Epic Debuts and Milestone Celebrations Across the USA

From sea to shining sea, the USA is full of compelling incentives to pack your bags. From thrilling theme parks and reimagined museums to landmark celebrations and trip-worthy trails, there’s no shortage of reasons to plan your next adventure. Here’s your insider guide to a star-spangled lineup of new experiences.

New Theme Parks & Rides

Universal Orlando Resort’s fourth Florida theme park, Universal Epic Universe delivers five all-new lands with 50 attractions and 11 cutting-edge rides. From the cosmic thrills of Starfall Racers in Celestial Park to the long-awaited Mario Kart mayhem at Super Nintendo World and a new chapter of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Universal Epic Universe is built to blow you away.

Also in the Orlando area, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure has opened at Walt Disney World Resort’s Magic Kingdom. This musical log-flume ride invites guests to join Princess Tiana on a joyful journey through the bayou as she prepares for a vibrant Mardi Gras celebration. With a soundtrack rooted in New Orleans jazz and the scent of fresh beignets floating through the air, it’s a rich sensory experience that brings Disney’s “The Princess and the Frog” to life.

Two Mattel Adventure Parks will soon be coming to the USA – one in Bonner Springs, Kansas (just outside Kansas City) and one in Glendale, Arizona (near Phoenix). Families can walk through Barbie’s Beach House and brave jaw-dropping Hot Wheels roller coasters all in one place, beginning in late 2025. Add in attractions like Thomas & Friends and a He-Man laser tag arena, and you’ve got a wildly fun world of imagination.

New & Updated Attractions

In the heart of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, the celebrated National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum explores the art, culture and legacy of the American West through more than 28,000 artifacts. Highlights include Native American works, classic cowboy gear and iconic exhibits like the “End of the Trail” sculpture and the Hall of Great Western Performers.

The Museum of BBQ in Kansas City, Missouri, celebrates the smoky history and regional diversity of barbecue in the USA, from the Carolinas’ vinegar sauce to Kansas City’s signature sweet-and-spicy style. With sensory exhibits, hands-on displays and fun features like a bubbling barbecue sauce floor, it’s a flavorful journey through one of the country’s most beloved food traditions.

At MegaZip in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, embark on a high-flying adventure above the Smoky Mountains. Here, you can soar through the treetops on the USA’s longest zipline, where panoramic mountain views meet high-speed thrills in the heart of Pigeon Forge, which is also home to Dolly Parton’s Dollywood amusement park.

Opening in late 2025 at The Grand LA – a popular cultural complex in downtown Los Angeles, California – Dataland will be the world’s first museum dedicated to AI-generated art. Visitors can explore immersive digital installations powered by datasets from institutions like the Smithsonian featuring algorithmic visuals, interactive projections and even AI-generated scents.

Events & Celebrations

In 2026, the USA – and road trippers everywhere – will celebrate the 100th anniversary of Route 66, the iconic highway connecting the East and West coasts. Communities from Illinois to California are preparing for festivities, including festivals, car shows, rallies and retro-themed events, to honor the legacy of the USA’s “Mother Road.” It’s a great time to start planning your own American road trip.

The Grand Ole Opry turns 100 in 2025, and Nashville, Tennessee, is celebrating with a full year of live music, special tributes and can’t-miss performances. The centennial lineup includes stars like Carrie Underwood, Lainey Wilson, Mickey Guyton and Trace Adkins to honor a century of country music while spotlighting its next generation.

“The Happiest Place on Earth” reaches a momentous milestone in 2025 as Disneyland Resort celebrates 70 years of creating magical memories since Walt Disney first opened the gates in 1955. This platinum celebration at the Anaheim, California, icon pays tribute to seven decades of Disney magic, showcasing how the original Disney park has grown while maintaining its timeless appeal to visitors from around the globe.

The legendary Mount Rushmore National Memorial in Keystone, South Dakota, proudly marks its 100th anniversary in 2025, celebrating a century since its dedication as a national monument. Visitors are invited to reflect on the monument’s history – and experience one of the USA’s most awe-inspiring landmarks like never before.

And in summer 2026, the USA will co-host the world’s biggest soccer tournament, bringing global energy and nonstop action to cities like Los Angeles, California; New York City, New York; Atlanta, Georgia; Dallas, Texas; and Miami, Florida. With matches, fan festivals and cultural celebrations happening nationwide, it’s the perfect time to experience the thrill of the game and the diversity of the country, all in one epic summer.

Trails & Transportation

Stretching 54 kilometers through the Adirondack wilderness, the new Adirondack Rail Trail links Lake Placid and Tupper Lake along a peaceful, forested route. Ideal for biking, walking and rollerblading, it’s a serene way to take in the natural beauty of Upstate New York.

Launching in summer 2025, Amtrak’s Mardi Gras Service will roll between Mobile, Alabama and New Orleans, Louisiana with two daily departures and scenic coastal Mississippi stops in Bay St. Louis, Pascagoula and Gulfport and Biloxi. With seamless connections to major cities like Chicago and Memphis, it’s a relaxed, environmentally friendly way to explore the South.

Places to Stay

Opened in March 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana, the InterContinental Indianapolis by IHG revitalizes a historic building to become the city’s first new luxury hotel in 20 years. Guests can experience sophisticated accommodations, enjoy elevated dining and sip cocktails at the city’s first-of-its-kind rooftop bar – all in a prime downtown location near top attractions like Lucas Oil Stadium and the Indiana Convention Center.

Bentonville, Arkansas, will welcome The Compton Hotel, a new independent lifestyle hotel set to open in late fall 2025 on the city’s historic square. This unique property will be situated alongside Dave Peel Park and a new pedestrian promenade featuring garden nooks, play areas, food trucks and café seating.

For a stay that’s anything but ordinary, Spekboom Lodge offers a boutique glamping experience right inside the San Antonio Zoo. This Texas overnight adventure puts guests up close with wildlife while offering eco-luxury accommodations, private viewing decks and exclusive after-hours access.