Culture, defines who we are as humans. It reflects how we interact with each other and our environment. It defines how we have evolved in the past, and the directions we will take in the future.
Where will we Go! to Learn Things about History, Culture and Art?
Without a doubt, investing time and effort into historical and cultural sites will deepen your travel experiences. Where do we find these destinations? Honestly, they are everywhere you look. History, culture and art are the hallmarks of our shared human experiences. We are surrounded by opportunities.
Museums offer a diverse collection of history, culture and art. They can include vast Art Institutes, Presidential Libraries and small intimate local Historical Societies. You choose a topic and there is a museum to tickle your fancy. If you are looking for a way to travel and learn from museums, check out this post for ideas…Travel Themes: Museums
National Parks and Historic Sites
At first glance you would expect National Parks to fall under the Nature category rather than History and Culture. However, the National Park Service maintains a wide variety of historic properties and learning opportunities.
National Park Service
We are proud that tribes, local governments, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and individual citizens ask for our help in revitalizing their communities, preserving local history, celebrating local heritage, and creating close to home opportunities for kids and families to get outside, be active, and have fun.
That is quite an all encompassing mission statement. The National Park Service covers 85 million acres over 418 sites. They include 129 historic parks and sites, 25 battlefields, 60 national parks and 88 national monuments. That involves some serious American history and culture. Check out the posts below for some amazing National Historic Sites.
Highways, Byways and Trails
“We’re on the road again”…
Who doesn’t love a road trip? The National Scenic Byways program is under the auspices of the US Department of Transportation. These designated byways are recognized for their archaeological, cultural, historic, natural, recreational, and scenic significance . Their purpose is to promote tourism and to preserve and protect these important but often less-traveled roads. Route 66 is an iconic example. The history and culture along this route is rich and quirky.
” Move em’ on, Head em’ up…Rollin’, rollin’, rollin’, RAWHIDE!”
Another interesting way to add history to your travel plans is to follow one of the pioneer trails across America. During the Westward Expansion, and prior to the railroads, there were several routes taking homesteaders, traders, and all-around rolling stones to the frontier. This past fall we followed the Old Santa Fe Trail from Independence, MO to Santa Fe, NM. This was a road trip packed with history and culture. Check out the highlights…
Use your feet…
Sometimes the history and culture can be found on a walking or hiking path. The Freedom Trail in Boston allows you to follow the footsteps of American Founding Fathers.
Freedom Trail is a 2.5 miles of museums, churches, meeting houses, burying grounds, parks, a ship, and historic markers that tell the story of the American Revolution.
In Western Michigan we found the Michigan Legacy Art Trail. This beautiful hike, through Michigan forestland, showcases art pieces that communicate something about the heritage of Michigan. The curators claim this is: “Where Art Nature and History Meet”.
Home Sweet Home
My father the historian instilled in me a love for touring historic homes. There is so much history and culture to be absorbed. Often these homes represent significant local events and personages. Local historical societies or national parks have lovingly and authentically restored these buildings.
These homes help us imagine life as pioneers in a home with a dirt floor and drafty log walls. They teach us local history. Some are essentially museums packed with art, artifacts and antiquities.
Living History venues are a wonderfully fun way to learn history and culture. The fu