As Seen on CBS: Why America 250 Is Inspiring Families to Travel Through History
- Christianne Klein
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
As America prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday, families are rediscovering one of the country’s greatest classrooms: the places where history happened.
It was an honor to join Heather Sullivan on CBS St. Louis to discuss the exciting America 250 celebrations taking place across the country- and how this milestone creates a wonderful opportunity to turn family vacations into meaningful learning experiences.
One of the biggest trends we’re seeing is what I call Memory-First Travel: choosing destinations that create lasting memories while helping families connect with history, culture, and one another. I recently covered this in greater detail on ABC News during a national segment on Summer Travel Trends.
America 250 is a natural jumping-off point because every region of the United States has its own unique origin story. Whether you’re exploring Revolutionary War landmarks in the East, Spanish colonial history in the Southwest, Native American heritage throughout the country, or the story of westward expansion along the Mississippi River, every destination offers another chapter in America’s story.
While many travelers are planning trips to iconic Revolutionary War cities like Boston, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C., St. Louis offers an unexpected- and affordable- way to experience America’s founding era.
Many people don’t realize that St. Louis played an important role in the Revolutionary War. The westernmost battle of the entire war was fought in St. Louis when Spanish and French defenders successfully prevented the British from taking control of the Mississippi Valley. Historians note that the outcome helped shape the future of the young United States, making it one of the most significant- and least-known- stories of the Revolution.
For families looking to build an America 250 road trip, instead of heading east, why not follow in the footsteps of one of the world’s most famous expeditions? St. Louis serves as the gateway to one of America’s greatest adventures- the Lewis and Clark Expedition- which allows families to continue the story beyond the Revolution and explore how the nation expanded after the Louisiana Purchase. Springfield, Illinois, also makes an excellent extension, offering the opportunity to learn about Abraham Lincoln and another defining chapter in American history.
As a mom, I’ve found one of the best ways to get children excited about educational travel is to involve them before the trip even begins. Before we visit a destination, we talk with our daughter about the museums, landmarks, local foods, and experiences available, then let her choose the two or three things she’s most excited to see. That simple step gives her ownership of the adventure and makes the history come alive.
America’s 250th anniversary isn’t just a celebration of the nation’s past- it’s an invitation for families to explore the stories that shaped every corner of the country. From St. Louis to Boston and everywhere in between, each destination offers its own unique history, making travel one of the most memorable ways to learn together.
Watch the full story on CBS St. Louis here:
Christianne Klein is an Emmy® and Edward R. Murrow Award-winning TV Host, journalist, travel and lifestyle expert, and founder of FoodFamilyTravel.com.
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