Henry Ford once said “Anyone who keeps learning stays young.” There’s also a philosophy that travel keeps you young. Idea – combine them both and you may come back from your next adventure feeling years younger. Here are a few ideas where everyone along for the ride on your next adventure can learn something new:
Let’s start with Mr. Ford himself – the man responsible for the assembly line for mass production. At the Dearborn-based Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, visitors can learn all about innovations that changed the world through a variety of exhibits as well as explore Greenfield Village, a collection of historic buildings related to some of our greatest inventors including Thomas Edison, the Wright Brothers and Luther Burbank. The Giant Screen Experience offers information films, some in 3D, about such interesting topics ranging from wildlife to the rainforest and aerospace. St. Clair RV Campground is the best spot to stay when visiting the museum. For information on the museum, visit thehenryford.org.
Even those not so interested in space travel will find something amazing during a visit to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama. Book a stay at Hidden Cove RV Campground in nearby Arley and you’re less than 75 miles from the Center. The exhibits and hands-on experiences are truly amazing here from the Underwater Astronaut Training Adventures to a ride on the G-Force Accelerator, plus movies, memorabilia, and much more, even adults-only Cocktails and Cosmos events. Don’t miss Space Craze: A Space-Age Journey through Pop Culture, an exhibit that highlights how the space craze took over every part of our culture.
Living history museums are an interesting way to get a glimpse into what life was like in other eras and there are several in the U.S. that provide solid history lessons. Consider Virginia’s Colonial Williamsburg, considered the largest outdoor living history museum in the country, which offers visitors insight into life in the 18th century. Spread over 300 acres, there’s a blacksmith shop, an apothecary, foundry, cabinet maker, and a courthouse (plus much more), all appearing as they were in the 18th century. Plan a stay at Williamsburg RV Campground and get ready to experience life in the 18th century. Another living history museum depicting early settler life in America can be found at Plimoth Patuxet Museums in Plymouth, Massachusetts. Not only can visitors see how the Pilgrims lived but also learn about the Native peoples who were indigenous to Patuxet. Gateway to Cape Cod is just 30 miles away. Florida’s Ponce de Leon Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park in St. Augustine (book at stay at Bulow RV) features a reconstructed Timucuan village to show what life was like for the Spanish settlers in the 1600s while Indiana’s Conner Prairie recreates life along the White River in the 19th century. Indian Lakes RV Campground is a great place to camp if you’re planning to visit Conner Prairie.
Want to become an expert on condiments, specifically mustard? Then visit the National Mustard Museum in Middleton, Wisconsin (less than 50 miles from Blackhawk RV Camping Resort) and learn all about mustard, plus enjoy some mustard tastings and view vintage mustard pots and other mustard memorabilia. Tasty fun and a learning experience for the whole family – even those who don’t believe mustard belongs on a hot dog! For information, visit mustardmuseum.com.
If hanging ten has been a goal for the whole gang, consider surfing lessons in San Diego while staying at nearby Pio Pico RV Resort and Campground. The San Diego Surfing Academy offers it all from equipment rental to individual or group lessons as well as surf camp. For details, visit sandiegosurfingacademy.com. Maybe fly fishing has piqued everyone’s interest – head to the Pacific Northwest where there are plenty of outfitters offering classes. River Borne Outfitters (riverborneoutfitters.com) is an option when staying at Bend-Sunriver RV Campground. Campers at Thousand Trails Leavenworth should check out Family Lines Fly Fishing Academy (familylinesflyfishing.com) which offers courses and workshops on all things fly fishing.
Read More:
- Enjoy the great outdoors in one of the most beautiful parts of the country: the Pacific Northwest.
- Plan a visit to Walla Walla, Washington, for world class wine and agritourism!
- Learn more about the Northwest’s iconic outdoors brand: Columbia Activewear.
- Looking for some inspo for your next trip? Plan a Virginia vacation and take in all the state has to offer.
- Find more campgrounds at ThousandTrails.com.