A Must-Do Road Trip Itinerary for Military History Enthusiasts

This road trip route is ideal for history buffs seeking to honor and explore America's military past.

Ready to embark on an unforgettable road trip through the U.S., where each stop connects you to the rich military history that shaped the nation? Our guide combines iconic battlefields, forts, and memorials into a perfect road trip for history buffs.

For outdoor lovers, many of these sites are located near beautiful national and state parks, perfect for scenic hikes and RV-friendly camping. So grab your gear, hit the road, and explore the profound history of America’s military past.

(While you’re out exploring, don’t forget to check out some of the best places to hike in the fall and the best national parks to visit during winter.)

Itinerary Overview

9 stops
40 driving hours
2,385 miles

Stop 1: Minute Man National Historical Park, Massachusetts

Minute Man National Historical Park covers the opening battle of the American Revolution in 1775. Located in Massachusetts, this park allows visitors to walk in the footsteps of the “Minute Men” who fought British troops at the Battles of Lexington and Concord.

Things to See at Minute Man Park

Battle Road Trail: Hike or bike along the 5-mile trail, stopping at key locations like the North Bridge and Concord’s historic homes.
Hartwell Tavern: This restored 18th-century tavern offers living history demonstrations of colonial life.
Ranger programs: Seasonal reenactments and ranger-led tours bring the Revolution’s history to life.

Stop 2: Fort McHenry National Monument and Historical Shrine, Maryland

This coastal fort inspired the U.S. national anthem during the War of 1812. Enjoy military reenactments, attend ranger talks, and explore exhibits showcasing artifacts from the era at Fort McHenry.

Tips for Visiting

Best time: Early spring or late fall for fewer crowds.
Nearby amenities: Baltimore offers diverse lodging options and historical tours for a deeper dive into Maryland’s military history.

Stop 3: Gettysburg National Military Park, Pennsylvania

Explore the iconic site of the 1863 Battle of Gettysburg, a turning point in the Civil War. This site is one of the most popular historic battlefields to visit: You can tour the actual battlefield, visit the Gettysburg Museum, and hike nearby trails at this northeast military history site. Guided tours offer deep insight into the three-day battle, and re-enactments provide a vivid glimpse into history.

What to See in Gettysburg

Gettysburg National Cemetery: Visit the resting place of Union soldiers and the site of Lincoln’s famous Gettysburg Address.
Eisenhower National Historic Site: Just down the road, explore the former home of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, which served as a military meeting site.

Stop 4: Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, West Virginia

Further south, Harpers Ferry is another compelling stop. The site played an critical role in Civil War history, especially during John Brown’s raid in 1859, which is often seen as a catalyst for the conflict. The park is located at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers, making it a beautiful waypoint with historic buildings, trails, and museums.

Things to See at Harpers Ferry

John Brown’s Fort: Visit the building where abolitionist John Brown made his stand.
Living history: Rangers and reenactors bring 19th-century life to the town.
Nature walks: Trails lead to views of the rivers and historic town, giving a sense of the area’s strategic importance.

Alternative Stop: National Museum of the U.S. Army, Virginia

If you’re looking for a more indoor-focused experience, the National Museum of the U.S. Army in Fort Belvoir, Virginia, offers an extensive look at Army history from the Revolutionary War to the present day. This museum is about an hour south of Fort McHenry and features immersive exhibits, including stories of soldiers, weaponry displays, and large-scale dioramas.

Stop 5: Fort Sumter National Monument, South Carolina

Located in Charleston Harbor, Fort Sumter is where the first shots of the Civil War were fired. Accessible only by boat, a visit includes a guided tour that covers the fort’s strategic importance and its role throughout the war.

What You’ll Find

Boat tours: A scenic ride to the fort, offering views of Charleston’s harbor.
Museum: On-site museum with artifacts, photographs, and historical narratives.

Stop 6: Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, Georgia & Tennessee

Covering two states, this military park commemorates significant Civil War battles that led to Union control over key Southern railroads. Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park features miles of trails, observation towers, and interpretive exhibits detailing the battles fought across the surrounding ridges and valleys.

Highlights of Chickamauga and Chattanooga

Lookout Mountain Battlefield: Hike to Point Park for panoramic views and visit the “Battle Above the Clouds” site.
Visitor centers: Both Chickamauga and Lookout Mountain visitor centers provide detailed maps, exhibits, and ranger-led programs.
Civil War monuments: The park hosts one of the highest concentrations of Civil War monuments and memorials.

If you have time, consider adding Great Smoky Mountains National Park to your itinerary, which is one of the best national parks to visit during summer.

Stop 7: Fort Donelson National Battlefield, Tennessee

Fort Donelson, on the Cumberland River, was the site of an important Union victory early in the Civil War. This victory opened the way for Northern forces to advance into the Southern heartland. The park includes historic fortifications, a visitor center, and a national cemetery honoring those who served.

Exploring Fort Donelson

River batteries: See the river defenses and cannons used in battle.
Visitor center exhibits: Artifacts and narratives recount the history and impact of Fort Donelson.
Wildlife and scenic views: Trails around the fort and along the river offer peaceful walks through history-filled landscapes.

Stop 8: Vicksburg National Military Park, Mississippi

One of the most expansive southeast military history sites, Vicksburg National Military Park preserves the site of one of the Civil War’s most crucial battles and features an impressive 1,800-acre landscape filled with monuments, historic markers, and trails. The siege of Vicksburg, along with Gettysburg, marked a turning point in the Civil War, giving the Union control of the Mississippi River.

What to Do at Vicksburg

Cemetery and monuments: Explore one of the first national cemeteries in the U.S..
USS Cairo Museum: Don’t miss the restored ironclad gunboat Cairo, an iconic relic of the Civil War.
Driving tour: Take the 16-mile self-guided tour, complete with audio narration, to fully immerse yourself in the battlefield’s history.

Stop 9: The National WWII Museum, New Orleans, Louisiana

Voted one of the top museums in the U.S., the National WWII Museum is an essential stop on an American history road trip. It provides a comprehensive look at American involvement in WWII; exhibits include personal stories, interactive displays, and restored WWII aircraft.

Museum Highlights

Beyond All Boundaries: An immersive 4D film narrated by Tom Hanks.
Arsenal of Democracy: Exhibit highlighting American manufacturing efforts during WWII.

FAQs

Where is the best place to start a military history road trip?

For a Northeast-focused trip, Gettysburg makes a great starting point due to its proximity to other key historical sites. In the southeast, consider starting at Vicksburg National Military Park in Mississippi.

Are there military history sites in U.S. national parks?

Yes, there are many national parks with military history, though they are not the typical national parks with natural grandeur, like Rocky Mountain or Yosemite National Parks. Instead, these other national park sites are often assigned as national monuments or national historic sites, though still under the purview of the National Park System (NPS).

What is the most popular military history destination in the U.S.?

Gettysburg National Military Park is one of the most visited military sites due to its historical significance in the Civil War.

Can I camp near these historical sites?

Yes! Many of these sites are close to (or within) national and state parks with RV camping options, ideal for road trippers.

TravlFi Travel Tips

From the 4th of July to Memorial Day, there is no shortage of military history in the U.S. Military history road trips like this one designed for Veterans’ Day are perfect for connecting with America’s past, visiting sites of bravery and sacrifice, and exploring national parks.

Plan your route to include battlefields, forts, and military museums. Alter the route detailed above to meet your personal interests, time constrictions, and other considerations.
Use national parks for historical sites with RV access.
Check for seasonal events or re-enactments at these locations.
Budget-conscious? Pack your own food for picnics, stay in campgrounds instead of hotels, and use these budget travel tips to save on accommodations.

Plan your military history road trip now and stay connected with TravlFi’s RV-friendly WiFi options to map your route, stay informed, and make the most of your journey!