America the Beautiful: 'GMA' travels to 50 states in 50 weeks

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Friday, April 3, 2026 4:00PM
'50 States in 50 Weeks' visits Nebraska

In honor of its 50th anniversary and the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States, "Good Morning America" is launching a new yearlong series, "50 States in 50 Weeks: America the Beautiful."

Each week, a "GMA" anchor or correspondent will visit a new state, following the order in which they joined the United States, to spotlight a local changemaker and showcase the state's unique culture, history, traditions and landmarks.

Viewers are invited to share the people in their neighborhood and state who make it the best place to live.

Delaware

As a part of "GMA's new series, "50 States in 50 Weeks: America the Beautiful," we have a look at a beach in Delaware, where lifeguards are working to keep swimmers safe.

ABC News chief meteorologist Ginger Zee kicked off "America the Beautiful: 50 States in 50 Weeks" on July 3 with a visit to Delaware, the first state to be admitted to the U.S.

"I can't think of a better way to kick off this journey than in Delaware, our very first state," Zee said. "Meeting the Rehoboth Beach lifeguards and seeing their commitment to community and safety perfectly captures the spirit of what this series is all about, especially ahead of the Fourth of July weekend."

Pennsylvania

As a part of "GMA's new series, "50 States in 50 Weeks: America the Beautiful," Lauren McChesney and Matthew McClanahan share the story behind their historic drive-in in Pennsylvania.

On July 11, we were introduced to the owners of Pennsylvania's Shankweiler's Drive-In, the world's oldest operating drive-in movie theater.

The two shared the story behind their historic drive-in and also got a surprise from the Pennsylvania tourism office in recognition of their impact on the local community.

New Jersey

As a part of "GMA's new series, "50 States in 50 Weeks: America the Beautiful," we have a look at Piney Hollow Farm in New Jersey.

On July 17, "GMA" stopped by Piney Hollow Farm in New Jersey, where tomatoes and blueberries highlight the state's rich agricultural roots.

Georgia

As a part of "GMA's new series, "50 States in 50 Weeks: America the Beautiful," ABC News' Deborah Roberts explored the birthplace of the Girl Scouts in Savannah, Georgia.

On July 25, ABC News' Deborah Roberts gave viewers an inside look at her home state of Georgia, where the Girl Scouts were first founded.

Connecticut

As a part of "GMA's new series, "50 States in 50 Weeks: America the Beautiful," we take you inside Lake Compounce, America's oldest amusement park in Bristol, Connecticut.

On Aug. 1, "GMA" visited America's oldest amusement park -- Lake Compounce in Bristol, Connecticut.

Massachusetts

As a part of "GMA's new series, "50 States in 50 Weeks: America the Beautiful," we visit a legendary multi-generational jazz club in Boston.

On Aug. 7, "GMA" stopped by Boston's legendary multi-generational jazz club, Wally's Café, and spoke with owner Elynor Walcott.

Maryland

As a part of "GMA's new series, "50 States in 50 Weeks: America the Beautiful," we visit Maryland, where the legacy of trailblazing abolitionist Harriet Tubman lives on.

On Aug. 14, "GMA" visited Maryland, where the history and legacy of abolitionist and social activist Harriet Tubman is being kept alive on the Eastern Shore.

South Carolina

As a part of "GMA's new series, "50 States in 50 Weeks: America the Beautiful," we have a look at ClemsonLIFE, a program at Clemson University that has been serving students with intellectual disabilities since 2008.

On Aug. 21, "GMA" stopped by Clemson University in South Carolina to share the story of ClemsonLIFE, a program that has provided independent living for students with intellectual disabilities since 2008. What started as half a dozen students has grown to 57.

New Hampshire

As a part of "GMA's series, "50 States in 50 Weeks: America the Beautiful," we're taking you to the highest peak in the northeast -- Mt. Washington in New Hampshire.

On Aug. 28, "GMA" climbed to the top of the highest peak in the northeast -- Mt. Hamilton in New Hampshire, where the weather was crisp and the views were spectacular.

Virginia

As a part of "GMA's new series, "50 States in 50 Weeks: America the Beautiful," we take a look at a Virginia nonprofit serving restaurant quality meals to people in need.

On Friday, Sept. 5, "GMA" caught up with Mercy Meals, a Virginia nonprofit that serves carefully crafted meals to those in need after emergencies and natural disasters in their community and all over the world.

New York

As a part of "GMA's new series, "50 States in 50 Weeks: America the Beautiful," the Indigenous people who call New York's Niagara region home, share their history and how they're keeping their culture alive.

On Friday, Sept. 12, "GMA" traveled to New York's Niagara Falls. The Indigenous people who call the region home shared how they're working to keep their culture alive.

North Carolina

As a part of "GMA's new series, "50 States in 50 Weeks: America the Beautiful," the Indigenous people who call New York's Niagara region home, share their history and how they're keeping their culture alive.

On Friday, Sept. 19, "GMA" traveled to Asheville, North Carolina, where hope abounds. The community rallied over the last year to help one another recover from the devastation Hurricane Helene brought to the region.

Vermont

While aspects of the 1965 hit movie "The Sound of Music" were correct, the true story of the Von Trapp family is nestled in the hills of Vermont.

On Thursday, Oct. 2, "GMA" traveled to Stowe, Vermont to take a look at the true story of the Von Trapp family that was made famous in the hit 1965 Rodgers and Hammerstein film, "The Sound of Music."

Kentucky

Just outside Lexington, the horse capital of the world, a nonprofit is giving horses a new lease on life. The Kentucky Equine Adoption Center rescues and retrains horses, then helps them find their forever home.

On Thursday, Oct. 9, "GMA" traveled to Nicholasville, Kentucky to visit a nonprofit that's giving horses a new lease on life. Here's a look at the Kentucky Equine Adoption Center.

Tennessee

As a part of "GMA's new series, "50 States in 50 Weeks: America the Beautiful," we visit the nation's largest privately owned off-roading park in Oliver Springs, Tennessee.

On Friday, Oct. 17, "GMA" traveled to Windrock Park in Tennessee, home of the nation's largest privately owned off-roading park.

Ohio

As a part of "GMA's" new series, "50 States in 50 Weeks: America the Beautiful," we travel to Ohio to visit baby animals at the Cincinnati Zoo, which is celebrating its 150th anniversary.

On Friday, Oct. 24, "GMA" visited the Cincinnati Zoo, which is celebrating its 150th anniversary. The zoo's newest members are two orphaned black bear cubs named Juniper and Hazel.

Louisiana

As a part of "GMA's series, "50 States in 50 Weeks: America the Beautiful," we have a look at "Krewe of Boo," a spooky Halloween parade rolling through New Orleans' French Quarter.

On Friday, Oct. 31, "GMA" took a look at the costumes and floats that fill "Krewe of Boo," a Halloween parade that rolls through the French Quarter in New Orleans.

Indiana

As a part of "GMA's new series, "50 States in 50 Weeks: America the Beautiful," we celebrate Indiana's love of basketball.

On Thursday, Nov. 6, "GMA" took a look at "Hoosier Hysteria" and the deep love of basketball in Indiana.

Mississippi

As a part of "GMA's new series, "50 States in 50 Weeks: America the Beautiful," we take a look at blue legends and blues clubs in Mississippi.

On Friday, Nov. 14, "GMA" visited various venues in Mississippi, where the rich spirit of the blues plays on.

Illinois

As a part of "GMA's new series, "50 States in 50 Weeks: America the Beautiful," we take a magical trip to a reindeer farm in Illinois.

On Friday, Nov. 21, "GMA" took a trip to a magical reindeer farm in Illinois where it's Christmas all year round.

Alabama

As a part of "GMA's series, "50 States in 50 Weeks: America the Beautiful," we take to the waters with shrimpers in Alabama, where we learn it's more than just a job, it's a calling.

On Thursday, Dec. 4, "GMA" took to the waters of the seafood capital of Alabama.

Maine

As a part of "GMA's" series, "50 States in 50 Weeks: America the Beautiful," we take a look at the new soccer team that's taken Maine by storm.

On Thursday, Dec. 11, "GMA" met up with fans of the Portland Hearts of Pine, a new soccer team that has Maine cheering.

Missouri

As a part of "GMA's" series, "50 States in 50 Weeks: America the Beautiful," we explore a one-of-a-kind cavern in Springfield, Missouri.

On Friday, Dec. 19, "GMA" took viewers to Springfield, Missouri, where there is one of three caves in the world that you can ride through.

Arkansas

As a part of "GMA's" series, "50 States in 50 Weeks: America the Beautiful," we visit Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas, where visitors can search for real diamonds.

On Friday, Jan. 2, "GMA" took viewers to a state park in Arkansas, which is the only place in the world where the public can search for real diamonds in their original volcanic source.

Michigan

Ginger Zee explores her home state and hits the slopes at the Crystal Community Ski Club.

On Friday, Jan. 9, "GMA" took viewers to Michigan.

Florida

ABC News' Victor Oquendo showcases a hospital in the Sunshine State working to protect sea turtles.

On Thursday, Jan. 15, "GMA" took viewers to Florida.

Texas

"GMA" co-anchor Michael Strahan gives viewers an inside look at the landmark national park in southwest Texas.

On Friday, Jan. 23, "GMA" took viewers to Iowa.

Iowa

ABC News' Mary Bruce reports on the annual tradition that brings thousands of people to Okoboji, Iowa.

On Friday, Jan. 30, "GMA" took viewers to Iowa.

Wisconsin

While exploring America's Dairyland, "Good Morning America" shares one woman's campaign for kindness.

On Thursday, Feb. 5, "GMA" took viewers to Wisconsin.

California

ABC News' Becky Worley, who is in Eureka's Sequoia Park, takes "GMA" viewers on a journey through the state's 840-mile coastline along the Pacific Coast Highway.

On Thursday, Feb. 12, "GMA" took viewers to California.

Minnesota

"GMA" spotlights a small business in the North Star State that has found national success while honoring its immigrant roots.

On Thursday, Feb. 19, "GMA" took viewers to Minnesota.

Oregon

"GMA" visits Mount Hood to explore the state's natural beauty, rich history and vibrant communities, speaking with tribes and women preserving traditions through dance.

On Friday, Feb. 26, "GMA" took viewers to Oregon.

Kansas

As America approaches its 250th birthday, "GMA" visits Kansas City to highlight a hidden gem in the Sunflower State you may not have heard about.

On Thursday, March 5, "GMA" took viewers to Kansas.

West Virginia

"GMA" stops in Milton, West Virginia, as part of its journey to all 50 states ahead of the nation's 250th birthday.

On Friday, March 20, "GMA" took viewers to West Virginia.

Nevada

"GMA" visits one of Nevada's most recognizable landmarks and biggest tourist attractions, the Hoover Dam.

On Friday, March 27, "GMA" took viewers to Nevada.

Nebraska

"GMA" heads to Nebraska for our latest stop, spotlighting a spectacle that brings tens of thousands of visitors each year for the sandhill crane migration.

On Friday, April 3, "GMA" took viewers to Nebraska.

"50 States in 50 Weeks: America the Beautiful" will feature stories from across the U.S. through July 2026.

Check back each week to see which state is celebrated next!

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