There’s nothing quite like visiting a national landmark during your family vacation. You get to experience a bit of American history and the photo ops are priceless. We’ve compiled a list of 5 must-see legendary landmarks from across the country. Each offers unique opportunities for hands-on learning. Your kids will have so much fun; they won’t even realize they’re getting a history lesson at the same time!
Mount Rushmore, South Dakota
Come face to face with the founders of our country with a visit to Mount Rushmore in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Children and teens will recognize the faces of four well-known United States Presidents – George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln – carved into the granite surface of Mount Rushmore. Take in the view of the massive monument from the Presidential Trail, see demonstrations of tools and techniques used to carve the sculptures during Sculptor’s Studio Talk and maybe even catch a glimpse of the wildlife that inhabits the park, such as mountain goats, deer and marmots. At dusk see the monument lit up during the Evening Lighting Ceremony. Fun fact: each head is six stories tall! Entrance to the park is free but there is a fee for parking.
Golden Gate Bridge, California
Families that enjoy walking, hiking, and biking will love taking in the sights of the Golden Gate Bridge. Our nation’s most recognizable suspension bridge stands 746 feet tall and spans 8,981 feet from San Francisco to Marin County, CA over Golden Gate, the opening of the San Francisco Bay into the Pacific. Visitors can drive over the bridge (yes there is a toll), or better yet, walk or bike along the bridge sidewalks. Shops and outdoor exhibits located on the Bridge Pavilion offer something for everyone. Check out interactive exhibits and scheduled tours to learn the history of the bridge, including information on how it was constructed. Then get your photo snapped atop the bridge – don’t worry, there’s no need to actually scale the bridge. Instead, green screen technology is used to create a fun keepsake of your family climbing the main cables. Grab a bite and explore the national parks located at both ends of the bridge and call it a very fun day.
Statue of Liberty, New York
A symbol of freedom and democracy, the Statue of Liberty, located on Liberty Island, was a gift of friendship from France and designated a National Monument in 1924. Lady Liberty recently underwent renovations due to damages sustained during Hurricane Sandy and reopened on the Fourth of July.
Families can hop on a ferry to Liberty Island, and explore the on-site museums and exhibits. Learn about the history of the monument inside the statue’s pedestal that houses the State of Liberty Exhibit. A Torch Exhibit will teach you the history of the torch over the years as well. Want to look out from the crown of Lady Liberty? Crown access is limited (children must be at least 4 feet tall) and reservations are required. Guests must be able to walk up at least 154 steps on a spiral staircase. All tickets include access to the grounds of Liberty Island along with audio tours.
The Gateway Arch, Missouri
Standing at 630 feet tall, the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Mo was built in honor of Thomas Jefferson and the westward expansion of the United States. The Arch is constructed of stainless steel and took almost 3 years to construct, opening to the public in 1967.
Entrance into the Gateway Arch is free and while inside families can enjoy exploring the Museum of Westward Expansion that offers a peek at life in the Old West. If you are looking for a view from the top, you are just a four-minute enclosed tram ride away from the best view in the city. The Gateway Arch Observation Area offers spectacular views of St. Louis and the Mississippi River. Kids of all ages will love looking down from the tallest man-made National Monument in the United States.
Space Needle, Washington
A standing piece of history leftover from the 1962 World’s Fair, the Seattle Space Needle stands 605 feet high with a weight of 9550 tons. Visitors can take a 41 second elevator ride to the observation deck located at 520 feet up for a view of the downtown Seattle skyline, as well as nearby mountains and surrounding islands. For a really unique treat, take the kids to eat at the rotating Sky City Restaurant located at 500 feet. Bonus: the elevator ride and observation deck are complimentary when you dine at Sky City and a full kids’ menu is available.
Find these and other national landmarks on our Pinterest board.
