Plan a family road trip for America’s 250th on the American Civil Rights Trail | News
As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, the classic American road trip is making a comeback. This summer, more families are opting for driving holidays that combine value, flexibility and meaningful experiences, trading busy routes for time together on the open road.
The US Civil Rights Trail (USCRT) offers a powerful way to explore the country during this milestone, connecting more than 130 historic sites in 14 states and Washington, DC. From immersive museums to walkable historic districts, the route offers decades of opportunities for families to experience American history firsthand.
Tennessee: music and movement
In Nashville and Memphis, families can explore the intersection of music and civil rights. The National Museum of African American Music offers interactive exhibits from more than 50 genres. The Museum of Christian & Gospel Music explores how music and its musicians served as a source of hope and unity, while the Jefferson Street Sound Museum highlights the legacies of legendary artists. In Memphis, the Stax Museum of American Soul Music and the National Civil Rights Museum – which debuts its new “Legacy Experience” on May 16 – offer engaging ways for families to connect past and present.
Arkansas: A Defining Chapter
The Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site brings to life one of the most pivotal moments in civil rights history. Nearby, the Mosaic Knights Templar Cultural Center explores African-American culture and community in an environment that resonates with visitors of all ages.
Virginia: a ready-made road trip
Virginia offers a ready-made route along the trail, with stops such as the Caroline County Historic Courthouse Campus – site of Loving v. Virginia – and the Robert Russa Moton Museum, tied to the student protests that led to Brown v. Board of Education. The route combines history with charming towns and walkable city centers.
Beyond the big cities
In Abilene, Kansas, the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum & Boyhood Home provide insight into President Eisenhower’s leadership. In Charleston, South Carolina, the International African American Museum at the Gadsden’s Wharf historic site offers an immersive experience about African American history, with summer programs designed for families.
“The Trail transforms a traditional road trip into a journey with purpose,” said Mark Ezell, president of the USCRT Marketing Alliance. “Families can learn and connect as they explore the stories that shaped America.”
