GROUP TRIPS START HERE FALL EDITION 2022
GROUP TOURS noun: a collective unit of persons on a journey, visiting places of interest along the route
Where Travel Professionals Spend The Most Time Online
INDEX NOTEWORTHY GROUP TOURS Fifty-four tours in all 50 states + DC that offer unique experiences for your group.
ATLAS Access the many custom state and featured market maps.
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HANDBOOK Great places to visit and travel trivia for all 50 states.
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EDITORIAL
GROUP TRIPS START HERE
Volume 29, Number 3
Online: (1996) 50,000 / month e-Newsletters: (2000) 10,000/week opt-in readers Digital Magazine: (1993) 40,000 / year travel professionals
TRIPmedia Group, Inc. Tel. 770 825-0220
THE TEAM Chief Executive Officer Mark Browning
Eric Cunningham
mark@TRIPinfo.com
eric@TRIPinfo.com
Chief Content Officer Sheala Browning sheala@TRIPinfo.com
AFFILIATES 4
Chief Operating Officer
www.TRIPinfo.com | Group Tours
Contributing Writer Tom Adkinson
NOTEWORTHY GROUP TOURS Fall 2022 edition of the TRIPinfo Quarterly Digital Issue is Noteworthy Group Tours — 54 great USA Group Tours. As you assemble your own Group Tours, these are unique experiences across all 50 USA states that you may want to make a part of your next trip. Those offering group rates are noted accordingly! Traveling all 50 states over the years, often leading groups to enjoy many of the tours shown in these pages, every one we have explored has been iconic, unique, and fun. We are sure you will enjoy incorporating many when leading your own groups! And – among our 12 reference categories of ~32,000 links we constantly work to keep current – we invite you to Post Your Tour Online to be included within TRIPinfo.com Group Tours. As the first and leading online reference for Leisure Group Trips planning, you will be in good company! Average Year Founded: 1958 Average Year Founded adds all our 54 Group Tours founded years and divides by the number of them. In 1958 The Bridge Over the River Kwai wins 7 Academy Awards. The first Pizza Hut opens, and the plastic Hula Hoop is first marketed. Alaska becomes USA state #49. President Eisenhower enacted NASA and the FAA. In 1958, American celebrities Ellen DeGeneres, Ice-T, Sharon Stone, Michael Baldwin, Prince, Madonna, Michael Jackson, Jeff Foxworthy, Joan Jett, Marty Stuart, Alan Jackson, and Jamie Lee Curtis are born. Median Year Founded: 1977 Median Year Founded sorts our 54 Group Tours in date order, and finds 1977 in the middle. In that year, the world’s first personal computer demo is a Commodore PET. President Jimmy Carter and Vice-President Walter Mondale are sworn in. Space Shuttle Enterprise has a “maiden” flight. George Lucas’ Star Wars is released. British Airways Concorde starts London to New York City supersonic service. Elvis Presley dies at age 42. U.S. celebrities Kerry Washington, Floyd Mayweather, Jr., Sarah Michelle Geller, Jason Aldean, Jessica Chastain, Kanye West, Liv Tyler, Tom Brady, Brittany Murphy and Ludacris are born. Mode of Year Founded: 1872 Mode of Year Founded is the date that appears most often here. Three Group Tours founded in 1872 – among 15 here founded prior to 1960 – punctuates the longevity of popular Group Tours! In 1872, Rex – the most famous parade on Mardi Gras – debuts in New Orleans. Yellowstone is established as the world’s first National Park. Ulysses S. Grant wins his second term as reconstruction after the Civil War continued. The Great Boston Fire destroys 65 acres of the historic Massachusetts city. And a dairyman in New York creates cream cheese. In 1872, births included novelist Zane Grey, baseball player Willie Keeler, Senator William Brock, inventor Henry Warren, future President Calvin Coolidge, socialite Edith Rockefeller, and actress Maude Adams. We think you will find this new collection of iconic Group Tours fun to introduce to your groups. This issue is designed to be an ongoing, useful reference for group travel ideas. They are all great places to visit. Your groups will be entertained and culturally uplifted by these famous American Group Tours... Safe Travels!
Mark Browning, Founder 6
www.TRIPinfo.com | Group Tours
USING TRIPINFO.COM Using TRIPinfo.com’s Digital Magazine Featuring Group Tours. On the following pages, we profile group tours outlining where they go, what your group may be able to see and do, the tour’s mode of travel, length of the tour, anticipated cost of a regular adult ticket and whether group rates and reservations are available. Most of these tours welcome groups of all sizes and offer special accommodations and rates. Following the 54 featured group tours, this Digital Magazine includes links to the online state and market maps for use in planning your travel. Rounding out the publication are other great places for you to visit and travel trivia for all 50 states. Each state links to the state page on TRIPinfo where you find more places to stay, things to do, places to go and how to get there. Perfect for planning your entire group trip! Using TRIPinfo.com to Find Additional Group Tours. Click here to visit TRIPinfo.com and locate additional opportunities for tours, operators and packagers in different locations. Click Group Tours – located on the Toolbar across the top of the page – or just click the icon at the top of this page to see listings of nearly 600 group tours, with more being added each day. The group tours are grouped by state. You may sort them according to your interests and needs.
Wherever your travels take you, TRIPinfo is ready to help plan your group travel. Use TRIPinfo to: • Filter Group Tours by 217 Airport Gateways. • Sort Group Tours by Name, City, Year Founded, Tour Type, Mode and Continent Served. • Call Group Tour – 1-touch from the Phone Icon using phone, tablet or desktop connects you. • Video - Get fast access to the Group Tour’s Video. • Book - Book direct on the Group Tour’s website. • Group - Get fast access to Groups. • Subscribe to TRIPinfo’s weekly eNewsletter for Travel Industry News.
Hyundai Motor 2005 Manufacturing Alabama Tours Montgomery, Alabama Cost: Free
Experience one of the world’s most advanced automotive plants building the Hyundai Elantra, Santa Fe, Tucson, and Santa Cruz. The tour begins in the showroom where you can check out the display cars, then watch a briefing and video before boarding the tour tram. The tour guide drives your group through the manufacturing plant, explaining the steps and technology of making a car while you watch the process of Alabama Team Members and amazing robots assembling 1,500 cars each work day. Tours last about 75-90 minutes. Reservations are required and may be made up to 6 months in advance.
Riverboat Discovery Fairbanks, Alaska Cost: $75.95
1950
Board the 900-passenger paddlewheeler for a 3-hour tour on the Chena River. During the tour, you disembark for a guided walking tour of an Athabascan village. Guides explain how the Athabascans skillfully survived and how wildlife was used to provide food and protection in the harsh Arctic climate. Back onboard, a bush pilot takes off and lands on the water beside the boat. Another stop brings you to the home and kennel of the late four-time Iditarod champion Susan Butcher. Reservations are highly recommended; tours are available from mid-May through mid-September.
Pink Adventure Tours Grand Canyon, Arizona Cost: $104-$163
1960
TRIPinfo.com Introduces Group Tour Tables From a seat in an open-air Pink Jeep® Wrangler, your guide takes you to the best spots to see majestic panoramic views while providing insights into the Grand Canyon. The tour company offers six tours. Each highlights popular experiences in addition to showcasing the spectacular scenery. These include watching the sunset over the Canyon, hiking below the South Rim, watching the IMAX movie, learning about the Canyon’s ancient history, visiting historic Grand Canyon Village, identifying plants, fossils and wildlife and walking the Trail of Time. Tours last 2 to 3 hours.
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New on TRIPinfo.com The Perfect Tour Is Waiting for Your Group
Search by Destination Then Click, Map, Call or Sort for More Information More tours added everyday
Eureka Springs Tram Tour Eureka Springs, Arkansas Group Rate: $15
1996
During the 90-minute tour of Eureka Springs, you will see hundreds of historic homes and buildings, beautiful scenery and several historic healing springs that made the town a famous health spa during the 1800s while local guides explain the history and tell stories about the area. The tram tours run at 1pm and 3pm on select days in March, Tuesday-Saturday in April, daily from MayOctober and weather permitting during the first 2 weeks of November. Adult tour ticket is $19.46; the group rate for a group of 15 or more is $15 per person. Group tours are also available at 8:30am, 10am and 11:30am or call.
Monterey Movie Tours Monterey, California Rate: $75
2003
This 2-tours-in-one excursion features the magnificent landscapes and rich history of the Monterey Peninsula through the eyes of Hollywood. Aboard a 32-seat, climate-controlled bus, you begin the 3-hour scenic tour in downtown Monterey, travel through historic Cannery Row and on to Monterey Bay, Pacific Grove, the 17-MILE DRIVE® in Pebble Beach and Carmel-by-the-Sea while seeing the settings, scenes or backdrops of 200+ films and watching those actual scenes where they were originally filmed on overhead monitors. The tour has 3 stops including the legendary Pebble Beach Golf Links.
Napa Valley Wine Train Napa, California Rate: Varies by experience
1864
The historic 150-mile railroad corridor that once transported visitors to a spa resort in Calistoga now takes them through one of the top wine growing regions in the world. The Wine Train is a scenic 3-hour, 36-mile round-trip journey between Downtown Napa and St. Helena, stopping at Napa Valley wineries along the way. A variety of experiences are available aboard beautifully restored antique rail cars including seasonal options. Most of these include gourmet dining, wine tasting, winery tours and special wine events. Group rates are available for parties of 20 or more. 10
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Old Hundred Gold Mine Tour Silverton, Colorado Rate: $28
1872
Located near historic Silverton, the Old Hundred Gold Mine tour explores mining in action. During the 45- to 50-minute tour, you travel 1/3 of a mile into the heart of the 13,000-foot Galena Mountain riding a vintage electric powered mine train in an authentic miner’s “mantrip” car. Your guide points out colorful minerals and crystals in the tunnel that has been blasted by hand from solid volcanic rock. You also watch mining equipment demonstrations, see the 1904 Old Hundred Boarding House perched on a sheer cliff 2,000 feet above the mine and get to pan for real silver, copper and gold.
Essex Steam Train & Riverboat 1871 Essex, Connecticut Cost: $40
Operating May through October, the iconic Steam Train and Riverboat journey begins at the historic 1892 Essex Station for a narrated, 2.5-hour round-trip into the heart of the unspoiled Connecticut River Valley. Once arriving at Deep River Landing, you are escorted to the Becky Thatcher, a 150-passenger Mississippi-style riverboat, for a 1.25–hour cruise along the Connecticut River where you can enjoy the area’s natural and historic sites. Upon the return to Deep River Landing, you board the steam train, settle back into the comfortable seats of the vintage coaches and return to Essex Station.
Antiquing Trail Tours Dewey Beach, Delaware Cost: $89
1859
Among Delmarva Discovery Tours is this unique 4-hour private guided tour of local antique shops. Like the rest of their small group private tours, the tour company offers door-to-door service for your group of antiquing enthusiasts (8 is the minimum, 25 is the maximum) from your local address in their sprinter coach. They select the best antiquing route through Southern Delaware for you, make all the reservations and also stop at a winery, brewery, distillery or organic garden for tastings. Food stops are available. This tour is offered on Saturdays and Sundays at 10am. See other themed private tours. www.TRIPinfo.com | Group Tours
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Pentagon Tours
Washington, District of Columbia Rate: Free
1943
Pentagon tour guides conduct tours of the Pentagon for U.S. citizens on a limited basis on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10am and 1pm. Tours are limited to 20 people per time slot. Tours must be reserved online at least 2 weeks in advance and require clearance to enter the Pentagon by the Pentagon Forces Protection Agency. You may use the Pentagon Tours link above to request a tour for no more than 5 people in your group. Tours are scheduled on a first-come-first serve basis. The tour route is about 1.5 miles in length and lasts approximately 60 minutes. No electronic devices are permitted on Pentagon tours.
Old Town Trolley Tours of Key West
1980
Key West, Florida Rate: Varies by type of tour/discounts The fleet of orange and green sightseeing trolleys covers the entire city, highlighting more than 100 attractions and landmarks. Tour conductors lead the fully narrated journey sharing stories about America’s southernmost city – all sprinkled with humor, history and trivia. Throughout the 90-minute tour, you may hop off at any of the 13 convenient trolley stops to sightsee, visit an attraction, shop or dine and then hop back on when you are ready to continue your journey. Hop on and off as many times as you like and tour at your own pace. Tours designed to meet a group’s needs are available.
Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge
1939
Round Oak, Georgia Rate: Free
One of the nation’s 560+ National Wildlife Refuges, Piedmont NWR is located 18 miles east of Forsyth, near I-75 in Central Georgia. Originally established as a demonstration area to show that wildlife could be restored on worn out, eroded lands, the 35,000-acre refuge now serves as a model of forest management for wildlife. Visitor Center tours offer exhibits describing wildlife, habitats and native plants before touring 50 miles of roads, hiking 7 miles of interconnecting walking trails and observing the different habitats. Open yearround; special programs and tours by reservation. 12
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Kauai Coffee Estate Tour Kalaheo, Kauai, Hawaii Rate: Free - $45
1987
Hear the story of a coffee bean during a tour of the largest coffee grower in the U.S and enjoy a cup of estate-grown, freshly roasted coffee. The 3,100-acre coffee estate offers 3 tours. Board an open-air bus, travel down red dirt roads through some of the 4+ million coffee trees and learn how coffee is planted, grown and manufactured during the $45 insider tour. A guide walks with you along paths through coffee trees explaining the journey of the coffee bean during the $25 guided tour. On the free, self-guided tour, you stroll the paths through coffee trees, learning about Kauai Coffee and its history.
ROW Adventures - Idaho Outdoor Adventures
1979
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho Rates: Varies by type of trip and length Idaho’s mountains, 26,000 miles of streams and rivers, deep river gorges, 3,000+ miles of whitewater, 3,000 natural lakes, hot springs and trails are perfect for providing exciting outdoor adventures. Guides from ROW Adventures lead hiking, biking, fishing and rafting 1-day or multi-day trips through the scenic, unspoiled wilderness. Along the way, they point out plants and wildlife, natural features and historic sites, tell stories, set up campsites and prepare delicious meals. The company offers trips and equipment for a variety of ages, fitness and skill levels.
Chicago Architecture Tour Chicago, Illinois Rate: $51.96 + tax
1966
Experience the skyline of one of the world’s largest cities during a relaxing cruise on the Chicago River. Get an overview of Chicago’s architecture and history aboard Chicago’s First Lady, voted the #1 boat tour in North America according to USA Today Readers’ Choice 2021 Awards. The Chicago Architecture Center’s expertly trained docent volunteers lead the 90-minute river cruise, sharing fascinating stories behind more than 50 buildings. The 250-passenger vessel features open-air upper decks, full-service bars and climate-controlled lower cabins. Group rates are available. 14
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IMS Tours by Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum
1909
Indianapolis, Indiana Rate: Kiss the Bricks - $25
The narrated 30-minute Kiss the Bricks tour takes you on a lap around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval and stops to “Kiss the Bricks” – the famous paving bricks from the 1909 track surface at the start/finish line. The 60-minute Behind the Scenes guided tour includes a visit to the Media Center, 10th floor of the Pagoda, Victory Podium, Timing and Scoring and self-guided tour of the Museum. The 90-minute Full Grounds VIP Tour includes a lap around the 2.5-mile oval and through landmarks – Pagoda Plaza, “Yard of Bricks,” Gasoline Alley. For an additional $10, you can add a guided tour of the Museum.
The Bridges of Madison County Tours
1992
Winterset, Iowa Rate: $50 for up to 5 people
Madison County is the Covered Bridge Capital of Iowa, having the largest group of covered bridges in one area in the western half of the Mississippi Valley. The Madison County, Iowa Chamber & Welcome Center specializes in giving personal guided tours of Madison County and the covered bridges. During the 2-hour tour, an expert tour guide joins you in your personal vehicle, guides you to several of the covered bridges and tells you about the construction and history of the bridges, the movie production, interesting stories and other local historical information.
Kansas City Prohibition™ Tour 2011 Kansas City, Kansas Rate: $96
Ignoring the National Prohibition Act, passed in 1919, Kansas City became known as one of the wettest cities in the country and became known as the “Paris of the Plains.” Aboard a 14-passenger tour bus, this 3.5-hour guided cocktail and historical tour takes you to four unique stops at historic drinking spots and restaurants that may include former speakeasies, brothels and a private group tour of a modern day distillery. Along the way, you are treated to 4 alcoholic beverages and East Coast- style pizza. The tour is available on Saturday evenings. Private group foodie tours may be scheduled. 16
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CLASSIC ELEGANCE
ON A GRAND SCALE Laurel Hall houses one of Indianapolis’ premier conference centers. Surrounded by a beautiful landscape and years of historical architecture, Laurel Hall transforms your meetings or events into an unforgettable experience. Along with beauty, Laurel Hall’s conference center is equipped with state of the art electronics that can suit all your presentation needs.
Discover Indy’s premier event venue.
5395 Emerson Way
Indianapolis, IN 46226
317-275-3390
www.Laurel-Hall.org info@laurel-hall.org
Kentucky Bourbon Trail
1999
Statewide, Kentucky Distillery Tour: Varies by distillery & tour
The state that produces the 95% of the world’s bourbon offers the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, a road trip-style experience for bourbon lovers to visit some or all of the Bluegrass State’s 41 world-famous, historic and craft distilleries. You can plan your own itinerary, beginning in Bardstown, the Bourbon Capital of the World® and Official Gateway to the trail, at the official starting point – the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® Welcome Center at the Frazier Museum – in Louisville or in Northern Kentucky. Distilleries are as close as 8 miles or as far as 70 miles from each other. Average tour time is 90 minutes.
McGee’s Louisiana Swamp & Airboat Tours
1977
Henderson, Louisiana Swamp Tours: $35; Airboat Tours: $52.50 Explore the diverse natural beauty and rich ecological systems of America’s largest wetland and swamp – the 1.4-million acre Atchafalaya Basin Swamp – with your Cajun tour guide, who points out plants and gets you close to wildlife. Families or small groups looking for an exciting way to tour the swamp may choose an airboat ride while tour groups, field trips or just those looking for a more comfortable tour may choose a swamp tour in a swamp tour boat. Both tours last 90 minutes. Airboat rides depart daily at 9am, 11am, 1pm and 3pm; swamp tours depart daily at 10am, 1pm and 3pm.
Portland Discovery Land & Sea Tours
1998
Portland, Maine Tour: 60-minute: $25; 105-minute: $37 From April 30 to October 30, this Portland sightseeing tour company will show you Maine attractions, historic landmarks and Portland lighthouses during a trolley tour, cruise or both on the combo tours. On land, experienced guides lead a narrated, classic trolley 60minute history and city highlight tour or 105-minute city landmark and lighthouse tour traveling from city streets to rocky coast. On sea, the company offers 60and 105-minute narrated cruises exploring the Portland Harbor, iconic lighthouses, forts, islands and wildlife. A 105-minute sunset cruise is also available. 18
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Whether you’re looking to rev up or wind down, we’ve got a place just for you. Nestled in some of the state’s most beautiful settings, Kentucky State Parks offer a wide range of activities – from outdoor adventures to nature escapes – and accommodations from rustic campsites and cozy cabins to 17 full-service resort parks. And fall is one of the best times to enjoy them all, when you can hike, bike, camp and relax with incredible, colorful views.
Book your fall getaway at parks.ky.gov!
Western Maryland Scenic Railroad
1988
Cumberland, Maryland Rate: $45 - $125
Travel through the mountains of Allegany County in vintage passenger cars behind historic diesel-electric locomotives during a 4.5-hour roundtrip between Cumberland and Frostburg. The scenic 16-mile journey begins at Cumberland’s historic depot, travels west through the Allegheny Mountains, over an iron truss bridge, around curves and through a 914-foot tunnel to an elevation of 1410 feet in beautiful Frostburg. Here, you have a ~90 minute break to explore the unique shops, restaurants, winery and local craft beers. The rail line offers several themed train rides throughout the year.
Ghost City Tours
Salem, Massachusetts Rate: $24.99 & $34.99
2021
Why not treat yourself to a Ghost Tour one night during a visit to one of the most haunted cities in America? While Salem is known for the Salem Witch Trials, these 90-minute tours not only mention the trials but also uncover and explore ghosts, hauntings, the paranormal and Salem history unrelated to the trials. During the tour, you will see haunted houses, cemeteries, The Old Salem Jail and more. The company offers family-friendly and adults only walking tours so that each person may feel the energy of the ghosts. Groups of 12 or more enjoy a 15% discount.
Ford Rouge Factory Tour Dearborn, Michigan Rate: $22
1924
Rev up your inner engineer during a self-guided, walking tour of the factory where the iconic Ford F-150 is built while learning about modern manufacturing. Leaving from The Henry Ford, your tours starts with a 15-minute bus ride to the Ford Rouge Factory Tour Visitor Center. On the first floor, you get the Living Laboratory Tour, have 2 theater experiences and see examples of Ford’s history of innovation in the Legacy Gallery. The 2nd floor is where you have the opportunity to watch the assembly line as Ford trucks are assembled. The 3rd floor takes you to the Observation Deck and Living Roof. 20
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Niagara Cave Tour Harmony, Minnesota Rate: $20
1934
During this exciting 1-hour experience, you will go down 275 stairs and travel nearly 200 feet beneath the earth’s surface during the mile-long hike of a cave that began forming millions of years ago. Along the way, you will see both massive and delicate cave formations, fossils that are 450 million years old, an underground stream, waterfall and a subterranean wedding chapel. This underground adventure is open 7 days a week from May 1st until October 30th. Niagara Cave is a constant 48º F. Outdoor activities include miniature golf, panning for gemstones, picnic shelter and grounds.
Biloxi Shrimping Trip Biloxi, Mississippi Rate: $30
1954
Take your group on a real shrimping expedition aboard the Sailfish and learn everything that you wanted to know about catching, cooking and eating shrimp – Mississippi Gulf Coast Style. Starting the 70-minute cruise in calm, protected waters between the Biloxi shoreline and Deer Island, the crew sets out the shrimping net, explaining how and what makes the net spread and operate correctly. When the net is brought back into the boat, the Captain describes sea creatures caught including blue crabs, flounder, stingray, oysterfish, squid, pufferfish & more, placing them in an aquarium for further view.
The Gateway Arch St. Louis, Missouri Rate: Starts at $15
1965
The soaring Gateway Arch is one of the attractions within the Gateway Arch National Park, the smallest U.S. national park at 91 acres. A 4-minute tram ride takes you to the observation deck at the top of the towering 630-foot, stainless steel monument. At the center of the observation deck are 32 windows. Half look east, providing amazing views of the Mississippi River, boats, barges and East St. Louis, IL. To the west, you see the Old Courthouse, Downtown St. Louis and Busch Stadium. The tram ride down takes 3 minutes, and the entire experience lasts about 45 to 60 minutes. 22
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Apsaalooke Tours
Crow Agency, Montana Rate: $10
1872
The 1-hour guided tour of the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument begins at the Battlefield’s Visitor Center. After boarding a mini-coach to travel 5 miles south to the RenoBenteen Battlefield where the Battle of the Little Bighorn actually began, your Native guide explains the events leading up to this fateful day. The tour concludes at Last Stand Hill, aka “Custer’s Last Stand.” Tours are conducted 5 times a day during tour season: 10am, 11am, 12pm, 2pm and 3pm. Pre-arranged, private tours and step-on guides are available upon request. Tours of the Crow Reservation are also available.
History Walks Omaha, Nebraska Rate: $25
2018
History Walks provides guided walking history tours in the Omaha area. Tour guides tell stories about prominent, notorious and mysterious historical figures, explore local history and visit historic locations. Their current schedule of tours includes Little Bohemia - the south side of Omaha where Czech immigrants made their home in the 1880s, Wicked Omaha - the sites and sounds of the city’s historic red light district, Secret Omaha - the weird, wonderful & obscure and Prospect Hill Cemetery - Omaha’s oldest cemetery. Tours cover 1-2 miles and last 1.25 to 1.5 hours. Group rates and tours available.
Hoover Dam Tour Hoover Dam, Nevada Rate: $10, $15, $30
1936
Self-guided Visitor Center Tour and Guided Power Plant Tour tickets may be purchased online and are upgradeable on-site. Guided Dam Tour tickets must be purchased on-site; you also see all sites included on other ticket levels. During the tours, you learn the history of Hoover Dam and enjoy amazing views of the Dam, Colorado River, Lake Mead and Hoover Bypass Bridge from the Observation Deck. The Guided Tour takes you through the Dam’s historic tunnels and on a ride in the original elevator to the top of Hoover Dam. The Dam is open to the public daily from 5am to 9pm. www.TRIPinfo.com | Group Tours
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Guided Tours of Canterbury Shaker Village
1792
Canterbury, New Hampshire Rate: $25
One of the oldest, most typical and most completely preserved of the 19 Shaker Villages in the U.S., this National Historic Landmark and museum has 25 restored original and 4 reconstructed Shaker buildings plus 694 acres of forests, fields, gardens, nature trails and mill ponds. Guided tours exploring Shaker History & Legacy are offered at multiple times each day; tours focusing on Innovations & Inventions and Shaker Health are offered on select days each week. All tours are 1 hour and 15 minutes in length. The group rate for 12 or more is $20; school tours are $15 for students and $18 for adults.
Cape May Whale Watcher
1993
Cape May, New Jersey Rate: $40 dolphin tour, $50 whale/dolphin tour
From March to December, the fully narrated history and nature cruise sails into the Delaware Bay – a large fishery and area rich in marine life where whales and dolphins go to feed – and continues into the Atlantic Ocean. Typically, the species of whales observed are Humpback and Finback with the occasional Minke. Specifically designed for sightseeing and marine mammal watching, the Cape May Whale Watcher is 110 feet in length and carries up to 405 passengers. Whale and dolphin watch tours are 3 hours long; dolphin watch tours are 2 hours long. Group rates and private charters are available.
Final Frontier Tours
Las Cruces, New Mexico Rate: $49.99 - Online, advance
2017
Located in the remote high desert valley in southern New Mexico, 45 miles north of Las Cruces, Spaceport America is the world’s first purpose-built commercial spaceport, designed to make space travel as accessible to all as air travel is today. Although it is an active facility and closed to the public, Final Frontier Tours offer 3.5to 4-hour tours where you can experience the G-Shock simulator, see the runway to space & more on Fridays from Las Cruces and Saturdays from the Visitor Center in Truth or Consequences, NM. Monday - Thursday tours are available for schools and large 25 or more groups. 24
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visitlascruces.com
A Slice of Brooklyn Bus Tour 2005
Brooklyn, New York Rate: $90
These guided bus tours introduce you to Brooklyn’s food, neighborhoods, landmarks and famous movie locations. Pizza is the focus of the 4.5-hour Original Brooklyn Pizza Tour where you sample pizza at 2 famous spots, explore notable locations and stop for photo ops. During the 4.5hour Best of Brooklyn Tour, you see famous and historic places and sit down for a pastrami sandwich lunch followed by cheesecake. Another popular tour is the 3.5hour Christmas Lights Tour each December. Tours are in closed, climate-controlled buses and typically begin and end around Union Square in Manhattan.
Historic Walking Tour of Downtown Boone
1872
Boone, North Carolina Rate: Free
Celebrating 150 years since the town was incorporated, Boone is steeped in early American history; however, the area’s Blue Ridge Mountains have captivated others for several hundred years more than that. Daniel Boone explored the NC frontier around Boone during his early life as have playwrights, actors, poets and musicians. This entire self-guided tour of the lively downtown includes 27 stops along a 1.3-mile loop. Some points of interest and landmarks are Daniel Boone’s Monument, Appalachian Theatre and Hickory Ridge Living History Museum. Pick up a tour map at the historic Jones House.
Lewis & Clark Riverboat Bismarck, North Dakota Rate: Varies
1990
From May through September, your group may enjoy a trip down the majestic Missouri River on the Lewis & Clark Riverboat. The 105-passenger vessel resembles the old-fashioned paddlewheelers that cruised the river in the 19th century. Daily, family-friendly cruises depart from the historic Port of Bismarck. Cruises last about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on the route. The open upper deck offers panoramic views of the river, while the climate-controlled lower deck provides amenities, such as a fully-stocked bar and snacks. Sunset, dinner and private group cruises are also available. 26
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Riverside Food Tours Cincinnati, Ohio Rate: Varies
2016
Riverside Food Tours offers 10 different ~3-hour food and sightseeing tours seven days a week. During each tour, a professional guide helps your group explore local food, find great places to eat and drink, tells stories, traditions, history, arts and culture, points out historic architecture, street art and outdoor murals. While some of the tours are walking tours of Cincinnati and even cross over the Ohio River to discover food in Covington, Kentucky, many of the tours use the free Streetcar that rides on a 3.6 mile track around the city for more sightseeing adventures. Private tours are available.
Cherokee Nation Group Tours 1817 Tahlequah, Oklahoma Rate: Free
Explore the numerous historical and cultural sites as well as recreational activities during a custom-built tour of the Cherokee Nation, the largest tribe in America. Departing from either the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa or Cherokee Nation Gift Shop in Tahlequah, your group may see the Cherokee story come to life during the Cherokee History Tour, experience what life might have been like for Sequoyah during the Sequoyah’s Cabin Museum Tour, learn more about “Oklahoma’s favorite son” during the Will Rogers History Tour or watch the drama unfold during the Civil War History Tour.
Cellar Door Wine Tours Newberg, Oregon Rate: Varies
2012
Tour the Oregon Wine Country of the Willamette Valley with a company that specializes in private and curated wine tours for small groups who know each other. Their 3 experiences include: The Custom Crush Experience for groups of 1 to 6 people visits 4 locations. The Magnum Experience for 7 to 10 people visits 3 locations. During both tours, the company schedules appointments, sets the day’s itinerary and orders a gourmet picnic lunch. The Hourly Driving Service, accommodating up to 10 people, is for groups who already have their itinerary set and just need a driver. 28
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ESCORTING THE CURIOUS ON HERITAGE TRAVEL SINCE 1992 www.heritagetoursllc.com
Heritage Tours specializes in travel that emphasizes history, local culture, and heritage. “Edutravel – where seeing is understanding” is our mission, to show our travelers the wonders both man-made and natural of the world around us, and to provide value that people could not obtain traveling on their own.
TOURS OPEN TO INDIVIDUALS
This is a hallmark of our tours: providing speakers, guides, sites, experiences and information that make a difference. We create and escort group tours that are customized to the destination, timing, budget and content desired by the group leaders who are our clients. We have no pre-set departures or fixed-in-stone itineraries. We work with group leaders rather than with individual travelers. Occasionally, however, we create tours where the sponsors welcome the public to register in addition to the members of their organization.
Hershey’s Chocolate Tour Hershey, Pennsylvania Rate: Free
1973
During this sweet experience, chocolate lovers ride through the attraction and learn how tropical cocoa beans become chocolate candies. They feel the warmth of roasting cocoa beans, smell the rich milk chocolate, watch thousands of candies on the conveyor belt and, at the end, devour a free sample of candy. The 30-minute tours run continuously during operating hours. Other ticketed things to do at Hershey’s Chocolate World are Hershey Trolley Works, Create Your Own Candy Bar and Hershey’s Unwrapped. More attractions may be added in 2023 during their 50th anniversary celebration.
Viking Tours of Newport Newport, Rhode Island Rate: $25 - $58
1962
Select from one of 3 popular guided tours of Newport. The 90-minute Tour 1 provides a narrated overview of 150 points of interest, historic buildings and restored homes. The 3-hour Tour 2 includes everything in Tour 1 and adds a visit to either The Breakers or Marble House – your choice. The 4-hour Tour 3 includes all the sights from Tours 1 and 2 plus admission to The Breakers and Marble House. Tour days/times vary according to the season. Public tours aboard the 30-passenger trolleys leave from the Newport Bus Terminal. The company offers group tours, charters and transportation.
Historic Aiken Trolley Tours Aiken, South Carolina Rate: $15
1995
Located in South Carolina’s Thoroughbred Country, this trolley tour explores Aiken’s historic homes and churches, equestrian sites, the Civil War’s Battle of Aiken, the live oak canopy on South Boundary and the Winter Colony residents. A guided walk through Hopelands Gardens and the Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame & Museum (weather permitting) is included. Departing from the Aiken Visitors Center and Train Museum, the tour is offered Saturdays from 10am until 12pm. Reservations are recommended. Private, customized tours for groups of 10 or more are also available. 30
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We’re Way More Than Horses!
Visit tbredcountry.org
Mt. Rushmore Black Hills Gold Factory Tour
1889
Rapid City, South Dakota Rate: Free
These 90-minute guided tours explore the rich history of Black Hills Gold and show the sophisticated and complex techniques of designing and manufacturing Black Hills Gold rings, bracelets, necklaces, watches and more. During the interactive tour, you can see how they intricately and precisely cut a diamond, watch them cast diamonds in molten gold using the lost-wax casting method and learn how they produce the iconic pink, green and yellow grape leaf design by alloying gold with other precious metals. Tours times are Monday-Friday at 9am, 10am, 11am, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm.
Tennessee Whiskey Tours Nashville, Tennessee Rate: Varies
2014
Learn about whiskey and distilleries as you sip and savor Tennessee whiskey during private, customized group tours or scheduled bus tours. For scheduled tours, the Jack n’ Back Tour leaves Nashville at 9am and arrives in time for an 11am tour and tastings at the Jack Daniel’s Distillery. Following lunch in downtown Lynchburg, you return to Nashville at 4pm. The Tennessee Whiskey Experience leaves Nashville at 11am, visits three distilleries for tours and tastings and returns at 5pm. Smaller groups of 1 to 6 people may book private car tours of local craft distilleries or breweries.
Potton House Tour Big Spring, Texas Rate: Free
1901
When the railroad came to Big Spring at the turn of the 20th century, the town began to grow and permanent frame houses became the norm; however, one house was very different from the rest. That house was the Potton House, built by Joseph Potton who was a Master Mechanic for the Texas & Pacific RR, an early civic leader and proud owner of the first car in Big Spring. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this restored Victorian home is now a showcase for turn-of-thecentury architecture and furnishings. The Potton House is open for tours by appointment. 32
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Southfork Ranch Tours Plano, Texas Rate: $16
1978
Tour the famous ranch the Ewings of Dallas, one of the longest running TV series in history, called home. On the tour, you ride a tram from the Visitors Center, listening to the history of the ranch, pass Texas longhorns and American quarter horses, to the Ewing Mansion. A tour guide gives a full guided tour of both the inside and outside of the mansion while sharing stories about the house during filming and TV characters. During the tour and afterward, you may see memorabilia from the show like Jock’s 1978 Lincoln Continental, the gun that shot J.R. and Lucy’s wedding dress. Daily tours begin at 10:15.
City of Austin Skyline Tours Austin, Texas Rate: $45
1899
Experience Austin in a whole new way – from Lady Bird Lake in downtown Austin. During your 2-hour journey through the city, you will see stunning views of the city and its skyline, learn about the architectural history of the city and even paddle through the famous Barton Springs. Throughout the year, the Austin Rowing Club provides these kayak tours that are led by experienced and knowledgeable guides. The tours are great for all ages and require no previous paddling experience. Group reservations for tours of 10 or more people are available. The club offers other themed kayak tours, too.
The Mighty 5 Tour
1998
St. George, Utah Rate: $2,240 per person, double occupancy
Southern Utah Scenic Tours runs this popular 5-day, guided tour of 5 of the most beautiful national parks in the U.S., beginning in Las Vegas and ending in Salt Lake City. Guides provide overviews of the history, geology, plant life and culture of the West. During the day, you visit Zion NP, Bryce Canyon NP, Capitol Reef NP, Arches NP, Canyonland NP, Escalante-Grand Staircase National Monument, Goblin Valley State Park, Deadhorse Point State Park, Prehistoric Museum and Mormon Temple Square. At night, you stay in 3-star or better hotels. Group size is typically 8 to 10 people. 34
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IT’S TIME!
Come Meet
It’s all here. All the things in Plano that you love to see and do and enjoy are all ready to safely love you back.
Ben & Jerry’s Factory Tour Waterbury, Vermont Rate: $6 + service fees
1986
The Ben & Jerry’s Factory Experience is available only at the Waterbury plant site, the company’s first factory which still produces about 350,000 pints of ice cream per day. The guided tours begin with a movie about the company’s history and explains the production of its ice cream, while overlooking the manufacturing room floor and enjoying a sample of their chunks. The 30-minute tour ends in the Flavor Room where you are treated to a sample of Ben & Jerry’s flavor of the day ice cream and the retail store. No ticket is required to visit the patio’s Scoop Shop, playground area and Flavor Graveyard.
Discover Richmond Tours Richmond, Virginia Rate: Varies
2015
Get to know Richmond and the city’s restaurants, breweries, unique neighbhorhoods, history and points of interest during a Discover Richmond Tour. The company offers scheduled walking food tours, bus-based brewery tours as well as self-guided tours and scavenger hunts, available anytime. The guided ~2-hour food tours walk through one of Richmond’s neighborhoods visiting several restaurants, bakeries and shops for tastings. The 3.5-hour brewery tour travels by a 14-passenger van to 3 unique breweries and one craft beer bar, seeing sites along the way. Private tours are available for groups.
San Juan Excursions
Friday Harbor, Washington Rate: $125
1994
Experience the thrill of seeing orcas (killer whales), Stellar sea lions, harbor seals, gray and minke whales, Dall’s porpoise, bald eagles, cormorants, great blue herons – all during a 3- to 4-hour cruise. From April through early October, the 65-foot Odyssey, a vessel with multi-level wrap around viewing decks, conducts whale watch/wildlife cruises from Friday Harbor on San Juan Island, located about 60 miles north of Seattle in the Puget Sound. Two certified marine naturalists explain what whales eat, where they travel, how they communicate and more. Private charters are available. 36
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Berkeley Gadgets GeoTour Martinsburg, West Virginia Rate: Free
2019
Geocachers who love gadget caches will enjoy the Berkeley Gadgets GeoTour. Start by picking up a passport for this trail at the Martinsburg-Berkeley County CVB in the Belle Boyd historic home in Martinsburg or one of the two I-81 Welcome Centers and learn how to earn the commemorative geocoin. Featuring caches by WVTim – one of the world’s most favorited cache creators, the trail guides you through the scenic backroads of Berkeley County to mountains, streams and interesting area attractions like Kitchens Orchard and Black Draft Distillery. Adventure in geocaching awaits.
Lambeau Field Stadium Tour Green Bay, Wisconsin Rate: $21, $27, $36, $62
1928
Lambeau Field has a variety of tour options: The Classic Stadium Tour lasts about 60 minutes, includes a half mile of walking and visits 3 spots in the stadium. The Champions Stadium Tour visits 5 locations and is about a mile of walking during the 90 minute tour. The Legendary Stadium Tour lasts about 2 hours and includes about 1.5 miles of walking to 7 different locations. The Alumni Tour is guided by a Packers Alumnus and includes a photo op with the alumnus at the tour’s end. Private tours for 20 or more can be booked in advance. Tours may be combined with Hall of Fame & Trolley admission.
Jackson Hole Wildlife Safaris 2007 Jackson Hole, Wyoming Rate: Varies
The family-owned & operated company offers a variety of wildlife experiences during Summer (May through October) and Winter (November through April) Safaris in Jackson Hole, Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. Tours with a maximum group size of 6 to 8 are led by professional naturalist guides who focus on the area’s geology, wildlife and natural history or professional photography guides who focus on enhancing your photography skills against stunning landscapes and wildlife photo opportunities. The most popular tours last 8 to 10 hours; private tours are available. 38
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Leave behind your everyday worries and escape to Martinsburg, Berkeley County, WV, where small-town meets big adventure. Discover breathtaking opportunities, from traversing the 23,000-acre Sleepy Creek Wildlife Management Area, to local hiking, camping, golfing, fishing, and boating opportunities. Cap off your outdoor adventure in Berkeley County with a well-earned victory of a delicious meal in historic Martinsburg’s eclectic downtown food scene. And before you leave, enjoy the diverse shopping throughout the downtown corridor. Your next great memory is waiting.
travelwv.com
304.264.8801
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Atlas Index
Click on a state name or city to view the map. (This will open a new page in your browser)
Cities are in GREY
Alabama Birmingham, AL Mobile & Gulf Shores, AL Alaska Arizona Phoenix, AZ Arkansas Little Rock, AR California Los Angeles, CA San Diego, CA San Francisco Bay Area Colorado Denver, CO Connecticut Delaware Florida Big Cypress & Seminole Country
42
Cocoa Beach & Space Coast Fort Myers & Naples, FL Jacksonville & Northeast Florida Key West & Florida Keys Miami & The Beaches Orlando, FL Panhandle & Northwest Florida Tampa, St. Pete & Clearwater Washington County Georgia Coast Georgia Peachtree City, GA Athens, GA Savannah, GA Atlanta, GA Statesboro, GA Brunswick & The Hawaii Golden Isles Idaho Columbus, GA Boise, ID Illinois Chicago, IL Indiana Indianapolis, IN Iowa Kansas Kansas City, KS Kentucky Louisville, KY Louisiana New Orleans, LA New Orleans French Quarter
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Louisiana Northshore Maine Maryland Baltimore, MD Havre de Grace, MD Massachusetts Boston, MA Michigan Detroit, MI Minnesota Mississippi Gulfport, Biloxi & MS Gulf Coast Mississippi Delta & Tunica Natchez, MS Missouri Branson, MO Kansas City, MO St. Louis, MO
Montana Nebraska Nevada Las Vegas, NV New Hampshire New Jersey New Jersey Coast New Mexico New York Manhattan New York City, NY North Carolina Charlotte, NC Great Smoky Mountains Nat’l Park High Country & Boone Area Mooresville, NC Outer Banks, NC Piedmont Triad Research Triangle
Wilmington & Cape Fear Coast North Dakota Ohio Cincinnati, OH Oklahoma Oklahoma City, OK Tulsa, OK Oregon Portland, OR Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PA Rhode Island South Carolina Charleston, SC Columbia, SC Lowcountry & Hilton Head Island Myrtle Beach, SC Pee Dee Country Santee Cooper Country
Thoroughbred Country South Dakota Tennessee Memphis, TN Nashville, TN Ocoee, TN Smoky Mountains Texas Dallas, TX Fort Worth, TX Houston, TX San Antonio & Hill Country Utah Salt Lake City, UT
Vermont Virginia Chesapeake Bay & Eastern Shore Coastal Virginia Roanoke, VA Washington Seattle, WA Washington D.C. Downtown D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming United States of America
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43
HANDBOOK
Great places to visit and travel trivia for featured states.
LEGEND The icons below represent activities or accessibility options available at the locations on the next pages.
BEACH
BOATING
BICYCLING
FISHING
CAMPING
GOLFING
HIKING
SKIING
TENNIS
SHOPPING
BREWERIES
DISTILLERIES
THEATRE
RESTAURANT / LOUNGE
MUSEUM
MEETINGS & EVENTS
COACHES WELCOME
ACCESS
HISTORIC SITE
HORSEBACK RIDING
AMUSEMENT PARKS
SWIMMING POOL
WINERY
MOTORSPORTS
Alabama FAMOUS PEOPLE: Helen Keller Condoleezza Rice Hank Aaron Nat King Cole Emmylou Harris Coretta Scott King Carl Lewis
FACTS: Capital: Montgomery Population: 4,903,185 Time Zone: Central Statehood: December 14, 1819 (22nd) Bird: Yellowhammer Flower: Camellia Nickname: The Cotton State Song: “Alabama”
California FACTS: FAMOUS PEOPLE: Shirley Temple Black Leonardo DiCaprio Steve Jobs Mickey Mouse Richard M. Nixon Sally Ride Tiger Woods
FACTS:
FAMOUS PEOPLE:
Population: 731,545
Holly Madison Curt Schilling Sarah Palin Archie Van Winkle James Morrison Jewel Wyatt Earp Carlos Boozer
Arizona FAMOUS PEOPLE: Joe Jonas Stevie Nicks Geronimo Barbara Eden Kerry Strug Emma Stone Shawn Michaels Jordin Sparks
Capital: Juneau Time Zone: Alaska / Aleutian Statehood: January 3, 1959 (49th) Bird: Willow ptarmigan Flower: Alpine Forget-me-not Nickname: The Last Frontier Song: “Alaska’s Flag”
Capital: Phoenix Population: 7,278,717 Time Zone: Mountain Statehood: February 14, 1912 (48th) Bird: Cactus Wren Flower: Saguaro Blossom Nickname: The Constitution State Song: “Arizona” Tree: Palo Verde
Arkansas FACTS: FAMOUS PEOPLE: Paul “Bear” Bryant Dizzy Dean Sonny Liston Conway Twitty John Grisham Johnny Cash Bill Clinton
Capital: Little Rock Population: 3,017,804 Time Zone: Central Statehood: June 15, 1836 (25th) Bird: Mockingbird Flower: Apple Blossom Nickname: The Natural State Song: “Arkansas, Oh Arkansas” Tree: Pine
Time Zone: Pacific Statehood: September 9, 1850 (31st) Bird: California Valley Quail Flower: California Poppy Nickname: The Golden State Song: “I Love You, California”
Colorado FACTS:
FAMOUS PEOPLE: Tim Allen Jon Heder John Kerry Jack Dempsey David Fincher Byron R. White John Hall
Tree: Sitka Spruce
FACTS:
Population: 39,512,223
Tree: Coast Redwood & Giant Redwood
Tree: Longleaf Pine
Alaska
Capital: Sacramento
Capital: Denver Population: 5,758,736 Time Zone: Mountain Statehood: August 1st, 1876 (38th) Bird: Lark Bunting Flower: Rocky Mountain Columbine Nickname: Centennial State Song: “Where the Columbines Grow” Tree: Blue Spruce
Connecticut FACTS: FAMOUS PEOPLE: Noah Webster Michael Bolton George W. Bush Vint Cerf Katharine Hepburn J. P. Morgan Benedict Arnold John Mayer
Capital: Hartford Population: 3,565,287 Time Zone: Eastern Statehood: January 05, 1788 (5th) Bird: Robin Flower: Mountain Laurel Nickname: The Constitution State Song: “Yankee Doodle” Tree: White Oak
Delaware FACTS:
FAMOUS PEOPLE:
Valerie Bertinelli Eleuthere Irenee du Pont de Nemours Henry Heimlich Robert Mitchum George Read Judge Reinhold Caesar Rodney
Capital: Dover Population: 973,764 Time Zone: Eastern Statehood: December 7, 1787 (1st) Bird: Blue Hen Chicken Flower: Peach Blossom Nickname: The First State Song: “Our Delaware” Tree: American Holly
Florida FAMOUS PEOPLE: Ariana Grande Ray Lewis Pat Boone Steve Carlton Frances Langford Osceola Sidney Poitier Janet Reno
Georgia FAMOUS PEOPLE: Martin Luther King, Jr. James (Jimmy) E. Carter Rosalynn Carter Ty Cobb Clarence Thomas Ryan Seacrest Gladys Knight Julia Roberts
FACTS: Capital: Tallahassee Population: 21,477,737 Time Zone: Eastern & Central Statehood: March 3, 1845 (27th) Bird: Northern Mockingbird Flower: Orange Blossom Nickname: The Sunshine State Song: “Florida, Where the Sawgrass...” Tree: Cabbage Palmetto
FACTS: Capital: Atlanta Population: 10,617,423 Time Zone: Eastern Statehood: January 2, 1788 (4th) Bird: Brown Thrasher Flower: Cherokee Rose Nickname: Empire State of the South Song: “Georgia On My Mind” Tree: Live Oak
Hawaii
FACTS:
FAMOUS PEOPLE:
Illinois
FAMOUS PEOPLE: Ronald Reagan Robin Williams Betty White Harrison Ford Hillary Clinton Ernest Hemingway Quincy Jones Raquel Welch
Indiana
FAMOUS PEOPLE: Jimmy Hoffa Florence Henderson Evan Bayh Michael Jackson Steve McQueen Janet Jackson James Dean David Letterman
FACTS: Capital: Springfield Population: 12,671,821 Time Zone: Central Statehood: December 03, 1818 (21st) Bird: Cardinal Flower: Violet Nickname: The Prairie State Song: “Illinois” Tree: White Oak
FACTS: Capital: Indianapolis Population: 6,732,219 Time Zone: Eastern & Central Statehood: December 11, 1816 (19th) Bird: Cardinal Flower: Peony Nickname: The Hoosier State Song: “On the Banks of the Wabash, Far Away” Tree: Tulip
FACTS:
Capital: Honolulu
Iowa
Population: 1,415,872
FAMOUS PEOPLE:
Population: 3,155,070
Barack Obama Bruno Mars Nicole Kidman Bethany Hamilton Marcus Mariota Kelly Preston K. Megan McArthur Don Ho
Time Zone: Hawaii-Aleutian
Jerry Mathers Kurt Warner Mamie Eisenhower Ashton Kutcher John Wayne Cloris Leachman Shawn Johnson Halston
Time Zone: Central
Idaho
FACTS:
FAMOUS PEOPLE: Sarah Palin Aaron Paul Lana Turner Harmon Killebrew Ezra Pound Mike Riley
Statehood: August 21, 1959 (50th) Bird: Nene Flower: Yellow Hibiscus Nickname: The Aloha State Song: “Hawaii Ponoi, Hawaii Own” Tree: Candlenut
Capital: Boise Population: 1,787,065 Time Zone: Pacific Statehood: July 3, 1890 (43rd) Bird: Mountain Bluebird Flower: Syringa Nickname: Gem State Song: “Here We Have Idaho” Tree: Western White Pine
Kansas
FAMOUS PEOPLE: Amelia Earhart Burt Bacharach Joanna Gaines Gale Sayers Ed Asner Martina McBride Annette Bening
Capital: Des Moines
Statehood: December 28, 1846 (29th) Bird: American Goldfinch Flower: Rose Nickname: The Hawkeye State Song: “The Song of Iowa” Tree: Oak
FACTS: Capital: Topeka Population: 2,913,314 Time Zone: Central Statehood: January 29, 1861 (34th) Bird: Meadowlark Flower: Sunflower Nickname: The Sunflower State Song: “Home on the Range” Tree: Cottonwood
Kentucky FACTS:
FAMOUS PEOPLE: Muhammad Ali George Clooney Johnny Depp Duncan Hines Wynonna Judd Abraham Lincoln Diane Sawyer
Capital: Frankfort Population: 4,467,673 Time Zone: Eastern & Central Statehood: June 1, 1792 (15th) Bird: Cardinal Flower: Goldenrod Nickname: The Bluegrass State Song: “My Old Kentucky Home” Tree: Tulip Tree
Louisiana
FACTS:
FAMOUS PEOPLE:
Population: 4,648,794
Harry Connick Jr. Frank Ocean Reese Witherspoon Truman Capote Jared Leto Mahalia Jackson Peyton Manning Quvenzhané Wallis
Population: 6,892,503 Time Zone: Eastern Statehood: February 06, 1788 6th) Bird: Black-Capped Chickadee Flower: May Flower Nickname: The Bay State Song: “Hail, Massachusetts” Tree: American Elm
Statehood: April 30, 1812 (18th) Bird: Brown Pelican Flower: Magnolia Nickname: The Pelican State Song: “Give Me Louisiana“ Tree: Bald Cypress
FAMOUS PEOPLE:
Population: 1,344,212
Capital: Augusta Time Zone: Eastern Statehood: March 15, 1820 (23rd) Bird: Chickadee Flower: White Pine Cone & Tassel Nickname: The Pine Tree State Song: “State Song of Maine” Tree: White Pine
Maryland FACTS: Barbara Mikulski Reginald F. Lewis Harriet Tubman Frederick Douglass Michael Phelps Julie Bowen John Wilkes Booth Nora Roberts
John F. Kennedy Dr. Seuss Benjamin Franklin John Adams George H. W. Bush Matt Damon Mark Wahlberg Matt LeBlanc
Capital: Boston
Time Zone: Central
FACTS:
FAMOUS PEOPLE:
FAMOUS PEOPLE:
Capital: Baton Rouge
Maine Judd Nelson Linda Lavin Patrick Dempsey Nelson Rockefeller Stephen King Elijah Lovejoy Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Massachusetts FACTS:
Capital: Annapolis Population: 6,045,680 Time Zone: Eastern Statehood: April 28, 1788 (7th) Bird: Baltimore Oriole Flower: Black-eyed Susan Nickname: Old Line State Song: “Maryland My Maryland” Tree: White Oak
Michigan FACTS: FAMOUS PEOPLE: Serena Williams Tom Selleck Burt Reynolds Magic Johnson Madonna Stevie Wonder Henry Ford Kid Rock
Capital: Lansing Population: 9,986,857 Time Zone: Eastern Statehood: January 26, 1837 (26th) Bird: Robin Flower: Apple Blossom Nickname: The Wolverine State Song: “Michigan, My Michigan” Tree: White Pine
Minnesota FACTS: FAMOUS PEOPLE: F. Scott Fitzgerald Bob Dylan Chris Pratt Judy Garland Steve Martin Vince Vaughn J. Paul Getty Lindsey Vonn
Capital: St. Paul Population: 5,639,632 Time Zone: Central Statehood: May 11, 1858 (32nd) Bird: Common Loon Flower: Lady Slipper Nickname: The Land of 10,000 Lakes Song: “Hail! Minnesota” Tree: Red Pine
Mississippi FACTS: FAMOUS PEOPLE: Elvis Presley Oprah Winfrey Faith Hill James Earl Jones Brett Favre Jimmy Buffett B.B. King
Capital: Jackson Population: 2,976,149 Time Zone: Central Statehood: December 10, 1817 (20th) Bird: Mockingbird Flower: Magnolia Nickname: The Magnolia State Song: “Go Mis-sis-sip-pi”
Nevada FAMOUS PEOPLE: Pat Nixon Julia Mancuso Harry Reid Sarah Winnemucca Andre Agassi Jenna Jameson Rutina Wesley
FAMOUS PEOPLE:
George Washington Carver Calamity Jane Maya Angelou Langston Hughes Mark Twain Eminem Harry S. Truman Jon Hamm
Capital: Jefferson City Population: 6,137,428 Time Zone: Central Statehood: August 10, 1821 (24th) Bird: Bluebird Flower: Hawthorn Nickname: The Show Me State Song: “Missouri Waltz” Tree: Dogwood
Capital: Carson City Population: 3,080,156 Time Zone: Pacific & Mountain Statehood: October 31, 1864 (36th) Bird: Bluebird Flower: Sagebrush Nickname: Silver State Song: “Home Means Nevada” Tree: Pine
Tree: Magnolia
Missouri FACTS:
FACTS:
FACTS: New Hampshire
Capital: Concord
FAMOUS PEOPLE: Robert Frost John Irving Mandy Moore Franklin Pierce Alan Shepard Bode Miller E.E. Cummings
Population: 1,359,711 Time Zone: Eastern Statehood: June 21, 1788 (9th) Bird: Purple Finch Flower: Purple Lilac Nickname: The Granite State Song: “Old New Hampshire” Tree: White Birch
Montana FACTS:
New Jersey FACTS:
FAMOUS PEOPLE:
FAMOUS PEOPLE:
Michelle Williams Evel Knievel Gary Cooper Patrick Duffy Myrna Loy Dana Carvey Phil Jackson
Capital: Helena Population: 1,068,778 Time Zone: Mountain Statehood: November 8, 1889 (41st) Bird: Meadowlark Flower: Bitterroot Nickname: Big Sky Country Song: “Montana Melody” Tree: Pine
Nebraska FACTS:
Frank Sinatra Whitney Houston Bruce Springsteen John Travolta Meryl Streep Martha Stewart Buzz Aldrin Jon Bon Jovi
Capital: Trenton Population: 8,882,190 Time Zone: Eastern Statehood: December 18, 1789 (3rd) Bird: Eastern Goldfinch Flower: Violet Nickname: The Garden State Song: “New Jersey Loyalty” Tree: Red Oak
FAMOUS PEOPLE:
Population: 1,934,408
New Mexico
Gerald Ford Gabrielle Union Malcolm X Larry the Cable Guy Warren Buffet Andy Roddick Marlon Brando Fred Astaire
Time Zone: Central & Mountain
FAMOUS PEOPLE:
Time Zone: Mountain
Statehood: March 1, 1867 (37th)
Neil Patrick Harris Demo Lovato Jeff Bezos Demi Moore Dolores Huerta Rudolfo A. Anaya
Statehood: January 6, 1912 (47th)
Capital: Lincoln
Bird: Western Meadowlark Flower: Goldenrod Nickname: Cornhusker State Song: “Beautiful Nebraska” Tree: Cottonwood
FACTS: Capital: Santa Fe Population: 2,096,829
Bird: Roadrunner Flower: Yucca Flower Nickname: Land of Enchantment Song: “O, Fair New Mexico” Tree: Piñon Pine
New York FACTS: FAMOUS PEOPLE: Adam Sandler Al Capone Michael Jordan J. Robert Oppenheimer Tom Cruise Theodore Roosevelt Jimmy Fallon Jane Fonda
Capital: Albany Population: 19,453,561 Time Zone: Eastern Statehood: July 26, 1788 (11th) Bird: Eastern Bluebird Flower: Rose Nickname: The Empire State Song: “I Love New York”
Oklahoma FACTS: FAMOUS PEOPLE: Ron Howard Brad Pitt Carrie Underwood Reba McEntire Chuck Norris Blake Shelton Dr. Phil McGraw
Tree: Sugar Maple
FAMOUS PEOPLE: John Legend Maya Lin Russell Wilson Thomas Edison Edwin Stanton John Glenn Art Tatum Roy Rogers
Billy Graham Scotty McCreery Dolley Madison Meadowlark Lemon Dale Earnhardt, Sr. Charlie Daniels
FAMOUS PEOPLE: Josh Duhamel Kellan Lutz Lawrence Welk Angie Dickinson Peggy Lee Bobby Vee
Statehood: November 16, 1907 (46th) Bird: Scissor-tailed Flycatcher Flower: Mistletoe Nickname: The Sooner State Song: “Oklahoma”
FACTS: Capital: Columbus Population: 11,689,100 Time Zone: Eastern Statehood: March 1, 1803 (17th) Bird: Cardinal Flower: Scarlet Carnation Nickname: The Buckeye State Song: “Beautiful Ohio” Tree: Buckeye
FACTS:
Population: 10,488,084
FAMOUS PEOPLE:
Population: 4,217,737
Time Zone: Eastern
Chief Joseph Douglas C. Engelbart Cathy McMorris Rodgers Ashton Eaton Matt Groening Tonya Harding James Beard
Time Zone: Pacific & Mountain
Statehood: November 21, 1789 (12th) Bird: Cardinal Flower: Dogwood Nickname: The Tarheel State Song: “The Old North State”
FACTS: Capital: Bismarck
Capital: Salem
Statehood: February 14, 1859 (33rd) Bird: Meadowlark Flower: Oregon Grape Nickname: Beaver State Song: “Oregon, My Oregon” Tree: Douglas Fir
Tree: Pine
North Dakota
Time Zone: Central
Oregon
Capital: Raleigh
FAMOUS PEOPLE:
Population: 3,956,971
Tree: Redbud
Ohio
North FACTS: Carolina
Capital: Oklahoma City
Pennsylvania
Population: 762,062
FAMOUS PEOPLE:
FACTS:
Time Zone: Mountain
Taylor Swift Will Smith Kevin Hart Pink Kobe Bryant Amanda Seyfried Tina Fey
Capital: Harrisburg
Statehood: November 02, 1889 (39th) Bird: Western Meadowlark Flower: Wild Prairie Rose Nickname: The Tarheel State Song: “North Dakota Hymn” Tree: American Elm
Population: 12,801,989 Time Zone: Eastern Statehood: December 12, 1787 (2nd) Bird: Ruffed Grouse Flower: Mountain-laurel
Rhode Island
FACTS:
Meredith Vieira Cormac McCarthy Jack Reed Matthew C. Perry H.P. Lovecraft
Statehood: May 29, 1790 (13th)
FAMOUS PEOPLE:
Capital: Providence Population: 1,059,361 Time Zone: Eastern Bird: Rhode Island Red Flower: Voilet Nickname: The Ocean State Song: “Rhode Island It’s For Me” Tree: Red Maple
South FACTS: Carolina
Capital: Columbia Population: 5,148,714
FAMOUS PEOPLE:
Time Zone: Eastern
Francis “Swamp Fox” Marion Andrew Jackson Joe Frazier Dizzy Gillespie Vanna White
Statehood: May 23, 1788 (8th) Bird: Great Carolina Wren Flower: Yellow Jessamine Nickname: The Palmetto State Song: “Carolina” Tree: Palmetto
South Dakota
FACTS:
Sitting Bull John Thune Hubert H. Humphrey Tom Brokaw January Jones Sparky Anderson
Statehood: November 2, 1889 (40th)
FAMOUS PEOPLE:
Capital: Pierre
Texas
FAMOUS PEOPLE: Lyndon Johnson Alvin Ailey Matthew McConaughey Carol Burnett George Foreman Dwight Eisenhower NIck Jonas Sandra Day O’Connor
Utah
FACTS: Capital: Austin Population: 28,995,881 Time Zone: Central & Mountain Statehood: December 29, 1845 (28th) Bird: Mockingbird Flower: Bluebonnet Nickname: The Lone Star State Song: “Texas, Our Texas” Tree: Pecan
FACTS:
FAMOUS PEOPLE: Marie Osmond Roseanne Barr J. Willard Marriott Butch Cassidy Laraine Day Jewel James Woods Wallace Henry Thurman
Capital: Salt Lake City Population: 3,205,958 Time Zone: Mountain Statehood: January 4, 1896 (45th) Bird: American Gull Flower: Sego Lily Nickname: Beehive State Song: “Utah, We Love Thee” Tree: Quaking Aspen
SUBSCRIBE TODAY!
Population: 884,659 Time Zone: Central & Mountain Bird: Ring-necked Pheasant Flower: Pasque Flower
Quarterly Digital Magazine
Nickname: The Mount Rushmore State
Subject-Specific Digital Issues Since 2011
Song: “Hail, South Dakota” Tree: Black Hills Spruce
Tennessee FACTS: FAMOUS PEOPLE: Davy Crockett Justin Timberlake Dolly Parton Aretha Franklin Morgan Freeman Kenny Chesney George Hamilton Greg Allman
Capital: Nashville Population: 6,829,174 Time Zone: Eastern & Central Statehood: June 6, 1796 (16th) Bird: Mockingbird Flower: Iris Nickname: The Volunteer State Song: “The Tennessee Waltz” Tree: Tulip Poplar
Weekly eNewsletter Updating Travel Pros Each Week Since 2000
FIND YOUR PARK
Rising above a scene rich with extraordinary wildlife, pristine lakes, and alpine terrain, the Teton Range stands as a monument to the people who fought to protect it. These are mountains of the imagination. Mountains that led to the creation of Grand Teton National Park where you can explore over two hundred miles of trails, float the Snake River, and enjoy the serenity of this remarkable place. – National Park Service
GRAND TETON NAT IO NAL PARK
Vermont FACTS:
Washington FACTS:
FAMOUS PEOPLE:
Population: 623,989
FAMOUS PEOPLE:
Population: 7,614,893
Time Zone: Eastern
Bill Gates Kurt Cobain Taraji Henson Jimi Hendrix Adam West Bob Barker Hope Solo
Time Zone: Pacific
Chester A. Arthur Ted Bundy Jody Williams Grace Anna Coolidge Calvin Coolidge Hannah Teter Alexander Lucius Twilight
Capital: Montpelier
Statehood: March 4, 1791 (14th) Bird: Hermit Thrush Flower: Red Clover Nickname: The Green Mountain State Song: “Hail, Vermont”
Capital: Olympia
Virginia
FACTS:
FAMOUS PEOPLE:
Population: 8,535,519
Pharrell Williams Booker T. Washington George Washington Woodrow Wilson Thomas Jefferson Mildred Loving Shirley MacLaine Patsy Cline
Time Zone: Eastern
FAMOUS PEOPLE:
Statehood: June 25, 1788 (10th)
Brad Paisley Steve Harvey Nick Saban Mary Lou Retton Don Knotts Charles Yeager Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson
Bird: Cardinal Flower: American Dogwood Nickname: Mother of States Song: “Carry Me Back to Old Virginia” Tree: Dogwood
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Bird: American Goldfinch Flower: Rhododendron Nickname: The Evergreen State Song: “Washington, My Home” Tree: Western Hemlock
Tree: Sugar Maple
Capital: Richmond
Statehood: November 11, 1889 (42nd)
West Virginia
FACTS: Capital: Charleston Population: 1,792,147 Time Zone: Eastern Statehood: June 20, 1863 (35th) Bird: Cardinal Flower: Great Laurel Nickname: The Mountain State Song: “The West Virginia Hills” Tree: Sugar Maple
Wisconsin FACTS: FAMOUS PEOPLE: Laura Ingalls Wilder Mark Ruffalo William Rehnquist Paul Ryan Gene Wilder Orson Welles Chris Farley
Capital: Madison Population: 5,822,434 Time Zone: Central Statehood: May 29, 1848 (30th) Bird: Robin Flower: Wood Violet Nickname: Badger State Song: “On Wisconsin” Tree: Sugar Maple
Wyoming FACTS: 24/7/365 Online (Since 1996) We thank you, our loyal audience, for making TRIPinfo.com the website where Travel Professionals spend the most time online! We welcome your comments and suggestions to improve our reference info for group travel planning.
FAMOUS PEOPLE: Jackson Pollock Dana Perino Vernon J. Baker Jim J. Bullock John Colter Velma Linford Chief Washakie James G. Watt
Capital: Cheyenne Population: 578,759 Time Zone: Mountain Statehood: July 10, 1890 (44th) Bird: Meadowlark Flower: Indian Paintbrush Nickname: Equality State Song: “Wyoming” Tree: Plains Cottonwood
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