Field Trip Information
The following is a list of site contact information for scheduling a field trip to one of your beautiful Louisiana State Parks, State Historic Sites, and State Preservation Area. We trust your class will have a great time and walk away with wonderful newfound knowledge and appreciation of Louisiana’s cultural and natural resources. The contacts can help you organize your lesson in conjunction with the site that you plan to visit. The Louisiana Office of State Parks is here to help ensure that your field trip is memorable and educational. If you have a specific request for a program, please do not hesitate to call.
If you have general questions about interpretation in the state of Louisiana, call Ray Berthelot at the Louisiana Office of State Parks at 1-888-677-1400 or 225-342-8111. Thank you for your interest in Louisiana State Parks as your next field trip destination.
Louisiana State Historic Sites
Instructional concepts offered at our Louisiana State Historic Sites include, but are not limited to, Louisiana history and culture, Louisiana Native-Americans, French and Spanish colonial Louisiana, cultural studies, antebellum Louisiana, women in Louisiana history, the American Civil War, African-American history, geography, Louisiana in the early 20th century, ethnic studies, commerce, and the westward expansion. Download the Social Studies Standards PDF.
Louisiana State Educational Standards for Social Studies met utilizing interpretive/educational programs include, but are not limited to the following:
- Kindergarten – 4th Grade: K.2.1, 1.1.3, 1.2.1, 1.3.6, 1.3.8, 1.5.5, 2.1.6, 2.1.7, 2.2.6, 2.2.8, 3.1.6, 3.2.1, 3.2.2, 3.2.4, 3.4.4 4.2.1, 4.2.5, 4.3.1, 4.5.3, 4.7.1
- 5th Grade – 8th Grade: 5.2.1, 5.2.3, 5.3.2, 5.3.6, 5.5.1, 6.1.4, 6.2.2, 6.3.3, 6.4.2, 6.6.3, 7.3.4, 7.3.5, 7.4.2, 7.6.4, 7.10.5, 8.1.2, 8.2.2, 8.2.4, 8.2.6, 8.4.2, 8.7.2, 8.10.3
- 9th Grade – 12th Grade:
World History – WH.1.2, WH.2.4, WH.4.2, U.S.
History – US.1.2, US.1.5, US.2.1
World Geography – WG.4.2, WG.4.4, WG.4.5
Audubon State Historic Site (St. Francisville); 1-888-677-2838 or 225-635-3739, [email protected]. This site is dedicated to interpreting the history of Oakley Plantation where John James Audubon began his ornithology research and paintings for his famed Birds of America. The interpretive staff provides tours at the historic Oakley house and around the grounds discussing the lives of the enslaved people at Oakley Plantation. The state historic site offers “School Day” events where larger groups can attend. The site can accommodate smaller groups upon request. Please make reservations at least two weeks in advance. Available on-site are a picnic area, a pavilion, restrooms, and a nature trail.
Fort Jesup State Historic Site (Many); 1-888-677-5378 or 318-256-4117, [email protected]. The programs offered at this site center around frontier and military life in Louisiana’s “No Man’s Land” in the early 1800s. Visitors can tour the reconstructed Officers Quarters museum and the only original structure on-site the kitchen building. A picnic area and restrooms are located on the site. The maximum number of students per group is 100; please make reservations at least two weeks in advance.
Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site (Natchitoches); 1-888-677-7853 or 318-357-3101, [email protected]. Fort St. Jean Baptiste is a replica of the fort that was constructed in French Colonial Natchitoches in the mid-1700s. Several special events are held each year that focus on the history and culture in and around the fort during the 18th century. Guided tours customized to current class studies are available as well as virtual guided tours; a two-week advanced notice is requested when scheduling group, guided, or virtual tours.
Forts Randolph and Buhlow State Historic Site (Pineville); 1-888-677-7853 or 318-357-3101, [email protected]. Learn about the Civil War-era earthwork forts located on the Red River. Living History events occur year-round, and offer a look into the day-to-day life of soldiers stationed at the fort toward the end of the war. Guided tours are available; a two-week advanced notice is requested when scheduling group tours.
Longfellow-Evangeline State Historic Site (St. Martinville); 1-888-677-2900 or 337-394-3754, [email protected]. This site interprets the culture of the Creole and Acadian settlers in Louisiana. Tours of the Olivier Plantation, Acadian Farmstead and Museum are offered daily. Videos and demonstrations are available for groups upon request; groups are required to schedule their visit. Grade-specific teacher packets can be obtained by contacting the site. Picnic grounds are available for public use.
Los Adaes State Historic Site (Robeline); contact Fort St. Jean Baptiste SHS at 1-888-677-7853 or 318-357-3101. The historic site is operated by the Cane River National Heritage Area and Los Adaes Foundation. Using archaeological research, the interpretive theme for the site provides insight into the lives of the French, the Spanish, and indigenous Native Americans of the then Capitol of Texas. The site is open to the public Wednesday-Saturday, Noon-4pm. Call ahead to make special arrangements for your school group.
Mansfield State Historic Site (Mansfield); 1-888-677-6267 or 318-872-1474, [email protected]. The theme of this site is the American Civil War in Northwest Louisiana and its impact on soldiers and civilians. Ranger-led programs are available for school groups and can be tailored for specific ages. The site also offers an interpretive center, battlefield trail and picnic area. Teachers are asked to book their groups in advance.
Plaquemine Lock State Historic Site (Plaquemine); 225-687-7158. Plaquemine Lock State Historic Site is operated by Iberville Parish and the City of Plaquemine. Operating hours are Thursday, Friday and Saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Themes covered at the site staff are river navigation, life on the river, historic boats of Louisiana and lock operation. Please call Plaquemine Lock for fee and tour information.
Port Hudson State Historic Site (Zachary); 1-888-677-3400 or 225-654-3775, [email protected]. Walk the grounds where the longest siege of the Civil War occurred. A site tour begins with a 15-minute audio-visual program, followed by a museum tour where visitors can view displays varying from 225-pound cannonballs to the role and development of the African-American Union soldiers who began as Louisiana Native Guardsmen, were redesignated as the Corps d’ Afrique, and finished the war as the United States Colored Troops. A staff member in period uniform will demonstrate the firing of an authentic Civil War-era weapon, before a guided one-mile trail walk to Fort Desperate. A shaded picnic area with restrooms is available.
Poverty Point World Heritage Site (Epps); 1-888-926-5492 or 318-926-5492, [email protected]. Poverty Point World Heritage Site hosts the largest earthworks and mounds built by indigenous peoples for their time 3500 years ago. There is a museum and interpretive center on-site along with several shaded picnic areas. The site is open seven days per week from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., with opportunities for school field trips Wednesday through Friday. Interpretive rangers provide tram tours of the earthworks Wednesday through Sunday, along with demos of ancient technology as requested.
Rebel State Historic Site (Marthaville); 1-888-677-3600 or 318-472-6255, [email protected]. This site is dedicated to Louisiana country music, with a wonderful museum available for tours. The site also provides a quiet setting for picnics, complete with a pavilion and picnic tables. Groups should be limited to 60. A 2 weeks advance notice is required.
Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site (St. Francisville); 225-635-3332, [email protected]. Field trips must be arranged two weeks in advance with park staff. Free admission to Rosedown Plantation for school groups is limited to grounds and garden tours only. Field trip tours of the main plantation house museum require a fee of $4 per student, 1 adult for every 10 students admitted is admitted for free, and all additional adults are $12 each. The theme represented here is early 19th-century plantation life, highlighting the lives of the original home builders/property owners, and the enslaved people at Rosedown Plantation. Rosedown offers a study of the historic main house with much of its original furnishings, many original outbuildings, and 28 acres of formal gardens. A picnic area is available on site. The maximum number for a group is 60, with 1 chaperone for every 7 students.
Louisiana State Parks and Preservation Area
Instructional concepts offered at Louisiana State Parks include, but are not limited to, Louisiana flora and fauna, ecology, habitats, swamps, observation skills, food webs, animal behavior, adaptation, predation, life cycles, food chains, plant and animal classification, pollution, recycling, regional and global wetland issues, watershed issues, seasons, woodlands, geology, biodiversity, and environmental studies. Download the State Science Standards PDF
Louisiana Student Standards for Science met utilizing interpretive/educational programs include, but are not limited to the following:
- Kindergarten – 4th Grade: K-PS3-1, K-ESS2-2, K-ESS3-3, 1-LS1-1, 1-LS1-2, 1-ESS1-1, 2-LS2-1, 2-LS2-2, 2-LS4-1,2-ESS2-1, 3-LS1-1, 3-LS3-2, 3-LS4-4, 4-LS1-1, 4-ESS2-1, 4-ESS2-3, 4-ESS3-2
- 5th Grade – 8th Grade: 5-LS1-1, 5-LS2-1, 5-ESS3-1, 6-MS-LS2-1, 6-MS-LS2-2, 6-MS-KS2-3, 7-MS-LS2-5, 7-MS-LS2-4, 7-MS-LS4-4, 8-MS-PS3-3, 8-MS-ESS2-1, 8-MS-ESS2-2, 8-MS-ESS3-3, 8-MS-LS1-5
- 9th Grade – 12th Grade:
Earth Science – HS-ESS2-2, HS-ESS2-4, HS-ESS2-5, HS-ESS3-1, HS-ESS3-4
Life Science - HS-LS1-5, HS-LS2-6, HS-LS2-7, HS-LS4-5
Environmental Science - HS-EVS1-1, HS-EVS1-2, HS-EVS2-3, HS-EVS3-1, HS-EVS3-2, HS-ESS2-5, HS-LS2-6, HS-LS2-7
Bayou Segnette State Park (Westwego); 1-888-677-2296 or 504-735-7155, [email protected]. The wetlands habitat adjacent to the park is interpreted at this site. The park includes a picnic area, pavilions, a boardwalk and restrooms. Please call no later than two weeks in advance to schedule your group field trip. The maximum number of students that can be accommodated is 80, along with one chaperone for every 10 students.
Bogue Chitto State Park (Franklinton); 985-839-5725, [email protected]. Natural, historical and cultural-based programs can be adapted or created to accommodate specific educational requirements. Bogue Chitto State Park offers beach access to the Bogue Chitto River for canoeing, tubing, kayaking and day use such as swimming, sunbathing and picnicking... This site also provides 7 miles of hiking trails, 14 miles of equestrian trails, 14 miles of mountain biking trails, cabins, lodge, group camp, meeting room, upland and bottomland camping sites, fishing ponds, playground and a spray park.
Chicot State Park (Ville Platte); 1-888-677-6100 or 337-363-6289, [email protected]. Educational programs at this site focus on the natural habitat around the 2,000-acre cypress-tupelo lake. Chicot includes a 22-mile hiking trail, 2 pavilions, a picnic area, restrooms and playgrounds. The maximum number of students is 80, with at least one chaperone per 10 students. Please contact the site for more information.
Fairview-Riverside State Park (Madisonville) [Lesson Plan]; 985-792-4652, [email protected]. The 1880s through the 1930s is interpreted at the Otis House and includes local history, industry, transportation, household customs, and lifestyle. The Otis House is located within the park and the tour of the house emphasizes advancements in technology during the fifty-year span. In addition to history programs, a guided Nature Walk is offered on-site. Picnic tables, playgrounds and restrooms are located near the Otis House. The maximum number that can be accommodated is 60.
Fontainebleau State Park (Mandeville); 985-624-4130, [email protected]. Fontainebleau’s staff offers a glimpse of the cultural and natural history of the area through interpretive programs. The remains of an early 19th-century sugar mill mark the head of a beautiful self-guided nature trail. The park also offers a large picnic area, restrooms, playground and a beach on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain. Please contact the site for more information.
Jimmie Davis State Park (Chatham); 1.888.677.2263 or 318.249.9595, [email protected]. This park is situated on the banks of Caney Lake and provides a unique nature experience. The site offers a variety of nature-based educational programs for all age groups. The local flora and fauna are often covered during interpretive programs. Facilities include a scenic walking trail, pavilions, restrooms, a beach, a bathhouse, and picnic and playground areas.
Lake Bistineau State Park (Doyline); 1-888-677-2478 or 318-745-3503, [email protected]. Northwest Louisiana’s cultural and natural history is presented through educational programs. Facilities include pavilions, playground, picnic areas front beach, nature and activities center, and observation piers on the water. The maximum number of students that can be accommodated is 125, and this number is dependent on the program offered and the number of chaperones.
Lake Claiborne State Park (Homer); 1-888-677-2524 or 318-927-2976, [email protected]. This site offers a variety of nature-based educational program opportunities in the park and around the lake. Including opportunities to study of the local flora and fauna while taking a nature hike. Facilities include a pavilion, picnic area, playground, restrooms, approximately twelve miles of hiking/biking trails, and an outdoor classroom. The maximum number of students is 100, plus chaperones. Please contact the site for more information.
Lake D'Arbonne State Park (Farmerville); 1-888-677-5200 or 318-368-6291, [email protected]. This site offers a variety of programs interpreting the natural habitat in and around the 15,250-acre lake, from hands-on nature programs to a display of indigenous flora and fauna in the Visitor Center. Cultural history programs are also available. The site offers a picnic area, playground, restrooms and pavilions.
Lake Fausse Pointe State Park (St. Martinville); 337-229-4764, [email protected]. This park is located on the edge of the Atchafalaya Basin. A network of trails is available for exploring the native flora and fauna in the area. Facilities include pavilions, playgrounds, picnic areas, and restrooms.
Palmetto Island State Park (Abbeville); 1-888-677-0094 or 337-893-7047, [email protected]. Palmetto Island is located on the Vermilion River south of Abbeville. The park offers school groups many opportunities to study the plants and animals of wetland environments. This site includes 4 pavilions, a meeting room, restrooms, hiking trails, picnic areas, campsites, cabins, boat launches and a water playground. The maximum number that can be accommodated is 100 with one chaperone per ten students. Please call the site for more information.
Poverty Point Reservoir State Park (Delhi); 1-800-474-0392 or 318-878-7536, [email protected]. This site’s interpretive focus is on the natural habitats in and surrounding the 2700 acre reservoir as well as the land surrounding Bayou Macon. The site offers a variety of nature-based educational opportunities for all age groups. Facilities include a visitors' center, playground, restrooms, a pavilion, fishing piers, a beach, and a marina.
South Toledo Bend State Park (Anacoco); 337-286-9079, [email protected]. Located only one mile north of Toledo Bend Dam, the park offers beautiful scenery of Toledo Bend Reservoir with activities centered on the history and the natural habitat of the area. The Visitor Center offers interactive programs, educational displays, and various scheduled activities on a number of nature-based topics. A meeting room, restrooms, paved walking trails, hiking trails, picnic areas, campsites, tent sites, and cabins are some of the facilities located in the park.
Tickfaw State Park (Springfield); 225-294-2218, [email protected]. The natural habitat in and around the Tickfaw River is interpreted at this site. The site includes a nature center, picnic area, three pavilions, a trail system and restrooms. The maximum number of students that can be accommodated is 80, along with one chaperone for every 10 students. Please call the site for more information.
Louisiana State Preservation Area
Instructional concepts offered at Louisiana State preservation Areas include, but are not limited to, Louisiana flora and fauna, ecology, habitats, swamps, observation skills, food webs, animal behavior, adaptation, predation, life cycles, food chains, plant and animal classification, pollution, recycling, regional and global wetland issues, watershed issues, seasons, woodlands, geology, biodiversity, and environmental studies. Download the State Science Standards PDF
Louisiana State Arboretum State Preservation Area, located inside Chicot State Park (Ville Platte); 1-888-677-6100 or 337-363-6289, [email protected]. Central Louisiana’s natural habitat is represented at this site. Nature trails and the Caroline Dormon Lodge assist the staff in telling the story of this beech-magnolia forest. Restrooms and two outdoor classrooms are also available. Picnic areas and playgrounds are located nearby within Chicot State Park. The maximum number of children is 70, with at least one chaperone per 10 students.