Table of Contents
America’s Olympic destinations offer way more than dusty memorabilia. These cities let you actually experience Olympic history, and the best part? You can reach them all by bus or train on Wanderu!
The Big-Time Olympic Host Cities
These are the cities that welcomed the world and created Olympic moments we’ll never forget. Each one still has stadiums, parks, and venues you can visit today. Walk where champions walked, see where records were broken, and get a feel for the energy that once filled these historic sites.
Atlanta, Georgia
The 1996 Summer Olympics put Atlanta on the world stage. Centennial Olympic Park is still the heart of downtown, with its iconic Fountain of Rings that give the perfect Insta moment. The Olympic Cauldron, Herndon Stadium, and other historic sites are waiting to be explored.
Los Angeles, California
Get ready for 2028! LA hosted the Summer Olympics in 1932 and 1984, and it’s gearing up to do it again. The LA Memorial Coliseum is still standing proud, and you can tour the legendary venue where Jesse Owens once competed. The original John C. Argue Swim Stadium from 1932 is beautifully preserved, and Griffith Park hosted the 1984 equestrian events.
Salt Lake City, Utah
The 2002 Winter Olympics transformed this mountain city into an Olympic playground that’s still alive and kicking. Visit the Utah Olympic Oval in nearby Kearns or head to Soldier Hollow for Nordic skiing. The absolute highlight? You can take a real luge ride down the official Olympic track, hitting 60 mph on the same course where medalists competed.
Lake Placid, New York
This tiny Adirondack village has hosted the Winter Olympics twice (1932 and 1980), and it wears that pride on its sleeve. The Olympic Center is where the “Miracle on Ice” happened, with the US winning in a huge upset against the Soviet Union. You can ice skate on the same rink, visit the museum, and even watch hockey games. The bobsled, luge, and skeleton tracks are open for public rides.
St. Louis, Missouri
America’s first Olympic host city (in 1904) offers a nostalgic glimpse into Olympic history. Forest Park, which hosted many Olympic events, remains one of the country’s greatest urban parks with museums, a zoo, and gorgeous landscapes. The Gateway Arch is the city’s unmistakable landmark.
St. Louis, Missouri
America’s first Olympic host city (in 1904) offers a nostalgic glimpse into Olympic history. Forest Park, which hosted many Olympic events, remains one of the country’s greatest urban parks with museums, a zoo, and gorgeous landscapes. The Gateway Arch is the city’s unmistakable landmark.
The Olympic Training Powerhouses
Want to see where Team USA actually trains? These cities are home to official U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Centers and elite athlete facilities. You can tour world-class training grounds, watch athletes prepare for competition, and in some cases, even try out the facilities yourself. This is where the next generation of Olympic hopefuls is training right now!
Colorado Springs, Colorado
This is the Olympic hub of America. Home to the flagship U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center since 1978, Colorado Springs is where Team USA magic happens. You can tour the Training Center (75-minute guided tours run hourly) and see the Olympic-size pool, velodrome, shooting range, wrestling gym, and more. Athletes might be training during your visit. Imagine spotting the next Michael Phelps or Simone Biles! The nearby U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum is mind-blowing.
Chula Vista, California
Just south of San Diego, the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center is where Olympic dreams come to life for archery, cycling, rowing, soccer, and more athletes. This 150-acre campus still actively trains future Olympians.
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Home to the OKC National High Performance Center for rowing and canoe/kayak on the Oklahoma River, plus RIVERSPORT Rapids, which will actually serve as the canoe slalom venue for the 2028 LA Olympics. You can watch elite athletes train and even try these sports yourself.
Marquette, Michigan
This under-the-radar destination on the shores of Lake Superior hosts a unique U.S. Olympic Education Center at Northern Michigan University. It’s the only Olympic Training Center dedicated to helping athletes continue their education while training for non-NCAA sports. While Marquette requires some creative routing with bus connections, the journey through Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is stunning.
Whether you’re a die-hard sports fan, a history buff, or just someone who loves the thrill of adventure, these Olympic destinations deliver. Reaching them by bus or train is just the beginning of your champion’s journey!
