Field Trips
FOR ALL AGES
Travelers’ Rest field trips offer fun, informal learning for students of all ages. To ensure great experiences for both children and adults on these field trips, we recommend a maximum of 20 students per station, though we can accommodate groups of 28 students when an additional chaperone accompanies them. (Classrooms may be split into two groups.) Note that certain field trip topics have a maximum capacity of 20 students to maintain student safety, assure program quality, and manage time. Be sure to carefully read through the listings below as you plan your field trip. We look forward to seeing you at the park!
Thanks to the generosity of the members and donors of Travelers’ Rest Connection, all field trips are offered free of charge.
LEWIS AND CLARK FIELD TRIPS
From clothing to flintlock weapons to navigational equipment, Travelers’ Rest has a large collection of replica items that illustrate what life was like for explorers in the early 19th century. Students participate in an interactive presentation that includes stories from the Corps of Discovery’s journey through what is now western Montana. Kindergarteners through second graders investigate replica items through a fun, hands-on matching game. Indoors.
Content Standards: Social Studies, Science, English CC
Grade Level: K-2, 3-6
Capacity: 20 students or 28 students with an additional chaperone provided by school
Walk in the footsteps of the Lewis and Clark expedition! Travelers’ Rest is the only archaeologically confirmed campsite along the Lewis and Clark Trail. In this program, students learn about the scientific process and the technology used to pinpoint the location of the Travelers’ Rest site and see the areas that were excavated to uncover the campfire and latrine. Outdoors.
Content Standards: Social Studies, Science, Math CC, English CC, Health
Grade Level: K-12
Capacity: 20 students
Under the mandate of President Thomas Jefferson, Captains Lewis and Clark, their sergeants, and Private Whitehouse kept detailed journals about their trip across the continent. In this program, students hear what the expedition members had to say when they visited Travelers’ Rest and try to decipher their 19th-century descriptions of plants and animals. Students also make their own careful observations and write a journal entry to record their experience at Travelers’ Rest. Outdoors.
Content Standards: Social Studies, Science, Math CC, English CC, Arts, Health
Grade Level: 3-4, 5-8
Capacity: 20 students or 28 students with an additional chaperone provided by school
Students will also use primary sources to learn about individual members of the Corps of Discovery and the diverse backgrounds and skills that contributed to the success of the Expedition. Students will complete small group discussion and individual reflection activities.
Content Standards: Social Studies, Language Arts
Grade Level: 4-8
Capacity: 30 students
NATIVE AMERICAN CULTURAL HISTORY FIELD TRIPS
Hunting and intuition are incredibly valuable skills for surviving in the harsh climates of Montana. Your students will love this opportunity to play these traditional games while learning more about what life was like for the people who lived here at the place called “No Salmon.” Closed-toed shoes are required. Outdoors.
Content Standards: Social Studies, English CC, Health, IEFA
Grade Level: K-5
Capacity: 20 students
After practicing some Native Games in Level 1, your students will have the opportunity to play a full game of Double Ball as well as discuss the importance of working as a team for the traditional Salish people. Due to the physical nature of this field trip program, groups of 16 or less are required. Close-toed shoes are required. Outdoors.
Content Standards: Social Studies, English CC, Health, IEFA
Grade Level: 6-12
Capacity: 20 students
Explore the seasonal round typical of the traditional Salish way of life and learn how the Plateau peoples met their seasonal needs for food, shelter, tools, and clothing with resources available at different times of the year and in different places. Students work in teams to explore the seasonal round and to gain awareness and appreciation of the interconnectedness of people with the natural world. Indoors.
Content Standards: Communication Arts, Science, Social Studies, IEFA, Workplace Competencies
Grade Level: 4-6
Capacity: 20 students or 28 students with an additional chaperone provided by school
During the course of their expedition, the Corps of Discovery traveled through the
homelands of at least 50 Indigenous nations who spoke many different languages and dialects. In this
program, students will explore the challenges that came with trying to communicate across barriers of
language and culture, and the importance of the Corps’ diverse membership in their ultimate success.
Content Standards: Social Studies, Language Arts, IEFA
Grade Level: 3-6
Capacity: 20 students
NATURAL HISTORY FIELD TRIPS
The cottonwood forest is essential to the health of Lolo Creek, the stream that runs through Travelers’ Rest. Students will explore the forest at Travelers’ Rest, learn about the life cycle of trees, and what distinguishes the cottonwood from other species. This field trip provides a good introduction to plant science for young learners. Outdoors.
Content Standards: Social Studies, Science, English CC, Health
Grade Level: Pre-K-3
Capacity: 20 students
Predators abound in Montana’s wild lands. A hands-on inspection of animal parts including jaw bones, pelts and skulls, gives students clues about abilities and diets of these mammals. Students will also learn about the valuable role of all animals in our ecosystem and explore how the natural environment would change without them. Outdoors (preferred) or Indoors.
Content Standards: Social Studies, Science, English CC, Health
Grade Level: 3-6
Capacity: 20 students or 28 students with an additional chaperone provided by school
Travelers’ Rest State Park is habitat to more than 130 bird species, an abundance of native plants and many other flora and fauna. Throughout the year, the seasonal changes in habitat and inhabitants can be witnessed through the Solo Hike along the Nature Trail. Students will have the opportunity to experience nature on their own or in pairs while reflecting on the different ways that Travelers’ Rest State Park is an important place. This program is facilitated by the classroom teacher, rather than a Travelers’ Rest staff member. Outdoors.
Content Standards: Social Studies, Science, English CC, Health
Grade Level: 3-12
Capacity: 20 students or 28 students with an additional chaperone provided by school
Creeks, rivers, and streams are the arteries that bring life and texture to the state of Montana. Students will explore the riparian habitat along Lolo Creek in Travelers’ Rest State Park and search for the plants and animals that call it home; learn about the importance of healthy riparian systems; delve into the dynamics of rivers; and become familiar with the greatest riparian habitat architect in history. Outdoors.
Grade: 3+
Capacity: 20 Students