July 16 – July 25: Concord to Cooperstown: America’s Story Tour
In 2026, the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary — and there may never be a better time to experience the story of America where it actually happened.
Hosted by Utah State University retired professor and historian Ross Peterson, this once-in-a-lifetime educational travel experience connects three defining threads of American culture: our national history, our faith heritage, and our love of baseball and sport. From the founding of the nation to the birth of the Restoration and the traditions of America’s pastime, this journey tells the American story through places, people, and unforgettable experiences.
Walk the Freedom Trail where the American revolution began, Visit Kirtland, OH and Palmyra, NY where early Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day saints’ history unfolded, explore Cooperstown where baseball legends live forever, and sit inside two Major League Baseball games during the nation’s 250th birthday celebration year.
This is not simply a sightseeing trip — it is a traveling classroom and a shared experience guided by expert historian Ross Peterson and professionally organized by Mark Faldmo and the travel advisors of Blue Planet Vacations.
The full detailed itinerary will be announced soon.
Tour Highlights
- Baseball Hall of Fame – Cooperstown, NY
Freedom Trail Boston, Massachusetts
- Pro Football Hall of Fame – Canton, OH
- Basketball Hall of Fame – Springfield, MA
- The Erie Canal experience and America’s westward expansion story
- Church history sites in Kirtland, Ohio and Palmyra, New York
- The Freedom Trail, Lexington & Concord, and Revolutionary War history
- John F. Kennedy Presidential Library
- Norman Rockwell Museum — the art that defined American identity
- Stay at the legendary Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge, Massachusetts
- Cleveland Guardians vs Pittsburgh Pirates MLB game
- Boston Red Sox vs Toronto Blue Jays MLB game
- Niagara Falls Maid of the Mist boat experience
- Amish country dinner experience
- Private historical commentary and lectures throughout the tour
Historic Highlight — The Red Lion Inn
One of the most memorable evenings of the trip will be our stay at the Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge, Massachusetts — operating since the late 1700s. The inn has hosted presidents, writers, artists, and travelers for more than two centuries and embodies classic New England Americana. Staying here is like stepping into a living Norman Rockwell painting — which is fitting, since Rockwell himself lived and worked in Stockbridge.
Why this tour is unique:
Most tours show locations. This tour explains America.
Ross Peterson will connect events across places — from Revolutionary War ideals, to religious freedom and migration, to the cultural role of sports in American identity. Guests will come away not only having seen the sites, but understanding why they mattered.
Why travel with Ross Peterson and Blue Planet Vacations?
Experience: Ross Peterson is a longtime university history educator and nationally respected speaker on American history and culture.
Expertise: The tour is professionally designed and operated by Blue Planet Vacations and travel advisor Mark Faldmo, a third-generation travel professional who has personally organized and led educational travel programs and group tours worldwide.
Authority: The program combines academic historical interpretation with professionally managed travel logistics.
Trust: Guests receive guided interpretation, organized transportation, group coordination, and experienced travel support throughout the journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a religious tour?
It includes important sites in early Latter-day Saint history, but the experience is educational and historical in nature and suitable for anyone interested in American history and culture.
How physically demanding is the tour?
Moderate walking is expected, especially in Boston and historical areas, but the itinerary is designed for comfort and paced learning.
Do I have to be a sports fan to enjoy it?
Not at all. The Hall of Fames and ballgames are presented as part of the American story — culture, community, and identity — not just athletics.
Will Ross Peterson be with the group?
Yes. Ross will host, teach, and travel with the group throughout the journey.
When will the full itinerary and pricing be available?
The complete itinerary and details will be announced soon. Registration interest lists are now open.
Tour Cost and Registration:
We will have the full Tour details by the end of February. If you are interested in this tour, please fill out the interest form using the link below.
This is a little longer tour that Ross usually does. We expect the tour cost to be about $3199 per person plus the cost of airfare. Once we get a good count on how many are interested in this tour, we will be better able to price the trip. The tour deposit amount will be $500 per person of which $250 is non refundable due to the purchase of the nonrefundable baseball game tickets.
Tour Payment and Cancelation Information:
- $500 per person at the time of reservation ($250 non-refundable once paid)
- Final payment is due on or before April 15, 2026
- Land Tour Cancellation: All cancellations must be in writing and received by Blue Planet Vacations.
If cancelled:- $250 per person is non-refundable after deposit is made.
- After April 16, 2025, 50% of payments made are non-refundable.
After May 15, 2025, all payment made are non-refundable.
Terms & Conditions: Payment and cancelation penalties are outlined in the full tour brochure. By paying a deposit on the tour you agree to all terms and conditions including payment and cancelation penalties. For full Blue Planet Vacations terms and conditions visit www.blueplanetvacations.com/tc.
General Terms and Conditions: Blue Planet Vacations is not responsible for errors or omissions. Blue planet Vacations acts as the agents for the suppliers promoted. Pricing and offers are subject to change at any time without notice. Pricing and offers are capacity controlled and may be withdrawn by the supplier at any time. Prices include all applicable government taxes and fees. NOTE: Some taxes and fees are not pre-payable and must be paid directly to the local supplier i.e. hotel, rental car etc. See supplier website for full terms and conditions of each trip.