Sports are a big deal in the United States, and the best places to dig into their rich legacy are sports halls of fame. Like time capsules, they preserve the stories of legendary athletes, unforgettable moments and history-making feats.
Interactive exhibits, rare artifacts and immersive storytelling make these stops a chance to relive the moments that made sports history.
Here are five sports halls of fame to add to your group travel wish list.
Pro Football Hall of Fame
Canton, Ohio
For football fans and sports lovers alike, the Pro Football Hall of Fame is a bucket-list destination that celebrates the rich history and ongoing legacy of America’s favorite sport. Artifacts, memorabilia and interactive exhibits that capture the essence of football greatness greet visitors. In the Hall of Fame Gallery, they can admire the bronze busts of Walter Payton, Dan Marino and 376 other football legends. Right at the Hall’s entrance, the newest class of inductees welcomes visitors with its own special tribute.
“A Game for Life,” a holographic theater experience, features Hall of Famers Joe Namath and Vince Lombardi sharing inspiring stories and iconic moments from their careers. The Super Bowl Gallery, another crowd-pleaser, offers a close-up look at Super Bowl jerseys, game balls, rings, the famed Vince Lombardi Trophy and other memorabilia.
The museum spotlights the contributions of Black athletes in the Black College Football Hall of Fame. Chief communications officer Rich Desrosiers says the museum is “constantly evolving with new artifacts reflective of accomplishments [from] the ongoing season.” Recent additions include a game ball and game-worn jerseys from the first-ever NFL game played in Brazil in September 2024.
Groups should plan to spend around three hours exploring the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Discounted admission rates are available for groups of 15 or more, and group members get a 20% discount at the Hall of Fame store. Reservations must be made in advance. The on-site Hall of Fame Café seats 40, and the museum offers private rooms for catered meals and events.
Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
Springfield, Massachusetts
Located in the “Birthplace of Basketball,” the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts, is a must-visit for anyone who is passionate about basketball. Named after James Naismith, who invented the sport in 1891, the museum’s exhibits highlight the sport’s greatest players, coaches, moments and milestones.
Its Hall of Honor immortalizes more than 450 Hall of Fame inductees, including legendary players such as Michael Jordan and Larry Bird and coaching legends who have helped shape the game such as Duke’s Mike Krzyzewski and Tennessee’s Pat Summit.
The Players Gallery displays jerseys, sneakers and personal memorabilia from the game’s most famous players, like Scottie Pippen and Wilt Chamberlain. Visitors can get in on the action by shooting hoops on a full-sized court called the Court of Dreams. Afterward, they can wander the SuperFan Gallery, which features diehard fans and celebrities like Lakers fans Spike Lee and Jack Nicholson, who cheer on their favorite teams.
Celtics fans will love the Boston Celtics Unlocked exhibit, which debuted in June. The temporary exhibit is the first in a new space called The Vault, and it showcases rookie jerseys, championships rings and other memorabilia dating to the franchise’s start in 1946.
Discounted admission rates are available for groups of 15 or more, and reservations must be made at least one week in advance. Five on-site restaurants include Plan B Burger Bar and Subway. The museum also has special events spaces for private gatherings.
National Soccer Hall of Fame
Frisco, Texas
The National Soccer Hall of Fame in Frisco, Texas, is a celebration of soccer’s rich history and growing influence in American culture. It’s situated within the Toyota Stadium complex, home to FC Dallas.
Interactive touchscreens let visitors test their knowledge with trivia about soccer’s power-players and history-makers, like legendary goalkeeper Brad Friedel and Mia Hamm, whose trailblazing career helped spark the rise of U.S. women’s soccer. In the Hall of Honor, inductees and their stories are brought to life by displays and memorabilia, including jerseys, photographs and personal items.
The trophy collection is a highlight. “I don’t believe there’s any other place in the world where you can stare at four women’s World Cup trophies behind the case,” said Djorn Bucholz, executive director. “We have them all here.”
Virtual reality experiences and skills challenges help visitors experience the sport firsthand. Facial recognition software allows each guest’s visit to be personalized.
“No two people have the same experience inside,” said Bucholz. “We call ourselves the most personalized experience in sports. I think we can really back that up. It’s incredibly unique.”
Most spend 60 to 90 minutes soaking in the exhibits, challenges and soccer history. For groups of 10 or more, tickets are discounted to $10 per person. The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday.
U.S. Bicycling Hall of Fame
Davis, California
The U.S. Bicycling Hall of Fame in Davis, California, is a tribute to the rich history and culture of cycling in the United States, honoring the athletes, innovators, coaches and contributors who helped shaped the sport over the years. For cycling enthusiasts, this small museum is a gem. It’s located at the site of the first bike lane in the U.S., which was created in 1967.
Inside the thoughtfully curated space, exhibits chronicle key moments in American cycling history. From the introduction of the first bicycles in the 1860s to the rise of women in cycling in the 1900s to the bike boom of the 1970s, each display paints a picture of how cycling has evolved in the U.S.
One of the standout attractions is the collection of vintage bicycles. These rare models not only show the evolution of bike design and technology but also transport travelers to the early days of cycling. There are also profiles of Hall of Fame inductees, including Greg LeMond, a three-time Tour de France champion, and Juliana Furtado, who is often credited with raising the profile of women’s mountain biking.
For a deeper dive, guided tours led by local bike historians are available for a fee. These tours can include brief presentations on cycling history. Keep in mind that this hall of fame has limited hours — Wednesdays from 4–6 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. However, groups of 10 or more can schedule visits by appointment.
NCAA Hall of Champions
Indianapolis, Indiana
Indianapolis’ NCAA Hall of Champions celebrates the accomplishments of student-athletes in 24 sports and from more than 1,000 colleges and universities in the United States. Visitors get a better grasp of the dedication, talent and perseverance that define college sports.
“The Hall of Champions really shows a different side to the NCAA than what you may see on TV,” said Kortni Gurganus-Wright, assistant director of operations. “It’s more personal, accessible, more educational on what the NCAA is and who we serve.”
Spread across two levels, the Hall of Champions engages sports fans of all ages. On the main level, touchscreen kiosks introduce each of the 24 NCAA sports through trivia, short videos and displays of memorabilia, such as game balls and jerseys donated by colleges and universities. It’s a fun way to get to know the top athletes and moments that helped shape NCAA sports.
On the second level, sports simulators allow visitors to try out baseball, football, soccer and softball. In a 1930s-style gymnasium, they test their basketball skills by attempting to recreate famous shots in NCAA basketball history, using decals on the floor as a guide.
Visitors typically spend between 45 and 90 minutes exploring the Hall of Champions. For a more in-depth experience, the museum offers 90-minute guided tours for groups of up to 20 people. Groups of 80 or more can enjoy a scavenger hunt-style experience called the Hall of Champions Challenge. Boxed lunches can be pre-ordered.
Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
Springfield, Massachusetts
Located in the “Birthplace of Basketball,” the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts, is a must-visit for anyone who is passionate about basketball. Named after James Naismith, who invented the sport in 1891, the museum’s exhibits highlight the sport’s greatest players, coaches, moments and milestones.
Its Hall of Honor immortalizes more than 450 Hall of Fame inductees, including legendary players such as Michael Jordan and Larry Bird and coaching legends who have helped shape the game such as Duke’s Mike Krzyzewski and Tennessee’s Pat Summit.
The Players Gallery displays jerseys, sneakers and personal memorabilia from the game’s most famous players, like Scottie Pippen and Wilt Chamberlain. Visitors can get in on the action by shooting hoops on a full-sized court called the Court of Dreams. Afterward, they can wander the SuperFan Gallery, which features diehard fans and celebrities like Lakers fans Spike Lee and Jack Nicholson, who cheer on their favorite teams.
Celtics fans will love the Boston Celtics Unlocked exhibit, which debuted in June. The temporary exhibit is the first in a new space called The Vault, and it showcases rookie jerseys, championships rings and other memorabilia dating to the franchise’s start in 1946.
Discounted admission rates are available for groups of 15 or more, and reservations must be made at least one week in advance. Five on-site restaurants include Plan B Burger Bar and Subway. The museum also has special events spaces for private gatherings.
National Soccer Hall of Fame
Frisco, Texas
The National Soccer Hall of Fame in Frisco, Texas, is a celebration of soccer’s rich history and growing influence in American culture. It’s situated within the Toyota Stadium complex, home to FC Dallas.
Interactive touchscreens let visitors test their knowledge with trivia about soccer’s power-players and history-makers, like legendary goalkeeper Brad Friedel and Mia Hamm, whose trailblazing career helped spark the rise of U.S. women’s soccer. In the Hall of Honor, inductees and their stories are brought to life by displays and memorabilia, including jerseys, photographs and personal items.
The trophy collection is a highlight. “I don’t believe there’s any other place in the world where you can stare at four women’s World Cup trophies behind the case,” said Djorn Bucholz, executive director. “We have them all here.”
Virtual reality experiences and skills challenges help visitors experience the sport firsthand. Facial recognition software allows each guest’s visit to be personalized.
“No two people have the same experience inside,” said Bucholz. “We call ourselves the most personalized experience in sports. I think we can really back that up. It’s incredibly unique.”
Most spend 60 to 90 minutes soaking in the exhibits, challenges and soccer history. For groups of 10 or more, tickets are discounted to $10 per person. The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday.
U.S. Bicycling Hall of Fame
Davis, California
The U.S. Bicycling Hall of Fame in Davis, California, is a tribute to the rich history and culture of cycling in the United States, honoring the athletes, innovators, coaches and contributors who helped shaped the sport over the years. For cycling enthusiasts, this small museum is a gem. It’s located at the site of the first bike lane in the U.S., which was created in 1967.
Inside the thoughtfully curated space, exhibits chronicle key moments in American cycling history. From the introduction of the first bicycles in the 1860s to the rise of women in cycling in the 1900s to the bike boom of the 1970s, each display paints a picture of how cycling has evolved in the U.S.
One of the standout attractions is the collection of vintage bicycles. These rare models not only show the evolution of bike design and technology but also transport travelers to the early days of cycling. There are also profiles of Hall of Fame inductees, including Greg LeMond, a three-time Tour de France champion, and Juliana Furtado, who is often credited with raising the profile of women’s mountain biking.
For a deeper dive, guided tours led by local bike historians are available for a fee. These tours can include brief presentations on cycling history. Keep in mind that this hall of fame has limited hours — Wednesdays from 4–6 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. However, groups of 10 or more can schedule visits by appointment.
NCAA Hall of Champions
Indianapolis, Indiana
Indianapolis’ NCAA Hall of Champions celebrates the accomplishments of student-athletes in 24 sports and from more than 1,000 colleges and universities in the United States. Visitors get a better grasp of the dedication, talent and perseverance that define college sports.
“The Hall of Champions really shows a different side to the NCAA than what you may see on TV,” said Kortni Gurganus-Wright, assistant director of operations. “It’s more personal, accessible, more educational on what the NCAA is and who we serve.”
Spread across two levels, the Hall of Champions engages sports fans of all ages. On the main level, touchscreen kiosks introduce each of the 24 NCAA sports through trivia, short videos and displays of memorabilia, such as game balls and jerseys donated by colleges and universities. It’s a fun way to get to know the top athletes and moments that helped shape NCAA sports.
On the second level, sports simulators allow visitors to try out baseball, football, soccer and softball. In a 1930s-style gymnasium, they test their basketball skills by attempting to recreate famous shots in NCAA basketball history, using decals on the floor as a guide.
Visitors typically spend between 45 and 90 minutes exploring the Hall of Champions. For a more in-depth experience, the museum offers 90-minute guided tours for groups of up to 20 people. Groups of 80 or more can enjoy a scavenger hunt-style experience called the Hall of Champions Challenge. Boxed lunches can be pre-ordered.
