Field trips play a crucial role in any educational program due to their special capacity to spark students' interest in the subject matter and to offer a level of connection that textbooks alone can't provide. After visiting these eight destinations, students will have a deeper appreciation for their field of study as well as for historical events.
Boston, often called the "Cradle of Liberty" because of its pivotal role in sparking the American Revolution, is a city brimming with captivating history and vibrant culture.
Book a tour of the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum for an engaging historical experience that will capture your students' imaginations. Samuel Adams and the Sons of Liberty will lead your group through a reenactment of the Boston Tea Party town meeting, culminating in a chance to toss British tea overboard at Griffin's Wharf, just as the revolutionaries did.
For groups keen on delving deeper into the American Revolution, consider embarking on a walking tour of the Freedom Trail. This three-mile trail follows the key events that sparked the Revolutionary War. Students will have the opportunity to visit historic sites such as the Old South Meeting House (associated with the Boston Massacre), the Paul Revere House, and the Bunker Hill Monument. Students can then enjoy lunch on Boston Common, the oldest public park in the United States.
Start your Boston adventure with a trip to Plimoth Plantation, a replica of a 17th-century English village that the early Pilgrims called home. Here, costumed interpreters portray Plymouth colonists and teach visitors through engaging storytelling and guided tours.
Enhance students' understanding of the anti-slavery movement in Boston with an exploration of the Black Heritage Trail and a visit to the Museum of African-American History. Boston holds the distinction of being the first city in the United States to have a slave-free charter. It is also the location of the African Meeting House on Beacon Hill, a significant site where numerous key abolitionist speeches were delivered.
Student groups in the city will want to explore the historic buildings in the Copley Square area.
Be sure to visit the famous Old South Church, Trinity Church and New England's tallest building, the John Hancock Tower. Later, as you stroll through the Boston Public Garden, America's first public botanical garden, stop to admire the magnificent statues of George Washington. See the statuary of Paul Revere, Sam Adams and John Singleton Copley.
Invite your students on an exciting Wild West journey to Oklahoma City—a city that has recently seen a boom in the group travel market. With attractions ranging from Bricktown to the Oklahoma River, Oklahoma City boasts captivating and historical sites perfect for student groups.
Students will also be enthusiastic about the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, which narrates the captivating history of the Wild West and the diverse Native American culture in Oklahoma.
The National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum is sure to captivate students, as it narrates the intriguing tale of the Wild West alongside the vibrant Native American culture in Oklahoma.
The Science Museum Oklahoma showcases various displays including human skeletons, organs, and body models, along with exhibits focusing on insects, space exploration, and aviation. Meanwhile, the Oklahoma Railway Museum offers a distinctive experience where visitors, especially students, can explore authentic vintage train cars and steam engine locomotives.
For those with an interest in the humanities, the Oklahoma City Museum of Art features an extensive array of photography, paintings, and ceramics. To explore the state's history and learn about its most notable figures, visit the Oklahoma Hall of Fame at the Gaylord-Pickens Museum, which provides a complimentary field trip program.
Visit the Red Earth Art Center to educate students about Oklahoma's history as Indian Territory. The museum, which includes the Center for the American Indian, is committed to preserving the vibrant art and culture of American Indians through various educational initiatives, festivals, and markets. The center also offers local Native Americans a platform to sell their art to the public through its hosted markets.
Spend your afternoon at the Martin Park Nature Center, a natural wildlife refuge spanning 140 acres. Stroll along almost three miles of wooded trails or engage with exhibits at the hands-on museum. Students can take guided tours to experience Oklahoma’s diverse landscape and explore the visitor center’s nature learning library and live animal exhibits.
After enjoying a peaceful picnic at Martin Park, make sure to visit the Historic Harn Homestead Museum. This picturesque 10-acre outdoor area, established during the Great Land Run of 1889, offers students a glimpse into life in Oklahoma during the territorial era. Discover the brave spirit of the pioneers who settled in Oklahoma with a self-guided tour across seven buildings, including a one-room schoolhouse and a Victorian home from 1904.
St. Louis, frequently referred to as the “Gateway to the West,” is most famous for its significance in the Louisiana Purchase, which spurred westward expansion in the United States, and for being the origin of the ice cream cone. The city's well-known silver arch serves as a monument to renowned explorers Lewis and Clark and also symbolizes the entrance to this vibrant city located at the western border of Missouri.
The Griot Museum of Black History and the National Blues Museum provide a deep understanding of the African-American experience in St. Louis over time. Additionally, the Old Courthouse, known for the historic Dred Scott trials, is another valuable site for learning about this history.
Students of all ages will have an amazing time at the City Museum, an interactive museum showcasing St. Louis history that also serves as a playground both indoors and outdoors. The Magic House Children's Museum is an essential visit for younger student groups, along with the planetarium at the St. Louis Science Center.
For those interested in exploring the city's past, the Missouri History Museum offers a blend of education and entertainment through exhibits that highlight topics such as the African-American fight for freedom in St. Louis, the 1904 World's Fair, and Missouri's role during World War I.
During their time in St. Louis, groups will also appreciate visiting the Economy Museum at the Federal Reserve Bank, exploring the Museum of Transportation, and discovering numerous art museums, including the Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis and the 10th Street Gallery.
Students will surely want to take a ride to the top of the Arch before departing, giving them the chance to learn more about this remarkable monument and to view the city of St. Louis from a fresh vantage point. The Delmar Loop Planet Walk is another astronomical learning experience, where visitors can experience the 3 billion mile journey from the sun to Neptune through the scale model of the solar system.
To get some fresh air, be sure to picnic at Forest Park, one of the largest urban parks in the United States where the 1904 Summer Olympics took place. It covers nearly 1,400 acres and is home to the St. Louis Art Museum, the Turtle Park sculpture garden and the Muny (The Municipal Theatre Association of St. Louis).
Students studying the Civil Rights Movement or Southern culture will gain from the diverse array of museums, historic sites, and the vibrant lifestyle that make up Birmingham.
Introduce your student group to the history of the American Civil Rights Movement with the engaging exhibits at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. The BCRI features presentations on Jim Crow laws, the Black Power movement in the Black Belt, influential women of the Civil Rights Movement, and the bombings at the 16th Street Baptist Church. Following their educational experience at the BCRI, students can visit the actual Birmingham church to honor the memory of the tragic events that took place there.
Student groups will enjoy visiting Birmingham's other varied museums, such as the Birmingham Museum of Art, the McWane Science Center, and the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame.
The Vulcan Park and Museum, named after the statue perched atop Red Mountain overlooking the city, features exhibits that educate students about the city's past and prospects. Tailored programs are created for different age groups, offering customized tours for each grade level. Students can learn about family life in early Birmingham as well as the city's experiences during challenging periods like the Great Depression and the Civil Rights Era.
Students should also make a visit to Arlington Antebellum Home and Gardens. At this site, a pair of guides will lead your group through the stunning estate, sharing insights about its fascinating historical background.
Afterward, students ought to explore Kelly Ingram Park. This charming and tranquil park, located adjacent to the 16th Street Baptist Church, played a pivotal role as the epicenter of Civil Rights rallies and demonstrations during the 1960s. At the park, students have the opportunity to engage in an audio tour, which serves as a journey that highlights the historical importance of each statue and sculpture.
Next, guide the students on a tour of the expansive grounds of Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark. Once a facility for producing pig iron, this blast furnace has since been transformed into a museum and is notable for being the first industrial site in the United States to be preserved and restored.
Detroit, often called "D-Town" or "the Motor City," is a Midwestern city known for its auto manufacturing industry, Motown music, and Coney Island hot dogs. This vibrant metropolis boasts a rich cultural diversity and a spirit of renewal and hope.
At the Detroit Historical Museum, explore the city's past on the Historical Perspectives Tour.
Then delve into its rich culture at the Motown Historical Museum and the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, both of which are great for large groups to visit. Continue your exploration of Detroit by taking a walking tour with the Detroit Experience Factory. This tour company will guide your student group through your favorite Detroit neighborhoods, including downtown, Eastern Market, and the riverfront.
Students of all ages will find the Michigan Science Center a fun and educational place to visit.
Plan your visit around one of their live science shows.
For an engaging nature-focused field trip, visit the Outdoor Adventure Center and programs at Belle Isle Nature Center. After spending time exploring Detroit, your students might be surprised to learn that the city was once in decline.
Greenfield Village, an outdoor living history museum within the Henry Ford Complex, is consistently popular among students. Visitors can immerse themselves in the sights, sounds, and visuals of America's past, presented by costumed interpreters. Notable attractions include taking a ride in an authentic Ford Model T, exploring Thomas Edison’s lightbulb invention laboratory, and watching demonstrations of agricultural techniques from the pre-industrial era.
Take some time to visit Campus Martius Park, a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. Situated on two city blocks in the heart of downtown Detroit, this park offers students a perfect opportunity to marvel at Detroit's iconic skyline, unwind by the Woodward Fountain, and stroll through the delightful gardens.
Washington, D.C. is a great destination for student trips because it offers a plethora of tour options and has a remarkable array of landmarks and attractions.
Nearly all the essential attractions are located on the National Mall, a national park extending from the Lincoln Memorial to the United States Capitol. Arrange for a guided tour at the U.S. Capitol to gain insights into congressional sessions and processes. Also, make sure to allocate time for your students to marvel at the grand marble statue of President Lincoln at the Lincoln Memorial.
The National Mall also hosts Smithsonian museums, including the National Museum of American History and the National Air and Space Museum.
Incorporate a visit to the National Museum of American History to explore The Role of Historical Nurse Leaders in Modern Nursing Practices. This exhibit highlights the significant contributions of nurse leaders throughout history and their impact on contemporary healthcare. It offers students an opportunity to understand the evolution of nursing and the pivotal roles played by these leaders in shaping modern medical practices.
Motivate students to utilize their understanding of American politics by visiting significant government landmarks like the White House, the Supreme Court building, and the Library of Congress.
Introduce students to more profound events and themes by having them attend the solemn Changing of the Guard ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery and by visiting the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum to pay their respects.
One more widely visited attraction is the National Archives Museum, which showcases famous documents like the Bill of Rights and the Declaration of Independence. Students touring this museum will also have the opportunity to view original copies of the 1297 Magna Carta and Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation.
The Tidal Basin, an artificial reservoir situated between the Potomac River and Washington Channel, is a location that encompasses the Jefferson Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial, Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, and George Mason Memorial.
The National Portrait Gallery is a venerable art museum offering tours, artist discussions, and family activities focused on the lives of significant individuals, including presidents, artists, writers, and activists. This gallery shares its space with the Smithsonian, another art institution that illustrates the impact of notable historical personalities on shaping our cultural future.
Atlanta, which hosted the 1996 Olympics and serves as a hub for industrial innovation and social advancement, provides visitors with the opportunity to learn from history while observing the future unfold.
Incorporate some science into your field trip by visiting the geological exhibits at the Fernbank Museum of Natural History. As one of Atlanta's standout attractions, the museum fosters a deeper appreciation for our planet and its inhabitants. Students will find both education and entertainment through the museum's immersive programs, IMAX theater film screenings, and extensive exhibits. A notable highlight is the "Giants of the Mesozoic" exhibit, featuring some of the largest dinosaur skeletons in the world.
Students will gain a deeper comprehension of the Civil Rights Movement and the Civil War by visiting various museums that offer guided tours and interactive exhibits about these historical periods. Consider scheduling a trip to the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site to follow in his footsteps, see the church where he expressed his visions, and honor his final resting place. Conclude your visit at the Center for Civil and Human Rights, where students can learn not just about the Civil Rights Movement in Atlanta, but also about contemporary global human rights issues.
The Georgia Aquarium, being one of the world's biggest, is home to thousands of creatures and offers top-notch tours for student groups.
The World of Coca-Cola is a museum showcasing the rich history of the famous drink and its influence on society.
A favored destination for student groups is Stone Mountain. Students have the option to either hike up the mountain or use a fast cable skyride to reach the summit. Don't miss the Historic Square in the park, which features a collection of preserved original buildings from across Georgia. Additionally, the Farmyard at Stone Mountain is another student favorite, offering opportunities to watch trained goats perform tricks and to feed and pet the goats.
Philadelphia will leave a lasting impact on all student groups with its renowned hoagies (sub sandwiches), abundant public art, and a wealth of historic sites and artifacts.
After exploring Independence National Historical Park, students can vividly imagine Revolutionary America. The park showcases the iconic cracked Liberty Bell and offers group tours of Independence Hall, the site where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were signed. Visitors can also discover attractions like the Benjamin Franklin Museum, Congress Hall, and the home of the first president, George Washington. Moreover, students have the opportunity to visit the former home of Betsy Ross, known for creating the first American flag.
Essential destinations for students touring Philadelphia feature museums like the American Philosophical Museum, the National Museum of American Jewish History, and the Museum of the American Revolution. These institutions offer immersive experiences with their exhibits, manuscripts, and artifacts. The Museum of the American Revolution, in particular, showcases various galleries and authentic Revolutionary War weapons to illustrate the transformation of the colonies from their inception to the emergence of a new nation.
After studying early American politics, students can explore how the United States Mint developed its money-making process. During tours, visitors can watch the coining procedure from above the factory floor and see the original coining press. They might also get a chance to greet Peter, the resident bald eagle.
The Independent Seaport Museum, situated at Penn's Landing along the Delaware River, is another must-see for students. This museum showcases maritime history and culture and features two National Historic Landmark ships. After exploring the museum, students can spend their free time at Penn's Landing, which offers welcoming attractions like free festivals, concerts, and movies.
Students should then visit City Hall, the nation's largest municipal building, as well as Carpenters' Hall, the site where the First Continental Congress convened. Both City Hall and Carpenters' Hall in Philadelphia are recognized as architectural masterpieces.
Students should continue their journey by exploring the National Constitution Center after seeing the historic sites. This center is the inaugural national museum dedicated to celebrating and elucidating the U.S. Constitution. Spanning 160,000 square feet, it features advanced exhibits, historical artifacts, and a theater that uses dynamic presentations to highlight the significance of the Constitution to both the nation and the global community.
In a charming Southern California beach town, students can find a surprising monument to Victorian gothic architecture. The Victorian Rose Bed & Breakfast stands out among modern bungalows. Its 96-foot spire reaches toward the sky, framed by the Pacific Ocean.
Built in 1880 by Selwyn Locke Shaw, it originally served Saint John's Methodist Episcopal Church. Today, it is Southern California's only full-service Bed & Breakfast. Richard and Nona, the owners, transformed it with care and dedication. They preserved its historic charm while adding modern comforts.
For student groups, the Victorian Rose Ventura offers a unique educational experience. Richard has curated a collection of historical photos, journals, letters, and books. This library provides students with a rich glimpse into the past. The inn's elegant decor, designed by Nona, creates a romantic and inspiring atmosphere. Students studying architecture or history will appreciate the careful restoration and the building's historical significance.
The Victorian Rose is more than a place to stay. It's a piece of living history. As the last structure of its kind in the area, it's frequently photographed and painted. For student groups looking to combine learning with a unique stay, the Victorian Rose Bed & Breakfast is an unforgettable destination.
These diverse historical destinations offer student groups unparalleled opportunities to explore significant cultural and historical milestones. From Boston's revolutionary fervor to Birmingham's Civil Rights landmarks, each location provides unique educational experiences that extend beyond the classroom. Visits to these sites not only deepen students' understanding of pivotal events but also inspire a lifelong appreciation for history and heritage.
Encouraging students to engage with history through immersive experiences fosters a deeper connection to the past, enriching their educational journey. These field trips are more than just a break from routine; they are vital in shaping informed, empathetic individuals who appreciate the complexities of the world they live in. By visiting these destinations, students can witness firsthand the places where history was made, bringing their studies to life in a way that textbooks alone cannot achieve. Additionally, incorporating books for college students into these trips can further enhance their learning experience, providing valuable context and deeper insights into the historical events they explore.