North America’s Top 5 Attractions Revealed: The Must-Visit Experiences That Wowed Travellers in 2025

Anthony Chapel

As travellers become more discerning and experience-led in their choices, reviews have never mattered more. The newly announced 2025 North American Arival TourReview Spotlight Awards shine a spotlight on the attractions that are consistently exceeding expectations and delighting visitors across the continent.

Presented by Arival in partnership with TourReview, a leading global review management platform, the awards are based on millions of verified guest reviews gathered from seven major online travel agencies and review websites. The result is a trusted snapshot of the attractions that are genuinely “wowing” travellers right now.

From intimate cultural landmarks to world-famous icons, these standout winners represent the very best of North American visitor experiences.

What Are the Arival TourReview Spotlight Awards

The Arival TourReview Spotlight Awards celebrate excellence in customer experience across the tours, activities and attractions sector. Rather than judging panels or submissions, winners are determined purely by aggregated guest sentiment, consistency and review performance.

This makes the awards especially valuable for travellers planning their next trip, as well as for industry professionals tracking where visitor expectations are being set — and surpassed.

Top Small Operator Attractions

Bear Creek Feline Center

Small operators often deliver deeply personal, memorable experiences, and the 2025 winners prove that size is no barrier to impact.

1) Anthony Chapel

A breathtaking architectural landmark set within tranquil woodland, Anthony Chapel continues to enchant visitors seeking serenity, design and natural beauty.

2) Bear Creek Feline Center

This accredited sanctuary offers close-up encounters with rescued big cats while prioritising education, conservation and animal welfare.

3) Historic RailPark & Train Museum

An immersive journey through America’s rail heritage, combining preserved railcars with compelling storytelling and hands-on exhibits.

4) Longue Vue House and Gardens

A refined blend of historic architecture and landscaped gardens, offering a peaceful escape and a window into early 20th-century design.

5) Montana Grizzly Encounter

A rare opportunity to observe rescued grizzly bears in a naturalistic environment, celebrated for ethical wildlife tourism and education.

Top Medium Operator Attractions

Ebenezer Baptist Church

Mid-sized attractions balance scale with intimacy, delivering polished experiences while maintaining a strong sense of place.

1) Ebenezer Baptist Church

A site of profound historical and cultural significance, offering powerful insights into the American civil rights movement.

2) Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum

An unexpected Alaskan gem, showcasing an extraordinary collection of vintage automobiles, fashion and early motoring history.

3) JAMNOLA

A vibrant, interactive art experience celebrating New Orleans culture through immersive installations and local creativity.

4) Little Canada

A meticulously crafted miniature world capturing Canada’s landmarks and landscapes with astonishing detail and charm.

5) Museum Of Illusions Orlando

A playful, hands-on attraction where perception, science and fun intersect, making it a hit with families and curious minds alike.

Top Large Operator Attractions

Country Music Hall of Fame

These globally recognised icons continue to set the benchmark for visitor experience on the world stage.

1) Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

A pilgrimage site for music lovers, blending history, storytelling and interactive exhibits in the heart of Nashville.

2) Empire State Building

An enduring symbol of New York City, delivering unforgettable skyline views paired with expertly curated visitor experiences.

3) Museo Nacional de Antropología

One of the world’s great museums, offering an extraordinary exploration of history, culture and human civilisation.

4) Statue City Cruises

The definitive way to experience the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, combining seamless operations with powerful storytelling.

5) The Butchart Gardens

A spectacular horticultural masterpiece, celebrated year-round for its beauty, innovation and visitor-focused excellence.

Why These Attractions Matter in 2025

The winners reflect broader travel trends shaping 2025: a desire for authenticity, meaningful cultural engagement, ethical experiences and attractions that leave a lasting emotional impression. Whether large or small, each recipient demonstrates that exceptional visitor experiences are built on care, consistency and connection.

For travellers planning a North American itinerary, these award-winning attractions offer a trusted guide to experiences that deliver on their promise — and then some.

Contact details and further information
For more information about the awards, visit www.arival.travel
To learn more about review insights, visit www.tourreview.com

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