Students raise their hands to be called on by an educator in front of a map of the Oregon Trail

School Field Trips

Immerse your students in history during a field trip to the California Trail Interpretive Center, where hands-on exhibits, interactive storytelling, and panoramic views bring the trail to life! Inspire curiosity and critical thinking by exploring the challenges and triumphs of westward expansion.

Register for a Field Trip

Field Trip programs are available - for free! - throughout the school year, with breaks around some major holidays. We are able to accommodate groups on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Please submit a registration request* to initiate the booking process.

*Spaces are limited, and registration is handled on a first-come, first-served basis. Please submit requests at least two months (four months if you hope to come between late-April and June) in advance of your preferred date.

New in 2026, our Field Trips have been enhanced to maximize fun and learning!

  • Field Trip programs are two hours long and can be supplemented by additional activities such as a ranger-guided hike, a scavenger hunt through the exhibit area, or a teacher-led educational activity. Groups are also welcome to bring a picnic lunch.
  • Field Trip groups may range in size up to 75 students. Please submit additional registration requests if multiple field trips will be needed to accommodate all students.
  • Groups are responsible for bringing one adult chaperone per six students. These adult leaders play an essential role as active facilitators for student breakout groups and managers of student behavior. This highly-interactive model allows us to reach more audiences and provides the best possible learning experience for students – and chaperones as well!
  • For more details, see Additional Logistics below.

Field Trip Programs

Rainbow arching over covered wagon in bright sun

Daily Life on the California Trail

Grade Levels: K - 2nd

What was daily life on the California Trail like for children and families? Join us to explore the everyday lives of California Trail travelers and the Shoshone people through whose lands the trail traversed — their food, clothing, possessions, chores, and fun!

 

 

Students raising hands during a program with a ranger in front of replica covered wagon

Traveling West on the California Trail

Grade Levels: 3rd - 4th

What did it take to journey across the rugged landscapes of the California Trail? Students will explore historic landmarks, learn navigation skills, discover the animals that lived along the route, and consider the tough choices pioneers faced when packing for the trail.

 

 

Ranger pointing at sage brush while children stand nearby

Life in the Sage: Native Americans During Westward Expansion

Grade Levels: 4th - 5th

What was life like for Native Americans as pioneers moved west? Students will explore Native traditions and contributions, practice cord making and trade using Indian Sign Language, and experience how hunting was done with an atlatl.

 

Additional Logistics

What does the Trail Center provide?

One or two Trail Center educators facilitate each field trip, providing content, instructions, learning supplies, and synthesis. This model – where rangers support chaperones in leading small-group explorations and discussions – promotes deep and interactive learning and rich community connections.

What do the teacher and sending school provide?

  • Transportation: School groups are responsible for securing transportation to and from the Center. Please look into transportation funding and logistics before registering.
  • Chaperones: The school is responsible for recruiting enough chaperones for an adult-to-student-ratio of 1:6. During the field trip, students work in groups with a teacher or chaperone facilitating the learning and ensuring behavior management. Chaperones play leadership roles for the entirety of the field trip, but they do not need to be Oregon Trail experts before they arrive. Trail Center educators provide all the materials and instructions that chaperones need to succeed.
  • Permission slips: The school is responsible for adhering to requirements for field trip liability coverage.
  • Food: Given transportation time, it often makes sense for students to bring sack lunches. Sometimes the best option is for students to eat – and leave food – on the bus. There is also a picnic area in the Center that can be used by request.
  • Additional Activities: Groups are welcome to remain at the Center after their field trip to enjoy additional activities such as hiking the trails with a ranger, eating lunch, or exploring the exhibit area. Teachers and chaperones are responsible for supervising these activities. Please notify us of your plans in advance so we can help prevent space-use conflicts and support you in making the most of your visit.

How are the Field Trips free?

School Field Trips are offered by National Historic Oregon Trails Interpretive Center with support from Nevada Outdoor School. Donations support our ability to offer these programs to all participants for free at this time - please contact us for details and thank you for your generous support.

How do I contact the Center if I have questions?

Contact us anytime at 775-738-1849 or [email protected]. We no longer take field trip bookings by phone, but we're happy to answer questions.