DALLAS - A recent survey of 1,000 Americans commissioned by Travelocity revealed that nearly half of Americans have never visited many of the country's most revered landmarks. With the Fourth of July quickly approaching, there is no better time for the other half of the population to make a trek to these famous locations when spectacular fireworks and other Independence Day events add to the pride and patriotism of these special all-American venues.
Percentage of Americans surveyed who have never visited the following iconic landmarks:
- Mount Rushmore: 53%
- Niagara Falls: 48%
- Liberty Bell: 47%
- Grand Canyon: 47%
- Golden Gate Bridge: 44%
- Washington Monument: 41%
- Empire State Building: 41%
Mount Rushmore: Despite its iconic stature, 53 percent of Americans have never experienced this South Dakota landmark in person. On July 3-4, visitors can enjoy live reenactments of the four presidents depicted on Mount Rushmore, Native American music and storytelling, music by the Air Force Academy Concert Band and a lighting ceremony at the monument. While there will be no fireworks this year due to a pine beetle infestation which makes the local forests more fire-prone than usual, fireworks will be part of the annual Fourth of July festivities in nearby areas such as Black Hills and Badlands.
Niagara Falls: Nestled on the U.S./Canadian border, 48 percent of Americans surveyed have never visited these spectacular falls. While beautiful any time of the year, the Fourth of July holiday is a perfect time for a trip, since visitors can experience two celebrations in four days – the Independence Day celebration on July 4 as well as Canada Day festivities on July 1.
Liberty Bell: While virtually every American has seen the enduring image of the Liberty Bell, 47 percent of Americans surveyed have never seen it in person. Located in one of America's most historic cities, Philadelphia, Fourth of July is a special day to visit the Liberty Bell, as it is the one day a year in which it is ceremonially rung, with descendants of the signers of the Declaration of Independence coming to Independence National Historical Park to tap the bell 13 times – once for each of the original colonies. Additionally, Philadelphia annually hosts free concerts, fireworks and more as part of its Independence Day celebrations.
