The Most Patriotic Place In Every State

The Fourth of July tends to bring out the patriot in all of us.

But if you're not having a backyard barbecue or meeting friends at the beach, where can you go to celebrate that patriotism?

Turns out, there are many places.

In fact, here are our choices for the most patriotic place in every state.

American Village is basically an homage to the USA. It features such great sites as Washington Hall, inspired by Mount Vernon; a replica of the Oval Office from The White House; and a 'living history' museum that is simply the place to be on Independence Day with superb, poignant re-enactments from events in American history.

There are several great places to witness the Northern Lights in Alaska, including Juneau, Anchorage and Barrow, among others. But Fairbanks is the best spot. And while far more than just Americans can see the Northern Lights, it is nonetheless patriotic - and makes you certainly believe in a higher being.

There is nothing - nothing - more Americana than putting the top down and riding through the Southwest on old Route 66. From the kitschy attractions to the greasy spoon diners, this is what it's all about.

It's been a museum since 1947 to house the numerous exhibits from the state's history, but this building is the oldest surviving state capitol west of the Mississippi River. Surviving being the optimum word there, as Union troops actually occupied the Old State House at one point during the Civil War.

San Diego is a military town, for sure, with several bases located here. So it comes as no surprise that its top family attraction is the USS Midway, arguably one of the most famous aircraft carriers in American history. Take the tour, see the museum, and soak in US military might.

Tomorrow's top guns are right here at the USAF Academy. The next generation of flight leaders come through Colorado and learn all about aviation, from every single aspect. Like at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and the Naval Academy in Annapolis, the pomp and circumstance give you goosebumps.

From Groton to Rochambeau's Route, the tiny state is loaded with big-time historical sites from the Revolutionary War. In fact, George Washington called Connecticut 'The Provision State' for its ability to come up with food, goods and ammunition to support American troops.

Delaware had the distinction and honor to be the first state in the newly formed union, and that alone should be a patriotic reason to visit. But along its famous beaches are a series of 'watch towers', built by the U.S. Army early during World War II has lookouts against possible German U-boat infiltration. The one in Cape Henlopen is open to the public.

You can't get much more historical or patriotic than this northern Florida city. Because the moment you touch the ground, you just set foot in the oldest city in America. Settled the Spaniards in 1565, more than half-a-century before Plymouth Rock.

The only four-term President in the history of the country, Franklin Delano Roosevelt had this house built while he was still Governor of New York in the late 1920s and early '30s. He loved the comforting 88-degree spring waters that made his polio more bearable. It's now a museum.

Prior to 9/11, the sneak attack on U.S. Naval Forces at Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941 - a date that will live in infamy - resulted in the greatest loss of lives on U.S. soil. While certainly patriotic, it is also a stark, somber visit.

By now you know the story of the young Indian girl known as Sacajawea, the incredible guide who helped explorers Lewis and Clark on their famed expedition west. This is her birthplace and includes a ton of history and interactive displays for all ages.

This is where arguably the greatest president in U.S. history lived from 1844 until he was elected in 1860. Lincoln was assassinated in 1865 and is buried at Springfield's Oak Ridge Cemetery. The home was restored to the way it looked when Lincoln lived there.

The old Brickyard IS America. This is where the Indianapolis 500 car race is contested every year, as well as a NASCAR race, the Brickyard 400. This might be one of the top three or four quintessential American sporting events.

You won't leave this museum with a dry eye. It honors all veterans, from the Civil War to the present, but the emphasis is on the five Sullivan brothers from Iowa who all died together during World War II after serving on the same ship, the USS Juneau, that was sunk. It was the inspiration for the Steven Spielberg film 'Saving Private Ryan.'

Many believe that this 1856 battle was the first battle of - or at least the precursor to - the Civil War. When John Brown's two sons were captured by pro-slavery forces, Brown and 29 other men fought a five-hour battle against Henry C. Pate and his men. Brown won, capturing Pate and 22 of his men and exchanging them for Brown's sons, striking a blow for freedom.

Just a horse racing venue, you say? Hardly. This is truly Americana, with the greatest thoroughbred racehorse, the Kentucky Derby, having been held here for 144 years. The pomp and circumstance are remarkable.

An homage to the Greatest Generation. The museum gives the American experience in participating in the great war, from Pearl Harbor in 1941 to VJ Day in 1945.

Stowe's family rented this home for only two years, but what a two years it was. During that time, she wrote the seminal novel 'Uncle Tom's Cabin,' causing a great debate about slavery before the Civil War. At one point, Stowe harbored John Andrew Jackson, a fugitive slave from South Carolina.

Fort McHenry was a pivotal installation in the War of 1812, serving as a bastion that halted the British Navy's attack and attempt to reclaim America after being rebuffed in the Revolutionary War. Equally as important, it inspired Francis Scott Key to write the Star Spangled Banner, which became our national anthem.

This three-mile trail gets you everything at once, connecting 16 historic sites. Start at Boston Common and visit some of the most incredible homes, parks, ships and churches that give you a sense of the American Revolution.

The most decorated U.S. submarine still in existence, with a confirmed 23 sunk ships during World War II. Cool footnote: you can stay overnight!

Sorry. There are numerous great landmarks in Minnesota, but nothing screams America like free enterprise and shopping.

Vicksburg was the first national cemetery established by Congress and remains the second-largest in the country behind only Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. The site of the museum honors the Battle of Vicksburg won by the Union in the Civil War. More than 17,000 Union soldiers are buried here.

It's 630 feet high, so neither the structure nor the symbolism can be missed. The arch pays tribute to all the pioneers who traveled from east to west, crossing this halfway point - hence forever known as the Gateway To The West.

Like all battlefields, this is a place of remembrance. It commemorates the great battle won by the Sioux and Cheyenne tribes over the U.S. Army but became a seminal moment in American history.

A tremendous site loaded with decommissioned military equipment. That includes two showcase pieces - the USS Hazard and the USS Marlin submarine.

Of course, we could have gone with Las Vegas as a paean to American capitalism and decadence. But just outside of Vegas is a testament to American ingenuity. The Hoover Dam is 84 years old and still going strong.

History and patriotism go hand-in-hand here. The state motto is 'Live Free Or Die.' The New Hampshire primary is first in the election of a new president. The state's vote to ratify the new Constitution in 1788 was the ninth 'yea' vote, making the Constitution legal. Tying it all together is one of the great July 4 celebrations in Portsmouth, including fireworks.

On Christmas night, 1776, Gen. George Washington and 2,400 soldiers crossed the Delaware River to launch a surprise attack on the British. Festivities and a reenactment of the crossing take place every year on Christmas Day.

Oh, come on. Patriotism means having faith in all things, even other life forms. The whole town of Roswell has long been obsessed with alien life ever since a high profile UFO incident in 1947 - an incident more or less buried by the U.S. Army. According to its website, museum exhibits include information on the Roswell Incident, crop circles, UFO sightings, Area 51, ancient astronauts and abductions.

"Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to be free…" For millions, this was their first view of America. And what a site it remains to this day as a symbol of patriotism.

Every time you step on an airplane you should feel a sense of pride and patriotism for what the Wright Brothers started on Dec. 17, 1903. It was on that day that Orville and Wilbur took the first powered airplane flight.

For better or worse, this is American might at its finest. The dual site - the Oscar-Zero Missile Alert Facility and the November-33 Launch Facility - are the home to the 321st Missile Wing, which oversaw a series of intercontinental ballistic missile launch sites. It is now open to the public.

What's the Fourth of July without a moderately priced amusement park that bills itself as the roller coaster capital of the world? Head to the shores of Lake Erie to find out, especially on July 4 itself when Cedar Point has fireworks and an all-you-can-eat barbecue.

Yet another somber site, this one to honor the 1995 bombing of the federal building in the city. Yet it shows the resolve and resilience of the American spirit.

Tons of history here. First, hard to believe that this installation played a key role in the Civil War, but it did in defending the Columbia River in case hostilities reached that far. Several decades later, it was the only military site after Pearl Harbor to come under fire when the Japanese shelled it on June 21, 1942.

Crack and all, the Liberty Bell represents the symbol of our freedom. It first rang in our freedom on July 8, 1776, to celebrate a public reading of the Declaration of Independence.

No, not any place in particular. The. Whole. Darn. Town. Bristol's celebration of America begins on Flag Day, June 14, and runs through the Fourth of July. Every day brings a new event, from concerts to fancy balls to the ultimate ending - a parade on July 4 that has been going strong for 233 amazing years.

Hop on the official tour boat for the short ride to the fort, and step into history. This is where the first shots of the Civil War were fired, launching the bloodiest internal conflict in U.S. history.

Set in the beautiful Black Hills, Mount Rushmore attracts more than 3 million visitors a year. To think of the likeness of George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson and Teddy Roosevelt having been constructed out of the stone is simply awe-inspiring.

You want Americana? Here it is. What's more patriotic than rock 'n roll, and what's more rock n' roll than the place where Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins were founded and started their majestic musical careers?

The site where Davy Crockett and the boys put up an incredible stand against insurmountable forces became a rallying cry for Texas' independence - and, now, one of the most visited national landmarks in the country.

The amount of national and state parks in Utah is staggering, and every single one is staggering in its beauty. Zion National Park is the most visited in Utah and the eighth-most visited national park in the U.S. With its red rocks and waterfalls, hiking in camping in Zion is about as American as you can get.

One of the most under-the-radar Revolutionary War sites in the country. It features a terrific museum that features historical artifacts from the war, including a 3,000-pound cannon. It also features six miles of hiking trails.

There are few places that hearken back to the 1700s when the U.S. first gained its independence. This is one of them, a painstakingly accurate re-creation of life in colonial America.

Just southeast of Seattle, Mount Rainier is the kind of place where you just want to get as high atop the peak as you can and have one of those "I'm the king of the world!" kind of moments. Mount Rainier is 14,410 feet above sea level, and you can actually drive the first 6,400 feet of that.

Ripley, population 3,250, puts on a show for the nation's birthday. The town, known as "USA's Largest Small Town Independence Day Celebration," hosts the oldest parade in the state, dating back to the late 1800s. The celebration is day-long, with a carnival, tons of food, live musical acts, and fireworks to cap it all off.

Americans love their football, and no fans love their team more than Green Bay Packers fans. And how do they show that love? By wearing Wisconsin's greatest export on their heads. Affectionately known as the 'Cheeseheads,' let's just say you can't miss them no matter who they are.

You want patriotism? Well then, welcome to the great Yellowstone, the first park to be designated a National Park back in 1872. If you go on July 4th, be prepared for one of the country's great fireworks shows.