America is full of historic towns, but these 18 historic towns will make visitors feel like they’re stepping back in time. Their rich architectural and cultural histories have been well-preserved, giving visitors a sense of what life was like in different periods over the past few centuries.
Mackinac Island, Michigan
Mackinac Island is famous for its local ordinance passed in 1895 prohibiting cars on the island apart from emergency vehicles. Visit the USA writes to visitors wanting to explore the island, saying, “Hop on a horse-and-carriage ride, rent a bicycle, and use your own two feet.”
Bisbee, Arizona
According to Visit Arizona, “Bisbee has transformed from a booming mining town to a hippie haven to an arts and culture community—over only the past century or so.” The town offers visitors a tour of the historic Queen Mine and vibrant art galleries, theaters, and music venues.
Taos, New Mexico
Taos has a unique blend of Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo culture in its art, architecture, and cuisine and is home to the ancient Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town sits in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, with excellent snowboarding and skiing opportunities in the winter.
Galena, Illinois
Visitors to Galena will enjoy its 19th-century charm, with well-preserved historic buildings that house shops and eateries lining Main Street. They can also tour the home of Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th president, which remains much as it was in the 1860s.
Solvang, California
“The Danish Capital of America” offers visitors a slice of Denmark in California, complete with Danish architecture, windmills, and bakeries serving authentic pastries. The Los Angeles Times recommends visiting the Good Seed Coffee Boutique, the Landsby, and the Elverhøj Museum of History & Art.
Bath, Maine
The “City of Ships” has a rich maritime history, with sailing ships built in its shipyards since 1743. The city is home to the annual Heritage Days Festival, held on the Fourth of July weekend, and the Bath Iron Works.
Cumberland Gap, Tennessee
This town is located below a historic mountain pass, the Cumberland Gap, a key passageway used by early American pioneers heading west, and is inside the boundaries of Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. Visitors can explore the remnants of early American settlements and learn about the lives of pioneers in the Appalachian Mountains.
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Eureka Springs.com notes, “Although this Ozark town is known today for its incredible Victorian architecture, arts, antiques, and natural beauty, the original attraction was the water.” The natural springs were thought to have healing properties, attracting visitors from across the country.
Cooperstown, New York
Visitors to Cooperstown can visit the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, which showcases the legends and history of America’s pastime. The charming village maintains its 19th-century ambiance, complete with historic homes and buildings.
