Few parts of American history spark as much excitement in the public’s collective imagination as the Buffalo Soldiers. Formed by an act of Congress on July 28, 1866 — a day that is commemorated as Buffalo Soldiers Day — the Buffalo Soldiers were given their famous name by a Cheyenne chief who likened their fierce combat skills to those of a wild buffalo.

Although they are mostly associated with the Old West, the Buffalo Soldiers were a major fixture in the Plains Wars, manning forts throughout the frontier. Later in the 19th century, they gained international attention with their participation in the Spanish-American War, serving alongside Teddy Roosevelt’s Rough Riders at the Battle of San Juan Hill. Today, the Buffalo Soldiers are figures of legend in American history, and have been the subject of movies, television shows, and even hit songs. (Come on, admit it. There’s an old Bob Marley song playing in your head even as you read this sentence.)

Travelers hoping to honor the memory of these brave Americans and learn more about their storied history have plenty of options. The following destinations top our list of the best destinations where visitors can celebrate the Buffalo Soldiers’ history and learn how their service changed the very face of a nation.

Buffalo Soldiers Bike Tour — Yellowstone National Park

Travelers looking to honor the Buffalo Soldiers while also enjoying the great outdoors should head to Yellowstone for an invigorating bicycle tour that is equal parts history and wilderness exploration. In 1896, an eight-man unit of the Buffalo Soldiers, a portion of the Army’s new Bicycle Corps, headed out to Yellowstone to test the feasibility of using bikes in military operations. The trek through the park lasted 19 hours and comprised 132 miles, during which time the Buffalo Soldiers were burdened with the 100 pounds of gear typically carried by soldiers of the era.

During this trip, the Buffalo Soldiers were treated to some of Yellowstone’s greatest sights, including Old Faithful, Mammoth Hot Springs, and Lower and Upper Geyser Basins. Now a legendary part of Yellowstone’s history, the Buffalo Soldiers’ tour through the park is just one aspect of their long association with America’s national parks. While primarily serving as combat troops, the Buffalo Soldiers were also among the first park rangers at Yosemite and Sequoia, literally blazing trails that are still used by visitors today.

National Museum of African American History and Culture — Washington, D.C.

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. relates the story of the Buffalo Soldiers through an engaging series of exhibits on the famed military units. For researchers and museum staff, this means separating the true history of the Buffalo Soldiers from the myths that surrounded their exploits in the late 20th century.

One of the museum’s most prized possessions is a buffalo robe, a heavy overcoat worn by the Buffalo Soldiers, which is made from the fur of an American bison. Guides at the museum remind visitors of all the hardship the Buffalo Soldiers faced as they protected settlers heading west during the late 19th century, enduring extremely cold winters and fighting Native American tribes to better their lives and secure civil rights for themselves and their descendants.

Another fascinating exhibit at the National Museum of African American History is the uniform of John Hanks Alexander. The second Black graduate of West Point, Alexander was one of only three Black officers to hold a command position in the Buffalo Soldiers, serving as a lieutenant in the famed 9th U.S. Cavalry Regiment.

Fort Davis National Historic Site — Texas

Buffalo Soldiers stationed at Fort Davis helped win the West for American settlers. Located near the San Antonio-El Paso Road, a highly important thoroughfare for settlers going to the gold fields of California, Fort Davis was best known as the home of the 9th and 10th Cavalry Regiments, two of the most famous Buffalo Soldier units.

Buffalo Soldiers with Fort Davis’s cavalry protected settlers from Comanche raiders and outlaw bandits alike, all the while facing prejudice from the Army and working for less pay than their white counterparts. Meanwhile, Buffalo Soldiers in the fort’s infantry also did their part to settle the West. Fort Davis’s infantry helped map out large sections of the frontier, allowing for telegraph cables and railroad tracks to be laid in the surrounding area.

Tours of Fort Davis focus on the many historic buildings that remain from its military service, five of which have been fully restored to how they would have appeared in the time of the Buffalo Soldiers. Several hiking trails also wind through the park, giving visitors an idea of what pioneers saw as they headed west and plenty of unique photo opportunities.

Buffalo Soldiers National Museum — Houston

Experts at the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum in Houston have crafted what may be the most detailed representation of the Buffalo Soldiers and their place in American history. One of its most remarkable displays is a gallery of Buffalo Soldier uniforms, which changed throughout the Buffalo Soldiers’ nearly 80 years of service in the United States Army. A full collection of Buffalo Soldier gear is also on display at the museum, from rifles and pistols to more everyday equipment like camping and horseback riding materials.

Special rotating events at the museum also provide fascinating insight into their fascinating history and legacy, which sounds like an amazing excuse to plan a cultural getaway to Houston. In years past, the museum has hosted exhibits detailing a wide array of subjects related to the Buffalo Soldiers, including how their combat performance and professionalism contributed to the military’s decision to desegregate units following the close of World War II.

Have you ever visited any of these historical sites? Tell us about it in the comments below!