Eric Knopsnyder

eknopsnyder@GOlaurelhighlands.com

www.golaurelhighlands.com

Flight 93 National Memorial, Lincoln Highway Experience included in new Highway of Heroes historic trail

The Flight 93 National Memorial is one of six sites included in Pennsylvania's new Highway of Heroes trail. The yearlong initiative connects nationally significant destinations along the historic Lincoln Highway (U.S. Route 30) across the commonwealth's southern tier. 

From east to west, the trail links Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia, Valley Forge National Historical Park, Gettysburg National Military Park, Eisenhower National Historic Site, Flight 93 National Memorial near Shanksville, and Fort Pitt Museum in Pittsburgh.  

Together, the sites present Pennsylvania's historic places as part of a broader, connected story and illustrate the commonwealth's enduring role in American history, from the French and Indian War and the American Revolution through the Civil War, the Cold War and the events of Sept. 11, 2001.  

The initiative is a collaboration among national and state historic parks, the Lincoln Highway Heritage Corridor and Pennsylvania destination marketing organizations. The effort coincides with the Commonwealth's commemoration of the nation's 250th anniversary.  

“The memorial is proud to participate in the Highway of Heroes to celebrate the 250th birthday of our nation,” said Stephen M. Clark, superintendent of Flight 93 National Memorial. “The Flight 93 passengers and crew members are examples of how America's citizens continue to respond in times of adversity since 1776.”

Visitors who complete the trail by checking in at six qualifying sites will receive a commemorative display and six challenge coins representing the participating locations. A visit to the Lincoln Highway Experience museum in Latrobe may substitute for one of the required stops.  

“The Highway of Heroes project is an extraordinary opportunity to connect Pennsylvania's most powerful historic sites along the historic Lincoln Highway,” said Kimberly Cady, executive director of the Lincoln Highway Heritage Corridor. “For the Lincoln Highway Heritage Corridor, this initiative reinforces our mission to tell these stories in a way that is accessible, engaging and deeply relevant. It will strengthen partnerships across the commonwealth, increase visitation to our communities and ensure that these important stories are shared with a broader and more diverse audience.”

There is no cost to participate. Visitors have one year to complete the trail and receive the commemorative coin display. 

The program launches March 27, 2026, and continues through March 26, 2027. 

More information about the Highway of Heroes and how to participate is available at pahighway.com. 

###

About Pennsylvania's Laurel Highlands
The Laurel Highlands is a 3,000-square-mile, mountainous region in southwestern Pennsylvania and a four-season playground for outdoor recreation. Just an hour east of Pittsburgh, the region offers top-tier skiing, hiking, biking and golf, alongside historic sites, family attractions and world-class resorts.

Highlights include four Frank Lloyd Wright masterpieces – Fallingwater®, Kentuck Knob, Mäntylä, and Duncan House – plus Nemacolin, Seven Springs Mountain Resort, Flight 93 National Memorial, Idlewild and SoakZone and whitewater rafting in Ohiopyle State Park.

Tourism is a key economic driver, with visitors spending more than $2 billion annually and supporting more than 15,000 jobs across the region. Within 200 miles of Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Cleveland, and Washington, D.C., the Laurel Highlands is easily reached via Pennsylvania Turnpike exits 67, 75, 91 and 110, Amtrak, Arnold Palmer Regional Airport or Pittsburgh International Airport.

Visitors to the Laurel Highlands can find information online at GoLaurelHighlands.com, facebook.com/laurelhighlandsPA and https://www.instagram.com/go_laurelhighlands or by calling 724-238-5661.