10 Places in North Carolina Perfect for Student Travel

Don’t Miss Out on Field Trip Ideas – Sign Up!

Advertisement

subscribe

From the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains to the sandy shores of the Atlantic Coast, North Carolina never fails to amaze students. With an endless amount of fun, adventure and educational opportunities, the Tar Heel State is a premier location for student travel.

3 Places to Have Fun in the Outdoors

Cape Hatteras National Seashore

At Cape Hatteras National Seashore, students will marvel at one of North Carolina’s most stunning beaches. Run by the National Park Service, the seashore stretches the 72 miles of the preserved Outer Banks of North Carolina. Here, students can climb the 248 steps of the nation’s tallest lighthouse, swim, ride in off road vehicles, fly kites and explore sand dunes.

Chimney Rock State Park

Chimney Rock Side View with Flag

There is no better way for students to see North Carolina’s mountain vistas than by visiting Chimney Rock State Park. Trails of varying level of difficulty allow students to take in the state’s natural beauty .

Sliding Rock

Sliding-Rock3

At Sliding Rock in Pisgah National Forest, students can cascade down a 50-foot, naturally formed slide into a 7-foot deep pool where they can swim, relax and have fun. Two observation platforms with lifeguards on duty ensure a safe visit.

4 Historical Experiences Unique to North Carolina

Battleship North Carolina

Battleship North Carolina

Battleship North Carolina

A must-see for any history buff, the Battleship North Carolina in Wilmington allows students to board and explore a decorated American battleship. Self-guided tours are interactive, and students can expect to maneuver through passageways just as the officers and crew of the USS North Carolina did when the ship was in use. Start the experience by viewing the introductory movie in the auditorium and then browse through the exhibit hall and head up the gangway to board the ship.

Wheels through Time Museum

Wheels Through Time Motorcycles

The Wheels through Time Museum in Maggie Valley presents a large collection of rare American motorcycles and related memorabilia from 1903 to the present. More than 350 of these machines are on display for students to examine. Students will get a look into motorcycle culture and its history in America.

Airborne and Special Operations Museum

The Iron Mike statue in front of the Airborne and Special Operations Museum in Fayetteville, N.C. is decorated for Veterans Day, Nov. 9, 2013. The parade featured Soldiers from the U.S. Army Reserve Command headquarters, the 82nd Airborne Division, high school Junior ROTC, high school marching bands and veterans from past wars. (U.S. Army photo by Timothy L. Hale/Released)

The Iron Mike statue in front of the Airborne and Special Operations Museum in Fayetteville, N.C. is decorated for Veterans Day, Nov. 9, 2013. The parade featured Soldiers from the U.S. Army Reserve Command headquarters, the 82nd Airborne Division, high school Junior ROTC, high school marching bands and veterans from past wars. (U.S. Army photo by Timothy L. Hale/Released)

At the Airborne and Special Operations Museum located near Ft. Bragg in Fayetteville, students can explore life-size dioramas, rare aircraft, artifacts and interactive displays that celebrate this sector of the U.S. Armed Forces. The museum houses five permanent exhibits that include a 24-seat motion simulator places students in the midst of parachute jumps, helicopter gunship attacks and daring missions. Additionally, a reproduction of a war-stricken French village offers a glimpse into the aftermath of the 1944 Normandy invasion. Other highlights include a 235-seat theater and an area devoted to changing exhibits.

North Carolina Maritime Museum

The North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort depicts the state’s maritime and coastal natural history. Students will see artifacts from Blackbeard’s ship The Queen Anne’s Revenge, a sperm whale’s heart and skeleton and displays on the U.S. Life Saving Service.

3 North Carolina Must-Sees

NASCAR Hall of Fame

NASCAR Hall of Fame Car Inside

Located in Charlotte, the NASCAR Hall of Fame appeals to all students, not just those who are fans of racing. It showcases the history and heritage of NASCAR with artifacts, stick cars and the Hall of Honor where the most recent Hall of Fame inductees are enshrined. Over 50 interactive exhibits include the Pit Crew Challenge and racing simulators that invite students to engage with the sights and sounds of racing.

Biltmore Estate

Biltmore

Asheville is home to the 250-room Biltmore Estate, America’s largest home. Built by the Vanderbilt family in 1889, the mansion features amazing sights of architecture and artwork from the Gilded Age. Students can explore the nooks and crannies of this 8,000-acre sprawling estate in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, picnicking and walks through the gardens.

Durham Performing Arts Center

The Durham Performing Arts Center presents one-of-a-kind live entertainment events sure to interest students. The center puts on over 180 shows per year and has something for everyone. Some critically acclaimed shows of the past include How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Mamma Mia and The King and I.

By Deanna Charkewycz

More Planning Advice

Fantastic Hidden Gems for Your Next Field Trip

MetroWest Boston offers unique student programs just 30 minutes from the big city at a fraction of the cost

How the I Love New York Travel Alliance Supports Student Groups

New York loves student travel groups, with plenty of new and old experiences to offer, along with educational trips

Philadelphia for Students: Top Attractions, Dining and Experiences

Philadelphia offers student groups an array of exciting, educational, and accessible activities that bring history, culture, and fun to life

Free Whitepapers

Advertisement

subscribe

Recent from Planning