Mansions, Memorials & Maritime History
The Tar Heel State boasts mountains, coastal escapes and everything in between, perfect for students studying all types of topics. Field trip groups can explore science, art, social studies, history, and STEM subjects at numerous educational destinations across the state. From Gilded Age, Civil War, and maritime history to the site of America’s first successful airplane flight, learning is not only fun, but it’s also engaging and memorable in North Carolina.
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“Ascertain the evolution of the Wright Flyer’s design, from bicycle mechanics to aviation advancements.”
North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences (Raleigh)
The Southeast’s biggest natural history museum brings science to life with interactive labs, live animal exhibits and mesmerizing planetarium shows. The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences offers 15 on-site educational programs that focus on topics including animal life cycles, bones and muscles of the body, climate change, computer programming for beginners, dinosaurs, and so much more. Students will discover fossil exhibits, vibrant dioramas, theaters displaying brilliant shows, and plenty of interactive educational experiences.
Biltmore Estate (Asheville)
Discover the opulent Biltmore Estate, the former home of George Vanderbilt, and the largest privately owned house in the US. Biltmore is a prime example of Gilded Age architecture, and groups can tour the massive estate during field trips to learn about the Vanderbilt family, their guests and staff, and the house’s architecture and design. Performance groups can showcase their skills throughout stunning outdoor locations on the property and perform programs of Classical and Americana favorites. Higher education groups can explore a range of topics, including culinary arts, horticulture, field-to-table practices, forestry, sustainability, and more, through exciting group tours.
Wright Brothers National Memorial (Kill Devil Hills)
Soar to North Carolina’s Outer Banks to witness aviation history at its finest. The Wright Brothers National Memorial commemorates the first flight by Wilbur and Orville Wright in 1903. Field trip groups can explore the expansive grounds where the first successful flight took to the skies. Students can learn about the Wright Brothers’ legacy through educational and ranger programs. Discover the site of their camp where the first flight took place on December 17, 1903, and ascertain the evolution of the Wright Flyer’s design, from bicycle mechanics to aviation advancements. Glimpse the 60-foot monument and a re-production of the 1903 Wright Flyer before heading to the Visitor Center for educational exhibits. Curriculum-based lesson plans and teacher resources are available to connect learning objectives to field trip experiences.
North Carolina Maritime Museum (Beaufort)
Located in historic Beaufort, the North Carolina Maritime Museum is dedicated to preserving, collecting, researching, and documenting maritime history, culture and coastal environments. Student groups are invited to discover life on the coast through engaging programs focused on boating and sailing, marine mammals, sharks, lifesaving services, surfing, shipwrecks, weather, and wildlife, including tours of the wild horses on Shackleford Banks. Groups will also learn about North Carolina’s coastal habitats, traditional wooden workboats, Blackbeard and pirate lore, the shipwreck of Queen Anne’s Revenge, coast guard operations, and more. Lessons at the museum are connected to STEM and social studies curricula for a well-rounded experience.
Old Salem Museums & Gardens (Winston-Salem)
Considered one of the country’s most comprehensive history attractions, Old Salem Museums & Gardens is an excellent field trip destination for students to study the history of Moravian, Black and Indigenous peoples. The museums include the Historic Town of Salem, galleries at Frank L. Horton Museum Center, the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts (MESDA), and the Gardens at Old Salem. Students can engage in living history interpretations of Moravian culture, including demonstrations on cooking, music and trades.
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