The long Presidents Day weekend is a perfect time for families to take a fun and educational getaway to learn about our nation’s leaders of yesterday and today.
Not sure where to go? Take a look at our list of President’s Day Travel destinations. It features local museums for those that want to travel too far as well as educational spots in other states, and details on where to see some of the most iconic artifacts in presidential history.
The Michigan State Capitol
The Michigan State Capitol is a great local place to explore on a quick day trip. The Capitol is a historic landmark, a national treasure, and is filled with historical artifacts, such as their Battle Flag Collection. Visitors can learn more about Michigan’s Government, history, and see the beautiful architecture and art that the Capitol possesses. To learn more, visit capitol.michigan.gov.
Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum
The Ford Museum opened in 1981 and is part of the Presidential library system of the National Archives and Records Administration. The library in Ann Arbor is open to the public and collects and preserves archived materials from foreign relations and political affairs focusing on the Ford administration. The latest exhibit at the museum in Grand Rapids is A Heartbeat Away: The American Vice-Presidency, which is on display through June 9. Online exhibits, too. To learn more, visit fordlibrarymuseum.com.
Henry Ford Museum
The Henry Ford Museum is a blast from the past and is home to many exhibits about American history. Plus, great presidential artifacts to see including The Lincoln Chair, which is where President Lincoln was sitting in when his assassination occurred. To learn more, visit thehenryford.org.
Fort Worth
Fort Worth, Texas, has multiple things for you to do on a Presidents Day weekend trip. Their cultural district is home to many museums that showcase beautiful collections. One museum in particular is the Sid Richardson Museum, which displays many American West Exhibits for western lovers. To learn more about things to do in Fort Worth, visit fortworth.com.
Key West
If you’re looking for a break from the cold weather, Key West is for you. Start your day by visiting historical attractions such as the Little White House, a presidential museum, and end it by lounging on the beach at sunset. There is something for everyone to do on this Florida island. To learn more, visit keywest.com.
Ohio Presidential Trail
Ohio is the birthplace of seven U.S. presidents, and is often known as the “Birthplace of Presidents.” The Ohio Presidential Trail will take you by some of the most iconic presidential landmarks in the state including, but not limited to, the tomb of William Henry Harrison, the birthplace and childhood home of U.S. Grant, Hiram College, which was once managed by President Garfield, and many others. To learn more, visit ohiohistory.org.
Washington D.C.
Washington DC is a great place to visit if you love history. DC is filled with monuments, memorials, and museums that are an experience of a lifetime to see. A long weekend is perfect for this trip because you’ll have enough time to see everything you would like to visit. To learn more, visit washington.org.
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
Take a look at key moments of President Lincoln’s life through the immersive displays and historic artifacts on display at this museum in Springfield, Illinois. You’ll start with Lincoln’s early live in Kentucky, head through his presidential win, and learn about the outpouring of grief caused by his assassination. If you find yourself in the Dixon, Illinois, area, stop by Ronald Reagan’s boyhood home, and be sure to watch for construction updates on The Obama Presidential Center, which will celebrate America’s first Black president on the south side of Chicago when it opens. To learn more, visit presidentlincoln.illinois.gov.
Independence Hall
Located in Pennsylvania, Independence Hall is where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were signed. It’s also where President George Washington was appointed Commander in Chief of the Continental Army. Known as the birthplace of America, you can tour the inside of Independence Hall and explore the history within its walls. To learn more, visit nps.gov.
Looking for even more travel destinations in Michigan and beyond? Check out the travel section of hourdetroit.com.
This post has been updated for 2024.
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