Interactive | American Wanderlust Box
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Check out online interactive experiences related to your box!

South Dakota

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National & State Parks

  • Badlands National Park Virtual Visit: Take a digital road trip to see dramatic rock formations, steep canyons, and sprawling grasslands through the Badlands National Park Virtual Tour. You can navigate major park highlights on the web or view them via an integrated Google Earth presentation.

  • Mount Rushmore 3D Explorer: Explore the monument from an entirely new perspective using the interactive portal created by CyArk and the Kacyra Family Foundation. The Mount Rushmore 3D Virtual Tour allows you to virtually ascend to the summit for close-up views of the presidential faces and grants digital access to the closed-off Hall of Records. 

  • Wind Cave National Park Distance Learning: Delve deep into one of the world's longest and most complex cave systems. The National Park Service offers specialized resources and information on subsurface boxwork formations via the Wind Cave Distance Learning Portal.

  • Black Hills National Forest Virtual Experience: Enjoy stunning, cinematic footage of sublime rock formations, golden grasslands, and wild streams through the "More Than Just Forests" film series, hosted on the Black Hills National Forest Tour Page.​

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Native American Culture & Monuments

  • Crazy Horse Memorial Webcams: Watch the ongoing progress of the world's largest mountain carving in real-time. The Crazy Horse Live Webcams offer multiple viewing angles of the colossal monument honoring the Lakota leader, alongside resources from the Indian Museum of North America. 

  • Activating Lakota Stories: Engage with indigenous history through digital classrooms and storytelling media. The South Dakota State Historical Society Educational Portal hosts interactive online resources detailing native traditions, clothing, and regional history. 

 

Prehistoric & Geological Museums

  • The Mammoth Site 4K Walking Tour: Virtually walk through an active paleontological excavation enclosure in Hot Springs. You can watch the detailed Mammoth Site Museum Tour on YouTube to explore the ancient Ice Age sinkhole containing the remains of over 60 mammoths.

  • Museum of Geology Digital Exhibits: Explore a vast collection of prehistoric marine reptiles, dinosaurs, and rare minerals found on the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology campus. Check out the fossil archives on the Museum of Geology Site.

 

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Connecticut

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1. Connecticut Museum of Culture and History — Making Connecticut Virtual Exhibition

A highly interactive online exhibit covering more than 400 years of Connecticut history. You can explore hundreds of artifacts, photos, and documents, plus participate in activities such as operating a WWII assembly line, designing furniture, and learning about textile mills. 

Website: Making Connecticut Virtual Exhibition

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2. Museum of Connecticut History — Virtual Museum Tour

Explore Connecticut's state history museum online through virtual exhibits, historical stories, and digitized collections. The museum also hosts online content related to Connecticut's role in American history. 

Website: Museum of Connecticut History Virtual Tour

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3. Avery-Copp House Museum — 3D Historic House Walkthrough

Take a fully immersive 360° tour through a preserved Connecticut home in Groton. The experience allows you to move room-by-room, zoom into artifacts, and interact with collection highlights. 

Website: Avery-Copp House Virtual Tour

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4. The Walking Museum — Self-Guided Audio Adventures

An online "museum without walls" featuring free audio experiences focused on Connecticut communities including Mystic, Groton, Stonington, and New London. Topics include local history, folklore, maritime stories, and ghost tales. 

Website: The Walking Museum

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5. William Benton Museum of Art — Virtual Art Experiences

Offers online guided museum programs and virtual exhibition visits led by educators. While originally designed for classrooms, many of the experiences can be adapted for groups and lifelong learners. 

Website: Benton Museum Virtual Experiences

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6. Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry — Online Puppet Exhibitions

Browse virtual exhibits, puppet workshops, and digital collections exploring the history and artistry of puppetry. A unique Connecticut-based experience that's quite different from traditional museums. 

Website: Ballard Institute Virtual Experiences

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7. Virtual Lectures from Norwalk Historical Society

Watch a library of recorded talks on Connecticut history, coastal change, Revolutionary War topics, African American history, oystering, transportation, and more. 

Website: Norwalk Historical Society Virtual Lectures

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8. Live Animal Programs from Mystic Aquarium and Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo

Both institutions have offered virtual animal encounters, webinars, educational livestreams, and behind-the-scenes programs featuring animal care, conservation, and research. 

Websites:

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Kentucky

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Interactive Virtual Experiences: Explore Kentucky from Home

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Welcome to the digital companion to your Kentucky American Wanderlust Box! These interactive experiences will help you dive deeper into the Bluegrass State’s rich culture, history, music, and landscapes—no plane ticket required.

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🥃 Take a Virtual Tour of a Bourbon Distillery

Kentucky is home to 95% of the world’s bourbon production. Step inside one of the state’s legendary distilleries and see how America’s native spirit is made.

Try This: Enjoy your Kentucky treats while watching and imagine the aroma of charred oak barrels and aging bourbon.

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🐎 Visit Churchill Downs

Experience the home of the world-famous Kentucky Derby.

Explore​

Fun Fact: Churchill Downs has hosted the Kentucky Derby every year since 1875.

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🎻 Listen to Bluegrass Music

Kentucky is the birthplace of bluegrass, pioneered by Bill Monroe.

Suggested Listening

Challenge: Put on some bluegrass while making your leather keychain.

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🌄 Explore Mammoth Cave National Park

Descend into the world’s longest known cave system.

Explore

Did You Know? Mammoth Cave contains more than 400 miles of surveyed passageways.

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🏇 Tour Kentucky Horse Country

Discover the rolling hills and famous horse farms around Lexington.

Explore

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🍬 Learn About Kentucky’s Signature Treats

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Read the stories behind the sweet treats included in your box.

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📺 Watch “Kentucky Life”

Produced by KET, this long-running series highlights the people, places, and traditions that make Kentucky unique.

 

📸 Bonus Activity: Share Your Adventure

Post photos of your favorite items and your finished leather keychain.

Tag @AmericanWanderlustBox and use #AmericanWanderlustBox to be featured.

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✈️ Keep Exploring

From bourbon barrels and thoroughbreds to bluegrass and caves, Kentucky offers a rich blend of history and hospitality. We hope this box inspires you to visit the Bluegrass State in person someday.

 

 

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Michigan

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🌊 Virtual Michigan Experiences

Keep the adventure going with a few virtual ways to explore Michigan from home. From scenic shorelines to iconic flavors and rich culture, these experiences pair perfectly with your American Wanderlust Box.

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✈️ Explore the Sights

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Mackinac Island

Step onto a car-free island filled with charm, waterfront views, and historic streets.
https://www.mackinacisland.org/video-tours/

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Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Soar above towering dunes and crystal-clear shoreline in this breathtaking virtual experience.
https://www.nps.gov/slbe/planyourvisit/virtual-visits.htm

 

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Discover colorful cliffs, hidden beaches, and Lake Superior’s rugged beauty.
https://www.nps.gov/piro/learn/photosmultimedia/index.htm

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🏙️ Discover Culture

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Detroit Institute of Arts

Browse one of the country’s most impressive art collections from the comfort of home.
https://dia.org/collection

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Motown Museum

Step into music history and explore the legacy of Motown from Detroit.
https://www.motownmuseum.org/visit/still-going-on/

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🍒 Taste Michigan

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Traverse Bay Fruit Co.

Bring Michigan’s cherry capital to your kitchen with recipes and inspiration.
https://www.traversebayfarms.com/blogs/healthy-recipes

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Better Made Snack Foods

Learn the story behind one of Michigan’s most iconic snack brands.
https://bettermade.com/about-us/

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Faygo

Take a nostalgic look at a classic Michigan soda loved for generations.
https://www.faygo.com/history/

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🌊 Relax & Unwind

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Big Red Lighthouse

One of Michigan’s most photographed landmarks, this bright red lighthouse sits along the shores of Lake Michigan and captures the charm of Holland’s coastal beauty. Watch the waves roll in, catch a sunset, and experience this iconic view from home.
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=big+red+lighthouse+holland+michigan

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Whitefish Point Light Station

Watch the waves roll in at one of the most peaceful and historic spots on Lake Superior.
https://www.greatlakescams.com/whitefishpoint/

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✨ Make It an Experience

Pair your box with a virtual moment:

  • Put on a scenic tour

  • Open your snacks

  • Start your DIY project

  • End with a calming lakeshore video

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Florida

Florida Virtual Experiences

 

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Kansas

Kansas Virtual Experiences

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Minnesota

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New Mexico

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Maryland

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Alabama

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  • Mobile Carnival Museum

    • Provides a virtual museum tour chronicling over 300 years of Mobile’s Mardi Gras and Carnival traditions.

  • Alabama Historical Commission’s Landmark Map

    • An interactive, searchable GIS map of historic sites across Alabama. Includes street-view photos, descriptions, and updated documentation.

  • History Museum of Mobile

    • While a detailed virtual tour isn't embedded, the site provides a virtual tour interface for exploring exhibits—great for Mobile’s historical context.

  • Old Depot Museum (Selma)

    • Offers a virtual walkthrough of the Selma/Dallas County Museum of History and Archives. You can click interactive icons for navigation and fullscreen exploration.

  • USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park

    • Explore the WWII-era USS Alabama in immersive 360° detail, including interior decks. Built using LiDAR and narration, this virtual tour preserves history and opens access to those unable to visit in person.

  • USS Drum Submarine Museum

    • A similarly high-quality virtual experience of the WWII USS Drum submarine, using VR tech to showcase maritime history tied to Mobile, Alabama.

  • Moundville Archaeological Park (University of Alabama)

    • “Portals to the Past” virtual tours include a guided tour of the Jones Archaeological Museum, a Tree Tour through the park's woods, and a cultural highlight on cedar trees and their significance to Southeastern Native Americans.

  • Gorgas House Museum (Tuscaloosa)

    • Offers a narrated virtual tour plus educational videos on colonial-era activities like butter churning, wax seal making, and pomander crafting.

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Oregon

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1. Crater Lake National Park - Take a virtual tour of the deepest lake in the United States. Explore crater views, volcanic geology, and guided hikes through immersive videos, 360° images, and ranger-led digital programs.

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​2. Portland Japanese Garden - Enjoy a tranquil video tour through authentic Japanese landscapes. Learn about seasonal plantings, design philosophy, and Japanese culture from one of the most celebrated gardens in North America.

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​3. Oregon Caves National Monument - Journey underground through interactive photo tours and educational videos. Learn about marble cave formations and the biodiversity of the Siskiyou Mountains.​​

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4. John Day Fossil Beds National Monument - Travel back in time with a virtual walk through the Painted Hills and ancient fossil sites. Explore colorful landscapes and view fossil specimens with interactive maps and learning modules.

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5. Pittock Mansion in Portland - Step inside a Portland icon from your home. This virtual tour highlights the historic mansion’s architecture, personal artifacts, and stories of early Portland pioneers.

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Vermont​

  1. Vermont History Museum – Virtual Field Trips
    🌐 Take a 360° tour through exhibits highlighting Vermont’s rich past. Includes interactive programs like artifact mysteries and Civil War letters.
    🔗 Visit the Vermont History Museum virtually

  2. Vermont State House – 360° Virtual Tour
    🌐 Stroll through the historic Vermont State House via a Google-powered self-guided tour. Explore legislative chambers and ornate architecture.
    🔗 Tour the Vermont State House online

  3. The Long Trail – Interactive Hiking Resources

    • 🗺️ Web-Based Interactive Map
      Plan or virtually explore the Long Trail with this online tool—featuring route overlays, shelters, and elevation profiles.
      🔗 View the Long Trail interactive map

    • 🎥 Thru-Hiking Video Experience
      Watch a full documentary of a recent Long Trail thru-hike. Perfect for inspiration or armchair adventuring.
      🔗 Watch the Long Trail Thru-Hike (2025)

  4. Spruce Mountain Fire Tower – Winter Hike & Lookout View
    Experience Vermont’s rugged beauty with a winter hike to the Spruce Mountain fire tower. This video offers sweeping views and a glimpse of fire watch history.
    🔗 Watch the Spruce Mountain Fire Tower video

  5. Skiing at Stowe Mountain – Powder Day Adventure
    Ride along on a perfect Vermont powder day at Stowe Mountain Resort. This high-energy ski video captures the thrill and scenery of one of Vermont’s premier slopes.
    🔗 Watch the Stowe Mountain skiing video

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North Carolina

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An interactive map of the Blue Ridge Parkway

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Virtual tours of the Biltmore Estate

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Virtual Lighthouse Experiences

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Great Smoky Mountains NP Webcams

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Virtual field trip to the Wright Brothers National Memorial

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Montana
 

An interactive trail map for hiking the Continental Divide in Montana

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City Walks Virtual Tours - head over to Henry’s website and search Montana for a variety of Nature walks and hikes in first person POV
 

Yellowstone Virtual Tours

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Glacier National Park Photo Gallery

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Virtual Self-guided Tour of Montana ‘s State Capitol

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Travel Polaroids

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