Rangers provide hands-on exploration for K-8th grades in animal adaptations, engineering stream tables, and constructing water flow designs. Located in Burke and McDowell counties 50 miles northeast of Asheville, Lake James State Park includes two areas to access this picturesque lake that is perfect for boating, swimming, and fishing.
Students actively collect, investigate and identify different macroinvertebrates found in the lake shoreline and wetland ecosystem. Working closely with rangers, students determine pollution tolerance based on collected organisms. They can also determine pH levels, water temperature, calculate aquatic index value of the water to identify possible effects humans may have on the organisms.
Learn about food chains, food webs, predator prey adaptations, and how to identify trees in ranger led programs. Lake Waccamaw State Park sits on the shores of the largest Carolina bay. There are 500,000 of these mysterious craters, and the lake is one of the few that contains open water instead of vegetation.
Schools can participate in multiple Ranger-led programs and hikes covering topics about trees, animals and birds, plants, macroinvertebrates/water ecology, and pollination! Lumber River State Park hosts an abundance of wildlife and plant life, including the belted kingfisher and the rare Carolina bogmint.
Schools can participate in multiple Ranger-led programs and hikes covering topics about the river, wildlife, skulls and pelt identification, and wildfire discussion! Small size classes can participate in fishing. Hikes are modified based on group demographic and physical activity abilities. Older groups can take a guided waterfall hike.
North Carolina’s Executive Mansion is the official residence of the Governor and the “people’s house.” Completed in 1891, this Victorian-style landmark offers students a look at state history, architecture, and civic life. Tours highlight its role as a historic home and meeting place for leaders. Schedule field trips through Capital Area Visitor Services.
Discover Freedom Park, a historic 1-acre green space in downtown Raleigh honoring the African American struggle for freedom. This inspiring landmark celebrates liberty, resilience, and equality. Perfect for educational visits, students can explore history and reflect on justice.
Tour the North Carolina Legislative Building, home to the General Assembly since 1963. Students can explore the lawmaking process, visit House and Senate chambers, and learn how state policies are shaped. This modernist landmark offers a unique look at government in action and civic engagement.
Exciting Changes at the North Carolina Museum of History! The museum is closed for a major renovation to create reimagined exhibits and interactive experiences that bring North Carolina’s past to life. Stay connected through virtual programs, social media, and updates during this transformation.
Students can explore into interactive exhibits, dynamic multimedia, and live animal displays while exploring biodiversity, ecosystems, and scientific discovery. Hands-on programs and immersive experiences bring science to life for learners of all ages.
Explore the North Carolina State Capitol, a historic landmark of government and architecture since 1840. Students can learn about civic responsibility, state history, and the foundations of North Carolina’s government. Guided tours highlight the Governor’s office, former legislative chambers, and more.
A museum focusing on history that moves you - steam locomotion, boats, the Wright Brothers, and train rides! Middle and High School students can learn Morse Code, and forms of pre-telegraph communication.
North Carolina’s only presidential site, focused on our nation's 11 president and the issues that dominated his term: the Mexican-American War, settlement of the Oregon boundary dispute, and California's annexation. The family enslaved at least eleven known peoples of African descent.
The site of the first documented discovery of gold in North America that launched the country's first gold rush. Visitors can pan for gold today and explore the mine.
Step into history at Roanoke Island Festival Park, a 27-acre site where you can explore life as it was for the first English settlers in 1585. Costumed interpreters bring the Settlement Site and the Elizabeth II ship to life, while interactive exhibits at the American Indian Town and Adventure Museum offer a hands-on experience for all ages.