Black History Month provides an ideal opportunity to explore scenic byways that teach us about the contributions, sacrifices, tragedies, and triumphs of Black people throughout our history– including a newly annexed section of the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway, which now extends from Maryland into Pennsylvania. Here are a few notable routes. Harriet Tubman Underground…

On Thanksgiving Day in 1895, 89 racers came to Chicago, Illinois for the first motor-car race in U.S. history. A blizzard had passed through, dumping eight inches of snow and forcing organizers to shorten the race route to 50 miles. Drivers were required to wrap twine around their wheels for traction in the snow. Only…

Thanks to Scenic America’s advocacy work, Congress included $20 million in funding for the National Scenic Byways Program in the final text of its FY 23 appropriations bill, which was just passed by Congress today, December 23, 2022, and is expected to be signed into law by President Biden soon. This marks the third year…

About the Byway The Selma to Montgomery March Byway is a 54-mile trail in Alabama. Designated as an All-American Road, it follows the path of the historic 1965 civil rights march from Selma, Alabama to Montgomery, Alabama. Here’s an overview of the famous history of that road. Civil Rights History At the Zion United Methodist…

While many of the 184 designated national scenic byways and All-American Roads are touted for their natural beauty and spectacular scenery, other byways have earned recognition for distinctive qualities beyond aesthetics. Here’s a list of quirky and surprising scenic byways that make memorable destinations for road trip adventures. Boom or Bust Byway (Louisiana)In addition to…

Trail of the Ancients is a 480-mile scenic byway that winds through the Colorado Plateau in Colorado and Utah and invites exploration of Native American history and geographic wonders. Travel this byway to admire the scenic beauty of the American West, and to visit these awe-inspiring locations along the way. Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park…

Recognizing the growing need for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure near the region’s top road trip destinations, governors from Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, and Illinois recently announced their intent to create a new scenic byway, the Lake Michigan Electric Vehicle Circuit Tour. The proposed byway would travel more than 1,100 miles of scenic Lake Michigan shoreline…

On July 21, the U.S. House of Representatives approved a six-bill appropriations minibus package which includes $30 million in funding for the National Scenic Byways Program (NSBP). Scenic America applauds the House’s inclusion of funding for this critical program, which brings economic benefits to communities located along the more than 1,200 designated routes across all…

Today, the House Appropriations Committee approved the  FY23 House Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations bill, which includes $30 million in funding for the National Scenic Byways Program (NSBP). Scenic America celebrates the House’s inclusion of funding for this important program, which stands to deliver critical economic benefits to communities located along the more…

A study released June 22 by WalletHub ranks all 50 states by their road trip appeal, considering factors such as gas prices, the number of activities (including scenic byways), and traffic safety. While New York and Minnesota ranked at the top of the list when considering all factors, two billboard-free states, Maine and Vermont, led…