Discover Pennsylvania’s History Along Highway of Heroes

America’s 250^th birthday is the perfect time to celebrate some of the country’s most significant historic sites. Pennsylvania’s Highway of Heroes makes visiting six different sites in one trip not only possible, but perfect for a family road trip.

The Highway of Heroes runs between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, along historic Lincoln Highway (US Route 30). Across this 350-mile route, six historic sites help tell the history of America’s independence and Pennsylvania’s role in it.

Starting in Philadelphia, you’ll want to visit Independence National Historical Park, followed by Valley Forge National Historical Park. Next, the route will take you to Gettysburg National Military Park and Eisenhower National Historic Site, both in the historic town of Gettysburg. You’ll then head on to the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville and round out the trip in Pittsburgh at Fort Pitt Museum at Point State Park.

Each of these sites has its own special place in American history and its own unique story to tell. Independence National Historical Park is the site where the Declaration of Independence was signed, while Gettysburg National Military Park is the site of a historical battle and epic speech.

If you want to commemorate your family’s trip, you can sign up to use the online platform on your mobile device to check in at each of the sites. If you register your visit at all six locations, you’ll get a set of commemorative coins created for the country’s semiquincentennial, along with a decorative display case etched with the words “Highway of Heroes.” If the route is too long for one trip, you don’t have to feel pressured to rush through it all at once. The coin program runs through March 2027, so take your time and make more than one trip out of it.