50 Best Historical Tours in Every U.S. State

In all 50 U.S. states, there is a story to be told about its history and culture through guided tours. History buff or not, these tours bring the past to life and are great for your itinerary when you visit other states with your family. That said, here are the best historical tours in every U.S. state you must visit.

Alabama: USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park

The USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park tour offers a fascinating look at the retired USS Alabama (BB-60), a battleship from the 1940s. We recommend checking out the vessel, the USS Drum submarine, and military exhibits. Tickets are $6 for ages 6-11, $18 for ages 12-55, and $15 for ages 55+, with free admission for children up to 5.

Alaska: Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park

When you visit Klondike Gold Rush at Skagway Park, you’ll see what it was like during the Wild West. You’ll hear tales of prospectors and get to visit historic buildings or hike the famous Chilkoot Trail. This adventure brings the Gold Rush era to life through exhibits and scenic landscapes. Many websites, such as Viator, allow you to book your tour online.

Arizona: Tombstone Historic District

Tombstone’s Wild West history has ghost tours that dive into its turbulent past. Once a bustling town with 110 saloons and numerous gambling halls, Tombstone was a melting pot of conflicting ideologies. Through the tour, you’ll discover the haunting remnants of a botched hanging and the real stories behind the OK Corral shootouts.

Arkansas: Little Rock Central HS National Historic Site

This tour allows you to experience a pivotal moment in civil rights history at Little Rock Central High School. The site features powerful exhibits about the 1957 desegregation crisis and honors the courage of the Little Rock Nine and the fight for equality. Check out the school’s official website for more details. 

California: Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz Island has Alcatraz City Cruises, which offers round-trip transportation and access to the National Park. You get to visit the famous Cellhouse and uncover the island’s varied history as a Civil War fort, military prison, and infamous federal penitentiary, all while avoiding the usual crowds. Wear comfortable shoes because you’ll be doing plenty of walking. 

Colorado: Mesa Verde National Park

Go on a tour of Mesa Verde National Park’s cliff dwellings, including the impressive Cliff Palace. You and your family can check out the ancient Ancestral Puebloan architecture through ranger-led tours from May to October. Don’t forget to reserve your spot beforehand and prepare for steep climbs and stunning historical insights.

Connecticut: Mark Twain House & Museum

The Mark Twain House & Museum in Hartford, Connecticut, was Samuel Clemens’ home from 1874 to 1891. Designed by Edward Tuckerman Potter in American High Gothic style, it offers guided tours daily, showing Twain’s life and works. Plan ahead—tours often sell out, and the museum is closed on major holidays.

Delaware: Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library

The American decorative arts at Winterthur, the former home of Henry Francis du Pont, is heaven for art buffs. The tour guides you through elegant rooms with antiques, blooming gardens, and historical collections. The extensive library collection is focused on American material culture with subjects like tools, toys, and machinery. 

Florida: St. Augustine Historic District

During this tour, you’ll learn about St. Augustine’s rich history starting at the Civic Center. You’ll be taken through sites like Castillo de San Marcos, Huguenot Cemetery, and the Bridge of Lions. Additionally, you’ll hear stories spanning over 300 years, blending historical insights with scenic views of America’s oldest city.

Georgia: Savannah Historic District

In Savannah’s Historic District, you can choose from walking tours, pedicabs, carriages, trolleys, or boats. There are also ghost tours, Bonaventure Cemetery visits, Civil War landmarks, museums, and Victorian architecture to check out. Water cruises offer wildlife views, while food tours and pub crawls highlight Savannah’s culinary industry. There’s something for everyone.

Hawaii: Pearl Harbor National Memorial

Hawaii’s Pearl Harbor National Memorial includes important sites such as the USS Arizona Memorial. This tour, lasting about 6-7 hours, goes into the December 7, 1941 attack that led the U.S. into WWII. For $129 per adult, it’s a profound and educational program that will teach you about the effects of war and pivotal moments in American and Japanese military history.

Idaho: Old Idaho Penitentiary

Built in 1870, the Old Idaho Penitentiary offers a look into Idaho’s rugged past. You’ll get to walk through the historic prison and hear stories of escapes and scandals. Self-guided tours are available during operating hours. For guided tours, book on-site for an additional $2 fee or you can call for details.

Illinois: Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum

Walk in the footsteps of a legend at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield. You’ll be guided through exhibits on Lincoln’s life, presidency, and legacy. What’s great about this tour is that there are interactive displays, historical reenactments, and multimedia presentations to entertain people of all ages. 

Indiana: Indianapolis Motor Speedway Track

While the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum is closed for renovations until April 2025, you can still enjoy daily track tours. The Motor Speedway Tours are available year-round except Thanksgiving and Christmas, with hours from 10 am to 4 pm. The tour is $15 for adults, $14 for seniors, and $8 for veterans and youth.

Iowa: Amana Colonies

The Amana Colonies gives you a glimpse into a unique German communal heritage. You can visit seven scenic villages, savor traditional foods, and browse handcrafted products. Entry is generally free, but guided tours and some activities may have fees—book tours online or at visitor centers. Take advantage of the 5th Tuesday $3 beer at Millstream Brewing Co.

Kansas: Boot Hill Museum

You can experience the Old West at Boot Hill Museum in Dodge City, where interactive displays bring the era to life. Year-round access includes a self-guided tour, $18 for adults and $12 for children. Ford County residents get free admission with proof. For summer visits, opt for the Marshal Pass, which includes a full day of activities and a country-style dinner for under 50 bucks.

Kentucky: Mammoth Cave National Park

Go into the world’s longest-known cave system at Mammoth Cave National Park. There are guided tours, ranging from accessible to adventurous options. Tickets are required and can sell out weeks in advance, so book early through Recreation.gov or by calling their landline. Check tour schedules and descriptions ahead of time, especially during peak seasons.

Louisiana: French Quarter Walking Tour

Learn about the French Quarter’s rich history and vibrant culture. The tour covers Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, and the French Market, including the Ursuline Convent and Pirate’s Alley. Always book in advance to avoid disappointments; wear comfortable shoes and bring essentials like water, sunscreen, and a hat. 

Maine: Portland Head Light

Established in 1791, the Portland Head Light in Williams Park, Cape Elizabeth, is the oldest lighthouse in Maine. It is situated on a rugged coastline and is famous for its classic design and stunning ocean views. You can also check out Williams Park, which offers walking trails, historical structures, and scenic picnic areas.

Maryland: Antietam National Battlefield

Antietam National Battlefield shows the intense September 17, 1862, battle that resulted in 23,000 casualties and halted the Confederate invasion. This pivotal event led to the Emancipation Proclamation. Tours are self-guided; entrance fees are $15 per vehicle. Purchase tickets and more info are available on the park’s website. 

Massachusetts: Freedom Trail

Stroll through Boston’s Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile route showcasing 16 historic sites, such as Paul Revere’s House and the Old North Church. This walk highlights key events in America’s fight for independence and revolutionary heritage. You can opt for either guided or self-guided tours. Tickets are generally free, but some sites may charge entrance fees.

Michigan: The Henry Ford Museum

The Henry Ford Museum has tours all about American innovation. Check out exhibits on automotive history, landmark inventions, and cultural milestones. The museum features items like the original Ford Model T and the Rosa Parks bus. You can get tickets for adults at $25, with discounts for seniors and children.

Minnesota: Historic Fort Snelling

At Historic Fort Snelling in St. Paul, uncover Minnesota’s past through the fort’s role in the fur trade and military history. Learn about early Native American relations and daily life in the 19th century. You’ll get guided tours through the Plank Museum & Visitor Center, and there’s outdoor learning with areas overlooking the river. 

Mississippi: Vicksburg National Military Park

Visit Vicksburg National Military Park to delve into the pivotal Civil War battle of 1863. You get to check out battlefield landmarks, the Illinois Memorial, and the USS Cairo. Learn about the siege’s impact and the soldiers who fought. Entrance fees are $20 per vehicle and you can buy tickets and get more details online.

Missouri: Gateway Arch National Park

Ascend the Gateway Arch in St. Louis to understand America’s westward expansion. You can see panoramic views from the top and visit the museum to learn about the arch’s construction and significance. This tour offers an inspiring look at America’s pioneering spirit. Please note that advance booking is recommended for the tram ride.

Montana: Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument

Walk in the footsteps of history at Little Bighorn Battlefield. The guided tour teaches you about the famous battle between the United States Army and the Lakota, Cheyenne, and Arapaho tribes. This tour offers a profound exploration of Native American history and the clash of cultures. Tickets are only $25 per vehicle, so you can take up to 4 people along. 

Nebraska: Scotts Bluff National Monument

The Scotts Bluff National Monument tour showcases the 800-foot bluff towering over the North Platte River, a historical landmark for Native Americans and pioneers on the Oregon, California, and Mormon Trails. There are 4 miles of hiking trails, or drive the 1.6-mile Summit Road for panoramic views and learn about the area’s geological and paleontological history.

Nevada: Hoover Dam

Hoover Dam has a guided tour that reveals its engineering works. Choose between a one-hour tour of both the powerplant and dam passageways or a 30-minute powerplant-only tour. Both include access to the Visitor Center, where you can view exhibits on the dam’s turbines and construction history. Tours are limited to 20 people for a personalized experience.

New Hampshire: Strawbery Banke Museum

Tour Strawbery Banke Museum in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, to learn about 350 years of history in a preserved waterfront neighborhood. Stroll through elegant mansions, working-class homes, a colonial tavern, a 1940s corner store, a cooper’s shop, and a reproduction Native American wigwam.

New Jersey: Grand Lighthouse Tour 

The New Jersey Grand Lighthouse Tour offers an exploration of the state’s historic lighthouses. Departing from Cape May, this half-day boat tour goes into the architectural and historical significance of New Jersey’s coastal beacons. Enjoy views of landmarks like Cape May Lighthouse, with breakfast and lunch included. Tickets start at $149 per adult.

New Mexico: Bandelier National Monument

Check out the Bandelier National Monument to uncover the ancient cliff dwellings and petroglyphs of the Ancestral Puebloans. Learn about their history and culture from an experienced anthropologist or archaeologist guide. The 4-hour tour includes transportation, entrance fees, gourmet lunches, and bottled water.

New York: Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

Go on a five-hour tour of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, with four hours led by an expert guide. Timed-entry ferry tickets provide stunning views of Manhattan’s skyline. What’s more, you can take a 9/11 Memorial guided tour through where the attacks took place and the story behind what happened on that day. 

North Carolina: Biltmore Estate

Exciting guided tours are available at Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina. The estate includes an opulent mansion with 250 rooms, including a banquet hall and library. Visitors can also walk through meticulously designed gardens and visit the estate’s winery for tastings. A daytime ticket, annual pass, or stay at the estate’s accommodations is required for entry.

North Dakota: Fort Union Trading Post

Learn about North Dakota’s rich fur trade history at Fort Union Trading Post. Established in 1828, it was the premier trading hub on the Upper Missouri River. Engage with the fort’s past, where Native American tribes traded buffalo robes for global goods. There are also outdoor exhibits, a museum, and a park store featuring period merchandise.

Ohio: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

If you choose to visit The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, you’ll get a peek into the history of rock music. Designed by architect I. M. Pei, the museum on Lake Erie’s shore, features exhibits on iconic artists, producers, and engineers. You can check out memorabilia and interactive displays and take a deep dive into rock’s cultural impact.

Oklahoma: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum houses over 28,000 Western and Native American artworks and artifacts. It features the world’s largest collection of American rodeo photos, barbed wire, saddlery, and early rodeo trophies. The entry fee is $20 for adults, $17 for seniors and military personnel, $12 for students and children, and free for kids under five.

Oregon: Oregon Trail Interpretive Center

At the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center, you can experience pioneer life through activities like butter-making and candle-dipping. This interactive museum highlights the end of the 2,000-mile journey from Missouri to Oregon City. It features exhibits on 19th-century covered wagon travel, informative films, and historic wagon routes.

Pennsylvania: Independence National Historical Park

Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia preserves symbols of American freedom. Take a tour of Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and the famous U.S. Constitution were signed, and see the Liberty Bell. Security screenings are required, and entrance is through 520 Chestnut Street.

Rhode Island: The Breakers

The Breakers in Newport, Rhode Island, exemplifies Gilded Age opulence. Built by Cornelius Vanderbilt II from 1893-1895, this Italian palazzo-style mansion boasts 70 rooms, including 48 bedrooms and 27 fireplaces. The tour teaches you about the building’s classical Roman elements and luxurious interiors, including Baccarat crystal chandeliers and intricate mosaics.

South Carolina: Charleston Historic District

Discover Charleston’s rich heritage on a guided walking tour of its Historic District. This tour covers sites like vibrant Rainbow Row and the French Quarter. Expert guides, licensed by the City of Charleston, provide deep insights and captivating stories, revealing the city’s history beyond traditional sources.

South Dakota: Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Mount Rushmore National Memorial, carved from granite in South Dakota’s Black Hills, shows the 60-foot-tall faces of presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. Completed in 1941 by Gutzon Borglum and his son, Lincoln, this monumental sculpture also includes a museum with interactive exhibits and tours. 

Tennessee: Graceland

You can visit the King of Rock’ n’ Roll’s home at Graceland in Memphis. The tour leads you through Elvis’ lavish mansion, where you can see his gold records, jeweled jumpsuits, and classic cars. There are also more than ten exhibits, Elvis’ private airplane, and the Graceland Archives. Choose different ticket options that range from standard to exclusive VIP tours. 

Texas: The Alamo

At The Alamo in San Antonio, go into the pivotal 1836 battle where Texas fought for independence from Mexico. The site features preserved historic buildings, including the chapel and barracks, and offers educational exhibits on the battle’s key figures and events. Learn about the Alamo’s role in shaping Texas’ identity and legacy.

Utah: Zion National Park

Zion National Park, Utah’s top tourist spot, has red and white cliffs and awe-inspiring canyons shaped over millions of years. See its diverse landscapes through custom tours, from exhilarating hikes to relaxing excursions. With private tours available, you can tailor your adventure to include Zion and nearby parks.

Vermont: Bennington Battle Monument

Stand where American independence was forged at the Bennington Battle Monument. There’s a 306-foot-high stone obelisk to commemorate the Revolutionary War’s Battle of Bennington. Open daily from May 24 to October 31, admission is $8 for adults, $2 for youth 6-14, and free for children under 6. Bus tours require prior reservations and cost 5 bucks.

Virginia: Colonial Williamsburg

Williamsburg, Virginia, once the capital of the Virginia Colony, is home to Colonial Williamsburg, a living history museum. Spanning over 300 acres, it features actors in period costumes reenacting daily Colonial life in streets, stores, and workshops. The tour includes walks through historic buildings, world-class art museums, and tavern dining.

Washington: Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument

Witness the power of nature at Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. The tour begins at the Mount St. Helens Visitor Center, where exhibits and a movie theater reveal the volcano’s 1980 eruption. Learn about the landscape reshaped by the blast, hike trails, and enjoy guided tours. Fees vary by age, and group tours require advance registration and a Commercial Use Permit.

West Virginia: Harpers Ferry National Historical Park

Harpers Ferry National Historical Park offers a 2.5-hour tour filled with rich history. The sites you’ll see include John Brown’s Fort, Civil War battlegrounds, and the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers. You’ll learn about George Washington’s industrial vision, Thomas Jefferson’s appreciation of nature, and the struggles for civil rights and equality.

Wisconsin: House on the Rock

The House on the Rock is located between Dodgeville and Spring Green, Wisconsin, and opened in 1960. Alex Jordan Jr. designed it as a retreat atop a rock chimney. Today, it features architecturally unique rooms, gardens, and shops. This eclectic collection showcases everything from antique cars to exhibits through tours. 

Wyoming: Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park, America’s first national park, protects over 10,000 hydrothermal features, including the famous Old Faithful geyser and Grand Prismatic Spring. This vast ecosystem shelters 67 mammal species and has historical landscapes like the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. There are MountainBased’s expert guides on tours featuring hiking, camping, and lodging.