The United States is a country rich in culture and heritage. From coast to coast, there are countless versions of America. Each version is unique and worth experiencing during your travels. Are you someone who wants to learn about the unique facets of the places you visit? Then this article is for you! Here we discuss the top cultural and heritage destinations in the US.
Westchester County, New York
New York is a state rich in culture and history. Each county, city, and region is unique. Are you interested in visiting a place that has the beauty of the Hudson Valley and a plethora of historic sites? Then we recommend visiting Westchester County, New York.
Westchester County is part of the Lower Hudson Valley. Set apart from the city skyline of Manhattan, the riverfront area beckons with calm waters and quiet spots for leisurely walks and relaxing picnics. The area also boasts enticing art museums and a rich performing arts scene.
Historic Hudson Valley
If you want to take a journey to the past then Westchester County is the place to be. Many of the historic sites have been preserved for the public by wealthy entrepreneurs including the Rockefeller family. Westchester is unique in that it is home to a museum that consists of five sites linking America’s past. The sites include the following:
- Kykuit, the Rockefeller Estate
- Union Church of Pocantico Hills
- Philipsburg Manor
- Van Cortlandt Manor
- Washington Irving’s Sunnyside
American Revolutionary Trail
Did you know that George Washington commanded the war from the Hudson Valley area? If you listen closely you may still hear the battle cry of patriots fighting the British.
Do you want to learn more about the important role Westchester County played in our nation’s history and gain insight into the American Revolutionary War? Then we recommend spending some time on the American Revolutionary Trail. It includes the following historic sites:
- Jacob Purdy House
- John Jay Homestead
- Philipsburg Manor
- Saint Paul’s Church National Historic Site
- Square House Museum
- Thomas Paine Cottage
- Van Cortlandt Manor
African American Heritage Trail
Westchester County celebrates African American history and heritage. The area comes together as a community during annual events including Black History Month, Pinkster, and Juneteenth. In addition to annual events, the area also has a number of historic sites worth visiting. These sites make up the African American Heritage Trail and include the following:
- African American Cemetery
- Chappaqua Friends Meeting House
- Ella Fitzgerald Statue
- Enslaved Africans’ Rain Garden
- Foster Memorial AME Zion Church
- Jack Peterson Memorial
- Jay Heritage Center at the Jay Estate
- John Jay Homestead State Historic Site
- Monument to First Rhode Island Regiment
- Neuberger Museum of Art, the African Art Collection
- Philipsburg Manor
- Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site
- Saint Frances AME Zion Church
- Saint Paul’s Church National Historic Site
- Stony Hill Cemetery
- Villa Lewaro
- The Rising Sun Golf & Country Club
What are you waiting for? Westchester County is one of the top cultural and heritage destinations in the US. Request your free print and downloadabl Westchester County Official Travel Guide today!
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Minnesota’s capital celebrates diversity and embraces its distinct heritage. It is a captivating and unique city where over 100 languages are spoken and food, festivals, and art abound. It is also home to 104 nationally registered historic sites. Saint Paul is a city that you will want to return to again and again.
If you are interested in experiencing the area’s distinctive culture and heritage then you are in luck! Saint Paul actually offers a Cultural Heritage Pass that is part of a series by Historic Saint Paul. The Cultural Heritage Pass is a wonderful way to explore historic landmarks in Saint Paul’s core neighborhoods. Sites along the tour include the following:
- Alexander Ramsey House – A preserved Victorian house located in a historic neighborhood.
- Cathedral of Saint Paul – Completed in 1915, this impressive cathedral has countless unique features. Be sure to view the Shrine of Nations which represents each ethnic group whose members contributed to the construction of the building
- Como Park Zoo and Conservatory – Free and open to visitors! The Como Park Zoo and Conservatory encourages the public to value the natural world.
- Gibbs Museum of Pioneer and Dakotah Life – A place to learn about pioneers and Dakotah life from costumed guides.
- Historic Fort Snelling – Constructed between 1819 and 1825, the fort played a significant role in the development of the area.
- Minnesota Transportation Museum – The railroad roundhouse provides a glimpse into how locomotives were stored and maintained.
- James J. Hill House – Visitors can take a guided tour of this impressive 36,000-square-foot mansion built for railroad titan James J. Hill.
- Landmark Center – A bustling cultural center with free tours and five museums.
- Minnesota History Center – An informative museum as well as a modern library.
- Minnesota State Capitol Historic Site – A landmark building designed by Cass Gilbert.
- Hamm Building – This impressive building offers the perfect mix of restaurants, theater, music, and boutique shops.
- Ramsey County Court House/Saint Paul City Hall – An impressive Art Deco building built in 1923.
- Wabasha Street Caves – These extensive caves are the ideal place to stop if you are interested in St. Paul’s unique geological history.
- Best Western Bandana Square – Do you want to step back in time to 1891? Check out this hotel which was built inside a historic train repair shop and includes real train tracks and wooden beams.
- The Saint Paul Hotel – A Minnesota landmark and a member of Historic Hotels of America.
- Forepaugh’s – Built in 1870, the Victorian home was the former residence of Saint Paul pioneer Joseph Lybrandt Forepaugh.
- The Lowry Building – Located downtown, the building was erected in 1911 and is known as “one of the loveliest buildings in downtown.”
Are you ready to experience Saint Paul? Now is the time to request your free print and downloadable Saint Paul Insider’s Guide.
Maryland
Acroterion, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia
Commons
Maryland is a state rich in history and heritage. From history museums to local attractions, there is plenty to explore.
Maryland is also home to six National Scenic Byways and All-American Roads. National Scenic Byways are distinct byways. The byways meet certain criteria for at least one of the following six “intrinsic qualities”: archeological, cultural, historic, natural, recreational, and scenic. The corridors are regionally significant and are a great way to experience the unique cultural and heritage aspects of a region.
Harriet Tubman Scenic Byway
If you are looking for a truly interactive experience, then we suggest the Harriet Tubman Scenic Byway. This roadtrip can be completed in a day with a total drive time of four hours.
The scenic byway takes visitors along the routes of the Underground Railroad. The trails, waterways, and safe houses all provide insight into the lives of enslaved people who fled north to escape slavery.
The 125 mile-long route takes visitors from Cambridge to Goldsboro on country roads. The route includes Chesapeake sites and is part of the Great Chesapeake Bay Loop. Each of the towns along the byway make great stops to enjoy local foods, art, and shopping.
The best part about a road trip is that you can choose where to stop and explore. When you are traveling on the Harriet Tubman Scenic Byway, there are plenty of stops to choose from. Some of the attractions include the following:
- Tuckahoe Neck Meeting House
- Denton Steamboat Wharf
- Caroline County Courthouse and Jail
- Joseph Cornish Escape from Gilpin’s Point
- Jacob and Hannah Leverton House
- Faith Community United Methodist Church
- The Visitor Center at Sailwinds Park
- Dorchester County Courthouse
- Harriet Tubman Museum and Educational Center
- Buttons Creek: Jane Kane Escape Site
- Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park and Visitor Center
- Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge
- Bucktown Village Store
Maryland has so much to offer! Request your free print and downloadable Maryland Travel Guide today!
Plan Your Trip!
Now is the time to plan your next trip to one of the top cultural and heritage destinations in the US. Travel Guides Free is here to help! We offer countless free travel guides to top destinations across the United States. Start planning your trip today!