Step back in time at Historic London Town & Gardens, where a once-bustling Colonial port town has been brought back to life. Stroll through reconstructed buildings, and wander 10 acres of woodland and gardens. For a deeper dive into the city’s story, join a period-attired guide from Watermark, whose walking tours bring Annapolis’ Revolutionary and maritime history to life—from the Maryland State House to the U.S. Naval Academy, where tomorrow’s leaders begin their service.
After dark, uncover a more mysterious past with Annapolis Ghost Tours & Crawls. Led by spirited guides, these tours mix haunted history with a taste of local nightlife, featuring eerie tales and moonlit strolls.
GET ON THE WATER
Life in Annapolis flows with the tides. Hire a boat from Annapolis Fishing Charters for a classic Chesapeake Bay outing. Or, try light-tackle action with Hookset Guide Service, where anglers enjoy a hands-on experience just south of the city. Prefer to stay dry? Watch the sails drift by from the docks, or take a scenic harbor cruise. However you explore it, the bay is always the main attraction.
TASTE THE BAY
Dining is a celebration of land and sea. Sample legendary crab cakes at Boatyard Bar & Grill, a local favorite known for fresh-caught seafood and “all killer, no filler” crab cakes. O’Brien’s Oyster Bar & Seafood Tavern serves up oysters, shrimp, and house-made specialties in a warm tavern setting, while Iron Rooster puts a creative twist on comfort food from breakfast through late night.
Beyond downtown, raise a glass at Great Frogs Winery, where rustic charm meets Chesapeake terroir, or visit The Vineyards at Dodon, a sustainable estate where tastings pair perfectly with the peaceful countryside. If craft beer is more your style, Forward Brewing in Annapolis’ Eastport neighborhood offers inventive, small-batch brews with a welcoming community vibe.
You probably don’t need us to tell you about the most iconic destinations to bring your group to in the Midwest. You can easily find your own way to snap selfies in front of Chicago’s Cloud Gate sculpture—even if you only know it as “The Bean”—or recite your favorite lines from “Field of Dreams” in the cornfields of Dyersville, Iowa. There is a certain kind of memory you make at well-known, bucket list-type destinations, where the thrill of being there adds to the experience.
There also is a special kind of memory you make at so-called “hidden gem” destinations, where the surprise and thrill of discovery makes that place stick in your mind for totally different reasons. The Midwest is full of these kinds of destinations, waiting to be found on not only its rural backroads but also on its Great Lakes shores and along its major highways. Even if you have GPS leading you there, you’ll still feel like you discovered something.
The Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site is just a 15-minute drive across the Illinois border from St. Louis, Missouri, but feels like an entirely different world. It’s certainly a place with global significance as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with an interpretive center bringing to life the culture that called the site home from roughly 1000 to 1350. Groups can make the 150-step trek to the top of Monks Mound, the largest prehistoric earthen construction in the Americas, according to Site Superintendent Lori Belknap. Guided tours are offered upon request—with interpreters available to speak to groups with advanced notice—and its interpretive center is scheduled to reopen this spring following a renovation.
“[We hope visiting groups realize] the importance of the site to American history,” explains Belknap, “to Native cultures in the past, and the many Native groups alive today that have ancestry and connections to the ancient site.”
Bishop Hill Colony Church,Bishop Hill, Illinois; Credit: Illinois Department of Natural Resources
Another place to make connections to the past in Illinois is the village of Bishop Hill, which has a fascinating history for groups to discover. Originally established as a religious colony in 1846 by Swedish Pietist leader Eric Janson, Bishop Hill once had a population of roughly 1,200 colonists. Some of their descendants still linger among the 100 or so residents today, but what the colonists built remains on display for all to see. The state of Illinois oversees the Bishop Hill State Historic Site, where groups can see the colony’s church from 1848, as well as a hotel and dormitory from circa 1850-1860.
“What you see when you drive into town is what many people would have seen as they would have rode into town 100 years ago—or nearly 200 years ago, as we’re approaching the 180th anniversary of Bishop Hill,” says Ryley Lamb, site services specialist for the historic site. “Many of the historic sites across the Midwest feature many reproductions of their buildings, but Bishop Hill still has several of its original structures.”
Art enthusiasts also won’t want to miss the Olof Krans museum, honoring the life and work of this celebrated folk artist. In addition to the historic draws, there are special events throughout the year to experience the site in a new way. Lamb notes that April to December is the best time to visit, with events going on each month. Ag Days—known in Swedish as Jordbruksdagarna—is a popular festival in the fall with hands-on demonstrations and activities based around 19th-century farm life.
Lamb recommends calling ahead to see what special activities might be taking place at the time of your visit. Additionally, you can sometimes arrange special demonstrations for your group such as candle- or brickmaking, depending on the season.
“I hope groups come away from Bishop Hill having experienced a sense of connection to its people, place, or heritage,” says Lamb. “People settled in this village to make a new life for themselves and their families, and the people who live here today—some even descendants of the original colonists—seek to preserve its history and traditions so people from all walks of life can enjoy it now and in the future.”
Much like the time-honored skills of making candles by hand that once drove 19th-century economies, a great way to engage with the culture of a place is through the things they make. Elkhart County, Indiana, for instance, is known for quilting. Each year, the county residents take their love of this art form to new levels with stunning Quilt Gardens found throughout the region.
Quilt Gardens combine the patterns and intricate designs of quilting with floral artistry, creating something entirely new. Each one is unique, and they’re available to view for free along the Heritage Trail, which connects seven communities. While visiting the gardens, groups also will enjoy specialty boutiques, local dining, museums, and artisans, including from the region’s Amish communities.
“Each Quilt Garden tells a story of heritage, creativity, and the local people who bring these living quilts to life,” says Janis Logsdon, director of marketing and sales for the Elkhart County Convention & Visitors Bureau and project manager for Quilt Gardens. “It’s more than just flowers; it’s a celebration of community pride and the enduring spirit of the region’s ‘well-crafted’ identity.”
Gardens are in full bloom from approximately late May through mid-September, with each season offering new designs and sometimes new locations. Most sites can accommodate motorcoaches and groups of any size. “The trail itself provides a natural flow for a day trip or multiday tour,” says Logsdon, “and the gardens make excellent photo stops and conversation starters that delight every age group.”
American Players Theatre,Spring Green, Wisconsin; Credit: American Players Theatre
Even without a specific attraction in mind, your group can find hidden delights within many of the small communities found throughout the Midwest. Take Spring Green, Wisconsin, for example. This town of just about 1,500 contains multitudes for groups, whether they’re interested in live stage productions at the American Players Theatre, enjoying the great outdoors on the Wisconsin River, or exploring the nearby driftless area.
“We offer a unique combination of world-class cultural attractions, scenic beauty, and small-town charm,” says Julie Jensen, executive director of the Spring Green Chamber of Commerce, “all within a compact, easy-to-navigate area.”
Spring Green offers a variety of experiences to please groups of any interest, but one of its most enduring landmarks is Taliesin, the home and studio of famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Described as simply “stunning” by Jensen, and translating to “shining brow” in Welsh, Taliesin is both an example of Wright’s iconic style and also a historical artifact of his life and work. Wright lived at Taliesin for nearly 50 years and groups can enjoy soaking up that legacy today.
Taliesin offers guided and custom tours for groups with advanced reservations. Professional guides offer exciting commentary while exploring the property, which totals 800 acres in all. And an on-site cafe—in the Wright-designed Riverview Terrace—offers a convenient dining option.
For a taste of lake life, look no further than Charlevoix, Michigan, occupying a unique geographic position upon an isthmus dividing Lake Michigan from Lake Charlevoix. Here, groups can enjoy lake cruises, wine and history tours, and a picture-perfect downtown with unique shops and restaurants. A group favorite is Earl Young’s Mushroom Houses. Designed by master builder Young over the course of five decades, each house was built for its specific site using native materials, resulting in more than two dozen unique designs.
“Charlevoix makes people slow down, connect, and appreciate the beauty of northern Michigan,” says Amanda Wilkin, Visit Charlevoix executive director. “It’s a hidden gem they’ll want to revisit.” Whichever hidden gem you choose to uncover in the Midwest, you’re sure to find the things that this region is known for: warm hospitality, affordability, and activities that delight in unexpected ways.
By Todd Kortemeier
Main Image: Earl Young Mushroom Houses,Charlevoix, Michigan; Credit: Visit Charlevoix
On March 9, 2011, space shuttle Discovery left Earth orbit for the final time, descending through the atmosphere and landing at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Florida, completing its last mission after 27 years of service. Discovery was the third orbiter built and the first one to be retired, preceding Endeavor and Atlantis as the space shuttle program was wound up in 2011. Discovery is now on display at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia, where visitors can discover more about this complex machine and its history.
Discovery first flew in 1984. Through tragic circumstances, it became the oldest orbiter still in service following the destruction of Challenger in 1986 and Columbia in 2003. Discovery flew 39 missions, cumulatively spending exactly one year in orbit. It flew 150 million miles, carrying a total of 251 astronauts, both the most of any orbiter. After touching down at KSC and completing the 133rd space shuttle mission, Discovery was decommissioned and ferried to its new home on the back of a specially designed Boeing 747 in April 2012.
Discovery now occupies a prominent place in the James S. McDonnell Space Hangar at the Udvar-Hazy Center, which is part of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. The orbiter sits on its wheels on the hangar floor, allowing visitors to walk all around the spacecraft and see it from all angles. Other space-related objects in the hangar provide further context, such as the Manned Maneuvering Unit which allowed spacewalking astronauts to move around untethered from the shuttle.
The Udvar-Hazy Center contains more than 200 aircraft and spacecraft in all, with more than 3,000 artifacts on display. Other highlights include an example of the SR-71 Blackbird, the fastest jet-propelled aircraft in history, and an Air France Concorde, the world’s first supersonic airliner in service. Free guided tours are available for groups with advanced reservations, and the facility offers bus parking as well as an on-site Shake Shack location for easy dining.
There are few more quintessentially American experiences than the road trip, where the freedom of an open highway serves as a tidy metaphor for the kind of nomadic spirit of adventure this country was founded upon. They’re immortalized in songs and films, and form core memories—some fond, some not so fond—for generations of children confined to the backseats of station wagons.
For many, the image of an American road trip is backdropped by palm trees, deserts, mountains, or oceans—iconography of the West. And indeed, many of the great scenic drives in the nation are found here. Just ask the National Scenic Byway Association, which presents a list of the 10 most popular scenic drives in America. Right at the top is California’s Pacific Coast Highway.
Officially California State Route 1, the road known simply as PCH represents the classic coastal road trip, passing through all the Golden State’s major cities and many of its iconic attractions. The Big Sur region between San Luis Obispo and Monterey is routinely ranked among the most scenic drives in the world, a cliff-hugging cruise with views of crashing Pacific waves and pristine redwood forests. Groups can choose any number of scenic waypoints and also enjoy quaint seaside communities like Carmel-by-the-Sea for art gallery browsing, wine tasting, and more.
Groups that arrive in Monterey will find the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, where they can see animal feedings, get hands-on in the touch pools, and watch sea otters play. Monterey also is home to the internationally known Monterey Jazz Festival, held each September. Nearby Pebble Beach is well known to golfers, but it’s also home to the 17-Mile Drive, a scenic road—note a toll is required—that serves as a relaxing overview of the area.
California State Route 1 runs concurrently with U.S. Highway 101, which continues out of California into Oregon and Washington. This section of highway is equally beautiful, passing through unique landscapes such as Oregon’s “Dune Country.” The U.S. Forest Service operates a visitors center for the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area in Reedsport, where groups can chart a course for hiking, biking, camping, and more. For the thrill-seekers, companies in the area also rent off-road vehicles to further explore the dunes.
A bit to the east, U.S. Route 89 from Montana to Arizona is best known as the National Park Highway, due to the fact that it links seven national parks, 14 national monuments, and three heritage areas. Stretching from border to border, the route was once named the No. 1 “Drivers’ Drive” in the world by National Geographic. The stretch in southern Utah and northern Arizona is particularly packed with parks, as Bryce Canyon, Zion, and Grand Canyon are all within this section of the Colorado Plateau.
If touring Colorado, be sure to carve out some time to explore the 236-mile San Juan Skyway. Designated an All-American Road, which requires an abundance of both natural resources and recreational opportunities, the Skyway passes through some of Colorado’s most iconic small towns. There’s the preserved Wild West of Durango, the world-class skiing in Telluride, the mining history of Silverton, and more. Groups also can dive into the unmatched natural history of Mesa Verde National Park, home to nearly 5,000 archeological sites—with many more yet to be discovered.
Last, but certainly not least, is the “mother” of all road trip highways, historic Route 66, which stretches from Illinois to California. America’s Mother Road turns 100 this year, though it is no longer contiguous and was officially removed from the U.S. Highway System in 1985. The history found here hasn’t changed, however, and groups can explore that story at engrossing museums, quirky roadside stops, and along scenic byways.
Out West is where you’ll find many of the road’s major attractions and landmark cities. For some under-the-radar destinations, explore Glenrio, a ghost town straddling the border of New Mexico and Texas. Go on a walking tour of the quirky town of Madrid, New Mexico, once a coal mining hub now filled with unique shops and art galleries. And get your fill of one-of-a-kind gifts and fun photo opportunities at the Hackberry General Store in Kingman, Arizona. You could even close the loop and visit the end of Route 66 in Santa Monica, California, then take a right turn and hop on PCH to keep your magical Western road trip going.
By Todd Kortemeier
Main Image: Big Sur,Pacific Coast Highway, California; Credit: Visit California/Max Whittaker
Every American remembers the date July 4, 1776, 250 years ago this summer. But while the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on that day set the course for the future of a nascent country, it wasn’t until this day in 1789 when the United States became a functioning government. On March 4, 1789, the first-ever United States Congress met at Federal Hall in New York City, formally adopting the U.S. Constitution.
Long before Wall Street was a global center of finance, it was home to the first structure known as Federal Hall, completed in 1703. It was remodeled in 1789, with the intent that it would become the nation’s permanent capital. While that of course instead became Washington, D.C., Federal Hall did become the nation’s first capitol building. In April 1789, it was where George Washington took the oath of office in the first presidential inauguration. As the first seat of Congress, Federal Hall was the site of significant landmark decisions such as the adoption of the Bill of Rights and the Judiciary Act of 1789, which formed the basis of the country’s federal court system.
By the time of the third meeting of Congress in 1790, the capital had moved to Philadelphia. Federal Hall was later demolished, with a new one completed on the same site in 1842, which still stands today. It initially served as a customs house, safeguarding millions of dollars worth of precious metals until 1920. The building now is administered by the National Park Service as a national memorial and it is open to the public Wednesday-Sunday. Permanent exhibitions include a museum on Washington’s inauguration, including the Bible he was sworn in on. Ranger-guided tours are available, with reservations recommended for groups of 10 or more.
For more information, visit the National Park Service website.
Main Image: Federal Hall, New York City, New York; Credit: Adobe/Kathy Images
The capital of the Canadian province of Manitoba, Winnipeg is a key economic and cultural hub that is home to the country’s largest Indigenous population. Every year, the city hosts Festival du Voyageur, Western Canada’s largest winter festival, which spans 10 days and celebrates Canada’s fur-trading past and French heritage and culture with free activities, snow sculptures, live music, and traditional dishes. Winnipeg Art Gallery—Qaumajuq is Canada’s oldest civic art gallery and houses the world’s largest public collection of contemporary Inuit art at its 185,000-square-foot cultural campus. Go on a behind-the-scenes studio tour led by former professional dancers of Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet, North America’s second-oldest ballet company. A world leader in coin design, the Royal Canadian Mint offers guided tours of its interactive coin museum and state-of-the-art facility, which can produce up to 15 million coins per day.
DINE
Winnipeg’s culinary scene celebrates its cultural diversity with hot spots such as Deer + Almond, which has a seasonal menu of tapas-style dishes influenced by international flavors; Yujiro Japanese Restaurant, which offers a selection of izakaya and sushi dishes; and Feast Cafe Bistro, an Indigenous-owned restaurant that weaves local ingredients and stories into every dish. Baby Baby is one of the city’s newest eateries that serves eclectic dishes ranging from pickerel beignets and anchovy toast to a creamsicle parfait.
STAY
Located in the heart of downtown next to The Forks Market, the Inn at The Forks is a luxury boutique hotel with custom-designed rooms, the tranquil Riverstone Spa, and is within walking distance of many of the city’s top attractions. A historic landmark that is over 100 years old, the Fort Garry Hotel combines the charm of the past with modern touches, has multiple dining outlets, and offers a Turkish bath hammam experience at on-site Ten Spa.
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.
