America 250 Tourism: How Destinations Can Win Big in 2026

America’s 250th birthday is coming and it’s a huge moment for travel and tourism.
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In 2026, the United States turns 250. This milestone will attract national attention, cultural programming, and a wave of travelers looking for meaningful ways to connect with American history. For destination marketing organizations, it’s a once-in-a-generation opportunity to boost visibility, drive visitation and strengthen their community pride.

Why American 250 Could Be a Big Win for You

This moment goes far beyond major metros or well-known historic sites. Travelers are interested in local stories and authentic experiences. This puts small towns, mid-size cities and rural destinations in a strong position.

If you’re wondering “How can we turn local history into a visitor experience?” Your visitors are looking for more than sightseeing! They’re looking for experiences that are personalized and easy to access. DMO’s can step in by curating travel opportunities that connect the dots between history, culture, and local pride. And in doing so, they can bring measurable economic impact to their community.

Planning for America 250 Tourism

Create story-first itineraries

Now’s the time to highlight the lesser-known chapters of your history. Build experiences around underrepresented narratives like black history, Indigenous stories, women in your region’s development, or contributions from veterans. Local stories make national moments feel personal.

Curate a trail

Create a themed itinerary visitors can follow, whether it’s historic buildings, iconic restaurants and bars, murals or landmarks. Digital passes powered by Bandwango can help track visits, drive foot traffic, and reward completion.

See how Visit Cumberland Valley is already showcasing their regions history with the Carlisle History Walk pass

Make it interactive

Use tools like QR codes, scavenger hunts, or location-based trivia to turn sightseeing into an experience. Offer exclusive prizes for those who complete the journey: local goods, branded gear, or commemorative keepsakes tied to America 250 or your locations history. Add layers like audio clips and video to keep engagement high. The more sensory and story-driven journey, the more memorable it becomes.

Host local events

Tie celebrations to your community’s unique history or cultural milestones. Focus on what makes your destination special.

Make it easy with Bandwango

You don’t need a full in-house team or long timelines to pull this off. Bandwango makes it easy to build digital experiences that drive real results. You can launch a pass quickly, track performance in real time, and adapt as you go.

If you’re thinking about launching an America 250 campaign, we’d love to help you bring it to life. Our tools are built for moments like this: high-impact, community-centered, and designed to meet travelers whey they are.

Don’t Wait Until 2026

The moment is coming fast. The destinations that start planning now will be the ones that stand out when the spotlight hits. America 250 is the chance to tell your locations story, welcome new visitors and highlight your mark in America.

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Let’s get your destination on the map! Book a demo with our team here.