Military & Veterans Life

4 Battlefields & Museums to Honor American Veterans | Travels with Darley

Darley Newman, WeSalute Travel Correspondent
National Museum of the Marine Corps – Quantico, Virginia

Veterans Day, observed each year on November 11, honors the brave men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. It’s a time for reflection, remembrance, and gratitude — and also an opportunity to better understand the sacrifices of those who fought for freedom by visiting sites that bring history to life. On Travels with Darley, I’ve journeyed to many such places where stories of courage echo through time. Here are four meaningful destinations across America to explore this Veterans Day and travel tips for the journey.

Darley tours Gettysburg National Military Park with licensed guide Britt Isenberg. Britt has studied the Civil War for more than thirty years and has written three books about the subject, making him an example of a great guide to better understand the history at this national park.

1. Gettysburg National Military Park – Pennsylvania

Exploring history at Vicksburg National Cemetery, host Darley Newman reflects at the final resting place of over 17,000 Union soldiers—the largest Union cemetery in the nation. Nearly 13,000 of these brave men remain unknown, a solemn reminder of the human cost of war.There’s perhaps no battlefield more synonymous with sacrifice and turning points than Gettysburg. Walking the rolling fields where Union and Confederate soldiers clashed in July 1863 is a deeply moving experience. In Gettysburg, you can stand on Little Round Top, where critical decisions shaped the outcome of the Civil War, or take a deeper dive into the American Revolution and colonial life in America at the Dobbin House Inn, which dates back to 1776 and once served as a stop on the Underground Railroad.

Gettysburg National Miliary Park’s museum and visitor center help bring the enormity of the battle to life, including the Cyclorama, which allows visitors to step in the middle of Pickett's Charge through an immersive panoramic painting.

Scott Higgins, WeSalute Co-Founder and Executive Chair, is a 1967 graduate of ROTC and Gettysburg College, and a former trustees board member.

Travel Tip:
Book a licensed battlefield guide to contextualize the locations. These local experts bring the stories to life in a way that self-guided tours can’t.

 

2. Vicksburg National Military Park – MississippiDarley Newman tours Quarters One at Rock Island Arsenal with Army Sustainment Command Historian, Kevin Braafladt. Designed by Brevet Brigadier General Thomas J. Rodman and completed in 1871, the 20,000-square-foot Italianate villa features over 50 rooms. It is the second-largest single-family government residence after the White House.

Located in Mississippi, touring Vicksburg National Military Park connects you not just to the strategy and hardship of war, but to the resilience of a community that continues to honor its role in shaping America’s story. Vicksburg was the site of a 47-day siege that ultimately gave the Union control of the Mississippi River. Exploring this vast park, you’ll see preserved fortifications, cannon-lined ridges, the USS Cairo, one of the few surviving Civil War ironclads, and more.

Travel Tip:
Plan to drive the park’s tour road — it follows the lines of battle and includes stops at key fortifications, memorials, and the restored USS Cairo. There are lots of options for interesting area accommodations, including historic inns and B&Bs like the Inn at Cedar Grove and Anchuca.

 

3. Rock Island Arsenal Museum – Illinois

Many travelers don’t realize that they can visit an active U.S. Army installation at Rock Island Arsenal, located on an island in the Mississippi River in the Quad Cities. Visitors can explore the Rock Island Arsenal Museum, pay their respects at the National Cemetery, and tour the historic Colonel Davenport House. You can also stop by the Mississippi River Visitor Center to watch ships pass through the locks — a fascinating look at the region’s working waterways.

During my visit, I stepped inside the stately Quarters One with historian Kevin Braafladt, who shared that it remains the second-largest federally owned residence in the United States, second only to the White House in size. Beyond the displays, visitors can learn about the arsenal’s critical role in supplying troops through multiple conflicts — from the Civil War to today. The site also includes the Rock Island National Cemetery, a serene and solemn place for remembrance.

Travel Tip:
Bring a valid government-issued ID — the museum is located on an active military base, and visitors must pass through a security checkpoint. Combine your visit with a stop at nearby downtown Davenport or Moline for downtown dining and scenic Mississippi River views.

Darley Newman at the National Museum of the Marine Corps with marine and PR director, Gwenn Adams, and marine and docent, Wally Jabs. Adjacent to Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, and under the command of Marine Corps University, the design of the Museum evokes the images of the flag raisers of Iwo Jima. Visitors would enjoy world-class interpretive exhibits with innovative technology and unique artifacts and immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of Marines in action.

4. National Museum of the Marine Corps – Quantico, Virginia

Quantico, Virginia is home to the National Museum of the Marine Corps, where interesting architecture is the first step into a journey into American military history. Shaped like the iconic image of Marines raising the flag at Iwo Jima, this museum is both architecturally striking and emotionally powerful. Inside, immersive exhibits trace the history of the Marine Corps from its founding in 1775 to modern-day conflicts. Visitors can walk through recreated battle environments, including snowy landscapes from the Korean War — and experience firsthand the courage, camaraderie, and sacrifice that define the Marines. Travelers may also experience what boot camp training is like to imagine if they may have what it takes to become a Marine.

Travel Tip:
You’ll want to allow a few hours to explore this dynamic museum. Many of the professionals who work and volunteer here are Marines, so make sure to ask questions and listen on your visit! Combine your visit with a short drive to nearby Prince William Forest Park for a scenic hike and to learn about area spy history and the Washington Rochambeau Trail, both aspects of this national park’s history.

Traveling to these historic places is more than sightseeing — it’s an experience that brings you to the heart of American resilience and service. Each site offers a chance to connect with the people and stories that shaped our nation and to reflect on the meaning of Veterans Day. Whether standing on hallowed ground at Gettysburg, exploring the trenches at Vicksburg, immersing yourself in Marine Corps history at Quantico, or exploring history alongside the Mississippi

River on Rock Island, take the time to reflect on these travels. You’re sure to bring home more than you set out to discover.


About the Author: Explore the world with travel expert Darley Newman, the host and producer of the long-running, Emmy Award–winning TV and streaming series Travels with Darley. In her adventures, Darley discovers history, culture, food, and outdoor experiences that connect viewers to the heart of each destination.

Watch and listen to Travels with Darley at Darley-Newman.com, where history and adventure meet across America’s most meaningful places. Catch the TV series on PBS stations, YouTube (Darley.link/youtube), and Tubi, and tune in to the Travels with Darley podcast (Darley.link/podcast).

Follow Darley’s journeys in real time @darleynewman on all social platforms and @TravelswithDarley on Facebook.

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