These cities are full of many other exciting attractions as well. If you want to see Albert Pujols and the St. Louis Cardinals for instance, we’ll also send you to the St. Louis Zoo and to the top of the St. Louis Arch, symbolizing the Gateway to the West. For a tour around Yankee Stadium, we’ll fill your itinerary with observation decks like Top of the Rock and a stroll through Central Park.

But what about one of the oldest franchises in the country? The Boston Red Sox certainly have a layered history, and they are known for some of the most fiercely loyal fans in the nation. Fenway Park is therefore a thrill for any baseball fan with its long history with the sport. Because of this, a trip to see the Red Sox play or to tour Fenway might make it to your to-do list whether you’re specifically a Boston fan or not. If so, here are some of the other attractions you’ll want to include in Boston educational tours.

Boston Public Garden

You can’t miss this Boston beauty when you visit in warm weather. The Swan Boats are out, the flowers are blooming, and residents and tourists alike find perspective in the comforting walkways and beneath the majestic trees.

Faneuil Hall Marketplace

There’s a lot of history in the indoor markets you’ll find here and plenty of Boston culture throughout. There’s a variety of shopping and dining to make your Boston visit complete. You’ll even find attractions that just may seem familiar.

USS Constitution

It’s the oldest, still-afloat, still-commissioned ship in the United States. You may recognize it by the nickname Old Ironsides, and you’ll certainly want to visit and get the story from the specially commissioned officers on board.

DUCK Tours and/or Codzilla

One of our favorite ways to familiarize travelers with a new city is on the water. DUCKS are the military-born, amphibious vehicles that tour cities across the nation by taking their guests on land and into the water. Codzilla is Boston’s famous speed boat, its painted teeth merely a foreshadowing of the entertainment you’re in for as your guide points out the sights.

Museum of Science

This huge and exciting museum will interest anyone. The IMAX is one of the largest in the world, adding to the fun. You may be able to enter the museum with a small interest in science, but it’s bound to grow before you leave.

Boston is an exciting city with rich, historical treasure and modern culture as well. These are just a few of its highlights and some of the attractions to consider if you head the way of Fenway Park.

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It was our guide who suggested the cruise-by. Ferries carry guests several times a day to the Statue of Liberty and to Ellis Island. Our guide suggested we ride it straight to Ellis Island. The cruise provided a beautiful view of Lady Liberty, but stopping there would have taken time away from the rest of our itinerary. And our guide suggested a stop there might not add that much to our experience. So instead, we remained on the boat, moved and awed by the close-up view, then further inspired as our guide quoted the powerful inscription at her feet.

Ellis Island is a remarkable historical attraction in a City best known for its modern sights, theater, and activities. I dare you to visit the wide open spaces and smaller museum ones without feeling deeply inspired by the beginning of things. It’s so remarkable to see the poor and troubled faces that entered our country through Ellis Island. To realize that those who arrived as lower class birthed children and grandchildren who owned their own businesses, acquired their own land, and contributed greatly to the growth of our nation.

The Ellis Island Museum tells the stories of these immigrants through photographs, literature, and artifacts. You’ll learn about early Americans from many different cultures, with different languages and faiths. You’ll see the process they had to go through at Ellis Island. And through that, you’ll marvel at their determination – perhaps, their desperation – for a better life.

Consider Ellis Island and a Statue of Liberty cruise for all New York City educational tours.

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Though a well-established educational center, this museum is located in a  new facility. Each new story, exhibit, and educational center – all dedicated on Sunday, April 19, 2009 – represent a brand new focus on the Holocaust and the lessons we must take away from it. President Bill Clinton gave the key note address at the opening. His prominent endorsement was only fitting for a museum and learning center that should become a centerpiece for the education of students everywhere.

Remembering the Holocaust brings with it all kinds of opportunity for teaching. Administrators can focus on compassion and empathy, on bigotry, and how these things look in our world today. This museum embraces each of these learning opportunities, presenting them in fascinating exhibits, through the words and pictures of survivors. Students will even understand the lessons in the context of genocides that have taken place more recently and those still happening today.

One prominent section of the Illinois Holocaust Museum is designed specifically for younger children. You can confidently share this exhibit with your middle graders, who will appreciate its interactive and hands-on activities, which help students place themselves in the world and literally view their impact on it. Through these exhibits, students will be inspired to “Make a Difference.”

A beautiful facility, an incomparable learning experience, and an important time of remembrance, the Illinois Holocaust Museum is one of Chicago’s newest and brightest features for students. Don’t forget it when planning your next educational tour.

Photo by kongtemplation on Flickr.

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You recognize this guy, right? Photographed here by David Paul Ohmer on Flickr, this is the charging bull sculpture located a couple blocks from the New York stock exchange and meant to symbolize the strength and power of the American people. The media often still uses it today to reflect optimism in the stock market.

With that in mind, you probably haven’t seen a lot of it lately. That is, unless you got a glimpse of it the day people were praying to it for a positive change in the economy. And whether you’ve ever seen it in the media or not, this New York City icon is definitely a must for New York student travel.

To get the most from your view of the beast, it might help to know a little more about it. The famous bull was the sole idea of its sculptor and was originally placed on Wall Street without anyone’s permission. It was sculpted and placed there after the stock market crash of 1987. Apparently the police impounded it, but the people cried out for its return. I think it’s a fascinating story. I appreciate so much when artists find a way to raise our awareness as well as our hopes.

A lot of educational tours to New York City include a visit to the famous bull of the financial district. It is one of the most photographed attractions in the city. It certainly seems to capture the American spirit in many ways as well as the spirit of the powerful daily energy on Wall Street. As in the game of Pitt, which mimics the stock exchange, the bull counts for you if you win – but way, way against you if you lose.

I think it’s a bit much to pray to the guy. But I definitely like the idea of a little tangible inspiration to keep us believing in our ability to get through any difficulty and come out as American, and as full of possibility, as ever. It’s a bit of hope we keep coming back to over and over, something we all need reminded of even today.

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Not that reading didn’t open my eyes to some pretty cool things. As I read about the different parts to each memorial, I was amazed. Before then I hadn’t realized there were so many parts to any given memorial and that each part held significance. E.g., Oh, it’s not just a statue of the guy, his words are inscribed behind him! Very cool.

So I read, and I felt inspired, and then I wrote about every bronze and granite piece and the artistic design and inspirational words that make up each of the amazing monuments and memorials on and around the National Mall.

THEN I WENT TO THEM.

I stood at President Lincoln’s feet and marveled at how much more larger than life he seemed in real life. Then I saw the sun set over the reflecting pool beyond it. I walked around the soldiers in the Korean Memorial, moved by the intense expressions on their faces (pictured above). I ran my hand along the pillars that make up the World War II Memorial. And, it only took me a moment to realize, no reading can compare to actually being there.

The thing that struck me the most was the amazing detail in every memorial we visited. Suddenly I wanted both the experience of being there and the written literature on everything I looked at. Why did they use that material and what was the process like to choose the design? Why the wreaths at the World War II Memorial? Does every face on the Korean Memorial Wall mean something specific or were some themes repeated? I was astounded over and over by these details. I’d read enough to know that the designers of these memorials put thought into each and every aspect, and suddenly I was fascinated to know each and every one.

The monuments and memorials on the National Mall are practically a given for Washington DC group travel tours of any kind. And all I can say is, look closer. Don’t rush through these deeply inspiring scenes. I would even recommend you take a guide with you or interesting literature, because there’s so much more in every detail than you can imagine just by looking.

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This is a picture of the inside of it. I sometimes describe the outside as a giant dollop of concrete sour cream. Do you know it? Never fear if you don’t. You know I’m going to tell you.

This unique photograph is the inside of the Guggenheim Museum in New York City. It is both a gallery of art and an artistic masterpiece itself, designed with a sprawling downward spiral for the art lovers who view the amazing collection within. And it’s one of the premier art museums in the world.

The Guggenheim was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, one of the most prominent architects in American history, which is why the building makes a great stop for students in architecture.

The Guggenheim was made (and filled) by people with beautiful philosophy. The pieces inside come from private collections and so they are arranged not chronologically or really any kind of logically. They are arranged in groupings as they might be displayed and showcased in a home. Similarly, the architect designed his buildings with thoughts far bigger than bricks and mortar. Frank Lloyd Wright believed that beautifully designed buildings make a difference in our lives. And this certainly seems true of the Guggenheim.

Photo by Evelyn Proimos on Flickr.

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It’s called the Illuminations Tour, and I had understood it to be somewhat of a drive-by. I thought groups were loaded on buses and driven around the National Mall and the rest of DC’s famous spots, so that they could view the pretty sights lighted up after dark. My Illuminations experience was quite a bit richer and more personal than that. But I did learn some things along the way.

Our first stop was the Lincoln Memorial, and the sun went down while we were there. We didn’t see it in its fully lit beauty until later. It wasn’t fully dark yet when we reached the Vietnam War Memorial either. The full effect – the first memorial I witnessed after dark – and only after dark was the Korean War Memorial.

Do you know much about that one? It’s perfect for educational travel and it’s a part of the National Mall, so I’m sure you’ll see it if you ever visit. And it’s nice to know a bit about what you’re getting into. This memorial has several parts, most notably the larger-than-life soldiers which appear to be walking through a field of juniper. They represent several races, several branches of the army. And their faces truly are haunting, perhaps especially after dark while lit from below.

A second portion of the memorial is a wall with images engraved that represent many, many other jobs in the military. (Our guide helped us engage with the images by listing things to find and discover – I definitely recommend this for student groups). And here’s where I will introduce the tip.

While at the Korean War Memorial, though it was beautiful and haunting in the lights, I wished – well – that I could see better. That feeling was reinforced at the World War II Memorial with its beautiful pillars and fountains and decorative wreaths and so much detail. I felt certain I was missing some of that detail by only seeing them in the dark.

My final feeling was that the Illuminations Tour of the Washington DC monuments and memorials is absolutely not to be missed. Still, I think the best way to experience this most moving part of Washington DC is to view them during the daylight as well. There’s too much here to only view after dark.

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This ship is often referred to by its nickname, Old Ironsides. It got the name because of the way enemy fire seemed to bounce right off of its strong metal sides. Because of its status as a still-commissioned ship, the guides on board are all active-duty officers – part of the special units all around our nation. I love that. It seems like the perfect way to celebrate our rich history and the heroes of our past as well as show support for our military today.

You can view the USS Constitution through Boston educational tours and graduation trips. There is a ton of history to add to any student tour in the Boston area, and the USS Constitution is a thrilling place to begin.

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I was able to experience one of these in June of this year. It’s the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, sometimes called the Tomb of the Unknowns, as it has never been officially named. You can find it in Washington D.C., and it really must be added to all educational tours in that direction.

The remains in the tomb are of soldiers from World War I, World War II, and the Korean War. (The soldier from the Vietnam War has now been identified and his former place in the tomb remains empty). But these remains represent every member of the armed forces who fell unnamed. The inscription reads, “Here Rests In Honored Glory An American Soldier Known But To God.” While visiting with a tour guide, our group learned that hopefully that Vietnam soldier, now identified, represents that last unknown soldier to die in action.

The most moving part of this attraction is the changing of the guard. The tomb is guarded 24 hours a day by a member of the US 3rd Infantry. This infantry has been in combat for every war and conflict, including the war in Iraq. Members of the Infantry stand guard over this tomb as the ultimate symbol of brotherhood and respect for our fallen heroes.

The soldier on duty walks before the tomb for 21 steps. He then stands in a salute for the same number of seconds before returning to a pace. The number 21 is symbolic of the 21-gun salute, which is the highest honor bestowed on any dignitary or military official. Also fascinating is the white glove inspection given to each soldier as he takes his place at the tomb. It is all a very beautiful gesture and an amazing example of the excellence of our trained military men and women.

I think it’s so beautiful the many ways our military serves us and the ways its members honor each other, and this is the perfect attraction to see this in person.

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New York City is, of course, one of the top five US destinations for student travel. We love it for all kinds of tours, group travel, museum tours, even for themed travel since it offers so many attractions for any interest, including art, architecture, theater, film, and any number of historical themes. When we went in the spring, we determined to see for ourselves many of the attractions often included in itineraries for students. Of course, a couple observation decks made the list.

Before I went, I understood there to be some debate about which observation deck was the best – the Empire State Building or Top of the Rock. I knew the ESB probably held the most sentimental draw but had heard that Top of the Rock actually offered the better user experience. I couldn’t wait to decide for sure.

Since returning, I’ve given my opinion several times that the above is basically true. I had a wonderful and personal experience at the ESB. We were given the VIP tour. We were able to avoid the lines and see things most groups won’t. But here’s the sadness: I only took three pictures. THREE. (You can see one of them above). And I’ve learned that when you are taking in so many new and unfamiliar attractions at once, your only chance at remembering them in detail and truly reliving the experience is if you write down every moment and/or take a ton of pictures. Therefore, the truth is, my ESB experience has almost left me.

At Top of the Rock, I took pictures of every possible view, including – and this is the important part – the observation deck itself. Now I can relive not just what the city looks like from Top of the Rock but I can relive Top of the Rock itself – the wide and spacious deck with its clear safety glass for protection and the slots between them perfect for sticking a camera lens through to take unobstructed pictures.

These are the details I cannot remember from the Empire State Building. I’ve been describing the photo above as the observation deck there, because I’d forgotten one very important detail. This is a photograph of the observation deck on the 102nd floor. It’s completely enclosed with the metal you see in the photo and it requires an upgraded ticket for admission. The more common 86th floor observatory is more open, and I wish I’d taken a picture of it – of people standing on it, leaning over to view Manhattan from its height.

I have to confess that even with my foggy memory, I do remember the ESB observation deck to be quite a bit more crowded and more narrow than the one at Top of the Rock. It was difficult at the Empire State Building to find space at the ledge for an unobstructed view. But I’ve definitely done it an injustice to remember it only as the one in the picture. And I’ve been told since that it’s open late and that the view is absolutely incomparable at night.

This is why I absolutely have to go back. I can’t truly write about New York City group travel without another glimpse, without better photographic evidence of the experience on the 86th floor observation deck at the Empire State Building. And at night. It’s an absolute must.

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