Farmers Market, which has been ranked the No. 1 farmers market in all of California. The Golden State grows more than 80% of the nation’s almonds, and the largest handling facility is Blue Diamond, right in downtown Sacramento. The citrus fruits, asparagus, and tomatoes are second to none. 

Already offering the best of the local region, Sacramento will offer some of the best cuisine in the world this September at Terra Madre Americas. An American version of Terra Madre Salone del Gusto in Turin, Italy, this free festival will showcase food, wine, coffee, and spirits from around the world. Guests will also get to experience cooking demonstrations, appearances by celebrity chefs, and concerts by indie rock giants The War on Drugs and Spoon. Terra Madre Americas takes place at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center Sept. 26-28.

Sacramento’s remarkable agricultural output doesn’t stop at food. More than 75 breweries dot the region, and wine grapes are equally abundant. Alaro Craft Brewery & Restaurant offers some of the best of all of it, with refined craft beer selections on offer alongside delicious bites. For a unique and memorable experience, climb aboard the River Fox Train and take the “Old Vine Express,” a “guided flight of five specially chosen pours and more” on a two-hour scenic journey.

In Sacramento, you’ll enjoy excellent food year-round from a wide range of diverse cultures, and there’s a good chance whatever you eat is fresh from the market. Whatever your group has a taste for, they’ll discover a delicious way to experience the authentic flavors and culture of California’s capital city. Come and taste for yourself!

LEARN MORE
Visit Sacramento
visitsacramento.com

Lead image:
Tower Bridge
Photo courtesy of Visit Sacrament

Itinerary: Syracuse, New York

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DELVE

Step back in time in Syracuse at the Erie Canal Museum, housed in the last remaining weighlock building in the United States. Explore a replica canal boat and discover how the Erie Canal contributed to the transformation of New York into the Empire State.

Uncover Syracuse’s role in the Underground Railroad by following the Freedom Trail. For a deeper dive, visit the Freedom Exhibit at the Onondaga Historical Association to learn about ongoing research into this important chapter of American history. At the Skä•noñh Center museum, groups learn the inspiring and enduring legacy of the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) people.


SHOP

For a grand shopping experience, visit Destiny USA, the largest shopping, dining, and entertainment destination in New York State, with more than 200 retail options. Also check out Armory Square, the vibrant heart of downtown Syracuse, where former factories have been transformed into a bustling district of boutique shops, cozy coffee houses, and inviting bars.


INDULGE

Embark on a culinary adventure at Salt City Market, where up-and-coming chefs showcase global cuisines under one roof. Sample a variety of dishes and discover the next big thing in the culinary scene. And no visit to Syracuse is complete without a stop at Dinosaur Bar-B-Que. This New York institution, famous for its prime brisket and St. Louis ribs, originated in Syracuse.


SIP

Visit Middle Ages Brewing Co. to choose from 24 rotating beers on tap and enjoy weekly events. For a taste of local cider and spirits, head to Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards, voted a USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice “Best Apple Orchard.”


LEARN MORE

Visit Syracuse
visitsyracuse.com


Main Image: Armory Square; Credit: Visit Syracuse

Explore Ridgeland: A Perfect Group Getaway This Summer

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Group kayak excursion on Barnett Reservoir
Photo courtesy of Explore Ridgeland

In Ridgeland, Mississippi, summer days stretch long and easy—perfect for exploring, connecting, and making memories together. Whether your group’s idea of fun involves pedaling scenic trails, treasure hunting through boutiques, or simply sipping something cold on a patio, Ridgeland offers the perfect blend of outdoor adventure and laid-back Southern charm.

Renaissance at Colony Park shopping center
Photo courtesy of Explore Ridgeland

Start your journey by checking into one of Ridgeland’s welcoming hotels—several are within walking distance of shopping, dining, and entertainment. Once you’re settled, set out on the Retail Trail. It’s not just shopping—it’s an experience. Upscale, eclectic, and oh-so-browsable, the boutiques and galleries in Ridgeland are ideal for an afternoon of discovery. Renaissance at Colony Park offers open-air elegance, while nearby shops and hidden gems in the Railroad District keep the fun going.

Outdoor lovers in your group will be drawn to the Chisha Foka Multi-Use Trail, a shady, tree-lined path that winds through town and connects to the historic Natchez Trace Parkway. Cyclists, walkers, and even casual strollers will find plenty to enjoy. For those craving water views, the 33,000-acre Barnett Reservoir is just the ticket—perfect for a group kayak excursion or a peaceful lakeside picnic.

Art enthusiasts will feel right at home on Ridgeland’s Art Trail. From the stunning Bill Waller Craft Center to local galleries, this community’s creative spirit shines. You may even catch a live demo or a summer pop-up event that showcases Mississippi makers and their crafts.

Fine dining in Ridgeland
Photo courtesy of Explore Ridgeland

When it’s time to eat, Ridgeland brings the flavor. From breezy waterfront restaurants to chef-driven fine dining and casual local favorites, there’s something for every taste and budget. Experience the best in culinary charm in the “Steakhouse Capital of Mississippi.” Cap off your day with a friendly competition at Topgolf, where your group can swing, snack, and soak in the energy of summer nights under the lights.

And if you’re lucky enough to visit during one of Ridgeland’s signature events—like Celebrate America Balloon Glow or a summer concert on the green—you’ll get a taste of the city’s warm hospitality and tight-knit spirit.

Whether your group is here for a weekend or a while, Ridgeland welcomes you with open arms, scenic views, and experiences worth sharing. Come see why this Mississippi town is a summer standout. Plan your trip at exploreridgeland.com. 

Learn More
Explore Ridgeland
exploreridgeland.com

Lead image:
Photo courtesy of Explore Ridgeland

An Uncluttered Life

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Anyone who has lived in the Midwest knows a thing or two about wide-open spaces, rolling agricultural fields, and quaint rural communities. While the region boasts its fair share of iconic cities, these are the places where it’s easiest to take a deep breath, center oneself, and return to simplicity—without all that noise and activity. Perhaps no one understands that fact quite like the Amish residents of America’s heartland.

The Amish and Mennonite peoples, both parts of the Anabaptist tradition, compose a faith-based culture in which every aspect of daily life is tied to their religion. While most commonly understood by the English (their word to describe the non-Amish) as being technology-free, in reality, the culture is far more compelling than that.

The goal of Amish culture is to focus on community before individual. They do, in fact, choose to avoid modern conveniences like technology and motor vehicles—but for good reason. The Amish believe these things interfere with close-knit community life, weaken family structures, and lead them away from traditional values by introducing outside influences and creating inequality within the community.

For some, the mere notion of such a life is inconceivable. For the Amish, though, it’s just life. And while we might not all have the discipline to abstain from the modern conveniences on which many of us rely, there’s still much to be learned from those who do. Whether your group is looking to learn a thing or two from the Amish or simply escape the hustle and bustle of city life, a tour of the Midwest’s Amish Country will surely provide an experience that’s both enriching and authentic.

There is perhaps no better starting point for your group’s exploration than Ohio, home to the largest population of Amish folks in the region, second in the U.S. to only Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Holmes County, specifically, contains the largest Amish settlement in the state.

“[Visitors] love how quiet it is because there is no four-lane road through our county,” explains Tiffany Gerber, executive director of the Holmes County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau. “We only have about 47,000 people, and half of them are Amish, so they appreciate the quiet. I mean, a traffic jam for us is when there are four bikes side by side. It might take two lights to get through our busiest little town. It’s just a slower pace, and people really appreciate it.”

Ohio Amish Country;
Credit: Adobe/Max Ferrero

For groups looking to explore Holmes County, Gerber says the tourism bureau will provide tour planners with suggested itineraries, photos, and anything they need for planning. She adds they always recommend planners work with receptive operators who can create more personalized activities, including setting up memorable experiences like meals in Amish homes or behind-the-scenes tours of local businesses.

A good starting point for any group, though, is a visit to the Amish & Mennonite Heritage Center, which features a 265-foot cyclorama with curved panels depicting the history of Amish culture, from the Protestant Reformation to modern day. Gerber says the employees at the center are Amish and often happy to answer questions. She adds, “They love to share their faith and talk about how they live.”

Other popular options for groups include backroad tours amongst the Appalachian foothills, crafting or cooking demonstrations, buggy rides, and shopping. The county also has eight wineries and restaurants that offer both traditionally Amish and English foods. Something that sets Holmes County apart from other Amish experiences is its diversity of offerings, Gerber explains.

“There are things to do on Sunday,” she says. “We have two theaters that offer evening entertainment, so we don’t roll up all the sidewalks at 5 p.m.—some of them, but not all of them—and our theaters range from Christian-based, family-friendly entertainment to a variety show that pokes a little fun at the Amish, but with the Amish.”

While exploring Holmes Country with your group, it’s important to note there is no designated space for “Amish Country,” because it’s not just an attraction. The Amish are educated, successful, hardworking folks who live their lives right alongside the English. You might spot hitching posts for their buggies at businesses like Walmart or McDonald’s. Their culture is very much integrated into the culture around them. As Gerber puts it, their lives aren’t separate from ours—they’re just “uncluttered” and distraction-free in a way that doesn’t often align with the lives of the English.

“The work ethic of the Amish community has bled over to us English in the area,” Gerber says. “Overall, it’s a return to those values, and that’s led by our Amish community. So, we appreciate where we live. We appreciate a slower pace. And, for a lot of groups, that’s part of the appeal.”

However, this doesn’t mean that some of the English world hasn’t bled into Amish culture. For example, communication with the outside world is often necessary for an Amish business to succeed. So, don’t be surprised if you see an Amish person with a phone or a battery-powered light in their buggy (which is required by law). Just know that these technologies, while sometimes necessary, do not enter the home.

“They might use natural gas to power their furniture shop, but in their home that all comes to a stop at the door, because the three most important things to the Amish are God—their church—their family, and their community,” Gerber explains. “That’s why buggies only go so far; because they don’t need to get that far on a daily basis. They need to concentrate on their homes and their communities, and everything revolves around that.”

Indiana Amish Country;
Credit: Adobe/David Armet

Also known for its presence of Amish culture is Indiana, home to the third-largest Amish population in the country. In the heart of Indiana’s Amish Country is Shipshewana. Popular attractions in Shipshewana include The Blue Gate, where tourgoers can dine on Amish-made meals; Shipshewana Trading Place, the largest flea market in the Midwest; Menno-Hof museum, which features exhibits showcasing the Amish and Mennonite way of life; and more.

Visit Shipshewana even offers an “Off the Beaten Path” tour jam-packed with authentic experiences, from 120 Amish cottage shops to 80 handcrafted quilt barns. For more immersive adventures in Indiana’s Amish Country, consider booking an excursion with Buggy Lane Tours, which brings guests to a working horse and dairy farm and features a home-cooked meal in an Amish residence. Or, Great Life Tours offers guests “Meet & Make” opportunities that include one-on-one time with artisan creators within the community. Of course, no tour of Amish country is complete without a visit to an Amish quilt making company like Yoder Department Store, The Cotton Corner, or Leanna’s Quilts.

Next, continue your group’s exploration of Amish culture in Wisconsin, boasting the fourth-largest population of Amish folks in the country. Explore Amish furnishings at The Wood Shed in Augusta, where groups also can partake in 90-minute tours of the countryside. In Cashton, your tourgoers will find the largest Amish settlement in the state. Home to an abundance of Amish-owned businesses, Cashton offers visitors a plethora of baked goods, handmade crafts, and fresh produce. Cashton is also home to Old Country Cheese, a factory that uses milk from local Amish farms to produce more than 20 varieties of cheese—a must-try during a visit to America’s Dairyland!

Wherever your group wanders, remember to take a break from the fast-paced excitement of a robust itinerary. While those iconic cities certainly hold a lot of cultural and historical appeal for many, Midwestern Amish Country offers something people just won’t find on a map: simplicity.

“I think people, in general—America, in general—are looking back to that simplicity,” says Gerber. “That’s the appeal. They want to see life slow down.”


By Madeline Fuerstenberg

Main Image: Ohio Amish Country; Credit: Adobe/Isaac

Itinerary: Yakima, Washington

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VIEW

Tour the great outdoors of Yakima, beginning with taking an e-bike on the Yakima Greenway Trail. Hop on a guided scenic river cruise with Red’s Fly Shop, or teach your group a new skill and join a fly fishing class. Spend time exploring beautiful Yakima farms and get hands on as you pick your own produce and fruit with Yakima Valley U-Pick Farm Experiences.


IMMERSE

Indulge in the history of Yakima, exploring its Native American and agricultural heritage at more than 13 museums the valley offers. Options include the Yakima Valley Museum, Northern Pacific Railway Museum, Yakama Nation Cultural Museum, Yakima Area Arboretum, and the McAllister Museum of Aviation. For art enthusiasts, tour Tieton, a “small farming community that has been turned into an artist incubator,” says Adam Stewart with Yakima Valley Tourism.


SIP

Yakima Valley, or “Home of the Hops,” grows about 75% of the country’s hops and is the largest hop-producing region in the world. Take your group on a craft beer weekend, designed by Yakima Valley Tourism, which includes brewery visits, a tasting at Tieton Cider Works, and a visit to the American Hop Museum. Chart your own course on the Hop Country Craft Brew Trail, or book a ride on the Little Hopper bus for a brewery tour.


SAVOR

To add another finely crafted experience to the list, take an e-bike tour with Kickstand Tours and indulge in what the Yakima and Walla Walla Wine Valley regions have to offer. From February to October, take the opportunity to attend one of Yakima’s wine festivals—such as Spring Barrel Weekend, Crush Harvest Celebrations, or Sip and Stroll—and spend some time celebrating the finer things in life in an idyllic setting.


LEARN MORE

Yakima Valley Tourism
visityakima.com


Main Image: Hops growing in Yakima; Credit: Yakima Valley Tourism

What’s New in Philly

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Philadelphia Big Bus Tour
Photo courtesy of Philadelphia convention & Visitors Bureau

If there was ever a moment to bring your group to Philadelphia, this is it. The city is gearing up for America’s 250th birthday in 2026 with brand-new museums, blockbuster exhibits, and can’t-miss events that make group travel not only easy and educational but also purely unforgettable.

Lincoln Financial Field Soccer Match
Photo courtesy of Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau

Philadelphia will be a major sports hub in 2026. The city will host six FIFA World Cup matches at Lincoln Financial Field—including a Round of 16 match on July 4. Philadelphia will also host the 2026 MLB All-Star Game at Citizens Bank Park and welcome the return of March Madness, with NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament first- and second- round games at the Wells Fargo Center.

Opening September of this year, Calder Gardens will join Philadelphia’s Museum Mile. This one-of-a-kind destination celebrates artist Alexander Calder through indoor and outdoor installations set in a tranquil, garden-inspired landscape. 

The Franklin Institute
Photo courtesy of Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau

Groups can also look forward to “The Declaration’s Journey,” opening in October at the Museum of the American Revolution, which explores the history and global impact of the Declaration of Independence. And, in 2026, The Franklin Institute will debut a world-premiere exhibition in partnership with Universal Destinations & Experiences—a behind-the-scenes look at how your favorite theme parks come to life.

Philadelphia will celebrate the nation’s Semiquincentennial all year long with “52 Weeks of Firsts.” This citywide series will spotlight a new “first” each week in 2026, with events honoring innovations and milestones that began in Philadelphia—from the first Thanksgiving Day Parade to Benjamin Franklin’s many inventions.

Whether your group is interested in history, art, sports, or science, there is no better time to visit Philadelphia. Start your planning today at discoverphl.com.

Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau
215-636-3405
discoverphl.com/group-tour

Lead image:
Photo courtesy of Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau

More Than Words

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Juneteenth Celebration National Constitution Center 2024
Photo by Jason E. Miczek for the National Constitution Center

The National Constitution Center in Philadelphia stands as one of the most compelling and inspiring destinations for anyone interested in the American story. And, as the nation approaches its 250th birthday in 2026, there’s no better time to plan a visit. Located just steps from Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, the Center is more than a museum—it’s a vibrant hub of history, education, and civic dialogue that brings the U.S. Constitution to life for visitors of all ages.

Activities and programming of Wawa Hoagie Day
Photo by Jason E. Miczek for the National Constitution Center

What makes the Center a unique tour destination is its interactive approach to history. Freedom Rising, a stirring 17-minute journey from the founding of our nation to the present, is a theatrical production featuring 360-degree multimedia and a live narrator who passionately tells the story of the U.S. Constitution. In Signers’ Hall, visitors can stand among life-size bronze statues of the Founding Fathers, feeling the weight and wonder of the choices made in 1787. The Center also offers special events including lectures and debates. 

As 2026 approaches, the National Constitution Center is proud to be a cornerstone of Semiquincentennial celebrations.

National Constitution Center
215-409-6800
constitutioncenter.org

Lead image:
Photo by Jason E. Miczek for the National Constitution Center

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