USA250: A Celebration to Unite the Nation in Philadelphia — A Student Tour Experience
- Apr 15
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 17
This year, a once-in-a-lifetime tour experience awaits students in Pennsylvania: A chance to be a part of America’s historic 250th birthday, back in the place where it all began!
USA250 is in full swing all year long in Philadelphia, where special events, exhibits, and interactive experiences will tell us the story of the city that birthed a nation. It's America's Field Trip—and you won't want to miss it!
Here are some of the inspiring adventures that await your school on tour with us:
WE THE PEOPLE
Of course, we’ll explore the main attractions of the city, including the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and Signer’s Hall, where you’ll walk alongside 42 life-size, bronze statues of the framers of the U.S. Constitution. But this year, brand new exhibits help to paint a full picture of America's journey to independence.
The Museum of the American Revolution
Until 2027, The Declaration’s Journey is on display at the Museum of the American Revolution. It begins in 1776 with the American colonies’ unexpected victory, and takes visitors through 250 years of American history, featuring remarkable artifacts including:
The Windsor chair where Thomas Jefferson drafted the Declaration
The steel prison bench where Martin Luther King Jr. wrote a Letter from a Birmingham Jail
Handwritten notes by American changemakers including Abraham Lincoln and Eleanor Roosevelt—and more!
The National Constitution Center
Here, two brand-new permanent galleries have been installed.
America’s Founding takes visitors on a journey from tensions with the colonies’ Great Britain through the creation of the Bill of Rights.
And beginning in May, visitors can experience Governing the Nation, an exhibit exploring how the Constitution divvies up power across the three branches of government and between the federal system and the states.
May 27 - July 2
At the "What Now" Festival, Philadelphia will feature local creatives, demonstrating the city’s role as a critical destination for the arts. Here, culture will come alive through moving theatre performances, music, visual art, poetry, interactive installations, and more!
Join a tour to explore iconic Philadelphia museums through the lens of the climate crisis; attend a Tree Planting Festival—the catalyst of a ten-year project to transform a vacant Philly lot into a tiny forest. Or for our student musicians, Bring Your Own Instrument to Germantown and be a part of a real-time, improvised music ensemble like you’ve never experienced before—plus plenty more unique art experiences.
More Philadelphia Student Tour Highlights:
June 13, 2026
A full-day event at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts exploring the evolving story of modern democracy. Topics will range from media literacy and race to the intersection of AI and democracy, and more.
June 19 - July 4, 2026
From Juneteenth to Independence day, Philly will host the largest fourth of July celebration in history. We're predicting lots of fireworks.
Opens July 1
The historic site will reopen for the first time in 50 years with two brand-new exhibits.
Global Sporting Events
Athletes from all over the world will be gathering in Philadelphia throughout the year for the MLB All-Star Game, the FIFA World Cup, and the PGA Championship.
But That's Not All...
There's a reason Philadelphia has been rated one of the top travel destinations for 2026 across the globe—a USA250 tour will expand students' view of America and the entire world, providing a deeper appreciation for America’s history and future. (Not to mention, it's the best place around to grab a killer cheesesteak!)
It’s truly a celebration to unite the nation.
Wondering what else awaits you on this once-in-a-lifetime tour opportunity? Learn more here and start planning your USA250 journey!
