10 “Herstory” Destinations

There are a many inspirational spots across the United States where women have played important roles in shaping our nation’s story. If you’re planning a future trip with girlfriends, mothers or daughters, why not make a side trip to one of them?

Immerse yourself in a special place, a woman’s story, and our place in history with some of these great locations.

Santa Few, New Mexico
Georgia O’Keefe

An iconic figure, O’Keefe was an important American Modernist who painted the stunning architect and landscapes of New Mexico. A local museum houses her impressive work and her home and studio in nearby Abiquiu are also significant artistic sites in the southwest.

Savannah, Georgia
Juliette Gordon Low

Visit the birthplace of Low, a multi-talented woman who founded the Girl Scouts in 1912 and became one of the most significant American women of her time. She gave girls of America a window into the world the career opportunities, outdoor activities and fun they so desperately wanted when she founded the Girl Scouts.

Auburn, New York
Harriet Tubman

A renowned leader in the Underground Railroad movement, Tubman established the Home for the Aged here. Born into slavery, she gained her freedom through escape. She then guided as many to freedom and spent her life dedicated to helping former slaves, especially children and the elderly.

The Everglades, Florida

Marjory Stoneman Douglas

Known as the “Defender of the Everglades,” her book, The Everglades: River of Grass was published in 1947, the year Everglades National Park was established. It soon became the definitive description of the natural treasure Douglas fought so hard to protect.

Atchison, Kansas

Amelia Earhart

A celebrated aviator and the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic, visit the museum and house where Earhart was born and raised, and where her aviation dreams first took flight.

Honolulu, Hawaii
Queen Lydia Liliuokalani

The last reigning monarch of the Hawaiian Islands, her mission was to preserve the islands for its native residents. In 1898 when Hawaii was annexed to the U.S., she was forced to give up her throne. The Iolani Palace is the official residence of Hawaii’s monarchy and a National Historic Landmark. Not a bad excuse to get to Hawaii!

Mansfield, Missouri
Laura Ingalls Wilder

Visit the historic home and museum where the much-loved “Little House” books were written. Wilder’s stories captured the pioneering spirit of survival on the American prairie. Her engaging tales of a young girl’s life on the untamed frontier are still cherished by young readers throughout the world today.

Washington/Oregon coastline
Sacagawea

A key member of the Corps of Discovery, the young Shoshone woman was instrumental in helping Lewis and Clark make the long trip to the Pacific coast and back. She logged 4,356 miles through harsh territory, all with an infant son in tow. The Lewis and Clark National Park spreads across the coastline beginning at Cape Disappointment State Park where the group first realized their mission to reach the Pacific Ocean.

For more ideas, visit the National Park Service to find a host of National Historic Sites where women have made history at www.nps.gov