se 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 fun is not for families and children either. Watching artisans demonstrate historic crafts and smelling the fire smoke makes the experiences very real. The re-enactors are well versed in their respective time periods. Living history settings can be farms, villages, forts or battlefields.
Cities and large urban settings are typically full of museums and cultural opportunities. The cheek-by-jowl buildings and skyscrapers in a large metropolis are rich resources for history and culture. Architecture is often overlooked as an art form. Take an architectural tour the next time you visit your favorite city.
The contemporary art form of muralists is rapidly spreading through cities around the world. Street art is an edgy form of recording history and culture.
Are You Ready to Go! Learn Things about History Culture and Art?
This is just the tip of the iceberg of the history, culture and art you can learn from travels. Stay tuned as we are constantly adding ideas. Sign up for our Newsletter and follow us on Social Media