The Oldest Continuously Operating Tourist Attraction In Every U.S. State
History opens its door softly here, inviting you to step into places where America’s earliest chapters still feel alive.
Footsteps echo across centuries, turning well-known landmarks into meaningful stops that fit comfortably into real-world plans.
Families, first-time explorers, and detail-minded travelers alike can move with ease, guided by clarity rather than crowds.
A slower, thoughtful rhythm shapes this journey, revealing where to linger, reflect, and appreciate the nation’s oldest sites still welcoming visitors.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for general travel inspiration and historical interest.
Details like operating status, access rules, seasonal conditions, and tour availability can change, so confirm the latest information with official park, museum, or site resources before visiting.
Any historical notes reflect commonly published summaries and may vary by interpretation or new research.
1. Fort Morgan, Alabama
Fort Morgan sits at the tip of a peninsula with big Gulf views and a compact, walkable fort layout.
You can explore brick walls, artillery positions, and interior rooms that explain coastal defense history.
Start at the entrance area for maps and current guidance on open areas.
Most routes are fairly level, which helps families and anyone moving at a slower pace.
In warmer months, bring water and use shaded spots when lines form.
Fort Morgan (Alabama) is located at 51 Highway 180, Gulf Shores, AL 36542.
2. Erskine House (Kodiak), Alaska
The Erskine House is a historic structure associated with Kodiak’s Russian-era and early American periods.
It is visited as part of Kodiak’s local history offerings, with exhibits that focus on island life and settlement history.
Weather on Kodiak changes quickly, so bring layers even for a short stop.
Plan time for nearby downtown walks if you are already near the harbor area.
Erskine House (Alaska) is located at 487 Marine Way, Kodiak, AK 99615.
3. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Build your first visit around the South Rim because it has the most services and viewpoints.
Grand Canyon National Park’s rim overlooks are easy to reach with clear signs and shuttle options.
Try short rim walks near Mather Point and the Trail of Time for a low-effort introduction.
Go early for cooler air and better visibility across the canyon.
Grand Canyon (Arizona) is best addressed via Grand Canyon Visitor Center at 450 State Route 64, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023.
4. Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas
Start with Bathhouse Row if you want the clearest connection to the park’s history.
Hot Springs National Park is simple to navigate on foot, with sidewalks and nearby parking areas.
Tours and exhibits explain how the thermal water shaped the city’s spa culture.
Add a short walk on Hot Springs Mountain if you want a viewpoint without a long hike.
Hot Springs National Park (Arkansas) is best addressed via Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center at 369 Central Avenue, Hot Springs, AR 71901.
5. Death Valley National Park, California
Time your day around the heat, and aim for sunrise stops when possible.
Death Valley National Park is mostly a driving park with short walks at major viewpoints.
Badwater Basin is approachable early, and Zabriskie Point is a quick, high-impact overlook.
Carry more water than you think you need, and follow posted warnings and closures.
Death Valley National Park (California) uses the park mailing address P.O. Box 579, Death Valley, CA 92328.
6. Cliff Palace (Mesa Verde National Park), Colorado
Expect stairs and uneven surfaces, and wear shoes with solid traction.
Cliff Palace is typically accessed through a ranger-led tour, and reservations can matter.
Mesa Verde’s overlooks and nearby trails add context by showing the broader canyon setting.
Check timing and entry rules ahead of arrival so you are not scrambling on site.
Cliff Palace (Colorado) is accessed through Mesa Verde National Park, with the main arrival point at Mesa Verde Visitor and Research Center, 27501 US Highway 160, Mancos, CO 81328.
7. Henry Whitfield State Museum, Connecticut
Plan a short stop, because the site is small and easy to cover in one visit.
Henry Whitfield State Museum centers on the historic Whitfield House and early Connecticut life themes.
Exhibits focus on daily objects, local history, and how the home functioned in its era.
Confirm current hours and tour options before you go, since schedules can be limited.
Henry Whitfield State Museum (Connecticut) is located at 248 Old Whitfield Street, Guilford, CT 06437.
8. Historic New Castle, Delaware
A walking loop works best here, so wear comfortable shoes and keep your route simple.
Historic New Castle is compact, with museums and streetscapes close together.
The Court House area is a common anchor point for a self-paced visit.
Check operating hours for individual museums, since they may not match each other.
Historic New Castle’s Court House Museum (Delaware) is located at 211 Delaware Street, New Castle, DE 19720.
9. St. Augustine, Florida
Keep your plan flexible, because the historic district can get busy at peak times.
St. Augustine visits often center on the Castillo de San Marcos and the surrounding walkable blocks.
Trolley-style transportation can help if you do not want to deal with parking in the core area.
Look up program schedules if you want demonstrations or guided interpretation.
Castillo de San Marcos National Monument (Florida) is located at 1 S Castillo Dr, St. Augustine, FL 32084.
10. The Pirates’ House (Savannah), Georgia
Treat this as a quick historic stop that fits naturally into a walking day in the district.
The Pirates’ House is a long-running Savannah landmark connected to maritime lore and local storytelling.
Ask on site what historic features are viewable that day, since access can vary by operation.
Pair it with riverfront walks and nearby squares to keep the route efficient.
The Pirates’ House (Georgia) is located at 20 E Broad Street, Savannah, GA 31401.
11. Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii
Check park alerts first, because conditions and access can change quickly.
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park has overlooks and short trails that work well for a single-day visit.
Crater Rim Drive areas and the Thurston Lava Tube are common choices when open and safe.
Follow all closures and ranger guidance around steam, cracks, and unstable ground.
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park (Hawaii) is best addressed via Kīlauea Visitor Center at 1 Crater Rim Drive, Hawaii National Park, HI 96718.
12. Mission Of The Sacred Heart (Cataldo), Idaho
Give yourself time to read the panels, because much of the story is delivered through interpretation.
The Mission of the Sacred Heart at Cataldo is known for its historic church and mission-era history.
The grounds are easy to loop through, which works well for families.
Confirm seasonal schedules, since staffing and open buildings can vary.
Mission of the Sacred Heart at Old Mission State Park (Idaho) is located at 31732 S Old Mission Road, Cataldo, ID 83810.
13. Cahokia Mounds, Illinois
Start at the interpretive center to get the map and exhibit context before heading outside.
Cahokia Mounds is a major Indigenous site with large earthworks and broad open views.
Monks Mound is the signature feature, and the climb helps explain the site’s scale.
Plan for sun exposure, since shade can be limited on the grounds.
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site (Illinois) is located at 30 Ramey Drive, Collinsville, IL 62234.
14. Indiana Territorial Capitol (Vincennes), Indiana
This is a good add-on stop, because it does not require a long time commitment.
The Indiana Territorial Capitol interprets early civic life and territorial-era government.
Exhibits focus on how decisions were made and what daily work looked like in that period.
Check hours before arrival, since smaller historic sites can have limited schedules.
Indiana Territorial Capitol (Indiana) is located at 1 W Harrison Street, Vincennes, IN 47591.
15. Louis Arriandeaux Log House (Dubuque), Iowa
Expect a short visit, then plan something nearby if you want a fuller day.
The Louis Arriandeaux Log House is tied to early settlement history in the Dubuque area.
Interpretation often focuses on construction methods and household life.
Confirm access details in advance, since some sites use limited entry or specific visiting times.
Louis Arriandeaux Log House at Mathias Ham Historic Site (Iowa) is located at 2241 Lincoln Avenue, Dubuque, IA 52001.
16. Fort Leavenworth, Kansas
Bring identification and follow the posted visitor process, since this is an active installation.
Fort Leavenworth includes historic resources and museums, depending on current access rules.
Plan extra time for entry procedures so your visit does not feel rushed.
Check requirements ahead of travel, because policies can change.
Fort Leavenworth (Kansas) is best addressed via the Visitor Control Center at 1 Sherman Avenue, Fort Leavenworth, KS 66027.
17. Locust Grove (Louisville), Kentucky
Check tour start times first, because many visits rely on scheduled guided entry.
Locust Grove is a historic home site that interprets regional life, work, and travel networks.
Grounds and paths are generally easy to walk, with space to take breaks.
Look up seasonal hours and special event days before you go.
Locust Grove (Kentucky) is located at 561 Blankenbaker Lane, Louisville, KY 40207.
18. Jean Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop (New Orleans), Louisiana
Treat this as a brief historic building stop while you are already walking the French Quarter.
Jean Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop is widely noted for its age and long-running local lore.
Access can vary, so check posted hours before making a special trip.
Keep your route short and plan water breaks, especially in warm weather.
Jean Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop (Louisiana) is located at 941 Bourbon Street, New Orleans, LA 70116.
19. Old York Gaol, Maine
Plan for a guided or interpretive visit, because the details matter more than the size.
Old York Gaol preserves a small jail structure tied to early legal and civic history.
Interior spaces help explain confinement conditions and community rules of the period.
Verify operating dates and hours, since historic societies often run seasonal schedules.
Old York Gaol (Maine) is located at 3 Lindsay Road, York, ME 03909.
20. Fort Garrison (Pikesville), Maryland
This is a quick stop that works best as part of a larger regional day.
Fort Garrison’s blockhouse is a small preserved structure linked to frontier-era defense.
Signs and local interpretation explain why the location mattered.
Confirm access in advance, since small sites can have limited visiting windows.
Fort Garrison (Maryland) is located at 6 Garrison Forest Court, Pikesville, MD 21208.
21. Fairbanks House (Dedham), Massachusetts
Book or time your visit around tours, because access is often structured.
The Fairbanks House is known for early timber-frame construction and long family history.
Rooms can be compact, so group size and pacing may be controlled.
Check tour schedules online before you arrive.
Fairbanks House (Massachusetts) is located at 511 East Street, Dedham, MA 02026.
22. Fort Mackinac, Michigan
Coordinate with ferry times first, since that shapes how long you can stay.
Fort Mackinac sits above town on Mackinac Island and is reached by walking or local transport.
Demonstrations and exhibits explain military life and island history.
Plan for the uphill approach if you are walking up from Main Street.
Fort Mackinac (Michigan) is located at 7127 Huron Road, Mackinac Island, MI 49757.
23. Fort Snelling, Minnesota
Use the site map to pick a simple route through the main buildings first.
Fort Snelling interprets military history and regional life near the river confluence.
Exhibits often combine building interiors with outdoor spaces that are easy to move through.
Check for seasonal programming, since it can add context beyond the standard exhibits.
Historic Fort Snelling (Minnesota) is located at 200 Tower Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55111.
24. LaPointe-Krebs House, Mississippi
This is a manageable stop because paths and distances are typically straightforward.
LaPointe-Krebs House highlights coastal Mississippi history and long-term preservation work.
Exhibits often focus on restoration, materials, and daily life near the water.
Confirm current access and hours before you go.
LaPointe-Krebs House (Mississippi) is located at 4602 Fort Street, Pascagoula, MS 39567.
25. Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield, Missouri
A driving loop is the simplest way to see the key points without overextending.
Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield uses pullouts and short walks to explain the landscape and events.
Interpretive panels help clarify what happened at each stop.
Check the visitor center schedule for ranger talks and open exhibits.
Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield (Missouri) is located at 6424 W Farm Road 182, Republic, MO 65738.
26. St. Mary’s Mission (Stevensville), Montana
Keep your pace relaxed, because this is a small site that rewards slow reading and looking.
St. Mary’s Mission includes historic buildings and exhibits tied to local community history.
Walking distances are short, and the setting is easy to navigate.
Confirm open dates and hours, since some programs are seasonal.
St. Mary’s Mission (Montana) is located at 315 Charlo Street, Stevensville, MT 59870.
27. Chimney Rock National Historic Site, Nebraska
Start with the visitor center so the landmark makes more sense in historical context.
Chimney Rock is a major trail landmark that travelers used as a reference point.
Overlooks and short paths allow a simple visit without strenuous hiking.
Bring water and layers, because plains weather can change quickly.
Chimney Rock National Historic Site (Nebraska) is located at 9009 Chimney Rock Road, Bayard, NE 69334.
28. Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument, Nevada
Stay on open trails, because protected areas exist to prevent damage to fragile resources.
Tule Springs Fossil Beds focuses on Ice Age fossils and the landscape where they were found.
Signage explains where to walk and where to observe from a distance.
Use sun protection and carry water even for short walks.
Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument (Nevada) is commonly navigated via its North Unit cross-streets at Durango Drive and N. Buffalo Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89131.
29. Lost River Gorge And Boulder Caves, New Hampshire
Wear shoes with solid grip, because steps and surfaces can be wet and uneven.
Lost River Gorge uses boardwalks and stairways to guide visitors through boulder corridors and caves.
You can skip tighter sections and still enjoy the main loop.
Check seasonal operations, since the attraction does not run year-round.
Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves (New Hampshire) is located at 1712 Lost River Road, North Woodstock, NH 03262.
30. Nothnagle Log House, New Jersey
Plan ahead, because visits can be limited to small groups or scheduled times.
The Nothnagle Log House is known for early log construction and careful preservation.
Interpretation often focuses on building methods and household routines.
Confirm booking details and access rules directly with the site before driving out.
Nothnagle Log House (New Jersey) is located at 406 Swedesboro Road, Gibbstown, NJ 08027.
31. Chaco Culture National Historical Park, New Mexico
Prepare for remoteness, because services are limited and travel can take longer than expected.
Chaco Culture is known for great house sites like Pueblo Bonito and planned community spaces.
Road conditions can vary, so check alerts and plan extra time.
Bring water, food, and fuel for a comfortable day.
Chaco Culture National Historical Park (New Mexico) is located at 1808 County Road 7950, Nageezi, NM 87037.
32. Wyckoff Farmhouse Museum (Brooklyn), New York
Public transportation can make this visit easier than driving and parking.
The Wyckoff Farmhouse Museum preserves an early farmhouse within a modern city setting.
Programs and exhibits focus on early life and changing land use over time.
Confirm hours and event listings before you go.
Wyckoff Farmhouse Museum (New York) is located at 5816 Clarendon Road, Brooklyn, NY 11203.
33. The Blowing Rock, North Carolina
Start at the main overlook, because that is the core experience.
The Blowing Rock is a viewpoint stop with railings and short paths.
Weather can shift quickly at elevation, so bring layers.
Check admission details and seasonal hours before arrival.
The Blowing Rock (North Carolina) is located at 432 The Rock Road, Blowing Rock, NC 28605.
34. Fort Totten State Historic Site, North Dakota
Use the site map to pick your first buildings, then fill in the rest at an easy pace.
Fort Totten includes restored structures interpreting military and institutional history on the grounds.
Open space makes it simple to pause and regroup as needed.
Verify hours and any guided-tour requirements before visiting.
Fort Totten State Historic Site (North Dakota) is located at 417 Cavalry Circle, Fort Totten, ND 58335.
35. Old Stone Fort (West Lafayette), Ohio
Treat this as a short hike with a historic feature at the end.
Old Stone Fort is reached by a wooded trail leading to stonework remains and interpretation.
Trail conditions depend on weather, so plan for mud or uneven ground.
Check park access information before you go.
Old Stone Fort (Ohio) is best addressed via the posted location 22921 County Road 254, West Lafayette, OH 43845.
36. Cherokee National Supreme Court Museum (Tahlequah), Oklahoma
This is a strong museum stop if you want governance and legal history in a small footprint.
The Cherokee National Supreme Court Museum interprets Cherokee law, language, and continuity.
Exhibits often include timelines and documents that explain how systems functioned.
Confirm open hours before arrival.
Cherokee National Supreme Court Museum (Oklahoma) is located at 122 E Keetoowah St, Tahlequah, OK 74464.
37. National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center, Oregon
Plan for both indoor exhibits and short outdoor viewpoints, because the site is designed for both.
The Oregon Trail Interpretive Center uses films, exhibits, and reconstructions to explain the trail experience.
Sun and wind can be strong, so bring water and sun protection.
Check seasonal hours before you travel.
National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center (Oregon) is located at 22267 Hwy 86, Baker City, OR 97814.
38. Gloria Dei Church (Philadelphia), Pennsylvania
Confirm the visiting window first, because hours can be limited.
Gloria Dei Church is tied to early Swedish settlement history and long-standing community use.
Many visitors focus on the church building and historic burial ground.
Respectful behavior is expected, especially in cemetery areas.
Gloria Dei Church, Old Swedes Episcopal Church (Pennsylvania) is located at 916 S Swanson Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147.
39. First Baptist Church In America (Providence), Rhode Island
Look up the schedule, because events can affect access.
The First Baptist Church in America is connected to early Providence history and religious freedom themes.
Guided interpretation helps point out architectural details and historical context.
Pairing the visit with a short walk around downtown Providence is easy.
First Baptist Church in America (Rhode Island) is located at 75 N Main Street, Providence, RI 02903.
40. The Middleton Oak (Middleton Place), South Carolina
Use this as a meeting point, because it is one of the most recognizable features on the grounds.
The Middleton Oak is a well-known landmark at Middleton Place alongside gardens and walking paths.
The property is large, so pace your day with planned breaks.
Confirm ticketing and hours before you go.
The Middleton Oak at Middleton Place (South Carolina) is best addressed via Middleton Place at 4300 Ashley River Road, Charleston, SC 29414.
41. Broken Boot Gold Mine (Deadwood), South Dakota
Check tour times first, because entry is guided and scheduled.
Broken Boot Gold Mine offers a short underground tour focused on mining work and safety.
Some visits include hands-on activities tied to mining themes.
Follow guide instructions closely, especially in tighter or dimmer sections.
Broken Boot Gold Mine (South Dakota) is located at 1200 Pioneer Way, Deadwood, SD 57732.
42. Fort Loudoun State Historic Park, Tennessee
Plan around program schedules if you want demonstrations and interpretation.
Fort Loudoun interprets frontier-era history through reconstructed spaces and museum context.
Paths and viewing areas are generally easy to navigate.
Look up event listings and seasonal hours before traveling.
Fort Loudoun State Historic Area (Tennessee) is located at 338 Fort Loudoun Road, Vonore, TN 37885.
43. San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, Texas
A trail-based route is an efficient way to connect multiple missions without extra driving.
San Antonio Missions links historic sites like Mission San José with strong wayfinding and visitor access.
Mornings are often better for heat and crowd management.
Check visitor rules at each mission, since conditions can vary by location.
Mission San José (Texas) is located at 6701 San José Drive, San Antonio, TX 78214.
44. Great Salt Lake, Utah
Pick your access point first, because the lake experience depends on where you enter.
Great Salt Lake visits often use state parks, marina areas, and island viewpoints.
Driving time between viewpoints can be longer than expected.
Wind and sun can be intense, so bring water and sun protection.
Great Salt Lake State Park (Utah) is located at 13312 West 1075 South, Magna, UT 84044.
45. Dorset Quarry, Vermont
Follow posted guidance, because access rules and conditions can change by season.
Dorset Quarry is known for dramatic marble walls and a scenic quarry setting.
Stay in safe areas, since edges and surfaces can be hazardous.
Confirm current rules and parking guidance before visiting.
Dorset Marble Quarry (Vermont) is associated with Dorset, VT 05251, and is commonly reached via Dorset Quarry Road access.
46. Historic Jamestowne, Virginia
Start with the visitor orientation so the archaeology and exhibits connect clearly.
Historic Jamestowne combines preserved areas, interpretation, and ongoing excavation work.
Paths and boardwalks support an easy loop for many visitors.
Check talk schedules if you want live explanation of current work and finds.
Historic Jamestowne (Virginia) is located at 1368 Colonial Parkway, Jamestown, VA 23081.
47. Tsagaglalal She Who Watches (Lyle), Washington
Reserve in advance if required, because access is often structured and limited.
Tsagaglalal She Who Watches is a protected petroglyph site with strict respect rules.
Tours typically emphasize no touching and careful group management.
Confirm meeting instructions and tour timing before you go.
Tsagaglalal “She Who Watches” (Washington) is accessed via Horsethief Lake section in Columbia Hills, with the trailhead address Horsethief Lake State Park Rd, Lyle, WA 98635.
48. Entler Hotel (Shepherdstown), West Virginia
This works well as a short museum stop paired with a walk through town.
The Entler Hotel serves as a local history museum in a historic building.
Exhibits focus on Shepherdstown life and regional themes.
Check hours and event listings before visiting.
Entler Hotel (West Virginia) is located at 129 E German Street, Shepherdstown, WV 25443.
49. Wakely Tavern (Point Basse), Wisconsin
Check the calendar first, because programming can be seasonal.
Wakely Tavern is part of the Historic Point Basse site and interprets travel-era life and community routines.
The grounds are easy to walk, with short distances between features.
Confirm hours and scheduled events before you go.
Wakely Tavern at Historic Point Basse (Wisconsin) is located at N6765 State Road 116, Omro, WI 54963.
50. Old Faithful (Yellowstone National Park), Wyoming
Arrive early or later in the day to reduce crowd pressure.
Old Faithful viewing is supported by boardwalks, prediction postings, and nearby visitor services.
Check the posted eruption window at the visitor center or signs.
Stay on boardwalks and follow all thermal-area safety rules.
Old Faithful (Wyoming) is best navigated via the nearest street-style address at Old Faithful Inn, 3200 Old Faithful Inn Road, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190.
