You might have heard it said recently that the decline in international tourism into the United States is not a big deal.
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For centuries, great minds from an array of disciplines have touted the value of spending time in nature, from Socrates to Monet to Thoreau to Dillard.
English naturalist, John Lubbock, may have summed it up best:
"Earth and sky, woods and fields, lakes and rivers, the mountain and the sea, are excellent schoolmasters, and teach of us more than we can ever learn from books."
The great outdoors has much to offer, and it's no wonder there's been increased interest in exploratory travel in the last decade, as noted in the Kampgrounds of America (KOA) 2024 annual Camping and Outdoor Hospitality Report. Ready to embrace the trend and provide your groups with the experiences they're craving? Check out these destinations across the U.S.!
South Dakota's Black Hills and Badlands region is brimming with opportunities to soak up some fresh air. Hiking the Presidential Trail at Mount Rushmore National Memorial is one of many on-foot options. For cyclists of a variety of skill levels, there's the 109-mile George S. Mickelson Trail, which winds through a number of bridges and tunnels within the Black Hills. And, for more thrilling escapades, go ziplining, suit up at the Aerial Adventure Park, ride the Alpine Slide, or descend from the Jump Tower at Rushmore Tramway Adventures in Keystone.
Also to consider is a Buffalo Jeep Safari in Custer State Park. Amid its 71,000 acres, groups can see bison, elk, pronghorn antelope and more. It's a popular spot for birdwatching and nature photography, as well. For more animal encounters, consider Bear Country USA or Reptile Gardens. Note that many of these places are open seasonally, so be sure to check their calendars!
Photo courtesy of Travel South Dakota.
Savannah, Georgia is not only rich in history, it's also lush with green spaces, waterways, scenic trails and beachy retreats. Enjoy dining, entertainment, and skyline views on an excursion with Savannah Riverboat Cruises. Or, explore the forests and marshes of Skidaway Island State Park, then later have a leisurely walk and picnic at Forsyth Park. There are also numerous tours for foodies, ghost hunters, art and architecture buffs, along with those who want to learn more about the city's storied past.
Photo courtesy of Visit Savannah.
While in the area, don't pass up a trip to Tybee Island, which is only about a 30-minute drive from Savannah. Among the favorite activities is Captain Derek's Dolphin Adventure, which offers daytime and sunset cruises—and a good chance of spotting these playful marine creatures in their natural habitat. There are reduced rates for groups of 10 or more.
Photo courtesy of Visit Savannah.
Whether it's skiing, fly fishing, camping, waterfall peeping or just a good ol' hike, The Catskills in Upstate New York is another outdoor enthusiast's dream. To get the most of your visit, start with the Catskills Visitor Center in Catskill Park, which features 80 acres of fields, wetlands and forests, as well as the 80-foot Upper Esopus Fire Tower providing an overlook of the picturesque landscape.
Photo courtesy of the Catskill Center.
Platte Clove Preserve is another popular spot, with 208 acres of forest trails and access to the spectacular Plattekill Falls––considered to be a good alternative to Kaaterskill Falls, which tends to get more traffic. After a day of taking in the rugged natural beauty, relax in the mountain town of Woodstock, where there's an abundance of shopping, dining and Main Street charm.
Though nicknamed "Rocket City" for its role in putting men on the moon, there's plenty to do on the ground in Huntsville, Alabama, whether it's a guided hike with the Land Trust in Monte Sano State Park or 18 holes at one of the city's many golf courses. Groups can also play disc golf at Chapman Mountain, or take a trek to the waterfall at Bethel Spring Nature Preserve.
Photo courtesy of Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors.
Other trails and parks of interest are Harvest Square, Blevins Gap, Wade Mountain, and Rainbow Mountain Nature Preserve—plus the 500-acre Green Mountain Nature Preserve, with streams, waterfalls, Alum Cave and a prehistoric Native American camp.
Photo courtesy of Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors.
If watersports are more your speed, try canoeing or kayaking on the Flint River or Tennessee River. And, a unique addition to your itinerary is a cave tour at Cathedral Caverns State Park—just a short drive from Huntsville.
Shores & Islands, Ohio, set on Lake Erie, is home to outdoor recreation galore. Of course, there's the quintessential "must-do" that is Cedar Point! Or, if spectating is your preference, take an "Island Hopping" cruise aboard Goodtime I, with the amusement park rides and coasters as your backdrop. There's more on-the-water fun with Portage River Paddle and Lake Erie Adventure Company, both of which rent kayaks, SUPs and other craft. Portage River Paddle's Port Clinton location is known for its wildlife sightings, including turtles, heron, geese, swans, muskrats and even maybe a bald eagle. Axe throwing, a gem mine and bicycle rentals are also on site.
Photo courtesy of Shores & Islands, Ohio.
Another recommendation in the realm of recreation is Common Ground Zipline Canopy Tours, located in the Vermilion River Valley. Take a two-and-a-half-hour treetop adventure with ziplines, spiral staircases, aerial bridges and a final rappel at the end. Looking for more ideas? Go charter boat fishing or visit Marblehead Lighthouse!
Photo courtesy of Shores & Islands, Ohio.
A close neighbor of New Orleans, and settled between Lake Pontchartrain and the Gulf of Mexico, Jefferson Parish, Louisiana blends urban modernity with the more rustic natural world. Never far from the excitement of The Big Easy, your group can spend your days in nature and your nights enjoying world-class entertainment and cuisine.
The Barataria Preserve is one of the top draws for those who enjoy hiking and exploring. It has 26,000 acres of bayous, marshes, swamps and forests! Bayou Segnette State Park is another favorite, with everything from boating, fishing, canoeing, and swimming in a wave pool to an array of flora and fauna. There are even floating cabins for overnight accommodations.
Don't leave without a trip to Grand Isle, a barrier island at the southern edge of Louisiana, where you can relax on sandy beaches, swim in Gulf waters, take a salt-water fishing charter or wander pristine natural areas.
And, finally, there's Highway 395 in California, which runs roughly from Lake Tahoe to Death Valley, through the eastern Sierra Nevada mountains. There are too many sights, stops, and side routes to list them all, but highlights include Lake Tahoe itself, plus Yosemite National Park, Mammoth Lakes, Sequoia National Park and Mount Whitney. Along the way, there are alpine lakes for swimming, hot springs, hiking trails, historic sites and more. It's a must for any serious adventurer!
Written by Allison Kay Bannister, Contributing Writer for Groups Today.
This article originally appeared in the Mar/Apr '25 issue of Groups Today.
Main photo courtesy of Shores & Islands Ohio.
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