The series highlights the people, communities, national parks, and history that make America worth exploring, as well as the 15 million jobs that support America’s travel and tourism sector
WASHINGTON, DC – The Great American Road Trip Inc. – an independent nonprofit organization working in partnership with the U.S. Department of Transportation – today released the Great American Road Trip series. The 6-episode production follows U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy and his family as they highlight everything from civics lessons about America’s founding to iconic national parks and thriving small-town communities.
The release comes on the heels of America hosting the most successful FIFA World Cup in history and a record-breaking summer travel season as Americans continue to celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday throughout the year.
“Taking a road trip is a civic experience. America isn’t something you can understand through a phone screen. It has to be experienced — on the highways, in small towns, at roadside diners, in truck stops, national parks, county fairs, and all the strange little places in between. In honor of our nation’s 25oth birthday, we’re sharing this unique series with the public for free in the hopes that we can inspire more Americans to get out and see the places – big and small – that make up the fabric of our country,” said Secretary Duffy. “As you’ll see in the series, every corner of America relies on these trips to keep their local diners full, their local economies humming, and their unique American heritage alive. Whether you take an hour drive to a new mom and pop shop a few towns over or explore one of the country’s unique National Parks, there’s a special American adventure waiting right around every corner.”
“There is no better way to celebrate America than to see America,” said Tori Barnes, Executive Director, Great American Road Trip, Inc. “Exploring our country, just like all the international visitors who came here for the World Cup, is the best way to fall in love with everything that makes America special – especially this year as we celebrate our 250th birthday. From day trips to longer itineraries, our nation’s story can be found in national parks, museums, historic districts, independent restaurants, and local shops.”
Travel is one of the nation’s largest industries, driving $3 trillion in economic output and supporting 15 million jobs nationwide. The Great American Road Trip highlights the importance of a robust national transportation infrastructure system – including roads, highways, bridges, railway, and airports – to support a vitally important segment of the American economy.
“The Great American Road Trip showcases the very best of American travel and what makes this country special,” said Geoff Freeman, President and CEO, U.S. Travel Association. “These experiences depend on a vast travel workforce and a strong transportation system that fuel local economies across the country. Elevating the positive impact Americans can have on the country by hitting the open road is exactly the kind of focus we’ve long sought from the Department of Transportation.”
“We’re proud to help power the Great American Road Trip by connecting people with the communities, landmarks, and experiences that make this country unique,” said Fred Ferguson, President and CEO, American Bus Association. “Buses carried more than 43 billion passenger miles in 2025, and we’re seeing even more buses on the road this year as America celebrates its 250th anniversary. As America 250 inspires more people to travel, the bus industry is helping Americans experience all that our nation has to offer.”
To accommodate the Secretary’s demanding schedule, the series was filmed in short bursts – primarily during weekends, holidays and the kids’ spring break. The road trip included national parks, historic landmarks, educational and cultural sites, and small businesses across the country.
No taxpayer funds were used to cover production costs for the Great American Road Trip. No taxpayer dollars were spent on Secretary Duffy’s family. The Secretary and his family do not receive any salary or production royalties.
The series is part of the Great American Road Trip Inc., an organization committed to encouraging Americans to explore more than 250 official stops across the country. It aims to honor the past, embrace the present, and inspires exploration of what lies ahead. Its mission is to inspire families to hit the road, visit the nation’s destinations, and rediscover the people, places, and innovations that make the United States extraordinary.
For more information about the Great American Road Trip, contact Tori Barnes at [email protected].
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