Few U.S. states are as closely associated with mountains as Colorado, so it’s somewhat fitting that Tour Colorado Director Julianne Krogseng began her career in the travel and tourism industry in Switzerland, working as a step-on guide for Interlaken Tourismus. She went right from the Swiss Alps to the Colorado Rockies when she returned to the United States in 1997 to work for the Durango Area Chamber Resort Association, along with a few of the area hotels.
“While I was in these positions, I was introduced to and became a member of Tour Colorado,” says Krogseng. “In 2020, I was lucky to have the opportunity to come on with Tour Colorado as the director.”
Krogseng recently shared with Group Tour what makes the Centennial State a special place for groups and how she and her team at Tour Colorado are here to help.
Q. What do you love most about working with Tour Colorado? A. The people—our members, partners, tour operators, and guests. I have met so many wonderful and supportive people and am certain there will be many more to come! Tour Colorado is the only statewide organization marketing to domestic tour operators and group travel leaders. We offer access to a diverse membership network that includes visitor bureaus, resort organizations, tour operators, lodging providers, attractions, and transportation services all in one place. This all makes it a very exciting and engaging experience for me.
Q. What is your message to group tour planners about why they should consider destinations in Colorado? A. Colorado offers an enticing mix of experiences for group tour planners seeking a unique and memorable destination. Our state provides a diverse landscape, from the soaring peaks of the Rocky Mountains to high desert canyonlands, offering year-round outdoor adventure for groups of all interests and activity levels. Colorado residents will welcome you and your groups with open arms and western charm.
Q. What are some of your favorite attractions in the state to promote to group tours? A. That is a hard one to pin down. I would say our beautiful scenery. As groups travel from one town and attraction to another, they are met with awe-inspiring views. Our attractions combine the stunning natural beauty with unique cultural and historical experiences that can accommodate various group sizes and interests.
Q. This is a big year in Colorado with the state’s 150th anniversary alongside the 250th birthday of the United States. What events should group tour planners be aware of? A. Many communities across all 64 counties are planning their own specific events, including parades, public art installations, and local history programs. These offer opportunities for groups to experience authentic local culture and hospitality. For the most up-to-date information, tour planners should regularly check the official campaign website, am250co150.org, which lists current events and provides resources for planning tours around the celebrations.
Q. Is there anything else you would like to share with the Group Tour audience? A. Tour Colorado is here to help you plan your group itineraries. Myself and our members eagerly await your emails and phone calls, so please reach out!
By Todd Kortemeier
Main Image: Independence Pass,Rocky Mountains, Colorado; Credit: Unsplash/Sam Dellaporta
The United States has come far over the last 250 years. Americans, as a people, have come a long way—that’s progress, after all. It’s inevitable as our population grows more diverse and societal norms change with the times. The catalyst for that progress is starkly on display in the Southeast, which served as the center of the Civil Rights Movement from the mid-1950s to the late ’60s.
Cities dotting the region, both large and small, honor the people and events that shaped the Civil Rights Movement with monuments, museums, and historical markers that still resonate with the culture of today. These are the places where your tourgoers can follow in the footsteps of those who marched before them, read the words of those who advocated for change, or see the artifacts that bore witness to history.
These events shaped our country as we know it today, ensuring all Americans—regardless of race—are entitled to the same rights and freedoms as outlined in the U.S. Constitution. That’s not to say there isn’t room for improvement, but the Civil Rights Movement was perhaps one of the most impactful periods in American history, born of both unprecedented unity and unruly political violence that sent shockwaves through the nation.
Honor the American battle to overcome racial prejudice by touring a Civil Rights Movement site with your group. From the streets of Selma, Alabama, to the museums of Atlanta, the Southeast is a region that promises a journey through history in the places where those battles were fought.
Perhaps no state is more frequently cited for its civil rights significance than Alabama—so let’s begin there. Kick things off in Birmingham, home of the 16th Street Baptist Church. This historic church served as a meeting place for the organization of marches and other protests during the Civil Rights Movement. It was famously targeted by the KKK in a 1963 bombing that killed four young Black girls and injured more than a dozen others.
The city also is home to the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. Here, visitors can see a rendition of a segregated city in the 1950s, check out a replica of a Freedom Riders bus, and even find the actual jail cell door from behind which Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. penned his famous “Letter from Birmingham Jail.” The museum offers a discounted rate for groups of 25 or more, and tours take an average of 90 minutes to complete.
At the center of the Civil Rights Movement has always been Selma, often viewed as the launchpad for the passing of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Most notable is the Edmund Pettus Bridge, a National Historic Landmark, site of the Bloody Sunday beatings of civil rights marchers during the first march for voting rights. The violence was televised, garnering national attention and prompting public support for the marchers. Today, the bridge remains a poignant reminder of the persistence and resilience of the Civil Rights Movement.
To commemorate Bloody Sunday and Selma’s role in the Civil Rights Movement, the National Voting Rights Museum and Institute preserves and displays items and stories relating to the voting rights campaign. The museum offers a variety of tour packages featuring other historic sites in Selma, including the Edmund Pettus Bridge, Brown Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church—where the Bloody Sunday march was planned—and more.
Explore the history of the Tuskegee Airmen, America’s first Black military pilots, in Tuskegee. The Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site is located within the restored hangars at Moton Field. The museum is free to the public and features one of the planes flown by the “experimental” military unit during World War II.
More can’t-miss experiences in Alabama include the Freedom Riders National Monument in Anniston; the Old Courthouse Museum in Monroeville; the Holt Street Baptist Church Museum, Civil Rights Memorial Center, Freedom Rides Museum, and Rosa Parks Museum in Montgomery; and The Scottsboro Boys Museum in Scottsboro.
LASTING LEGACIES
On April 4, 1968, tragedy struck when a civil rights icon was gunned down on the balcony of Room 306 at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee. Today, the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel commemorates the life, legacy, and death of Martin Luther King Jr. The hotel-turned-museum features exhibits that trace the history of the Civil Rights Movement from 1916 to 2000.
Connie Dyson, director of brand marketing and public relations for the museum, says the most popular exhibits for groups include “The Montgomery Bus Boycott,” “The Sit-in Counter,” and “Room 306.” The museum can accommodate around 60 guests at once, but the group services team can arrange customized tours that unfold in stages for larger groups.
Dyson says tour planners should be on the lookout for “The Legacy Experience,” slated to launch at the museum in May. “When the National Civil Rights Museum’s Legacy Building reopens in late spring 2026, it will do more than welcome guests into an updated facility,” says Dr. Russ Wigginton, museum president, in a prepared statement. “It will usher them into an urgent and immersive journey through the unfinished business of civil rights. What once served as the Lorraine Motel’s opposite facade now becomes the movement’s modern-day front line.”
The new exhibit tells the story of King’s final chapter in his mission, as outlined in his book “Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community?” Wigginton explains: “Through five powerful thematic galleries—poverty, education, housing, gender, and nonviolence—visitors are invited to explore the structural inequalities Dr. King warned of and how those injustices still shape American life.” The display will feature interactive components, digital kiosks, and touchscreen prompts that allow visitors to weigh in on present-day issues. The museum also will introduce new gallery and classroom spaces for rapid-response exhibits that follow unfolding events.
Also found in Memphis are the Beale Street Historic District, Stax Museum of American Soul Music, and Mason Temple. More landmarks to consider in the Volunteer State include the National Museum of African American Music, Civil Rights Room at the Nashville Public Library, Clark Memorial United Methodist Church, and Woolworth Theatre—all in Nashville.
Central High School National Historic Site,Little Rock, Arkansas; Credit: Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau
MORE TO EXPLORE
Atlanta, Georgia, is another great all-in-one city perfect for urban and historical exploration. It is the home of the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, which connects the Civil Rights Movement to today’s global human rights movements. Signature exhibits at the center include “Broken Promises: The Legacy of Reconstruction,” “A Committed Life: The Morehouse College Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Collection,” “Everyone, Everywhere: The Global Human Rights Movement,” and “Rolls Down Like Water: The American Civil Rights Movement.”
Also found in Atlanta are the Apex Museum; Ebenezer Baptist Church, where King preached; Martin Luther King Jr. Birth Home; Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park; and The King Center, the burial site of King and his wife, Coretta Scott King.
Another must-see landmark is Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site in Little Rock, Arkansas, the previously all-white school that opened its doors to nine Black students in 1957, leading to pushback from the students, community, and even the governor. The students, now known as the Little Rock Nine, had to be escorted into the building by federal troops for the remainder of the year, per President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s instructions. Home to a still-functioning high school, the site is now managed by the National Park Service. Visitors to the school today can opt for a guided tour, watch an interpretive film, or explore the grounds on their own.
Looking to extend your civil rights tour just a little bit farther? Also consider stopping by the Emmett Till Historic Intrepid Center in Glendora, Mississippi; Jackie Robinson Training Complex in Vero Beach, Florida; McCrory’s Five & Dime, site of historic sit-ins in Rock Hill, South Carolina; International Civil Rights Center & Museum at the F.W. Woolworth’s Building in Greensboro, North Carolina; or the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville, Kentucky.
Together, these sites offer more than a history lesson; they invite reflection, dialogue, and a deeper understanding of how far the nation has come—and how far it still must go. For group travelers, touring Civil Rights Movement landmarks in the Southeast is an opportunity to engage with stories of courage, sacrifice, and perseverance that continue to shape American life. By standing in these places and hearing these voices, tourgoers gain context for today’s conversations around equality and justice, making each stop not just a destination, but a meaningful step toward honoring the past and carrying its lessons forward.
By Madeline Fuerstenberg
Main Image: Lorraine Motel,Memphis, Tennessee; Credit: National Civil Rights Museum
The wheels of the first passenger train at the summit of Pikes Peak first turned in 1891, initiating the era of the highest cog railway in the world. Now more than 130 years later, The Broadmoor Manitou & Pikes Peak Cog Railway in Manitou Springs, Colorado, offers passengers that same thrilling experience and incredible views. Jill Wall, cog sales manager for the railroad, recently shared more about that experience with Group Tour.
Cog Railway; Photo courtesy of The Broadmoor
Q. What makes the Pikes Peak Cog Railway a must‑experience attraction for group travelers? A. The Cog Railway is one of the most iconic experiences in the American West, climbing Pikes Peak—“America’s Mountain”—up to 14,115 feet on a three-hour, 10-minute round‑trip journey. It’s the highest cog railway in the world, offering panoramic views, wildlife sightings, and a narrated journey through multiple life zones. For groups, it delivers a turnkey, universally appealing adventure with minimal physical demands.
Q. How long is the trip, and what can groups expect during the ride? A. The full experience lasts approximately 3 1/2 hours, including 40 minutes at the summit. Along the 9‑mile ascent, guests enjoy sweeping views, interpretive storytelling, and dramatic scenery ranging from Englemann Canyon to alpine tundra. The summit offers 360‑degree vistas, interpretive exhibits, and access to the new Summit Visitor Center.
Q. Is the Cog Railway suitable for groups with varied ages and mobility levels? A. Yes. The experience is designed to be comfortable, accessible, and inclusive. The train cars offer large panoramic windows, climate‑controlled seating, and easy boarding. The Summit Visitor Center includes accessible paths and viewing areas, making it ideal for multigenerational groups or tours with mobility considerations.
Q. What group‑friendly activities can be paired with a Cog Railway excursion? A. The railway sits in the heart of Manitou Springs, allowing planners to build full‑day itineraries. Popular add‑ons include Seven Falls, a Broadmoor‑owned natural attraction with trails and scenic overlooks; Broadmoor Soaring Adventure zip line experiences; historic Manitou Springs shopping and dining; and bike‑down or hike‑down options for active groups. These combinations allow planners to tailor experiences for leisure, adventure, or educational themes.
The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway; Photo courtesy of The Broadmoor
Q. What should group leaders know before arrival? A. The railway operates year‑round, with schedules and availability posted on the Purchase Tickets page. Groups should plan for: advance reservations (highly recommended), weather variability at high altitude, layered clothing for summit conditions, plus parking and shuttle logistics from Manitou Springs. The railway’s “Know Before You Go” resources help planners prepare guests efficiently.
Q. What educational or interpretive elements make this ideal for student or enrichment groups? A. The journey includes narration on geology, wildlife, history, and ecology, offering rich educational value. Riders pass ancient bristlecone pines—some over 2,000 years old—and learn about the mountain’s role in Western heritage. The summit’s interpretive displays deepen the learning experience, making it ideal for school groups, alumni travel, and lifelong learning programs.
Q. How can tour operators integrate lodging or multiday packages? A. The Cog Railway is owned by The Broadmoor, a Forbes Five‑Star resort that offers stay-and-play packages combining luxury accommodations with Cog tickets and additional activities. This makes it easy to build multiday itineraries that blend adventure with elevated hospitality—perfect for upscale leisure groups, incentive travel, and curated tour programs.
The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway 719-476-6784 cograilway.com
Lead Image: Cog Railway Photo courtesy of The Broadmoor
Dudy Noble Field, Polk-DeMent Stadium; Photo courtesy of Visit Starkville
Bulldog Nation knows that Starkville is, “Mississippi’s College Town!” But it is also a history town, an arts and music town, a shopping and dining town, and an outdoor adventure town. Come to town for a great Southeastern Conference game. Stay for the Starkville experience.
DAY 1
Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library; Photo courtesy of Visit Starkville
The perfect place to begin your day is the Mississippi State University Welcome Center. Make sure you are on time, because the lobby features a display of more than 400 clocks and watches dating back to the 1700s. Next stop is MSU’s Mitchell Memorial Library, where history springs to life through exhibits at three free museums. Begin at the Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library, which is one of only six presidential libraries located on a college campus. Don’t miss the Charles H. Templeton Sr. Music Museum and the John Grisham Room, also located at the Mitchell Memorial Library.
You’ve earned some nourishment! Grab lunch at one of many locally owned restaurants, then it’s time to check out the “Carnegie Hall of College Baseball!” Head over to MSU’s campus to get a selfie at Dudy Noble Field, Polk-DeMent Stadium, home of the 2021 national champion Diamond Dawgs! Football more your speed? Check out the second oldest on-campus football stadium in the nation at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field.
What trip is complete without a little retail therapy? Historic downtown Starkville is walkable with a number of unique boutiques. Or—take a stroll while you check out Starkville’s fantastic public art offerings.
Time to check in to one of Starkville’s many hotel options. There are so many options to choose from for dinner, you won’t go home hungry!
Visit Starkville; Photo courtesy of Visit Starkville
DAY 2
Get the day started by strolling through the Historic Cotton District. The award-winning redevelopment of this historic neighborhood has served as a model for other cities to emulate. The elements of Greek Revival with Classical and Victorian architecture are a feast for the eyes!
No trip to Starkville would be complete without a stop at the MSU Cheese Store, which is operated by the University and serves as a teaching tool for food science and marketing students.
It’s time to depart! But before you go, consider adding on another one of MSU’s many museums, or a drive through the beautiful Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge.
High-desert settings meet alpine lakes in the Reno-Tahoe region. At Lake Tahoe, stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking with Clearly Tahoe reveal the lake’s famous blue depths, while Sand Harbor State Park invites groups to relax on pristine beaches. Back in Reno, the Truckee River flows right through downtown, perfect for tubing, kayaking, canoeing, and riverside strolls. For hikers and bikers, Northern Nevada’s extensive trail system rewards with sweeping vistas. And for groups that love the game, Reno Tahoe offers some of the most scenic golf in the West at courses like Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course, LakeRidge Golf Course, and Red Hawk Golf & Resort.
GET CREATIVE
Reno Tahoe’s artistry is as bold as its landscapes. Murals and sculptures transform alleyways and plazas into open-air galleries, with the Neon Line District showcasing large-scale Burning Man installations. Indoors, groups can explore the Nevada Museum of Art, the state’s only institution accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, featuring both contemporary and Indigenous works, or the National Automobile Museum, which charts automobile history with a remarkable collection of classic cars.
GET FULL
The dining scene here is as varied as the terrain. At Louis’ Basque Corner, family-style dining celebrates the region’s Basque heritage with hearty traditional dishes. The Depot Craft Brewery Distillery pairs award-winning beer and spirits with elevated pub fare. Wild River Grille delights groups with creative menus. Liberty Food & Wine Exchange brings modern flair to shareable plates, offering flexible group dining spaces. For a truly elevated experience, the Atlantis Steakhouse inside Atlantis Casino Resort presents an ideal spot for intimate gatherings or private dining.
Massachusetts provides everything group tour operators need to craft extraordinary experiences, from historic sites and cultural landmarks to scenic beaches and thrilling adventures. Whether your group craves a peaceful dinner cruise or an exciting day at a theme park, Massachusetts delivers.
EASY ACCESS & VERSATILE ITINERARIES
Begin your journey at Boston’s Logan Airport or a regional rail station. From there, explore worldclass cityscapes, tranquil mountain getaways, pristine beaches, and charming small towns. With Massachusetts’ compact size, your group can enjoy diverse day-trip options with minimal travel time.
KEY AMENITIES FOR GROUP TOURS
Massachusetts has all the resources, facilities, and attractions that tour and motor coach operators need to plan memorable experiences. Massachusetts has the power of proximity – from lively cityscapes to clambakes to campgrounds you can get to where your group wants to be. Massachusetts has bus-friendly, walkable communities that are ready to welcome your guests.
TOUR OPERATOR SUPPORT & RESOURCES
Our 16 Regional Tourism Councils offer tailored guidance to help you find group friendly-hotels and lodging options in Massachusetts, iconic dining experiences, custom group tour itineraries, and local insights on coach parking, local transit, and logistics.
On Feb. 24, 1868, the United States Congress initiated impeachment against President Andrew Johnson, the first time such action had been taken against a sitting president. Johnson, who had ascended to the presidency upon the 1865 assassination of Abraham Lincoln, frequently sparred with Congress throughout his term over Reconstruction matters, but it was his violation of the Tenure of Office Act that brought about his impeachment. Today, Johnson’s complicated legacy is on display for groups at several sites around the country, most notably the Andrew Johnson National Historic Site in Tennessee.
Johnson’s dismissal of Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton came without approval of the U.S. Senate, thus violating the Tenure of Office Act. Following Johnson’s impeachment, his Senate trial began on March 4 and lasted for 11 weeks. Johnson escaped being removed from office by just a single vote. He unsuccessfully sought the Democratic Party nomination later that year, then was elected to Senate from Tennessee in 1875, only to die in office four months later.
Johnson is consistently ranked by presidential historians as among the country’s worst presidents for his impeachment, opposition to civil rights efforts, and blocking Reconstruction initiatives, among other controversies. But he remains an interesting historical figure as he rose to the presidency despite never having formal schooling, was the first president to be impeached, and is the only president to serve in the Senate following his term.
The Andrew Johnson National Historic Site is located in Greeneville, Tennessee, where Johnson lived much of his adult life. The site includes Johnson’s first Greeneville home, his larger homestead several blocks away, and his final resting place in the cemetery that bears his name. There also is a replica of his birthplace home, though Johnson was actually born in Raleigh, North Carolina. Guided tours are available for no charge, but groups of 11 or more must make advanced reservations.
For more information, visit the National Park Service website.
Main Image: Andrew Johnson National Historic Site, Greeneville, Tennessee; Credit: Adobe/Zack Frank
Racing Group; Photo courtesy of Meadowlands Live! Convention and Visitors Bureau
FEEL THE ENERGY
The Meadowlands—a vibrant corner of northern New Jersey where sporting legends meet mega-entertainment—offers a destination that’s as dynamic as it is fun. From world-class entertainment options to high-energy attractions, this region invites groups of all ages to experience something new at every turn.
Begin your Meadowlands journey at American Dream, the crown jewel of the Meadowlands Sports Complex and one of the largest entertainment and retail destinations in the United States. Spanning over 3 million square feet of indoor experiences, American Dream is where imagination meets action. Here, every group can tailor their visit to match their energy—from high-thrill rides to chilling underwater worlds.
PLAY & EXPLORE
Discover the New Jersey Hall of Fame, an exciting and inspiring destination celebrating the Garden State’s most influential figures—from legendary artists and athletes to groundbreaking scientists and leaders who have shaped both New Jersey and the world.
For a splash of aquatic fun, DreamWorks Water Park delivers 15 waterslides and attractions that bring DreamWorks’ iconic characters to life. Whether you’re racing through loop slides or floating in the lazy river, this indoor water wonderland provides endless laughter.
Go back in time to the Middle Ages and enjoy dinner and a tournament at Medieval Times, where you can watch the top knights of the kingdom in a battle with brawn and steel to determine one victor to the throne!
WINTER FUN, ALL YEAR ROUND
Don’t let the weather dictate your adventure—at Big Snow American Dream, guests can carve turns on real snow year-round. This unique indoor ski and snowboard park offers slopes for beginners and seasoned riders alike, making it a standout action-packed highlight.
Experience high-speed fun at RPM Raceway in Jersey City. Feel the thrill of electric go-kart racing as you race on multilevel and LED tracks crafted for pure exhilaration. But you can enjoy more than just racing—the venue also includes arcade games, virtual reality experiences, and options for group events like birthday parties, corporate outings, and special celebrations.
Hackensack Riverkeeper blue boat; Photo courtesy of Meadowlands Live! Convention and Visitors Bureau
DISCOVER MORE
Discover 3 1/2 miles of walking and nature trails at DeKorte Park in Lyndhurst that meander through tidal wetlands, lush marshes, and serene waterways—all framed by striking views of the Manhattan skyline. Whether you’re exploring at sunrise or sunset, the park’s peaceful paths and boardwalks create an ideal setting for photography, bird-watching, and peaceful strolls.
Paddle through peaceful marshes with kayak and canoe rentals or guided tours from the Hackensack Riverkeeper with centers at Laurel Hill County Park and Overpeck Park. It’s a great way to experience local scenery up close while enjoying healthy outdoor activity.
Beers Cheer; Meadowlands Live! Convention and Visitors Bureau
SIP, SAVOR & CELEBRATE
After an action-filled day, retreat to one of the Meadowlands’ nearby eateries, breweries, or lounges—from Bolero Snort Brewery to Il Villaggio to The Roosevelt, local flavors and welcoming vibes turn a meal into a memory. The dining scene here keeps groups coming back.
The Meadowlands isn’t just a place—it’s home. Bold, varied, and endlessly enjoyable, this New Jersey hub invites visitors to craft their own story of fun, adventure, and shared experiences.
Plan your trip and create memories that linger long after you leave the Meadowlands.
Meadowlands Live! Convention and Visitors Bureau 877-MLCVB-US mlcvb.com
Lead Photo: RPM Raceway Photo courtesy of Meadowlands Live! CVB
Stretching 444 miles through Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee, the Natchez Trace Parkway offers more than just a scenic drive. Although the byway was officially established in 1938, the route itself takes visitors on a journey through nearly 10,000 years of history that saw the route transform from a vital travel corridor for Indigenous tribes and early settlers into a federally managed, limited-access parkway that is perfect for group tours. In fact, it’s one of the oldest transportation routes in North America.
Today, the Natchez Trace Parkway features accessible trailheads, historic sites, and cultural attractions along its winding route. From prehistoric earthworks and Civil War landmarks to Southeastern towns rich with food and music, the parkway blends natural beauty with authentic storytelling, making it an ideal itinerary for tour planners seeking variety and ease of travel.
The Natchez Trace Parkway is currently managed by the National Park Service (NPS). According to Mandi Toy, interpretation and education program manager with NPS, the original footpath was once used by Indigenous boatmen known as “Kaintucks,” European settlers, slave traders, soldiers, and past presidents. “The Natchez Trace offers something for every interest,” says Toy, “from Native American mound-building cultures and the Trail of Tears to early American history and the Civil War, beautiful scenic views, and bird-watching.”
Some popular historical sites found along the route include Emerald Mound, the second-largest Indigenous mound in the United States, found in Natchez, Mississippi; the Natchez Trace Parkway Visitor Center in Tupelo, Mississippi; and the Meriwether Lewis site, where the famous explorer was buried in Hohenwald, Tennessee. Some of the most popular scenic pullouts along the route can be found at Sunken Trace in Port Gibson, Mississippi; Cypress Swamp near Canton, Mississippi; and Jackson Falls in Duck River, Tennessee.
“The Meriwether Lewis site … is a hidden gem,” Toy adds. “Most people don’t realize that Meriwether Lewis is buried on the Trace. Visitors to the site can visit his grave, and the site has a small first-come-first-served primitive campground and many hiking trails.”
Toy notes that tour planners bringing their groups to the Natchez Trace Parkway must first obtain a commercial use authorization permit through the NPS before their visit to the parkway. The NPS offers a variety of ranger-led activities, and a 15-minute park orientation film is available at the parkway Visitor Center.
Looking for a good home base along the route? This multistate parkway is dotted with charming Southeastern towns worthy of exploring in their own right. For starters, look no further than Natchez. This Mississippi community is a bastion of Southern history and culture, with historic sites like the Beulah Baptist Church, Dunleith Historic Inn, Fort Rosalie, Grand Village of the Natchez Indians, Magnolia Hall, and so many more sites to explore. For a deeper dive into history, consider adding a stop at the Natchez Museum of African American History and Culture.
Historic and cultural sites aside, Natchez also is an ideal destination for recreational activities and sightseeing. Visit Natchez offers a “Downtown Natchez Walking Tour” for those interested in exploring the community, while the nature buffs of your group won’t want to miss out on a visit to Homochitto National Forest, Natchez State Park, or a variety of trails available in the area.
Another can’t-skip community is Franklin, Tennessee. “[Franklin] served as a pathway for soldiers under the command of future President Andrew Jackson,” says Lauren Ward, vice president of marketing and communications for Visit Franklin. “They were paid in a building now housing Landmark Booksellers on Main Street, and it was during the soldiers’ march back to Franklin following the Battle of New Orleans that Jackson earned his nickname, ‘Old Hickory.’ Today, the iconic double-arch bridge just south of Franklin is one of the most photographed structures on the parkway, and visitors traveling this historic route often stop in Franklin for its walkable downtown, Civil War landmarks, and preserved Southern character.”
Ward says groups often begin their visit in downtown Franklin, where the 16-block historic district offers shopping, dining, and several cultural attractions. The Franklin Hop is available for those interested in an open-air, narrated trolley tour that covers key landmarks like Carter House and The Factory at Franklin. Don’t forget to spotlight the arts during your tour of Franklin with a visit to Fox & Locke in Leiper’s Fork, where patrons are treated to live music and weekly open-mic nights. Kimbro’s Pickin’ Parlor is another hot spot for late-night musical experiences, and the nearby FirstBank Amphitheater hosts worldwide acts in what was once a functioning rock quarry.
Some lesser-known activities to enjoy in Franklin include goat encounters at Noble Springs Dairy, boutique lodging at Leiper’s Fork, and seasonal events like live jazz at Arrington Vineyards. The newly renovated Factory at Franklin is home to Turner Theater and a hand-carved carousel, both well-suited to group visits.
“Franklin offers group planners a balance of accessibility, hospitality, and programming,” Ward says. “Located just south of Nashville, it provides a more relaxed environment without sacrificing amenities or attractions. With more than 6,000 guest rooms, the city supports group travel with accommodations that range from full-service conference hotels to boutique inns and historic cottages. Franklin’s tourism offerings are diverse—combining Civil War history, local artwork, farm-to-table bites, and live music. Its infrastructure is well-suited for tour groups, and its community is known for its hospitality and walkable design. Whether the focus is education, recreation, or culture, Franklin provides a destination that is both meaningful and manageable for group travel.”
Visit Franklin provides several services for group travel planners, including itinerary consultation, local vendor coordination, centralized bus parking, and assistance with guided tour arrangements. The downtown Visitor Center also offers self-guided walking tour maps, printed guides, and access to digital passports that highlight additional experiences for groups.
In Northwest Alabama, Colbert County is an area steeped in Cherokee, Chickasaw, and early American history. Most notably, the region is known for the historic Colbert Ferry Stand Site. This is where the county’s namesake, Chickasaw leader George Colbert, lived in and operated an inn atop a ridge overlooking the Tennessee River.
Colbert was best-known for running a ferry that traversed the river from 1800 to 1819. His inn provided travelers with food and lodging. Colbert, who was half Chickasaw, used his knowledge of the Indigenous culture to build a flourishing network of enterprises in the area, but he also was an established plantation operator, depending on the labor of more than 150 slaves. Visitors to the Colbert Ferry Stand Site can see the exact spot where the inn once sat. A 20-minute walk will take your tourgoers along the Old Trace to the bluff overlook of the river.
More attractions of note in Colbert County include Ivy Green, the birthplace of Helen Keller; the Alabama Music Hall of Fame in Tuscumbia; and FAME (Florence Alabama Music Enterprises) Recording Studios, which groups can explore on experiences such as the “Backstage Tour” or the “Standard Tour.”
The Natchez Trace Parkway is a living timeline of American history layered with natural beauty, cultural heritage, and vibrant communities. With NPS guidance, historic landmarks, and welcoming towns like Natchez, Franklin, and Colbert County ready to host, planners can craft an itinerary that balances education, recreation, and relaxation. For groups seeking a journey that connects the past with the present while offering plenty of opportunities for discovery along the way, the Natchez Trace Parkway delivers an unforgettable route worth exploring.
By Madeline Fuerstenberg
Main Image: Timberland Hiking Park,Franklin, Tennessee; Credit: Natchez Trace Compact
Sandy Springs is a small-town oasis situated just south of the Chattahoochee River and north of bustling Atlanta. During your group’s visit, take some time to explore scenic Heritage Sandy Springs, a 4-acre park covered in greenery that is home to both the original spring that the city was named after and the Sandy Springs History Museum. The nature lovers in your group are in luck, because just north of Sandy Springs is Morgan Falls Overlook Park, which is the ideal starting point to rent equipment for kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing along 22 miles of Chattahoochee River shoreline. Farther south on the river, the Nantahala Outdoor Center offers guided river trips and rentals for tubing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and rafting on up to 8 miles of flat water and white water.
SAVOR
Sandy Springs boasts more than 100 unique and independent eateries located on the same 10-mile stretch of road called “Restaurant Row.” Starting next to Atlanta near Sandy Springs’ southern border, this tasty trail features cuisines from across the globe, including Persian, Jamaican, Peruvian, and Japanese. The best part is that most restaurants offer group reservations, so almost anything on this food lover’s dream street is an option.
PLAY
There’s something fun for everyone in Sandy Springs, including lively nightlife at spirited bars like The Springs Cinema & Taphouse, Mutation Brewing, and Pontoon Brewing. If your group is in the mood for a show, check out year-round Broadway-style shows presented by City Springs Theatre Co. at the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center. You’ll also find a variety of fun activities that make trips to Sandy Springs unique and unforgettable, such as ax throwing at Bury The Hatchet, art lessons at Painting with a Twist, or intricate puzzle solving at Mastermind Escape Games.
