Patriotic Road Trip Destinations to Celebrate America

As Memorial Day and the 4th of July holidays approach, families across America start planning their long weekends, seeking adventures that honor the nation’s heritage. For those with a taste for exploration and a love of America, there’s no better way to commemorate these important holidays than embarking on a patriotic road trip to one of these remarkable destinations.

Five Destinations to Honor America on Your Road Trip:

1. Gettysburg National Military Park, Pennsylvania

Steeped in history, Gettysburg is a poignant destination for any Memorial Day traveler. This iconic site marks the location of one of the Civil War’s bloodiest battles and President Abraham Lincoln’s famous Gettysburg Address. The park offers several RV-friendly campgrounds, including the Artillery Ridge Campground and Drummer Boy Camping Resort.

Visitors can tour the expansive battlefield, where guides provide riveting narratives of the battle’s key moments. Don’t miss the Gettysburg Museum and Visitor Center, housing fascinating artifacts and exhibits. The solemnity of the Soldiers’ National Cemetery, where Lincoln delivered his speech, offers a moment of reflection on the sacrifice made for freedom.

2. Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia

Located just across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., Arlington National Cemetery is a place of profound reverence and honor. The cemetery, a resting place for thousands of American service members, includes notable sites like the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the graves of President John F. Kennedy and his family.

While RV camping isn’t available at the cemetery, there are nearby campgrounds such as Cherry Hill Park in College Park, Maryland, or the Greenbelt Park campground. Spend time visiting the cemetery’s historic landmarks, witnessing the Changing of the Guard ceremony, and contemplating the rows of white headstones representing the nation’s commitment to its defenders.

3. Mount Rushmore National Memorial, South Dakota

Head to Mount Rushmore in the Black Hills of South Dakota for a patriotic journey with a touch of grandeur. This iconic monument features the faces of four U.S. presidents carved into the granite mountainside. Nearby campgrounds like the Rafter J Bar Ranch Campground and Custer State Park offer excellent RV accommodations.

At Mount Rushmore, marvel at the colossal sculptures of Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln, set against the stunning natural backdrop. Explore the Sculptor’s Studio and participate in ranger-led programs to learn about the monument’s creation and significance. Don’t forget to catch the nightly lighting ceremony, a stirring tribute to America’s ideals.

4. Valley Forge National Historical Park, Pennsylvania

Delve into Revolutionary War history at Valley Forge, where George Washington’s Continental Army endured a brutal winter in 1777-78. The park boasts scenic RV campgrounds like the Philadelphia/West Chester KOA Holiday and French Creek State Park.

Explore the reconstructed huts where soldiers lived, visit Washington’s Headquarters, and hike the extensive trail network that winds through the picturesque landscape. Memorial Day weekend often features special events and living history demonstrations, making it an ideal time to appreciate the fortitude and determination of America’s early patriots.

5. USS Midway Museum, San Diego, California

Docked in San Diego’s picturesque harbor, the USS Midway Museum offers an immersive and hands-on experience aboard one of America’s longest-serving aircraft carriers. This floating museum provides a fascinating glimpse into naval aviation history and the contributions of the U.S. military.

While RV camping options are limited in downtown San Diego, nearby RV parks like Mission Bay RV Resort and Campland on the Bay provide convenient accommodations. Explore the extensive exhibits on the USS Midway, from the flight deck with its impressive aircraft collection to the crew’s living quarters below decks.

Celebrate America with a patriotic road trip, beginning with a stop at DuraFlap.

This Memorial Day or for the 4th of July hit the open road with your family and explore these five patriotic RV road trip destinations that encapsulate the spirit and sacrifice of our nation’s history. Whether paying respects at a hallowed battlefield or marveling at monumental sculptures, these RV road trips promise a meaningful and memorable experience for all. And before you hit the open road, stop by DuraFlap to get your truck or RV ready with new mud flaps–produced right here in the U.S.A. We’ll help you make your family road trips memorable!