Despite its relatively young age, the United States has plenty of fascinating historic stories to tell. These exceptional tours lift the lid on a variety of topics, from the heroic tales of the Independence War and the Civil Rights movement to the more light-hearted stories of literary giants, royal palaces (yes, really!) and musical legends. All tour prices are per person, unless otherwise stated.
Read on to discover the best history tour in every US state...
Once the nation's most segregated city and notorious for racially motivated violence, Birmingham became the heart of the Civil Rights movement. This tour follows its history, traces the footsteps of the marching students and follows the actions of the Ku Klux Klan. The tour offers an excellent insight into the impact racism had on the city and what happened when segregation laws finally fell. Tours run daily, tickets are $60 (discounts for under 12s) with free selected hotel pick up and drop off.
A ghost town frozen in time, Kennecott was once drawing in fortune hunters thanks to its rich supplies of copper. The area boomed until the late 1930s, when the copper ran out, and was soon abandoned as the railroad service ended. The two-hour guided tour chronicles the ghost town's fascinating history and offers an exclusive look into the massive 14-story Concentration Mill, plus several other historic buildings. Tours run between May and September, tickets are $34 (discounts available for under-12s). Advanced reservations are strongly encouraged.
It's no secret Arizona is rich in Native American history and this part of the state is easily accessible from Phoenix. The small group guided day tour takes in important cultural sites such as the Chapel of the Holy Cross, Bell Rock and Airport Mesa for unbeatable views of the red rocks and Sedona. But perhaps the most fascinating aspect of this tour is a visit to the Montezuma Castle National Monument. Among the most spectacular cliff dwelling ruins in America, Montezuma was built by the Sinagua people between the 12th and 15th centuries. The tours are led by knowledgeable guides who offer fascinating historic insights and context. Tickets are from $179 with free pick up and drop off.
One of the most historic buildings in the state, the elegant Greek Revival-style Old State House Museum is said to be the oldest standing state capitol building west of the Mississippi River. Although no longer serving as a political center, it's now a fascinating museum that recounts the history of the state and the previous lives of the building itself – as a medical school and Arkansas State Police headquarters. Learn interesting stories of important local political figures and see engaging exhibits either on a self-guided or guided group tour. Admission and tours are free.
As a legendary location immortalized in movies and TV, Alcatraz's reputation precedes it. The island off the coast of San Francisco was the site of a formidable prison from 1934 to 1963. Designed to house the most notorious prisoners, including Al Capone himself, the penitentiary can now be visited on day tours. The tour includes a round-trip ferry to Alcatraz Island and access to the prison's interior, including the cells. Tours depart daily and tickets cost $53.25 (discounts for children and seniors).
Carved out of an alcove in Mesa Verde National Park, the Cliff Palace is a cliff village once built and inhabited by Ancestral Puebloans in the 13th century. Studies have shown that the remarkable dwelling contained around 150 buildings, created from sandstone, mortar and wooden reinforcements, and housed around 100 people at a time. To enter the site and learn more about its fascinating history, visitors can join a ranger-led guided tour of the Cliff Palace. Tours run seasonally and 2024 dates are yet to be announced.
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Follow in the footsteps of one of the most famous authors in the world as you walk the halls of Samuel Clemens' (aka Mark Twain's) home. The impressive 25-room Gothic mansion includes the grand hall, library and billiards room where the author penned Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and The Prince and The Pauper among others. The house can only be visited on guided tours which run daily (closed on Tuesdays) and tickets start from $24 (discounts for children and seniors).
This excellent self-guided trail of 29 culturally and historically significant locations throughout the state is an excellent resource to tap into when you're visiting. The trail covers sites such as estates and gardens, historic towns, colonial landmarks and coastal attractions all connected to the history of Delaware. Our favorite spots include the Wilmington & Western Railroad, Fort Delaware State Park and Nemours Estate.
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Florida is not all theme parks and beaches, it's also home to the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the continental United States. St Augustine was established in 1565 by Spanish explorers and many of its buildings in the Historic District still date back to the 1700s. The historic walking tours in St Augustine have continuously been voted among the best in the country. Choose between the Conquistatour of St Augustine or the Homes and Buildings Tour and journey into the past of this historic city. Tours run daily and tickets are $25 (discounts for children).
The Godfather of Soul has a special place in America's music history. Cherish the memories of James Brown and visit his childhood home, spots where he hung out, his favorite restaurants and even his elementary school. Tours are led by his daughter Deanna Brown-Thomas and can be arranged via the James Brown Family Foundation. Tickets cost $25.
As the only royal residence in the United States, Honolulu's Iolani Palace is truly unique. Completed in 1882, it served as the seat of the Hawaiian monarchy. Queen Liliuokalani was Hawaii's last sovereign and the splendid building offers an interesting insight into the affairs of the monarchy. Today, several guided tours are available – the volunteer docent-led tour is among the best and dives into the history of the palace, as well as its royal residents. Tours are available on Wednesdays and Thursdays for $32.95 (various discounts for under-18s and the military apply).
Idaho City is one of the best day trips from Boise. Today a quirky 'ghost town' (it does technically have around 500 residents), it was the largest city in the northwest more than a century ago. In the 1860s, plenty of miners descended upon Idaho City and the now-derelict buildings have retained a lot of their charm. This walking tour lets you step back in time and grants access to historic buildings such as the courthouse and saloon, as well as the village, plus you'll hear secrets and stories you're unlikely to discover anywhere else. Tickets start from $5.
The Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise on board the First Lady is an excellent way to get your bearings and learn about the Windy City's history. It takes in a significant amount of Chicago's most remarkable buildings, with the knowledgeable docents giving each one a historical context too. The tour finishes with a short trip out into Lake Michigan so you can marvel at the historic architecture that's left its mark on the city skyline. The river cruise season runs from spring to fall, tickets start at $54.
Sometimes hidden among more famous names, the 23rd president Benjamin Harrison has actually left a very permanent mark on the country. A colonel in the Union Army during the Civil War, Indiana's only president is most remembered for opening the immigration station on Ellis Island. His home – a stunning example of an Italianate Victorian home from 1875 – holds many fascinating artifacts and bursts with family history. The many exhibits tell of the president's life and work, put into context thanks to comprehensive daily guided tours (check hours of the tours before visiting). Tickets are $16 with various discounts to children, students, the military, veterans and seniors, or book in advance online and save $2 per ticket.
Across the state border of Nebraska in Omaha, the Union Pacific Railroad Museum traces the history of one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects America has ever seen. The museum explores 150 years of American railroad history, from the nation's first transcontinental railway to the technology of modern-day railroading. The experience is taken to the next level with the in-depth guided tour History Express, which covers both floors of the museum and its exhibits. The museum is free to visit, tickets cost $10 and should be booked in advance.
Kansas' State Capitol building is striking indeed, from the two stories below ground right up to the magnificent 306-foot (93m) dome. Climb the 296 steps to appreciate breathtaking close-up views of the inner and outer domes. To learn more about the dome and the rest of the building's history, take a guided or self-guided tour, which run throughout the year, are free, and reservations are not required for groups of 10 or fewer.
The spiritual home of bourbon, Kentucky is jam-packed with distilleries offering tours, however, Buffalo Trace is special – it's the oldest continually operating distillery in the US. The Trace Tour sees visitors head inside the Blanton Bottling Hall to learn all about the history of bourbon in Kentucky and of the distillery in particular. There are also opportunities to sample the goods for yourself. All tours are complimentary and run daily, but should be booked in advance to avoid disappointment as tour sizes are small.
A former indigo, sugar and cotton plantation established in 1752, the Whitney Plantation serves as a chilling reminder of America’s history of slavery. The site was home to more than 350 enslaved people, whose names can be seen etched onto the Wall of Honor today. Guided tours delve deeper into the plantation's troublesome history and offer a sobering opportunity to learn about the lives of enslaved people during this period. Tours are offered three times a day and can be booked in advance online. Tickets are $32 (discounts available for under-19s, children under six go free).
Portland has buckets of history waiting to be uncovered on a two-hour walking tour. Covering the historic Old Port, downtown and waterfront areas, the tour charts Portland's history as far back as 1632, bringing the city's maritime, industrial and cultural past to life. The tour ends with an irresistible sweet treat from one of the coveted James Beard-nominated bakeries that Portland is famous for. Tours run daily, tickets are $41.99 (discounts for the military, veterans and seniors).
"O say can you see…" One of the world's most instantly recognizable anthems was inspired by this very spot. Its author, Francis Scott Key, wanted to capture the dramatic victory during the Battle of Baltimore in 1814 when American forces repelled and defeated British troops in the Independence War. The fort played a pivotal role and today it can be visited on a self-guided tour. Don't miss the daily Flag Talk – the short, ranger-led program shines a light on the American flag that inspired the anthem and tells the story of the events that led to the victory being immortalized in the Star-Spangled Banner's lyrics. The day entrance fee is $15, children under 15 go free, or visit on one of the six fee-free days.
The signature tour on Boston's Freedom Trail, this comprehensive walk takes in all of the city's most important historical highlights, including Boston Common and Massachusetts State House. Expect stories of the American Revolution and US history spanning six centuries. Tours run six times daily and tickets cost $17 (with discounts for seniors, students and children, children under six go free).
New York and Chicago are well known for their early skyscrapers and 1920s Art Deco architecture, but another city sporting eye-catching architecture is Detroit. Trace the city's architectural, cultural and economic history through its buildings, from famous must-sees to impressive hidden gems, such as the GM Renaissance Center and Shinola Hotel. Plus, gain access to buildings where entry is normally not permitted. Tickets from $115.
Built into the remains of the Washburn A Mill, which used to be the world's largest flour mill, this curious museum tells the story of a unique aspect of Minneapolis' history. The mill turned the city into the milling capital of the world for over 50 years, even earning it the nickname Mill City. The Washburn A Mill Tour explores the nooks and crannies of this National Historic Landmark and highlights the lives of men and women who worked there, as well as explaining how the mill functioned and changed over time. Tickets are $18 (discounts for members). The 2024 tour dates are yet to be announced.
The seat of the state government since 1903, the Mississippi State Capitol is also a National Historic Landmark. An architectural marvel in itself, it's also key to the history of the state and of the city. Free guided tours are available at certain times Monday through Friday so visitors can take in one of the replicas of the Liberty Bell, 10 types of marble used throughout the building and the ornate Rotunda.
Watch Jefferson City's past come to life as you stroll the halls and cells of this once-famous prison. Still owned by the state, it was the oldest continually operating prison west of the Mississippi until it was decommissioned in 2004. Opened in 1836, the prison is nicknamed the 'bloodiest 47 acres in America' due to its troublesome history. Discover some of it on a two-hour guided tour through the housing units, centennial cells and gas chamber. Tickets are $25, tours run from March to November each year.
The largest National Historic Landmark District in the country, Butte was once one of the most famous mining towns in the West and dubbed the 'Richest Hill on Earth'. During the late 1800s, the town produced the most copper in all of the United States. Today, a group of enthusiasts run three historic tours, taking visitors on a journey from the 1890s through to the 1950s. From exploring the city's underground tunnels and life that thrived there to journeying through the history of Butte in a single building, the engaging tours are filled with curious historic anecdotes, stories and characters. Prices are from $20 (discounts for seniors, students and the military).
Completed in 1903, the private home of George and Sarah Joslyn is a 35-room Scottish baronial-style mansion and one of Omaha's most impressive gems. The first historic landmark of the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum, the castle's history is not just fascinating in itself, but also tells the story of high society in Omaha back in the day. Tours don't have to be booked in advance, tickets are $12 (discounts for seniors, students and the military).
One of the most impressive feats of engineering in the US, the Hoover Dam was completed in 1935 to save the local farmlands from frequent flooding and supply the surrounding states with electricity. Situated around 30 miles (48km) from the neon lights of Las Vegas, the dam is a marvel to see in real life. Guided tours offer an up close and personal view of the mighty structure, giving access to the historic tunnels and original elevators, the inspection tunnels at the center of the dam, and views through the inspection ventilation shaft. Tickets are $30 and are available to buy on-site only.
This exceptionally preserved historic village tells the story of the original Canterbury Shakers, who emigrated from England to America in the 18th century. Guided tours of the whole campus take in more than 25 original and reconstructed buildings, which have been preserved for over 200 years and include the carriage house, pump room, schoolhouse, and infirmary. Guides help tell the story of the once-influential community, their values and impact on agriculture, technology, modern architecture and design.
The tip of this peninsula, jutting out into Delaware Bay, has always been admired for its pristine beaches, but the real highlight here is the Cape May Historic District. A collection of colorful and intricately decorated Victorian mansions, the eye-catching area earned National Historic Landmark status in 1976. Today, the neighborhood is best explored on a guided trolley tour. Knowledgeable guides share stories of America's first seaside resorts with plenty of fun facts sprinkled in. Options include the historic district tours, ghost tours and mansions by the sea. Several tours run seasonally, tickets are $20 (discounts for under-12s).
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A UNESCO World Heritage Site and National Historic Landmark, Taos Pueblo is a Puebloan settlement in northern New Mexico that's survived since the 13th century. Made from adobe – a construction material made from earth, water and straw – the unique settlement is still maintained by local people, resulting in one of the most well-preserved examples of Indigenous architecture not only in America, but in the world. Free guided tours take visitors to the most significant areas of the village, helping them to appreciate this incredible settlement through historic tales and interesting titbits.
From tours of Ellis Island and the Tenement Museum to sobering exhibits of recent history at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, Manhattan is full to the brim with interesting historical tours. For a different view of the city, join New York Historical Tours, which take you back in time to the Roaring Twenties. Discover how New York City became the center of cultural and social reform, explore the most iconic locations of the Art Deco era, and discover the stories of hidden speakeasies during the Prohibition. Tours run daily, tickets are $279.
Best known as America's largest home, the sprawling Biltmore Estate is a fine example of a Gilded Age mansion. With 250 lavish rooms, it was built by George Vanderbilt in 1889. An exclusive tour invites visitors to see the mansion from the perspective of the Vanderbilts' guests, giving access to exclusive areas. Available with house audio guide tour, two-day access to the gardens and complimentary parking and wine tasting from $305.
A two-hour self-guided tour lets visitors explore one of the most historic – and curious – trading posts in America. Run by the American Fur Company, it was one of the most important and longest lasting trading posts on the upper Missouri River. Trading guns and ammunition for grizzly and bison furs from the Northern Plains Tribes, the site attracted famous faces such as naturalist John James Audubon and Prince Maximilian of Wied, a German explorer and naturalist. The free walking tour maps out significant places and helps visitors understand the site's importance in American history.
Take the city's only multimedia mobile history tour with over 40 points of interest covered during the two hours. From its inception as a river town for cargo shipping, to its ambitious architecture projects such as the Roebling Bridge, the story of the Queen City is a fascinating one. There's no better way to discover its past than through this tour, which combines knowledgeable guides and archive video to reveal the history of the city. Tours run Thursday through Saturday, tickets are from $45 (discounts for under-15s and seniors).
Until the 100th anniversary of the Tulsa Race Massacre in 2021, little was known about it. This tour, which takes place through the historic Tulsa district of Greenwood, will give you an education that might be painful but insightful. You’ll hear the details about the people and buildings that were affected by the massacre, and the places that were bombed, including churches and schools. Admission is $15.
See a different side of Portland on this haunted tour exploring the ghost stories and spine-tingling tales of the city. Most of the tour takes place in the Old Portland Underground, also known as the Shanghai tunnels due to their location mostly underneath the old Chinatown neighborhood. The tunnels were built to move goods from ships to storage areas, but many scary, suspicious and even brutal legends still haunt these passageways... Tickets are $25 (discounts for under-13s).
The Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center is now home to one of the largest collections of Civil War artifacts in the world. Fought in 1863, it was the bloodiest conflict in the American Civil War and signified a major turning point for the Union. The Complete 3-Hour Tour, where visitors are joined by Licensed Battlefield Guides, is an excellent way to learn as much as possible about this significant point in American history. Pricing starts from $120 for 1-6 people.
Considered the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution in 1793, Slater Mill in Pawtucket was the country’s first cotton-spinning factory powered by water. This seemingly simple innovation changed the course of industrial history. Today, the old textile mill still includes its machine shop complete with tools and the 16,000-pound wheel that used to churn the water from the Blackstone River. Free ranger-led tours examine the beginnings of industry in America and its lasting effects to this day.
The heritage and history of Georgia is inextricably linked to the enslaved people brought here from West Africa. Join Bulldog Tours for a comprehensive guide to the city's past through the African American lens. Touching upon the abolishment of slavery, Jim Crow and the Civil Rights struggle, the two-hour tour covers many of Charleston's most significant historical spots, with stories told through critical moments, giving context to modern-day Charleston. Tickets are from $37 (discounts for children, under-threes go free).
No presidential monument is more impactful than Mount Rushmore, conceived as a dedication to represent the birth, growth, development, and preservation of the United States through four former presidents. Carved into a natural rock face, completed in 1941, it's an impressive site to visit and daily free ranger talks between June and September help add context. Erected on Lakota grounds in the Black Hills, don't miss an opportunity to discover the controversy it brought at the Lakota, Nakota and Dakota Heritage Village along the first section of the Presidential Trail.
It's hard to name another musician whose stardom outshines Elvis Presley's, even today. A worldwide phenomenon, his singing and dancing captivated audiences and changed the history of music forever. Elvis superfans shouldn't miss out on the Ultimate VIP Tour of Graceland, the former home of the King of Rock 'n' Roll. Visitors will join a small guided tour of the mansion and enjoy self-guided tours of Elvis' custom jets and the Entertainment Complex, including the Career Museum and the Making of ELVIS Movie exhibit. Tour price with a meal voucher is $225.
One of the most shocking events in modern history, the assassination of president John F. Kennedy still captivates history fans. This brilliant tour recounts the events of the day in surprising detail, winding through Dallas in the footsteps of the assassinated president and his killer. Much of the day's events have remained a mystery to many and this enlightening tour uncovers many secrets, visiting iconic sites such as the Dealey Plaza and the X on Elm Street – the exact point of the assassination. Note the audio tour is self-guided and can be completed at your own pace. Admission is from $14.99.
Although initially Salt Lake City's Temple Square was just that – a square – today it refers to a 35-acre area in the center of the city, consisting of some of the most important buildings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or the Mormons. The stunning Salt Lake Temple (only open to members of the church), the Tabernacle and the Family History Library are all part of the historic square. Free self-guided and guided tours offer a unique glimpse at these historically important locations. Tours can be organized by the church.
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Most people are familiar with the singing family from the classic movie The Sound of Music, but here in Stowe you can explore the family's history after they escaped Austria and settled in Vermont. The tour at the Trapp Family Lodge, the family's home in 1942, uncovers the truths and imagined story lines of the famous film and recounts Maria's last trip to Salzburg – you might even get lucky and run into one of the family members. Tickets are $32.10 (discounts for under-12s, under-fives go free), advance booking is highly recommended.
History buffs shouldn't miss out on a visit to Mount Vernon, the home of the first president of the United States, George Washington. The 18th-century mansion sits next to the scenic Potomac River and is also Washington's final resting place as he lies in a tomb on the property. A plantation built in the 18th century, its history of slavery is also carefully outlined in a special exhibition. The 45-minute In-Depth guided tour offers access to areas normally off limits and uncovers more than 250 years of history at Mount Vernon. Tickets cost $60 in addition to general admission.
When visiting Seattle you might not even realize there's a whole underground world below the city's streets. Descend to what was once the street level and discover Seattle's history before the 19th century. After a lot of the city burned down in 1889, an opportunity presented itself to raise and rebuild it as protection from the tidal flats, thus creating this now underground city. Tickets are from $25 (discounts for under-12s, seniors, students and the military).
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Opened in 1778, The Greenbrier – popular for its natural hot springs and dubbed 'America's resort' – has been at the very center of American history. Over half of the 46 US presidents have stayed here and during the Second World War it housed diplomats from Germany, Japan and Italy, before it was converted into a hospital for soldiers. One of its most curious aspects is the emergency Cold War fallout shelter built beneath the property. The bunker can be visited on a guided tour, which journeys through its corridors and chambers, recounting the history of the Cold War in the 1960s. Tickets are $47 (discounts for under-18s).
Perfect for petrol heads, the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee offers plenty to see for adults and kids alike. Discover the iconic manufacturer's history and its impact on the world, see everything that goes into making a motorbike in the Engine Room, and enjoy several permanent and temporary exhibits celebrating the motorbike. A choice of three guided tours helps take the experience to the next level. Choose from the Spotlight Tour, which sees a knowledgeable guide talking you through the artifacts in the museum's collection, or go for the Beyond the Gate Tour for a unique access to the Motorcycle Vault. Tickets are from $15 (does not include admission to the museum).
This tiny town in Crook County, Wyoming is where the legendary outlaw and Butch Cassidy’s sidekick, the Sundance Kid, got his nickname. The Sip 'n' Walk tours recount the curious history of the Wild West through live reenactments, allowing you to meet famous figures as well as notorious outlaws, and see real, historical locations while sipping on beer, wine or lemonade. Tickets are $40 for a family or group of six or more.
Now discover America's most historic and beautiful downtowns