US history walking tours for curious outdoor enthusiasts

Stef Zisovska
Pueblo Bonito is the largest great house in Chaco Canyon, New Mexico - Author: James Q. Jacobs - CC BY-SA 3.0
Pueblo Bonito is the largest great house in Chaco Canyon, New Mexico - Author: James Q. Jacobs - CC BY-SA 3.0

If you are a history fan and don’t want to learn things from books, then visiting the actual places where famous events in the past happened is what you need to do. The combination of learning and spending time in the outdoors is a perfect way to stay active and nourish your mind. There are plenty of history-rich spots across the country to visit and spend some time exploring the past. Also, you’ll become familiar with loads of new information and be surprised how little you know about your country.

Here’s a list of places in the US, perfect for doing a walking tour and learning some new stuff.

Pueblo Bonito, New Mexico

Pueblo Bonito from the east
Pueblo Bonito from the east

We all know about Ancient Rome, right? But Ancient America? You better bet on this one. Majestic, mega-structures were not only built by the Romans. Pueblo Bonito in New Mexico is a large colosseum, the biggest of its kind, and it is a heritage of Chaco Culture. Before becoming a new nation, America was home to Pueblos and the most interesting to visit is Pueblo Bonito.

Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

Colonial Williamsburg – Author: Humberto Moreno – CC-BY 2.0
Colonial Williamsburg – Author: Humberto Moreno – CC-BY 2.0

Feel the revolutionary spirit of America’s struggle for independence on the streets of Williamsburg. You can see one of the daily theater programs on the streets of the colonial town and learn more about the Revolutionary City. Walk the mile-walk on Gloucester Street, and have a peek into the old colonial lifestyle.

Philadelphia Old City District, Pennsylvania

A sunny street in Philadelphia
A sunny street in Philadelphia

Philadelphia Old City District offers endless walking opportunities for those who want to know more about the Revolutionary War. Start out at Independence Visitor Center, then go to the Independence Hall, and around the corner you can visit the spot where George Washington was appointed the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army. The Liberty Bell is only a half mile away. It announced the reading of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.

Oregon Trail, Oregon

Oregon Trail reenactment at Scotts Bluff
Oregon Trail reenactment at Scotts Bluff

Visit the Oregon Trail Interpretive Park and follow the steps of the 30,000 pioneers that loaded up their wagons in the 1840s to 1860s. Connecting the Missouri River to Oregon, this trek symbolizes the dream of the people who wanted to reach the promised land. The 2000-mile trek that goes through the Midwest is the perfect trail to visit for all history enthusiasts.

Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail, Alabama

Map showing Selma to Montgomery march route in March 1965 – Author: Mliu92 -CC BY-SA 4.0
Map showing Selma to Montgomery march route in March 1965 – Author: Mliu92 -CC BY-SA 4.0

On August 6, 1965, President Lyndon Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which extended equal voting rights for African-Americans in the US. It’s one of the most important trails you can hope to visit and gain an understanding how the 600 followers of Martin Luther King felt when they marched for their voting rights. The 50-mile long trail will take you back to the past and make you realize how important some things are and we’re not often aware of them.

A few steps back in life are sometimes necessary for us to take to be able to move forward. Understanding how people in America were living centuries ago or even closer to our own times is crucial for our development as a nation. There is nothing more important than learning about the past if we want to continue successfully towards a brighter future.

Walking these historical paths will not only provide you with useful information but keep you active and healthy. Spending time outdoors is the best thing you can do nowadays, especially if the trip includes an expansion of your knowledge and understanding. Don’t be afraid of your past, look back and learn from it. Good luck!

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stef-zisovska

stef-zisovska is one of the authors writing for Outdoor Revival