5 Memorial Day Trip Ideas That Celebrate God’s Gifts of Freedom

It may seem contradictory to put Washington, D.C., and celebrating freedom of religion in the same sentence, but there are some great ways to make Memorial Day memorable with a road trip to our nation’s capital. The Museum of the Bible has some amazing exhibits, speakers, and even theatrical productions. These powerful visuals and informational sessions offer some deep and interesting learning experiences related to growth and a deeper understanding of the Bible, its history, and its relevance for living life today. 

There are also some additional interesting things to see and do nearby that can be connected to the holiday, such as the Arlington National Cemetery, the Memorial Day Parade, and The National Museum of American History and exhibit of the flag that inspired the national anthem. You might even decide to opt for an Old Town Trolley Tour and escape parking headaches while checking out some of the most notorious Washington D.C. locations. 

Photo Credit: ©Facebook/Museum of the Bible

The fact that our Constitution grants us the freedom to have open, public discussions about the Bible and Christianity is a blessing we probably take for granted unless we’ve actually talked to someone from another country or visited a communist country. The National Voice of America Museum is something of a hidden gem in the northern Cincinnati, Ohio area that gives the history of America’s incredible role during World War I and World War II. It’s amazing to see the progression of media and technology with the many displays. Guided tours with highly knowledgeable docents who are very eager to answer questions are also available. There are plenty of other things to do in the area after the visit, or as a follow-up if you stay for a day or two, such as visiting Kings Island amusement park, Scene 75, or maybe take a little journey to Northern Kentucky and visit the Creation Museum.

Photo Credit: ©Facebook/National Voice of America Museum of Broadcasting

The American Dream means different things to different people. American citizens are blessed to have the freedom to discover their giftings and passions and find a direction to make it happen because of the way our Constitution is constructed and the protections of our top-notch military. Wright-Patterson Air Force Museum in Dayton, Ohio, is a great way to remember the blessing of freedom, and check out some really interesting displays that highlight the wars America has fought. Other points of interest include the military hardware used, simulators for the kids, the IMAX theatre, a walkthrough exhibit of Presidential airplanes throughout history, and so much more. A few other interesting places to check out nearby include the children’s Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, Carillon Historical Park, and the Five Rivers Metro Park’s Festival at RiverScape. If you choose to visit RiverScape, be sure to bring your bike if you enjoy biking. Ohio has the most extensive paved trail network in the nation. For details, click here and here. 

Photo Credit: © Facebook/Air Force Museum Foundation

What a blessing it is to live in a country that isn’t a dictatorship and doesn’t have a communist government! One really fun and unique way to celebrate that freedom could be by visiting the National Constitution Center. This museum is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and has exhibits and programs that highlight the nation’s founding, Civil War, the original draft of the Bill of Rights, a First Amendment exhibit, and so much more.

A few other interesting places to visit that are fairly close by include Museum of the American Revolution, Grounds For Sculpture, Elmwood Park Zoo (which is huge and may very well take an entire day), and Shady Brook Farm. In fact, Memorial Day is the very first day of the Strawberry Festival at Shady Brook Farm, which not only offers good eats, but also concerts and fun for the kids.  

Photo Credit: ©Facebook/Campus Philly

If it seems like respect has been dwindling or maybe even lost for what the American flag represents, Memorial Day weekend might be the perfect time to visit The House of Flags Museum in Columbus, North Carolina as a way to rekindle your own love for the flag and share the impact with others in your sphere of influence. This gem of patriotism holds 300 flags and offers a tour highlighting “Defenders of Freedom” (military service and religious flags), “Birth of a Nation” (flags from America’s founding and Revolutionary War eras), “The Price of Liberty” (flags from the 1812 War, Texas Republic, WWII and more), “Liberty Cap Flags” (highlighting America’s earliest symbol of freedom), and a “United States of America” room, which displays all 27 official American flags, plus state and territory flags. Other interesting things to do near there include visiting the Columbus Farmers Market (which offers homemade goods and crafts), visit Stearns Park, where you can enjoy a picnic lunch in a beautiful scenic area and let the kids burn off some energy, then take a short drive to Shunkawauken Falls and White Oak Mountain, where you can also take the family on a beautiful hike.  

Photo Credit: © YouTube/Wanderful World of Travel