Aerial America

2010 • Smithsonian Channel
4.8
181 reviews
TV-G
Rating
Eligible
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Season 1 episodes (50)

1 California
7/10/10
Mansions. Beaches. Mountains. Vineyards. Soak it all in from thousands of feet in the air.
2 Hawaii
7/17/10
Join us on a non-stop journey by air over our nation's most exotic and breathtaking state.
3 Virginia
7/24/10
Soar over the majestic Shenandoah Valley and into the heart of American history.
4 Connecticut
7/31/10
Savor Connecticut's coastal blue waters and mountains ablaze with autumn colors, from a miraculous bird's-eye-view.
5 Tennessee
8/7/10
Enjoy scenic views of Tennessee, from battlefields where hundreds died to Beale Street where musical legends were born.
6 Vermont
8/14/10
You have to love a state that gave us Robert Frost's "The Road Less Traveled" and Ben and Jerry's Chunky Monkey!
7 Arkansas
8/21/10
Take flight over The Natural State, land of raging rivers, vast wilderness and legends of the Wild West.
8 Rhode Island
8/28/10
Hit the Rhode, from thousands of feet in the air, as we pay a big tribute to our smallest state.
9 Maine
7/10/11
Take a breathtaking ride over one of the most beautiful, unspoiled states on the Atlantic Coast.
10 Oregon
7/17/11
Soar over the dramatic Pacific coastline, the dense evergreen forests, and the Mars-like Desert Ridge of Oregon.
11 South Carolina
7/24/11
Explore the true spirit and rich history of the South, encapsulated in this breathtaking, first-class journey across South Carolina. It's America's smallest southern state, but its stories are as big as the country itself. From Fort Sumter, where the first shots of The War Between the States rang out, to Sullivan Island, the Ellis Island of Slaves, to the cypress swamp where freedom fighter Francis Marion helped turn the tide of the Revolutionary War. Take flight on a journey that showcases American history alongside pristine beaches, colorful cities, and wild spaces that equally define the Palmetto State.
12 Massachusetts
7/31/11
Henry David Thoreau said of its shores: "A man may stand here and put all of America behind him." In many ways, Massachusetts is America. The state is home to revolutionaries, a haven for artists, and the birthplace of education and higher learning. From the journeys of pilgrims to the ride of Paul Revere, from the witch trials of Salem to the Curse of the Bambino, Aerial Massachusetts invites you on a flight spanning hundreds of years and just as many spectacular sights, all in under an hour.
13 Georgia
8/7/11
Georgia is where the Appalachian Mountains end and a great Civil Rights leader's life began. A state rich in natural wonders and history, this aerial tour of the Empire State of the South captures it all. Enjoy breathtaking views of Atlanta's skyline, Augusta's legendary golf course, and the rugged barrier island coastline. Discover this southern state's complex past, from the Civil War's most notorious prison to the South's most beloved piece of literature to the United State's "most haunted cemetery." This is Georgia, as you've never seen it before.
14 Washington
8/14/11
Washington is home to some of America's wildest spaces and also its most modern cities. Often these disparate spaces are just a few miles apart. The Evergreen State is a story of mirror opposites: a wet, mountainous, tree-covered west and a dry, flat, open east. It is home to high-tech industries and America's oldest Native American tribes. Experience all sides of Washington State, from thousands of feet in the air, and witness its conflicting worlds merging to form a land of remarkable beauty.
15 New Hampshire
8/21/11
Soar over the most independent-minded state in the Union: New Hampshire. Amid its stunning mountains, majestic rivers, and colonial villages exists a community of people who take their motto of "Live free or die" to heart. From an infamous poet who favored the road less traveled, to the founders of both the industrial and fast food revolutions, New Hampshire is brimming with free thinkers. Witness the majesty of a state known for its passion and its politics, a state that lives up to its revolutionary cry, "Independence now and independence forever."
16 Maryland And Delaware
8/28/11
Visit the birthplace of the Star Spangled Banner and explore the sites where Harriet Tubman, Babe Ruth and the DuPont family made their marks on American history. Maryland and Delaware are two small states of great historical significance. Highlighted by the great bays of the eastern seaboard: Chesapeake and Delaware, both states are defined by the legacies of their colonial pasts. This aerial journey reveals their giant stature in the history of America.
17 North Carolina
9/4/11
North Carolina is home to enduring mysteries, giant industries, and pristine coastal beauty. It's where gold was first found in America, and where an entire colony of settlers vanished. A state where golf rules the land, NASCAR rules the road, and college basketball holds court over them all. It's where tobacco became king after the cotton industry went up in smoke, and where a 12-second flight sent shockwaves around the world. Experience the captivating sights and compelling history of one of America's first colonies.
18 New York
9/11/11
Take a memorable flight over a remarkable state, one rich with the stories of a nation that began long before European explorers discovered its mighty rivers. Explore New York's amazing beauty, from the roaring Niagara Falls to its stunning peaks and valleys, to a city full of abundant architectural heritage and infamous residents. Aerial New York tells the stories of expansive natural wonders, the city that never sleeps and the day we will never forget.
19 Louisiana
1/8/12
Visit the state where the Big Muddy comes to an end and the Big Easy comes to life. Louisiana is home to both great celebrations and great devastation. From cool jazz to hot cooking; from a vast paradise of wetlands to the giant industries endangering its fragile ecosystems, explore the stark contradictions of the Sugar State from soaring heights. Having survived natural and manmade disasters, Louisiana proves it has never lost its festive, fighting spirit.
20 New Mexico
1/14/12
Georgia O'Keeffe once said, "If you ever go to New Mexico, it will itch you for the rest of your life," and this aerial tour of the state will show you exactly why. We take flight over 121,000 square miles of timeless beauty and national treasures, from the Rio Grande Rift dividing the state, to the adobe structures and dormant volcanoes that define the landscape. See what brought O'Keefe to the Land of Enchantment, as well as Billy the Kid, the makers of the Atomic bomb and perhaps even visitors from galaxies far away.
21 Michigan
1/22/12
Take flight over Michigan, a Midwestern powerhouse, where one man's assembly lines brought the automobile to America and another man's "Hit Factory" brought the Motown sound to the world. Named after the Native American term for "big lake," Michigan is defined not only by the Great Lakes that shape it, but how its residents shaped America. We examine its diverse history and its visionaries who built empires, started unions, and helped win a World War, while witnessing its diverse beauty from thousands of feet in the air.
22 Nevada
1/29/12
Nevada is known as a Wild West state that's still a little wild, but there's much more to this ancient desert land than the City of Sin. This aerial tour highlights Nevada's vital role in the shaping of America, from the mines and ghost towns of its gold and silver rush, to its icon of American ingenuity: the Hoover Dam. Discover the highs and lows of Nevada's history, and the booms and busts that have defined it as the land of big builders and bigger dreamers.
23 Colorado
2/12/12
Get ready for a Rocky Mountain adventure over the state that boasts some of the highest peaks, tallest sand dunes and largest single-site brewery in America. Every year Colorado attracts thrill seekers, music lovers, ski buffs, and sports fans drawn to its Deadly Bells, Red Rocks, Aspen slopes and the Broncos' Mile High Stadium. But it is also a state with a 13,000-year-old history, marked by war, a gold rush and legendary bank robberies. Through it all, Colorado remains a feast for the eyes, justifiably inspiring the anthem "America the Beautiful."
24 Mississippi
3/4/12
In Mississippi, culture and history run as deep as its mighty river. Soar over landmarks where Civil Rights movements were waged, Civil War battles were lost and the Blues were born. The Magnolia State is also a land of seductive landscapes and endless creativity, giving us literary geniuses such as William Faulkner and Tennessee Williams, plus musical legends Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters and Elvis. Take flight on this stunning journey over a land of hospitality, beauty and complexity.
25 Pennsylvania
3/11/12
This thrilling ride over the Keystone State takes you over large cities and across small towns, where tradition thrives, Nittany Lions roar, and freedom rings. It's where the first football game was played and the bloodiest Civil War battle was fought. Where American Independence began and America's westward expansion commenced. Whether you prefer cheese steak or chocolate, Andy Warhol art or Rocky Balboa films, this aerial tour of Pennsylvania has something for everyone!
26 Florida
10/14/12
Embark on a first-class trip across one of the top vacation destinations in the world, as we explore the grassy waters, sandy shores, and intriguing history of Florida. From big orange groves to Little Havana, from launching rockets to hanging chads, the Sunshine State offers spectacular views and seminal moments that are uniquely its own. Soar over the gleaming metropolis of Miami, the Magical World of Disney and the spring break mecca: Panama City. It's Florida as it's never been seen before, and you have a window seat!
27 Kansas
10/21/12
There's more to the state of Kansas than its wide-open spaces and endless skies might indicate. It's where great aviation pioneers took flight and civil rights heroes fought back. Where Laura Ingalls Wilder documented life on the prairie and a fictional young girl dreamed of a life "Over the Rainbow." It's also home of the first battle of the Civil War and the ongoing collegiate basketball war between Wildcats and Jayhawks. Enjoy this soaring tour through the spectacular and surprising Sunflower State.
28 Alabama
11/4/12
Buckle up and "Roll Tide" as we take an aerial journey over vast cotton fields, endless waters, storied football stadiums, and historical landmarks that collectively tell the tale of Sweet Home Alabama. Discover its rich history as we reveal the astronomical discoveries that helped us reach the moon and the civil rights victories that forged a path to equality for millions. The story of the Cotton State has as many dramatic turns as the tracks of the Talladega Superspeedway, and you have an unobstructed, breathtaking bird's eye view.
29 Oklahoma
11/18/12
Oklahoma is a land steeped in wonder and hidden stories. Home to great tallgrass prairies, where herds of buffalo roam free and oil jacks gush black gold. Where the "Trail of Tears" ended and a mass exodus began 100 years later, prompted by a towering wave of dust. This flight over the Sooner State whisks you over the home of famous "Okies" Will Rogers, Brad Pitt, and Geronimo. Where native cultures flourished for thousands of years and where countless hopeful settlers arrived for a shot at the American Dream.
30 Arizona
12/2/12
Take off on a thrilling flight across America, a journey that allows you to leave yourself, and your travel organizer, at home. Shot entirely in high definition, this series offers rare glimpses of some of our nation's most treasured landmarks, all seen from breathtaking heights. From busy cityscapes to quiet landscapes, from historical and cultural landmarks to untouched locations inaccessible by road, we offer the history and the pageantry of our amazing country, which is as diverse as the people occupy it.
31 Montana
7/21/13
Big skies, big adventure, and big spirits: this is Montana. It's where fertile plains collide with the Rocky Mountains and the country's fastest land mammals run the grasslands known as the American Serengeti. It's also where Lewis and Clark faced towering stone obstacles and Custer faced an even more daunting foe. This aerial journey showcases the Treasure State's mountains and milestones, its legends and landmarks, all from spectacular heights.
32 Ohio
7/28/13
It's where the Wright brothers' visions of flight fully took off and where a young Neil Armstrong first dreamed of the Moon. For many, no matter how far they travel, Ohio will always be a place worth coming home to visit. Take flight over the Buckeye State and witness centuries of American history etched in its soil. Soar over the Ohio River, where Revolutionary War veterans started life anew, and the town of Marietta, where runaway slaves sought shelter. This aerial tour celebrates the state's spirit: built on freedom, sports, and rock and roll.
33 Minnesota
8/4/13
Soar over Minnesota, where the Mighty Mississippi begins and the blue Midwestern sky never ends. This aerial exploration of the North Star State whisks you across ancient glacial landscapes, iconic bodies of water, and the cornfields, dairies, and farm towns that have fed our county for over a century. From warring settlers and Indians to battling flour titans, and from the massive Mall of America to the mythical town of Lake Wobegon, see how Minnesota is more than the "Land of 10,000 Lakes." It's a world of countless stories.
34 West Virginia
8/18/13
West Virginia. It's where the Appalachian, Blue Ridge, and Allegheny Mountains converge, and where a fiercely independent spirit, forged during the Civil War, still lives today. From a legendary resort that hid a top-secret bunker to a futuristic facility exploring the mysteries of the universe, to thrill-seekers riding the Class-5 rapids and climbing its famous bluffs, this flight across the state's towering peaks reveals why John Denver called it "almost heaven."
35 Texas
2/23/14
To fully capture Texas, you need to go big, and this aerial exploration spans thousands of square miles to reveal the great sites and history of the Lone Star State. Witness its diverse geology as you soar above lush forests, forbidding deserts, and shimmering modern cities. High-altitude views of landmarks reveal a rich, complex past where bloody battles for independence began and where the era of American idealism ended one dark November day. From humble beginnings to boastful proclamations, see why "everything's bigger in Texas."
36 Idaho
3/2/14
Soar over a state with much more to offer than just potatoes! This is a land of majestic, agricultural fields, millions of acres of untamed land, great ancient spines of stone, and the deepest canyon in the United States. Idaho's past is as rich as its volcanic soil and this breathtaking tour over the Gem State reveals it's unique visual treasures. From Hemingway's haven to Hell's Canyon, and from the world's first atomic city to the birth of the potato boom, discover the beauty and history of the Gem State.
37 Kentucky
3/9/14
Take flight on an aerial tour over Kentucky, home of young Abe Lincoln, old family feuds, and the most exciting two minutes in sports. This overhead exploration reveals the fertile stories of America's 15th state, from Daniel Boone's wilderness trail to the Country Music Highway, and from the legends of the Kentucky Derby to the secrets behind its beloved bourbon. With its rich, divisive, violent history and its breathtaking beauty, the Bluegrass State is a stunning, hard-won paradise, best witnessed from high above.
38 Utah
3/16/14
From the unearthly pinnacles of Arches National Park to the blinding white terrain of the Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah has an alien beauty that must be seen to be believed. It also has a history uniquely its own, from the tragedy of the Donner Party to the arrival of Brigham Young, an American leader who built Mormonism into one of the most successful religions in the world. This journey over the Beehive State celebrates a land that offers endless surprises and possibilities for those looking to discover a whole new world.
39 The Dakotas
3/23/14
Soar from North Dakota to South Dakota and explore two states born from one great territory. Explore natural wonders, manmade monuments, Wild West towns, and a really wild motorcycle rally. We celebrate the people inexorably linked to the land, including Lewis and Clark, Sacagawea, Teddy Roosevelt, John Jacob Astor, and Crazy Horse. And we reveal the milestones and landmarks that shaped the destinies of both states, from the Louisiana Purchase to the arrival of the railroad that put the Dakotas on the path to separate fates.
40 Wyoming
3/30/14
Take to the skies over Wyoming and explore the fertile landscapes that first lured men like Jim Bridger out West in search of furs and game. Then visit the Cowboy State's famous towns and landmarks, from Jackson Hole to the Teton Mountains, and from the Sheridan Rodeo to the Continental Divide. Delve into the state's controversial past, including a dark betrayal, a shocking hate crime, a notorious mining operation, and a 19th-Century fight for women's rights that continues to inspire today.
41 Nebraska
4/6/14
Nebraska is a land of bold landscapes and brave history. It's where uninhabitable desert plains have been transformed into cornfields and cattle ranges that now feed America. This is where pioneers turned a river into a highway to the West. Soar high above this agricultural powerhouse as we explore the Cornhusker State's vast farms, towering spires, desolate badlands, and gleaming cities. We also celebrate Johnny Carson, Warren Buffet, Carhenge, the College World Series, and other great figures, landmarks, and pastimes that call Nebraska home.
42 Alaska's Fire and Ice
7/7/14
Enter America's last frontier: Alaska. It's a world defined by short days, endless coastlines, 100,000 glaciers, and 16 of the 20 highest mountains in the nation. This arctic, aerial flight captures the state's forbidding landscapes, from the Ring of Fire, where 130 volcanoes stretch out to sea, to Ruth Gorge, an ice-filled canyon that's twice as deep as the Grand Canyon. We also celebrate its remarkable history, its wide variety of wildlife and its wilder residents, who embrace these great outdoors, no matter how cold or icy the weather.
43 Alaska's Call of the Wild
7/7/14
For centuries, thousands of adventurers have answered Alaska's "call of the wild," seeking thrills and fortunes in a state rife with postcard-perfect beauty... and lethal dangers. Take flight across ancient glaciers, rugged mountain ranges, primeval forests, and pristine waterways. Then discover how the state's unique charm has attracted bold visitors, from Russian fur traders to a young survivalist on a one-way trip "into the wild" to the thousands of dog sledders facing off in the "Last Great Race on Earth!"
44 Washington, D.C.
4/26/15
Washington, DC, does not boast towering buildings, but its skyline still inspires awe through its history, purpose, and what happens inside its walls. Explore the Nation's Capital from above as we swoop over its monuments, memorials, historic neighborhoods, and beckoning waters. We celebrate a city of stately American symbols and turbulent history, including scandals, protests, assassinations, and battles that rocked it to its core. But through it all, D.C. has survived and thrived, proving itself a city worthy of the nation it represents.
45 Wisconsin
5/3/15
It's a state ruled by beer and dairy, a place full of wild, scenic beauty and bustling urban landscapes. This is Wisconsin, and this aerial tour celebrates the unique brew of dazzling landscapes, rich history, and contemporary culture that can only be found in the Badger State. Join us as we soar over colorful autumn forests, family-owned farms, the Door Peninsula and share stories of the ancient tribes, European settlers, and American icons who gave Wisconsin its one-of-a-kind identity.
46 New Jersey
5/10/15
New Jersey is one of America's 13 original states, and one of its most fascinating. It's where the nation's first industrial city was built, where some of Hollywood's biggest studios began, and where a brilliant inventor devised a way to light the world. We trace the Garden State's most dramatic historic moments, from Washington's fateful Delaware crossing to Hindenburg's fiery crash to Superstorm Sandy's furious attack. We also celebrate Jersey's quiet misty valleys, fields of plenty, miles of sunlit shores, and plucky, innovative spirit.
47 Indiana
5/17/15
Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines and prepare to be whisked away over Indiana's famous racetrack and the Golden Dome, vast cornfields and large quarries, and bustling metropolises and a city of ruins. Here in the Hoosier State, Abraham Lincoln became a man, basketball became an obsession, and the nation nearly doubled in one of the biggest land grabs in U.S. history. This aerial tour captures the beauty, spirit, and stories of Indiana as seen from above.
48 Iowa
5/24/15
Soar beyond Iowa's rows of crops, towering silos, and old farmhouses and discover a state where promise and opportunity stretch as far as its endless skies. This aerial tour celebrates such landmarks as the covered bridges of Madison County and John Wayne's birthplace. We also explore the state's rich history and iconic figures, from Napoleon and Jefferson to Lewis and Clark, as we track the 29th State's remarkable journey from near wilderness to statehood.
49 Missouri
5/31/15
From St. Louis's Gateway Arch to Kansas City's Liberty Memorial, from the Mighty Mississippi to the Big Muddy, and Mark Twain to Bonnie and Clyde, the Show Me State has plenty to show off. This aerial tour of Missouri explores the state's bookending cities and all the Midwestern treasures in between, from bustling river ports to breathtaking Ozark views. We also reveal the peculiar history of the Missouri Bootheel, a famous brewery, and other stories that touch the heart of the nation.
50 Illinois
6/7/15
It's given us American icons as notorious as Al Capone and as heroic as Abraham Lincoln. It's where endless rows of corn blanket the fields and towering buildings touch the sky. The state of Illinois is full of awe-inspiring sights and captivating drama, and this aerial excursion explores it all. From the Great Fire of Chicago to the Great Migration that brought Muddy Waters and the blues up north, we visit the places and people that tell Illinois' powerful story.

About this show

Take off on a thrilling flight across America. This epic series offers rare glimpses of our nation's most treasured landmarks, all seen from breathtaking heights. From busy cityscapes to quiet landscapes, we capture the history and the pageantry of our amazing country, which is as diverse as the people who occupy it.

Ratings and reviews

4.8
181 reviews
BOB FOLTY
May 29, 2016
one of the greatest HISTORY teaching aids i have seen if they would have these movies when i was in school im sure i would have paid more attention.!!!!!!! IT WOULDN'T HAVE hurt if would reverted to some old pictures once in a while. BUT IT WAS GREAT . UNTIL I WATCHED ILLINOIS =======1 HR OF tv visial views of ILLINOIS and not ONE MENTION of STARVED ROCK********* ** Or the ILLINOIS MICHIGAN CANAL SEE WHAT YOU THINK I HAVE WATCHED THEM ALL.
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Bill Gardner
December 11, 2018
The series is entertaining and informative. As a tour guide to all of our great states, I use them exclusively for my tour preparation. Also, when nothing on television is entertaining or relaxing, I look first at the Smithsonian Channel to see if there is an upcoming episode I haven't seen and often tune to it even if I have seen it. I do wish that there was a DVD series on all 50 states plus the extras. If one comes out, I will be first in line to purchase it! Thanks to all who put this together for the timeless, excellent work.
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Philip Polacek
June 22, 2019
The aerial videography of this series is impressive enough to watch even without the narration, but the narration adds a lot of interesting info about each state. By the end of the hour, you feel like you understand the basic history, looks, and unique attributes of each state. The more recent episodes are better than the beginning ones. Each of these aerial series produces spectacular imagery, but I particularly like the domestic ones they serve as a teaser for places to put on the must visit list.
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