Celebrate America’s 250th birthday with a road trip worth remembering
2025-12-15
The American road trip is all about discovering the beauty of the country with the spirit of freedom on four wheels. To celebrate America’s 250th birthday in 2026, the U.S. Department of Transportation and General Motors have teamed up with HERE Technologies to launch Explore250, a new app that transforms road trips into unforgettable adventures.
Now available free in the Apple App Store and Google Play, Explore250 is like having a park ranger, history buff, and foodie friend in the passenger seat. With more than 250 iconic destinations – from the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville to the Route 66 Museum in Victorville, California, you can plan trips by theme and collect digital “stamps” along the way. Think of it as a road trip passport for the whole family to experience the places that tell our nation’s story.
“What better way is there to see what makes America the greatest country on earth than a good old-fashioned road trip,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. “In partnership with GM, I’m thrilled to launch Explore250 to encourage every American to plan an unforgettable journey and celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday. This innovative app will help families map out their routes, uncover hidden gems, and connect with the rich tapestry of our proud history – all from the driver’s seat. Start your engines, America!”
CAPTION: The Explore250 app lets you explore iconic destinations, plan trips, and more.
Secretary Duffy demonstrated the new app before a ride in the newly unveiled Stars and Steel Limited Collection Corvette. While presenting the app, Secretary Duffy invited Americans to embrace Explore250 as a way to rediscover the country’s stories and landscapes.
“At GM, we’re proud to be part of the American story – building world-class vehicles, supporting good jobs, and helping people explore our beautiful country,” said Mary Barra, Chair and CEO of General Motors. “With Explore250, we’re making the journey more convenient and enjoyable so families can focus on making memories on the road.”
Here are a few can’t-miss drives where the journey is as unforgettable as the destination — and where Super Cruise, the industry’s first true hands-free advanced driver assistance system (ADAS)1, can help you enjoy the ride:
Overseas Highway, Florida Keys:
Route 66, Southwest to Midwest:
With Explore250 guiding your stops and Super Cruise helping make long stretches more relaxing2, the only thing left to decide is: windows down and music up, or windows up and podcast on?
Whichever you choose, America’s 250th birthday is the perfect excuse to hit the road, collect some stamps, and make memories. Download the Explore250 app today and start planning your ultimate anniversary road trip.
1Always pay attention while driving and when using Super Cruise. Always use Super Cruise in accordance with local laws. Do not use a hand-held device. Requires active Super Cruise plan or trial. Terms apply. Visit brand websites for compatible roads and full details.
2Over 80% of surveyed owners with Super Cruise said that Super Cruise makes driving more relaxing.
The American road trip is all about discovering the beauty of the country with the spirit of freedom on four wheels. To celebrate America’s 250th birthday in 2026, the U.S. Department of Transportation and General Motors have teamed up with HERE Technologies to launch Explore250, a new app that transforms road trips into unforgettable adventures.
Now available free in the Apple App Store and Google Play, Explore250 is like having a park ranger, history buff, and foodie friend in the passenger seat. With more than 250 iconic destinations – from the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville to the Route 66 Museum in Victorville, California, you can plan trips by theme and collect digital “stamps” along the way. Think of it as a road trip passport for the whole family to experience the places that tell our nation’s story.
“What better way is there to see what makes America the greatest country on earth than a good old-fashioned road trip,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. “In partnership with GM, I’m thrilled to launch Explore250 to encourage every American to plan an unforgettable journey and celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday. This innovative app will help families map out their routes, uncover hidden gems, and connect with the rich tapestry of our proud history – all from the driver’s seat. Start your engines, America!”
The Explore250 app lets you explore iconic destinations, plan trips, and more.
Secretary Duffy demonstrated the new app before a ride in the newly unveiled Stars and Steel Limited Collection Corvette. While presenting the app, Secretary Duffy invited Americans to embrace Explore250 as a way to rediscover the country’s stories and landscapes.
“At GM, we’re proud to be part of the American story – building world-class vehicles, supporting good jobs, and helping people explore our beautiful country,” said Mary Barra, Chair and CEO of General Motors. “With Explore250, we’re making the journey more convenient and enjoyable so families can focus on making memories on the road.”
Here are a few can’t-miss drives where the journey is as unforgettable as the destination — and where Super Cruise, the industry’s first true hands-free advanced driver assistance system (ADAS)1, can help you enjoy the ride:
- Overseas Highway, Florida Keys:
- 42 bridges, endless turquoise water, and one unforgettable drive.
- Route 66, Southwest to Midwest:
- Americana in its purest form
- Pacific Coast Highway, California:
- Ocean cliffs, surf towns, and wine country — why rush?
- US-2 Across the Upper Peninsula:
- Witness the beauty of Lake Michigan.
- I-90 Across Montana:
- Big sky, big mountains, and plenty of reasons to stop and explore.
With Explore250 guiding your stops and Super Cruise helping make long stretches more relaxing2, the only thing left to decide is: windows down and music up, or windows up and podcast on?
Whichever you choose, America’s 250th birthday is the perfect excuse to hit the road, collect some stamps, and make memories. Download the Explore250 app today and start planning your ultimate anniversary road trip.
1Always pay attention while driving and when using Super Cruise. Always use Super Cruise in accordance with local laws. Do not use a hand-held device. Requires active Super Cruise plan or trial. Terms apply. Visit brand websites for compatible roads and full details.
2Over 80% of surveyed owners with Super Cruise said that Super Cruise makes driving more relaxing.
