O, say can you see: Best spots to celebrate America’s 250th this year

July 4th commemorates 250 years of the Great American Experiment. There are so many incredible events taking place throughout the country, offering wonderful opportunities to honor this great nation and all who have come before us. From Freedom Trucks to art galleries, grand firework shows to musical performances, there are countless ways to get your family involved in this once-in-a-lifetime celebration! 

Exhibits

A huge variety of events and exhibits are planned all across the country to celebrate this semiquincentennial event. Find some near your home or plan a trip to take in one or two that sound most interesting to you.

Mobile archives have embarked across the country to bring exhibits to countless cities to help celebrate this momentous event in our nation’s history. Six 18-wheeler “Freedom Trucks” are making stops in countless cities to celebrate the 250th anniversary and bring artifacts from the National Archives for you and your family to enjoy in person. From Founding-era documents to historical teachings, the Freedom Plane and Freedom Trucks are seeking to bring history to life for Americans. This national tour will take place throughout the year offering a unique opportunity to national treasures up close. This is definitely something you won’t want to miss! 

Notably, the Freedom Truck will be in La Crosse, Wisconsin, June 11-14 for CatholicVote’s Zeale for America 250 Rally on June 13. Make plans now to join Cardinal Raymond L. Burke, Michael Knowles, Joe Lombardi, Bradley Benning, Cecelia Jean, and others for this patriotic rally celebrating faith, freedom, and the future of our nation. 

Iconic cities

These iconic American cities are hosting some wonderful exhibits and events that you won’t want to miss.

If you are able to travel to the heart of the celebration, Washington D.C. is home to a plethora of events this upcoming summer. From the National Archives to galleries and museums, historic sites to the National Mall, there is something for everyone. The National Gallery of Art will be hosting numerous exhibits throughout this year that celebrate American artists and their work. The U.S Botanical Garden opened a 250th celebration exhibit, featuring blooming flowers and plants from all 50 states. The National Museum of American History and National Archives will be opening multiple exhibits for a limited time celebrating the history of our great nation. 

From the end of June until the fourth of July, the National Mall will be hosting the Great American State Fair, during which all 50 states will share their food, culture, and pride in one grand celebration. If you’re able to make your way slightly south to Virginia, plan a visit to Mount Vernon, the estate of President George Washington. They will have a special exhibit throughout the summer honoring his legacy. And of course, there will be a grand parade and fireworks celebration on July 4, providing a crescendo to this celebration. 

If you are traveling to Virginia, be sure to stop in Williamsburg to celebrate our nation in the place where it all began. From reenactments to firework shows, there is so much to see and do to celebrate our country and its founding.

Presidential Libraries

Additionally, many of the presidential libraries are hosting their own America250 exhibits to commemorate this occasion in their own special way. Along with Mt. Vernon, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library is offering a 1776-2026 exhibit, bringing the American story to life. The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library is hosting quite a number of America250 exhibits, as well as offering free admission on the fourth of July. These exhibits will include rare artifacts, including one of Mary Todd Lincoln’s dresses. Thomas Jefferson’s home at Monticello is offering numerous events this summer including a theatrical experience, a poetry night, a tour of Monticello focused on the unique relationship between Presidents Jefferson and Adams, and a July 4th celebration. 

Explore liberty

While all of these events offer great fun and ample opportunity for learning, there is truly no greater way to celebrate this great country than by exploring it. Immerse yourself in the land of liberty and enjoy the vast beauty this country has to offer. Find the National Park closest to you and plan a day trip. Go hike the beautiful trails of Yosemite or the great mountains of the Appalachian Trail. God has blessed us so immensely with a stunning country; we would be remiss to not enjoy it. 

However, it isn’t the places you go or activities you do that makes you patriotic. While there is no doubt that taking advantage of these wonderful events will help to grow both your knowledge and love for this great nation, patriotism begins in the home. Buy a physical copy of the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights. Read them, study them, share them with your children. Pursue opportunities to expand your knowledge of the founding by listening to online free American history courses and reading founding document commentaries. 

Buy an American flag and hang it in your front yard – not just on the fourth of July, but everyday. Find ways to honor and thank the generations of Americans who have and continue to sacrifice their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor to protect our freedoms. Fill your children’s bookshelves with stories of great Americans and historical events; audiobook versions make perfect companions for your Great American Roadtrip this summer! There is so much to learn about this great country and it is our duty as Americans to know its history and ensure its future preservation.  

Whether your July 4th celebrations are simply on the back porch reading the Declaration and lighting some sparklers or at the grand events in Washington, D.C., may we all relish in the immense gift it is to be an American this Independence Day.