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Vermont Field Trip Guide

Field Trip Ideas , New England

Academic and engaging experiences  are abundant in Vermont

If you’re looking for a place filled with educational and entertaining activities for a student field trip, then Vermont is the spot. This Northeast gem is brimming with history and culture, as well as modern advances in science and technology. Spark curiosity in students traveling to Vermont with field trips that encompass the soul of the state. Uncover Vermont’s secrets of maple syrup production, maritime history and vibrant arts culture at these diverse facilities. The Green Mountain State offers everything you could possibly want for a student trip , including some truly memorable experiences that only Vermont can provide.

A Few Vermont Field Trip Ideas:

• Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site
• Ethan Allen Homestead Museum
• Southern Vermont Arts Center
• Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks
• Montshire Museum of Science
• Shelburne Museum

Vermont History & Heritage Field Trip Ideas

Vermont is home to more than 100 covered bridges , meaning there are more covered bridges per square mile here than any other state. It is said that at one time, there were over 700 covered bridges scattered around the state. The ones that remain today have become staples of Vermont’s landscape, and a window into its past. Students can learn all about these architectural jewels on a self-guided or professionally led tour.

Many historical figures called Vermont home, including the 30th President of the United States, Calvin Coolidge. At the Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site , student groups can visit his birthplace and childhood home, as well as a church and schoolhouse built in the mid-to-late 1800’s. The museum is home to several exhibits and artifacts about Calvin Coolidge’s life, both before and during his presidency.

Throughout Vermont student travel groups will find memorial sites dedicated to the Revolutionary War. One of the most significant locations is Mount Independence , home of a US fortification that played a key role in the war efforts. Today, students can enjoy guided hikes on six miles of trails and listen to historic lectures about this land’s place in history.

Students can travel back in time at the Ethan Allen Homestead Museum to see what it was like in New England during and after the Revolutionary War. Period costumes and toys are available for children’s play and an array of artifacts are on display with knowledgeable staff to assist groups. Tour a recreated Abenaki Village and traditional Abenaki gardens. Field trips are customizable to fit curricula, with past examples including historical cooking methods and how museums work.

For a taste of local culture, and a touch of antiquity, student groups can venture to any of Central Vermont’s historic downtowns, such as Middlebury , Bristol  and even the capital, Montpelier .

Performing Arts Locations to Visit

For those performing student groups, Vermont offers several venues where bands, orchestras, and choirs can put on a show. Students can showcase their musical skills at the Southern Vermont Arts Center , home to the 400-seat Louise Arkell Pavilion. This performance space even has retractable side walls that make for a one-of-a-kind open-air show. During the summer, Vermont has several acclaimed music festivals that student groups an apply to perform at, such as the Killington Music Festival and the Manchester Music Festival , which both have young artists series. And if your crew is up for watching a great show, check out the Flynn Student Matinee Series , which introduces students to dynamic, thought-provoking topics through performance art.

Educational Field Trips through STEM

While Vermont has deep historical roots and a strong arts scene, it also boasts several great STEM experiences for students interested in modern technology and science. Budding food scientists will find pure bliss on a tour at one of Vermont’s many factories, churning out local products from cheddar cheese to ice cream.

At Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks , student groups can get a glimpse at the inner workings of the sugarmaking process, walk the ‘maple trail’ to the trees where the magic begins, and get a taste of the farm’s maple syrup, jellies, creemees, and more. The Morse Farm store will ensure students can bring home sweet treats to share. Walk the “maple trail” that winds through the sugarbush and visit the goats.

At the Rock of Ages Granite Quarry , students can take a guided tour to the Smith Quarry, said to be the largest operating deep-hole granite quarry in the world. Not only will they learn about the geological importance of the land, but also the products and crafts that come from the stone. Students can even watch as craftspeople work to shape the stone and laser-guided machines slice through large slabs of granite.

Some other notable Vermont STEM attractions include: the Montshire Museum of Science , boasting hands-on exhibits dedicated to astronomy, nature, technology, and more. A magical underwater world can be found at ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain in Burlington. It offers more than 100 interactive exhibits and 70 species of amphibians, reptiles and fish. Younger students traveling to Vermont can engage in the early learning space. Field trip choices include self-guided experiences, 3D science and nature films, and programs focusing on ecology, the endangered lake sturgeon, climate change, culture, history and engineering.

Explore Arts & Culture in Vermont

Experience life in the early 20th century and gain an appreciation of Vermont at the Shelburne Museum . World-renowned art collections spanning four centuries explore decorative arts, textiles, folk art, toys, carriages and more. The expansive museum comprises 39 buildings spanning over 45 acres of brilliant landscaping. Educators can plan a field trip for various outdoor programs and historical demonstrations.

The Brattleboro Museum & Art Center ( BMAC ) will leave lasting impressions on students. The museum has six galleries showcasing contemporary artworks with rotating exhibits. Additionally, they offer 60-70 educational and cultural events annually. Groups can spend two hours exploring exhibits, making art, and taking guided or self-guided museum tours. Enlighten students with hands-on art-making opportunities through various workshops.

Marine & Aquatic Experiences in Vermont

Indoor and outdoor exhibitions and artifacts are on display at Lake Champlain Maritime Museum . In Versennes. Groups will find Lake Champlain’s Revolutionary War history, American Navy vessels, ecology exhibits and boating field trips. Discover replica boats and learn about Lake Champlain’s underwater archaeology and research. Notice how preserved artifacts connect the lake to America’s history, and uncover the incredible shipwrecks of Lake Champlain and the stories of early lake voyages.

Main photo: Downtown Montpelier, Vermont. Photo courtesy of Montpelier Alive

For more student travel ideas and tips, visit   here  and be sure to subscribe for FREE to  Student Travel Planning  Guide for all the latest information to help plan your next student trip.

RECENT STUDENT TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE ARTICLES

Field Trips

The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00AM to 4:00PM.

click here to Book a School visit to the Montpelier Capitol Complex

CLICK HERE FOR INFORMATION ABOUT VIRTUAL SCHOOL PROGRAMS

Information about on-site field trips

The Vermont History Museum in Montpelier and its award-winning permanent exhibit, Freedom and Unity , is a great place for students to discover over 400 years of Vermont history.

Students can explore an Abenaki wigwam, send a telegraph message, and immerse themselves in a World War-II era living room. Special exhibits in the National Life Gallery, Calder Gallery and Local History Gallery tell more Vermont stories. See current exhibits here .

Student groups are scheduled for self-guided tours of the museum exhibits. Staff will supply focusing questions, along with clipboards and pencils, to help guide students' exploration of the museum.  Recommended time is 45 minutes. Self-guided visits are appropriate for all grades. Admission fees are waived for school groups and homeschool groups who schedule in advance. Please see more information below about booking a self-guided tour.

Hands-On History Programs

Educators can select a Hands-On History Program to enhance a school trip to the museum. The Hands-On History Programs use primary sources and artifacts to focus on Vermont history stories. The program fee is $3.00 per student, no charge for teachers or chaperones. Recommended time is 45 minutes per class. Programs are appropriate for students in grades 3 and up.

• You Be the Historian: Investigating an 1880s Vermont Farm Family - students act as researchers, curators, and archaeologists to discover details about the Wheeler family who lived in Calais in the 1880s.
• Mystery Artifacts: How Museums Help Share the Past - (recommended K through 3) young learners will investigate how museums help share the past through a story time and close looking activity with artifacts.
• From Italy to Vermont: Exploring Immigration through Primary Sources - (recommended grades 6 and up) students investigate census records, photographs, maps and other historic documents to learn about immigrants in Vermont in the early 1900s, with a specific focus on Barre and the granite industry.
• Mapping Vermont History - students investigate a variety of Vermont maps from different time periods to identify the dates of mystery maps and to understand how Vermont has changed over time.
• “Send me a box”: Letters from Vermont Civil War Soldiers - (recommended grades 6 and up) students read and analyze letters from Civil War soldiers, specifically focusing on items soldiers requested or received from home.
• Pandemics Then and Now - students analyze Vermont primary sources from the COVID-19 pandemic and the 1918-19 Influenza pandemic and consider how archives document the experiences of ordinary people.
• Learning from the Past: Town Meeting and the Green Mountain Parkway - students examine arguments from the 1930s Green Mountain Parkway debate and participate in a mock town meeting discussion and vote.

The Buffalo Soldiers: Life in the 10th Cavalry - (recommended grades 6 and up) students examine primary sources related to the 10th cavalry, the first all-Black regiment stationed at Fort Ethan Allen, to learn more about the impact the soldiers had in Vermont. 

How to schedule a field trip

1. Complete an online reservation request form on  our online booking page

2. Wait to hear back from our staff . Once we receive your reservation request, we will review it and reach out to finalize the date and time of your reservation.

3. Receive a confirmation . We will send you a confirmation email with further details about your visit!

Any questions? Please contact Kate Malmstrom, Program Assistant, at [email protected], or (802) 479-8519.

Did you know? Many student groups combine their visit to the Vermont History Museum with a tour of the nearby Vermont State House . You can book a State House tour on our online booking site .

Visit the History Center

School groups and homeschool groups are welcome to visit the Leahy Library at the Vermont History Center. Appointments are required. An introduction to primary sources and assistance with research may be available. Contact [email protected]  

Museum field trips and programs must be scheduled in advance with a minimum of 10 participants required for hands-on programs.

For more information about museum field trips and programs, please contact Kate Malmstrom, Program Assistant, at [email protected], or (802) 479-8519.

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Birds of Vermont Museum

where natural history meets art

Field Trips

At the Birds of Vermont Museum, students of all ages learn about the birds that make up such a colorful, essential, and interesting part of our world. Discover birds in their natural habitats. Explore their roles in ecosystems. Learn from detailed, life-like carved wooden birds that cannot fly away, but look like they could.

School, camper, scout, homeschool, lifelong learner, and other groups find trips to the Museum a way to expand what they learn offsite, and to spark new interests and skills. We offer science and art opportunities indoors, outdoors, and in partnership with Audubon Vermont. Visits typically last 1-2 hours, and groups of 10 or more get a discounted admission.

We offer standards-compliant curricula for some ages, and will work with you to build an educational field trip that suits your teaching needs. We have special offerings for groups of students and campers, including age- and grade-specific guiding questions, directed explorations, and scavenger hunts. We have information to help Scouts with badges and belt loops as well. Contact us to schedule your visit.

• Outdoor Learning
• In the Museum
• Teacher Resources
• Study Topics
• Field Trip Extra: Audubon

What to Expect: In the Museum

When your group arrives, a brief video gives background information about the Museum, its history, woodcarving, and birds. Students tour the Museum in small groups, discovering birds in their habitats, close-up. Using our guided investigation handouts, students focus on ecosystems, bird identification, adaptations, migration, or other topics . Carved birds appear to stand, walk, perch, sing, feed… yet they won’t fly away!

A viewing window allows learning from live birds (when they come to the feeders). We have guide books for identification, bird anatomy, and more.

• Back to top
• Extra: Audubon

We have 100 acres and trails throughout the property. We are an Audubon Important Bird Area and a National Wildlife Federation Certified Wildlife Habitat .

Outdoors, students hone observation skills, practice bird identification, investigate the different species in forest upland and successional habitats, or experience new connections from our accessible Treehouse. All ages have the opportunity to learn, reflect, and immerse themselves in journaling, note-taking, drawing, writing, and experiencing the outdoors.

Expanding your visit with Audubon Vermont

The Museum partners with Audubon Vermont to create a rich indoor / outdoor bird-focused experience for your students. For more information or to book a trip,  please call Debbie Archer at 802 434-3068.

• Dartmouth Search

Upper Valley Field Trips

A collaborative effort of geog 7: landscapes of new england.

Exploring Vermont Farms

Vermont is home to over 7000 farms, leading the nation in farmers markets and farm stands per capita.  Taylor Farm  and  4 Corners Farm  both make it their top priority to supply goods from a wide variety of products to shoppers in rural Vermont and New Hampshire. While Taylor Farm offers high-quality cheese and dairy products to customers in the Vermont area, 4 Corners Farm offers fresh fruits and vegetables to its Upper Valley customers. By doing so, these farms reflect the intimate agricultural relationship between the local community and farmers. They are valued not only by the products that they produce, but also by the tradition that is embodied in them. As you explore the farms, it will be easy to note the ways that these farms and their farmers interact with the landscape and how said landscape reflects not only the food they produce, but also the manner in which they use the farms to make their living. The two farms are different in their production output, but similar in the way that their everyday choices reflect their environment. Farming is vital to food production and during your trip to these farms, be sure to consider the life of a farmer, and the nature of using farming to make a living.

A map highlighting Four (4) Corners Farm, Taylor Farm, and Dartmouth College.

After visiting these farms, hopefully you will have a greater understanding of the demand for local products from small northern New England farms and the processes of producing these foods, as well as gaining insight into the life of a farmer and the unpredictable nature of the occupation.

Taylor Farm

The entrance to Taylor Farm.

A shot of Okemo Mountain Resort in the winter.

To reach the  Taylor Farm   from Hanover, New Hampshire, you’ll need to head west on Wheelock Street and cross the Ledyard Bridge into Vermont. From there, hop on Interstate-91 and head south forty miles until you hit exit 8. Then proceed to take a right onto route 131 west. In the town of Ludlow, Vermont, take a left onto route 100 south. Follow the road a few miles; after passing through the town of Londonderry, the farm will be on your right. On the route to the Taylor Farm, you will pass through several small New England towns. As you drive through Ludlow, you will be able to point out  Okemo Mountain Resort off in the distance. Also, notice the businesses in the town and to whom they are geared. For example, the motels and ski gear shops target vacationers visiting the resort. Lastly, on the way to Taylor Farm, note the many small market places, village stores and general stores that serve people in the local communities and people visiting from other parts of the country. You will also pass through several small towns, like Cavendish, Vermont, that consist of easily-recognized town commons such as open greens and recreational areas.

In the winter Taylor Farm offers sleigh rides.

Taylor Farm is a 180-year-old farm located on Route 11 in Londonberry, Vermont. Being part of the Vermont Land Trust, it is assured that the land on which Taylor Farm resides on will always be used for agriculture. Upon arriving at Taylor Farm, first visit the shop where their nationally recognized gouda cheese is sold. According to John, the head farmer there and the brains behind converting a simple dairy farm into a famous cheese farm, maintaining small farms and having small local production within the community could very well play a vital role in the future. John is one of fifty cheese makers in Vermont, the state with the most cheese farms per capita than anywhere else in the country.

John in one of his milking facilities.

Besides making cheese, one of John’s main sources of income comes from milking cows. John and employees milk cows and then sell the milk to cooperative firms such as Agrimark . Agrimark is a broker: it buys milk from farmers and then sells it to big retail companies such as Cabot Cheese . According to John, the upper echelon retail companies achieve most of the profit from selling the milk, and the farmers get whatever is left over. This led John to go into cheese production fifteen years ago, which is far more profitable than selling milk.

John explained that the cheese must age for two months due to Vermont law, but the two month wait is worth it. He can either sell 100 pounds of milk for $17 total or convert the 100 pounds of milk into roughly ten pounds of cheese, which can be sold at $16 per pound. Converting the raw milk into cheese yields a higher profit for John and the farm, yet cheese production is cognizant on supply and demand of the milk market. When milk prices are high, John will primarily sell milk, but when milk prices are low, they designate more resources to making cheese. In the fall of 2014, due to the drought in California, milk prices were high and John focused his energy on milk production. The farm does not have the facilities to pasteurize milk, so the milk that John sells in his store is raw, which is far heavier and thicker than the milk found in most grocery stores.

In addition to cows, John keeps animals such as dogs to help with tourism efforts.

After stopping by the store, take a walk around the farm. As you approach the barn in the back, you will see three different sections of Holstein and Jersey cows. There are typically 25 milkers at a time in the stalls, as well as one donkey. John tries to keep the cows as long as possible; many people milk cows for two years then sell them for beef, but John is usually able to maintain milking his cows for twelve years by only milking them every three to four months. He has also narrowed the genetic base of his cows to have high-production pedigrees. There are only fifteen genetic lines of pedigree cattle, and John keeps many genetically different cows to ensure that a single virus specific to one species does not destroy all the cows in that species, which would then leave no cows to milk.

As you walk around the farm, also notice the landscape. 120 years ago, eighty percent of Vermont was cleared. Now roughly eight five percent of that is reforested. Why do you think that the landscape has varied so drastically over the past century or so? John notes that maintaining fields such as the ones on his farm where the horses roam in addition to general farm upkeep takes a tremendous effort, requiring typically four employees at a time.

“Tom” and another friendly turkey, “Carlos.”

As John explained, many farms today rely on tourism as a big source of income. Because of this, he has implemented fun activities no matter the weather, such as sleigh rides in the winter. John also lets many of his animals, which are all extremely friendly, roam around the farm so that visitors can pet them and view them at a closer distance. John owns a three-year-old sow with six piglets, of which he explained are probably one of his best investments not only for the production of manure, but also for tourism – kids love seeing the pigs. One animal especially friendly is a turkey named Tom. While not fast enough to keep up the average human pace, Tom follows visitors around and is a favorite of those that stop by the farm. As well as turkeys, there are horses, pigs, goats, a donkey, and of course, the cows.

After taking a look around the farm, visit the facilities used to convert milk into cheese as well as the place where John and the other farmers milk the cows. Return to the shop and sample some of Taylor Farm’s famous gouda cheese. They offer maple smoked gouda, Vermont farmstead gouda with nettle, garlic gouda, and other varieties of cheese as well depending on the day you visit.

4 Corners Farm

A view of the 4 Corners Farm.

4 Corners Farm  is located in Newbury, Vermont. To reach the farm from Hanover or from Taylor Farm, head north on Interstate-91. Take exit 16 in Newbury, Vermont, and continue on route 5 north. The farm will be on your right. Start your visit to 4 Corners farm in the market on the lower level of the barn, in front of the parking lot, where most of the produce is stored for selling. During your visit, again note how the landscape of the farm affects the manner in which fruits and vegetables are produced.

Bob, the head farmer, explained that he began his business by first working for a farmer’s market, before developing a small farm stand of his own in Hartland, Vermont and eventually building the current-day farmstand in Newbury. Bob started growing vegetables in the 1970s. While he does sell raw milk and other types of food typical to a farmer’s market, Bob’s field of work is largely structured around growing and selling vegetables and fruits. Bob has been able to purchase multiple greenhouses in order to sell as many fruits and vegetables as possible.

A tomato plant growing in a greenhouse.

Next, take a look in a few of the greenhouses. Greenhouses are vital in northern New England, they extend the growing season from three months to six. Depending on the time of year, the fruits and vegetables grown in the greenhouses will be at different stages of ripeness. If you are visiting in the early summer months, the greenhouses will be stuffed with celery, cilantro, peppers, and lettuce plants. However, at this stage of the growing season, very few of the fruits and vegetables are ripe enough to eat, so food in the stand underneath the barn will not be as plentiful as it would be if you were to visit in the late summer. In order to accomplish this, Bob makes sure to water the greenhouse produce every day. There is also a greenhouse used strictly for growing tomatoes. Because tomatoes tend to grow faster than other plants, Bob mentions that the easiest way to control their growth is by having them grow against a pole.

A look inside one of the greenhouses.

Bob also keeps many animals on the farm. He uses the cows that roam his fields as landscapers; cows can clean up steep fields that machines would not be able to mow. And the manure from the cows is very helpful for growing vegetation. In addition, a vital part to the continued growth of his vegetables is the use of bees for pollination.  Although difficult to keep alive because of pesticides, he still has bees in his farm for pollination.

An ongoing conflict for Bob has been finding people to work long hours in the fields. The state of Vermont, however, is associated with many immigrant programs, which is why Bob frequently seeks employment help from the south of the border. For this reason, many workers in northern Vermont are from outside of the United States because they do not mind the long hours and tough manual labor, while working for low wages.

Tomato plants in one of the greenhouses.

Vermont is a leader of the community-supported agriculture or, in other words, the Farmers Market. Because people increasingly want to buy local fruits and vegetables, demand for locally grown foods is very high. About 75 percent of the vegetables grown on the farm are sold through his farm stand, while some products, including strawberries, are sold to bigger grocery stores such as Hanover Co-op. According to Bob, on weekends people will travel forty to fifty miles to purchase products from the farm.

We hope you enjoy your visits to these farms!

Field Trips

2024 Field Trip to Massachusetts 

Newburyport and Mount Auburn Cemetery 

May 18 and 19, 2024 

Join SVAS for a weekend of fabulous birding at two of New England's premier locations for spring migration. Naturalist Bob Martell will lead walks at both locations. We plan to meet at 8 AM at Parker River NWR on Saturday, May 18 and again at 7 AM at Mount Auburn Cemetery on Sunday, May 19. Attendees are responsible for their own transportation and lodging. Join for one or both days. Registration is REQUIRED. To register, email Bob Martell at EMAIL BOB . Further details below:

Weekend Trip to Plum Island and Mt.Auburn Cemetery.

On Saturday, May 18 -  Bob Martel will lead a weekend trip to Plum Island National Wildlife Refuge and Mt. Auburn Cemetery.

  The trip will first met at Plum Island Parker River National Wildlife Refuge in Newburyport MA on Saturday May 18. We will meet at in the #1 parking lot just past the entrance gate at 8AM. We will bird in the refuge into the afternoon then break. Persons attending the Plum Island trip who plan to attend the walk at Mt.Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge, MA (see below) might want to consider a hotel halfway between Cambridge and Newburyport perhaps in the Rt. 93 area in the Woburn area or in the 95/1 area of Saugus / Peabody / Danvers. Registration is required. (See contact information below.) 

  The following morning Sunday, May 19 we will meet at the front gate of the Mt. Auburn Cemetery on Mt. Auburn Street in Cambridge, MA at 7:00AM. There are ample places to park in Mt. Auburn and the gate might be open prior to 7:00A. 

CEMETERY PARKING: DO NOT PARK ON LAWNS OR ON ANY ROAD WITH A GREEN PAINTED DIVIDING LINE. SERIOUSLY. 

Parking on Cambridge Streets is less restrictive on Sundays. Be sure to observe the posted parking rules. The trip will conclude at approximately 9:30A.  Registration is required.  For registration, questions or details call, text or email Bob

(617)-922-8505

[email protected] i

Field Trips: High School

Our current program offerings for this age group (grades 9 to 12) are below. Please visit our Learning Standards by Grade & Field Trip Theme document for more information on how our offerings align with learning objectives.

Nature in Agriculture*

Organic agriculture aims to produce healthy food in a healthy environment. Farmers depend on the natural environment in and around their farms. Consider the impacts that farms and the surrounding ecosystems have on one another. Students will learn about how farmers work with the cycles in nature to improve their farm systems.

Digging Deeper into the Secrets of Soil*

There is a world beneath our feet. Explore the diversity of life in the soil and the role these organisms play in growing food. Many farmers design their practices with soil life in mind. Discover how they care for this valuable resource and how you can help return vital nutrients to the soil by composting at home or school. From seeds to plants to soil, let’s get our hands dirty and explore soil, soil structures, and the nutrients that cycle through it and into plants.

Organic Agriculture, Global Climate, and Sustainability*

Agriculture as a sector is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions, and a net negative on carbon sequestration. Learn and discuss the environmental impacts of growing food on our natural resources and the atmosphere, how organic and regenerative agriculture can help farms adapt to and help mitigate climate change, and how you can make sustainable choices in your daily lives.

Aquatic Ecology & Water Quality

Explore our watershed and the impacts of human activity on our waterways. We will examine river inhabitants, conduct pollution experiments, and water quality assessments to discover how the river and farm can support one another. This field trip will include the collection of benthic macroinvertebrates, discussions around eutrophication, nutrient cycling, sedimentation, and the impacts of dams on river ecosystems.

*Depending on the season, there may be opportunities for student groups to harvest and taste crops. Ask the CCFEC Education team for more information!

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Robert Frost Stone House Museum

Inside the museum, groups can walk through the house where Frost lived and wrote. An entire room is dedicated to the American classic “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening,” and the central hallway is dedicated to the wood-cut prints of illustrator J.J. Lankes. Outside, groups can see the display orchard of apple trees reflected in Frost’s poetry and letters.

supports classroom learning in: Language Arts, Social Studies.

topics covered: Literature, Poetry, History, Historic Figures, World War I, World War II.

contact info Name: Megan Mayhew Bergman, Director. Phone: 802-447-6200 Email: [email protected]

The Robert Frost Stone House Museum is a literary landmark honoring America’s favorite poet. Frost lived in the house from 1920 to 1929, while he composed many of the pieces that became part of “New Hampshire”, his first Pulitzer Prize winning volume.

contact info

Hrs: June-October, Wednesday-Sunday 11AM-5PM.

HELPFUL LESSON PLAN(S)

Prepared by fieldtripdirectory.com.

History Museum Lesson Plan

A history museum or historical museum is a museum dedicated to presenting artifacts and exhibits reflecting the history of a particular nation, local level or a specific historical prospective or period.

History museums and historic houses or sites constitute the largest number of museums in the United States.

supports scout badges in: Social Studies.

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Vermont in the fall: How to plan an epic trip, according to a local

Here's where i'd go on a fall trip to vermont.

In March 2021, I took a road trip that changed my life. I drove from my then-home in Northern Virginia to Northern Vermont for a long weekend of snowboarding and exploration, not knowing how the state would delight me. It did, and then some. 

The landscape changed as soon as I crossed the state line from New York to Vermont. Old towns looked untouched, as if frozen in time, with old gas stations and shops lining the byways. In the distance, the Green Mountains formed the horizon, creating a perfect vista as the sun set. Add in world-class snowboarding at Stowe Mountain Resort , and I knew I wanted to live there. In October 2021, I made the move. Today, I call Stowe home.

Fall is a special time here, when the temperature’s just right, and the foliage creates an autumn panorama. Here’s where I recommend going during your Vermont fall trip. 

Fall in Vermont: Here’s where I’d go

No matter where you visit, Vermont can feel like another country. It’s natural, unspoiled, and home to an eclectic spirit. The Green Mountain State lets you truly get away. 

Waitsfield, Vermont

On my initial trip here, I stayed in Waitsfield, in the Mad River Valley . There’s peace and quiet along Main Street like few places I’ve been. Sugarbush Mountain Resort towers above, and a vast trail network is ideal for hiking , running, and biking. 

The Mad River meanders through town and offers a refreshing view (and sound) when you want to relax. For a fantastic view of the Green Mountains, try hiking nearby Camel’s Hump, where you’ll get 360-degree vistas of the foliage. When the day’s over, head over to Canteen Cremee Company , which specializes in Vermont’s best fried chicken and maple cremees (Vermont’s word for soft-serve ice cream). 

The Green Mountain Byway

In Vermont, there’s just so much to explore. Turning the key, stepping on the gas, and seeing where it goes lets you find nooks and crannies where time stands still. The Green Mountain Byway begins in Waterbury, Vermont, and then passes through Stowe Village, Morristown, Hyde Park, Jeffersonville, and more. It takes you on a journey through the state’s northern reaches, where you’ll find plenty of foliage, as well as  rustic surroundings.

On the return trip, I’d recommend trying Black Diamond Barbecue in Morristown. Tucked away in the country, the eatery has a quaint atmosphere and plenty of satisfying fare.

Stowe, Vermont

My favorite on this list is my hometown. It offers a blend of quaintness, vibrancy, and nature that sets it apart. Mount Mansfield lines the horizon, marking the state’s highest point at 4,393 feet. Shops and restaurants cover Main Street and Mountain Road, offering local culture and cuisine.

But the highlight of Stowe is the mountain. You have two options for the best view of the foliage: Hike or take the gondola. For an epic morning or evening adventure, I’d hike the Long Trail up to “The Chin: (the highest point on Mansfield) and watch the sun rise (or set) above the tree line. Another option is taking the gondola at Stowe Mountain Resort, which swiftly takes you up to “Cliff House,” a mountainside restaurant and deck. From there, you can continue to “The Chin” via the challenging Cliff Trail and grab some food or take in the surroundings. 

Stowe also has an abundant trail network for hiking, biking, or running. I like trail running on Mount Mansfield, and Cady Hill Forest has a fun mountain bike-focused route system. 

To end the day, try Doc Ponds , where a relaxed atmosphere and an interesting menu create a fun, flavorful time. I like the squash soup paired with a pilsner .

Burlington, Vermont

To cap your fall trip, I recommend spending the day in Burlington. With Lake Champlain setting the stage, the city has a vibrant mood and plenty to do. Along the Church Street Marketplace, abundant shops and restaurants give you a taste of everything. Vermont Flannel offers cozy, made-in-the-USA shirts, and Honey Road makes award-winning Mediterranean cuisine.

How would I spend my day in Burlington? I’d explore the avenues, stroll along Church Street, and end the day with a lakeside sunset. Dinner would be at Taco Gordo — an authentic, gritty Mexican dive — followed by beers on the shoreline at Foam Brewers . 

This fall, get away from it all in Vermont

Though Vermont looks picturesque from a distance, you have to be here to understand. Highways without billboards and untouched mountains offer a true escape, and a unique culture lets you experience something new. Remember, peak fall foliage (mid-September to mid-October) can get crowded, so wake up early, hit the road, and take it all in.

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After the long, hot summer, fall brings a sense of relief, as the cool air rushes in and leaves change color. It can be a time of reflection or a time to explore, as the comfortable temps lend themselves to easy-going outings. There’s ample opportunity to take in the foliage and anticipate the winter ahead.

In Japan, the 5-star Hotel the Mitsui Kyoto offers a retreat-like setting, where you’re front and center with the change in seasons. Not only that, but the hotel is in the middle of historic sites and events, letting guests experience the country’s unique heritage. Let’s take a closer look. Hotel the Mitsui Kyoto: A blend of luxury and history

Vermont’s 93-mile-long Lamoille Valley Rail Trail, which had its opening delayed by historic flooding last summer, is now ready to welcome recreational enthusiasts. Hikers, bikers, and horseback riders can venture out any time of year, while in the winter, skiers, snowshoers, and snowmobilers can join in the fun.

The trail lets people get up close to Vermont’s rustic, charming landscape, winding through 18 towns and sites like the Fisher Historic Bridge and historic railroad stations. Here’s what you need to know. Lamoille Rail Trail: A historic route everyone can experience

Yellowstone National Park is one of the crown jewels of America’s National Parks system. It quite literally has it all: Majestic geysers, technicolor thermal hot springs, bison-filled forests and fields, craggy canyons, roaring waterfalls, and — you get the gist. Stretching nearly 3,500 square miles across northwest Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana, Yellowstone attracts millions of visitors and tourists looking to revel in the beauty of the country's most spectacular landscapes (just don't get too close to the wildlife).

15 years serving Vermont

For a new film on Vermont’s 1960s counterculture, it’s been a long strange trip to the screen

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Ray Mungo’s origin story reads like the stuff of a movie script: Born in 1946, the Roman Catholic schoolboy morphed into a Marxist Boston University student turned New York underground press founder turned, in 1968, back-to-the-land pioneer at Vermont’s Packer Corners commune in Guilford.

Mungo wrote about his journey in the 1970 book “Famous Long Ago: My Life and Hard Times with Liberation News Service,” which the New York Times deemed an “honest, literate and loving memoir” and actor Robert Redford — fresh off his star turn in 1969’s “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” — optioned for a film.

Redford asked Mungo to write the screenplay, the press went on to report.

“Big mistake,” Charles Light, a fellow back-to-the-lander and 75-year-old Vermont filmmaker, recently recalled. “Ray’s script had nothing to do with the original story.”

And so Redford’s option lapsed, as did subsequent interest from a succession of prominent producers including, as one newspaper reported, Stephen Schwartz, composer of the musicals “Godspell” and “Wicked.”

Mungo would move to California, where he’s now 78, retired and, according to friends, living quietly out of the public spotlight. Light, for his part, has spent decades making indie documentaries about everything from the plight of Vietnam veterans to the fight against nuclear power to, premiering Sept. 7, what he calls “this long-delayed opus.”

“Far Out: Life On & After the Commune” tells the true story of a group of hippies who bought properties in Guilford and nearby Montague, Massachusetts, only to face challenges while sowing the seeds of surprisingly lasting change.

“Our whole idea of moving to the farm was to get away from the cities, to get away from politics, to get away from the news,” Mungo says at the start of the 85-minute film. “We didn’t have a television set, we didn’t have a telephone, we didn’t have indoor plumbing.”

Instead, they had an array of higher education degrees — and, in Mungo’s case, a spurned fellowship to Harvard. Even so, they didn’t know how to complete such down-to-earth tasks as milking a cow or tilling a field.

“I wasn’t brought up ever to go outside,” commune resident turned poet Verandah Porche says in the film. “There were farmers who reached out to us. They needed cheap labor, and we needed to learn how to do things. And so we toted hay bales and hauled sap buckets and hung around in farm kitchens.”

Many longtime locals still remember the newcomers weeding naked. But the documentary reveals the commune wasn’t always the Garden of Eden. When Mungo revealed his sexuality, “the hippies were not necessarily accepting of this gay thing,” he says in the film. Women recount feeling relegated to the kitchen despite the feminist movement, while their children ricocheted in different directions.

Porche’s daughter, Oona Adams, recalls pretending that a tree stump was a record player — then discovering cartoons on a neighbor’s television.

“It was kind of a complicated place to grow up,” Adams says in the film.

Commune residents would go on to protest the 1970s development of nuclear power locally and nationally. By 1979, a few teamed with such stars as Jackson Browne, Graham Nash and Bonnie Raitt to produce a week of sold-out “No Nukes” concerts at New York’s Madison Square Garden and a culminating 200,000-person rally featuring Jane Fonda, Tom Hayden and Ralph Nader at nearby Battery Park.

“I think it had a very divisive impact,” Harvey Wasserman, a Montague commune resident turned activist and author, says in the film. “There were those of us who had been in New York and those of us who stayed home. And there was a divide. It just was a cultural divide.”

It wasn’t the only fissure. In 1970, the Green Mountain State was home to an estimated 35,800 hippies — one-third of its 107,527 people age 18 to 34, according to the Vermont Historical Society . But that number declined precipitously upon the conclusion of the Vietnam War, with some 75 communes at the beginning of the decade whittled down to only a dozen by its end.

The documentary doesn’t sugarcoat the communes’ divisions and decline.

“I certainly wanted it to have that honesty vibe,” Light said in an interview, “for people to speak directly to the problems and conflicts as much as they felt comfortable, even to the extent of including very contradictory points of view. Because that’s how life is. Obviously, we didn’t have all the answers.”

And yet, seeds continue to sprout.

Mungo’s memoir and subsequent books remain for sale (on Amazon, no less). Porche, for her part, still lives on the property and serves as vice-chair of the Guilford Selectboard.

“It’s important to me,” Porche says in the film, “that people still do feel that this is a place where you can come and stay for a week or a month and compost experience with us, that conversation is still a crop here.”

Adds her daughter, who’s now a labor organizer: “It’s a sea change really, that the dominant culture is now a culture shaped by the people who moved here in the ’60s.”

That’s one reason Light made the documentary between his meetings as a member of the Guilford Planning Commission. He’s set to screen the film at Brattleboro’s Latchis Theatre Sept. 6-12, with fellow commune residents scheduled to appear at a special premiere event Sept. 7.

“I think a certain amount of ‘boomer’ fatigue is setting in, as our kids always refer to this as ‘The Story That Will Not Die,’” Light said. “But you can’t deny the effect that the back-to-the-land movement had on the social and political culture — and the effect the local people had on us.”

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Kevin O'Connor

VTDigger's southern Vermont and features reporter. More by Kevin O'Connor

The Incredible Flower Road Trip Through Oregon Is The Ultimate Spring Adventure

Written by  

Want to take in the spectacular beauty of blooming wildflowers? Take a drive to Mosier Plateau in Eastern Gorge, Oregon. Your road trip to see wildflowers will be well worth your drive!

We Oregonians put up with a long rainy season but that's okay. We know this rain is how we get to live in such a verdant state blessed with spectacular forests, meadows, tree-lined streets, rushing rivers, and clear blue lakes. And while Oregon is gorgeous country all year long, there's nothing quite like the magic of spotting a field or hillside ablaze in bright flowers surrounded by all that greenery. At Mosier Plateau, you'll see swaths of golden yellow, a range of purples and blues, and sweet white blooms. And it's all set in a scenic hilltop landscape overlooking the gorge.

A road trip to Mosier Plateau is the perfect way to immerse yourself in Oregon's spring and summer wildflower season.

You'll be delighted by gorgeous pops of color as you explore.

Visitors describe the scene as looking like rows and rows of stunning flower bouquets.

I particularly love the patches of purple along the hillsides.

The gorgeous gorge backdrop is fantastic all on its own, making this a great walk or hike no matter the season.

Bring your camera to capture this beautiful scene. This is also a great place for taking portraits.

Nothing beats a bright blue bloom.

I love seeing the water below.

And near the beginning of the trail, which is reported to be of easy to moderate difficulty, you'll be greeted by a magnificent waterfall.

I'm taken by these bright pink-purple flowers.

The subtle little white flowers are lovely.

What could be sweeter than these tiny white blooms?

I can't wait to return for another visit!

For more information about this hidden gem in Oregon , visit the Friends of the Columbia Gorge Mosier Plateau website. If your visit to the gorge includes a drive, you may want to stock up on car-friendly snacks for the drive there and back, or for along the trail.

If you visit Mosier Plateau to see the wildflowers, please leave a comment to let us know about your experience. Also, feel free to share your favorite spots for viewing wildflowers in Oregon that we should check out next.

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The Coolest Visitor Center In Oregon Has 26 Miles Of Trails And Natural Wonders

Cape Perpetua Visitor Center on the Oregon Coast offers access to stunning natural wonders like Devil’s Churn and Thor’s Well, surrounded by breathtaking coastal and forest views.

The Oregon Coast is an utterly breathtaking expanse of sheer natural beauty surrounded by old-growth forests, Native American artifacts, and stunning natural wonders that will stick in your memory for years to come. Did you know there’s a visitor center in Oregon from which you can access all those things? Cape Perpetua Visitor Center is a hub near some of Oregon’s most impressive sights and natural wonders like Devil’s Churn  and Thor’s Well.

Cape Perpetua Visitor’s Center is located just off the Oregon Coast Highway about three miles south of the charming small town of Yachats. It’s open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The visitor center is a wealth of information about the surrounding area and its history. Plus, the staff is quite friendly and willing to answer any questions you may have. You may even be inspired to volunteer!

One of the first things you’ll notice is the utterly gorgeous coastal views with the scent of the ocean air and the sound of the crashing waves. This brings an interesting juxtaposed feeling of soothing yet invigorating wonder.

One of Oregon’s most powerful natural wonders, Devil’s Churn is just north of the visitor center. What was once the opening to an ancient lava tube is now a crucible of sheer oceanic force as waves crash into it and surge upwards with a thunderous roar.

Just to the south of the visitor center is another wonder that is the opposite of Devil’s Churn. Thor’s Well is a deep hole on the coast that seems to drink the ocean during high tide. It’s best to keep your distance from it as the currents are extremely strong.

If you’re able to pull your eyes off the mesmerizing ocean and head toward the forest, you will see equally breathtaking views along the 26 miles of trails that meander through old-growth forests. The combination of scents and sounds from the ocean and the forest creates a sensory feast.

Imagine walking among nature’s ancient giants where the forest meets the sea. Here, you will find a combination of salt and pine in the air and hear the birds of the forest, the wind through the trees, and the crashing surf in the background.

The higher you go, the better the view. Simply astonishing.

After only a few moments you will quickly understand why this is one of the best visitors centers in Oregon.

Cape Perpetua Visitor Center is one of those magical outdoor havens in Oregon that we love so much. Have you ever been to the coolest visitor center in Oregon? What are your favorite places nearby? Let us know about your experiences in the comments.

If you are looking for more things to do in Oregon take a closer look at Thor’s Well . Be sure to check with AllTrails before hiking to receive updates about closures and conditions.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/oregon/thors-well-captain-cooks-trail-or/

Another of Oregon's famous natural wonders is further up the coast to the north. Take a look at why we love Haystack Rock and Cannon Beach in this video:

Soak Up Nature With A Forest Bath Or A Yoga Hike In Oregon

Want to up your yoga game? Check out Central Oregon's R'oming Yoga, where you can explore your practice in the great outdoors.

R'oming Yoga offers a range of innovative, invigorating yoga hikes and forest baths in a variety of locations in the Bend area. Here, participants get to soak in the beauty and energy of the majestic forest — and connect with the magic within.

Yoga in nature makes perfect sense.

Yoga is an innately spiritual practice that helps you get in tune with your body while also grounding you to the Earth.

With R'oming Yoga, you can join in scheduled yoga events and forest baths in the Bend area or set up your own private event.

These activities are designed to rest, restore, and rejuvenate your mind and body. You’ll find options for all levels so even if you are new, you won’t feel out of place.

Yoga hikes and mini retreats last 3 to 4 hours and include yoga, meditation, forest bathing (essentially soaking in the magic of your natural surroundings), and yoga hiking.

On your R'oming Yoga guided meditative walk, you'll experience forest emersion mediation and the practice of forest bathing.

I look forward to trying this yoga experience soon!

For more information about this hidden gem in Oregon , visit the R'oming Yoga website. If your visit to Central Oregon to do this fun activity includes a drive, you may want to stock up on car-friendly snacks for the trip there and back — and don't forget a water bottle for your yoga practice!

Have you ever enjoyed one of the R'oming Yoga experiences? What are some of your favorite activities out in nature? Let us know in the comments. Also, feel free to share your favorite yoga spots in Oregon by filling out this form . We'd love to hear from you.

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PreK Field Trip Lessons

Each PreK Field Trip lesson is designed to foster a variety of developmentally appropriate skills for PreK aged children and incorporates science discoveries, nature play, and investigations into the lesson. Each PreK Field Trip lesson includes an engaging puppet show or engineering opportunity, song and movement, a range of hands-on activities, investigations and nature play, and outdoor learning, depending on topic.

Lesson Options

• Animal Homes
• Day & Night Animals 
• Frogs & Toads
• Preparing for Winter

Lesson Descriptions

Your Day at VINS

Your field trip includes an 60 minute guided program, including an introduction to the topic of choice, an active outdoor activity, an interactive puppet show, and a chance for students to reflect upon what they’ve learned. In addition to your guided lesson you will have the opportunity to experience a live bird presentation, visit our trails and exhibits, and enjoy lunch on our grounds.

Prekindergarten; Ages 3 & 4 

All VINS educators have extensive experience in environmental education, the natural sciences, and science instruction. Every instructor works with a certified teacher in NH and VT to ensure their content and methods align with the Next Generation Science Standards and the best practices for outdoor education. All instructors are First Aid and CPR certified.

Enhancing Classroom Curriculum with On-Site, Place-Based Education

Explore the natural world with hands-on lessons aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards.