Academic Expeditions

03/24/2026

Spring is springing in Washington DC! 🌸

03/04/2026

It’s been a cooler than normal winter in DC and looks like that’s pushing the official start of spring/cherry blossom peak a little later as well. Blossoms or not at Academic Expeditions our spring is officially underway. Excited to meet all the students and their adults coming our way over the next couple months! 🌸🌷

🌸 D.C.’s cherry blossoms may take their time this year.

After the chilliest winter in more than two decades, the trees are just beginning to wake up. Warm weather this week should kick-start development, but cooler conditions later in March may slow the progression toward peak bloom.

📅 Our forecast: April 3–7 for peak bloom at the Tidal Basin.

That would be the latest since 2018 and notably later than last year’s March 28 peak.

Over the past century, peak bloom has shifted about a week earlier on average because of climate warming — but this year looks like a throwback to a later bloom.

Link to our full cherry blossom outlook in the comments

Photo by Matt McLain

02/12/2026

As we get ready to celebrate President’s Day this weekend here are just some of the sites that we get to visit on various itineraries associated with Abraham Lincoln. How many have you been to? Any other presidential sites on your bucket list?

Abraham Lincoln was born on February 12, 1809, in a log cabin in rural Kentucky. His journey from humble beginnings to the presidency, and his enduring commitment to preserving the Union and advancing freedom, continue to inspire.

The National Park Service preserves six units wholly or partially dedicated to the 16th President:

🎩 Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park (Kentucky) — honoring his humble origins with the memorial cabin and surrounding landscape.

🎩 Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial (Indiana) — the farm where he grew from boyhood to young adulthood

🎩 Lincoln Home National Historic Site (Illinois) — the only home he ever owned, where he raised his family and built his political career

🎩 Ford's Theatre National Historic Site (Washington, D.C.) — the theater where he was assassinated, now a site of remembrance and live performances

🎩 Lincoln Memorial (part of National Mall and Memorial Parks, Washington, D.C.) — the grand tribute to his vision of equality and unity

🎩 Mount Rushmore National Memorial (South Dakota) — his iconic image carved among four presidents, symbolizing leadership and endurance

Numerous other national park sites feature Lincoln connections, from battlefields to historic trails.

Have you visited any of these places? Which one resonates most with you?

Explore more and plan your visit: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/presidents/visit.htm

Image: Front facade of Lincoln’s home in Springfield, Illinois.