America's strong sense of pride, most commonly referred to as patriotism, is the envy of many nations around the world.
The country's unique and complex combination of rich history, globally-influenced culture, and communities ranging from charming small towns to bustling major cities is, well, all-American.
If you're looking for inspiration for your next adventure, consider checking out some of the most patriotic towns in America. As a bonus, most of them are postcard-perfect and also have vibrant foodie and entertainment scenes.
7 Patriotic Towns in America
From places you've almost certainly never heard of to some of the most iconic destinations in the country, here are some of the most patriotic towns in America.
Boston, Massachusetts
With significant ties to the United States' earliest history, it should come as no surprise that Boston is one of the country's most patriotic towns.
People travel to Boston from all over the world, hoping to get just a taste of American history. Visit the Boston Tea Party ships, follow the 2.5-mile path of the Freedom Trail, or head to the nearby Plimoth Plantation, where pilgrims settled the very first colony in 1620.
Boston (all of Massachusetts, technically) even has an official Patriots Day holiday, commemorating the important Battle of Lexington and Concord.
Bristol, Rhode Island
Much of Rhode Island, Bristol included, pre-dates the Revolutionary War — by an entire century. You could say that American pride runs deep here, in the smallest U.S. state.
Picturesque, quiet Bristol transforms in mid-June, in anticipation of the 4th of July. This small town is home to the longest-running Independence Day celebration in the country, called the Military, Civic, and Firemen's Parade. The show has gone on, so to speak, continuously since 1785.
The celebration consistently draws well over 200,000 people to Bristol, a town with just over 22,000 residents. You're unlikely to find a business that isn't decked out in red, white, and blue, cementing Bristol's status as one of the most patriotic towns in America.
Cooperstown, New York
There's no denying that baseball is America's pastime. So it makes perfect sense that Cooperstown, the place that baseball was essentially born in the U.S., is one of the most patriotic towns in America.
An obvious first stop is the National Baseball Hall of Fame, but there's a ton more Americana to see in this scenic upstate New York town. Visit the Farmer's Museum, a unique working farm that doubles as an homage to the grit and determination of 19th century farmers. The town also has a genuinely surprising foodie and craft beverage scene, so bring your appetite.
Gallup, New Mexico
Gallup's official nickname is "America's Most Patriotic Small Town." How's that for credible?!
The northwestern New Mexico town's patriotism runs especially deep when it comes to the U.S. Armed Forces. A significant number of people from Gallup have historically served (and still do!), spanning all branches of the military and going back several generations.
WWI, WWII, and the Korean, Vietnam, and Gulf Wars, as well as Afghanistan, have all been fought by Gallup locals. Of special note, several Navajo Code Talkers who fought in WWII came from Gallup. To this day, this is the only verbal military code that has never been successfully decrypted!
If you visit, don't miss the Veteran's Memorial, with individual columns paying tribute to those who have served.
Keystone, South Dakota
Better known as the home of Mount Rushmore (i.e., perhaps the most iconic symbol of America out there), Keystone is hands-down one of the most patriotic towns in the U.S.
If you have the opportunity, visit Mount Rushmore during a summer evening, when nightly lighting ceremonies take place. Not only is it physically beautiful, but you'll learn a great deal about the grit, determination, bravery, and, well, patriotism that went into constructing the monument.
Aside from Mount Rushmore, Keystone also displays its strong sense of patriotism in the American flags displayed seemingly everywhere. Plus, fun fact, Keystone is almost the dead-center of the United States geographically. That has its own patriotic ring to it!
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Much like Boston, patriotism is synonymous with Philadelphia. Many would argue that the City of Brotherly Love is even more patriotic, in fact. After all, the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution were signed here.
To experience the all-American aspects of Philly for yourself, start with a visit to the Liberty Bell and a tour of Independence Hall — right across from one another inside Independence National Historical Park and both completely free (though you do need a timed reservation at Independence Hall). The Museum of the American Revolution is a worthy stop here, also.
If you can time your visit to coincide with 4th of July, it'll be easy to see just why Philadelphia is one of the most patriotic towns in America. The whole city comes alive, but the highlight is the live reading of the Declaration of Independence at Independence Hall.
Tupelo, Mississippi
Named an All-America City a whopping five times by the National Civic League, it's safe to say that Tupelo is one of the country's most patriotic towns. Only seven cities total share that same distinction, and no other cities in the South do.
So what makes Tupelo so patriotic? A large part of it is civic engagement and community pride, with lots of local events and volunteer opportunities — and, of course, a healthy dose of Southern hospitality.
The other huge part of Tupelo's patriotism is its massive and widely-known annual 4th of July celebration. The family-friendly (and totally free!) bash is the largest in the region, attracting visitors from several states in any direction.
Have you been to any of these patriotic small towns in America? Are there any you think we have to check out, or that deserve to be on our list?
Wherever your all-American travels take you, don't forget to get some patriotic travel souvenirs! The Wander Club's Shop Travel Tokens and Token Holders are an easy choice, with their stylish designs, portability, and customization. We have a little of everything: city and state tokens, tokens for landmarks, and many others!
