Riverside exploration. Geological excursions. War history. These are just some of West Virginia’s educational offerings, all nestled across a stunning landscape
Educational field trips in West Virginia can incorporate everything from history and art to science and technology. Many who visit West Virginia do so with nature in mind, and who can blame them? The Blue Ridge Mountains are spectacular; the Shenandoah River sparkles in the sunlight and the world feels simpler and more tranquil. Yet anyone who has planned a West Virginia field trip also knows that it is more than just aesthetic beauty because it also has some of the most exceptional Civil War and World War I museums, plus myriad opportunities for students to learn about nature and science. With attractions to satisfy both STEM and American history enthusiasts, this place is special–and more than worthy of a student group adventure.
Harpers Ferry WV and Potomac River Overlook. Photo credit: Nocolas Raymond
West Virginia Field Trip Ideas
- ACE Adventure Resort
- Nitro Wars Museum
- Riverquest Field School
- Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
STEM Opportunities for Student Groups
ACE Adventure Resort
Field trip planners will want to begin their students’ journeys in magnificent Oak Hill, West Virginia, home to the ACE Adventure Resort. Upon arrival, excitement commences–but first, groups must choose between a hydrology, geology or ecology field trip, all of which entail an award-winning outdoor activity. Your group might learn how to river raft, rock climb, or zip line, depending on the package you choose, no matter what, the caring and experienced ACE team will offer hands-on learning via scientific studies. Nestled within the beautiful Appalachian Mountains, ACE is the place for scientific adventure, helping each student learn critical thinking and relationship skills.
Riverquest Field School
Fortunately, the thrills don’t end after your trip to ACE Adventure Report, because next up is Riverquest Field School, a seven-mile canoe trip near historic Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. As part of this immersive offering, students will study the health of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers, both of which are significant tributaries on the watershed system for the Chesapeake Bay. The program includes a macro-invertebrate study, water testing, and a riverside search for reptilian dwellers.
Educational field trips in West Virginia should include a trip to Harpers Ferry. Photo credit: Public domain pictures/Pixabay
America 250 Destinations in West Virginia
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
Interested in the period leading up to the American Civil War? Look no further: Harpers Ferry National Historical Park sits at the intersection of nature and history and will teach student groups much of what they need to know about a flash point that precipitated one of our country’s most grueling wars. This attraction, one of the Mountain State’s finest, offers a wide variety of activities for families and student groups alike. There are opportunities to explore museums and exhibits, hike to picturesque overlook areas and navigate the lines of Civil War battles. Groups can even join a ranger-guided tour and a living history workshop. After exploring for the day, groups can take in the rolling Blue Ridge mountains and shop at the Harpers Ferry Park Association’s Bookshop for books, postcards and artwork. Altogether, Harpers Ferry boasts one of the region’s most enriching historical hotbeds.
Nitro Wars Museum
Meanwhile, the Nitro Wars Museum is a little more niche but just as fascinating. Located only a mile off of Interstate 64, this destination showcases the World War I history of Nitro, West Virginia, a mid-20th-century boomtown focused on making gunpowder for the U.S. military. The museum houses a replica World War I trench and numerous military uniforms, creating the ideal mix of exhibits for students interested in American war history.
