If you grew up in Virginia, chances are you were spoiled by the sheer number of field trip options available. A quick trip to the first president’s estate? No big deal. An afternoon spent at the site of the first American colony? Sure. As adults, it’s a bit easier to appreciate the wonder that is Virginia history and culture. And if you haven’t been to these incredible sites since you were on a school bus, it may be time to revisit them. You won’t be disappointed.
- Monticello
Tony Fischer/flickr Monticello is the beloved home of Thomas Jefferson in Charlottesville. Guided tours of the unique interior and grounds are available.
- Mount Vernon
Matthew and Heather/flickr The home of George Washington is located in Mount Vernon on the Potomac. This estate is open all year long.
- Montpelier
Wikimedia Just in case two presidential homes didn’t quite cover it, James Madison’s Montpelier can be found in Orange, Virginia. (Looking for more? James Monroe’s Ash Lawn is in Charlottesville, William Henry Harrison’s Berkeley Plantation is in Charles City, John Tyler’s Sherwood Forest is also in Charles City, and Woodrow Wilson’s Manse can be found in Staunton.)
- Agecroft Hall
Phoebe Reid/flickr Agecroft was built in Lancashire, England in the 15th century. In the 1900s, this house was dismantled and shipped across the Atlantic to its current residence in Richmond. How amazing is that? It presently serves as a museum.
- Lurray Caverns
Aizhol/flickr A trip to the largest caverns in eastern America is sure to make for a fascinating adventure. And this time you won’t be quizzed on the difference between stalactites and stalagmites.
- Jamestown Settlement
Wikipedia Outdoor living history and exhibitions make for an exciting learning opportunity for students and visitors alike. America’s first permanent settlement has many tales to tell.
- The Virginia Living Museum
Tony Alter/flickr Since 1965, the VLM has been teaching Newport News and beyond about the importance of conservation in the natural world.
- Morefield Gem Mine
Ryan Somma/flickr One of the coolest geology field trips out there is a day spent searching for gems at Morefield in Amelia.
- The Oyster and Maritime Museum
Wikimedia The Museum of Chincoteague displays the area’s history in a fascinating and interactive way. This is the place to learn about lighthouses, the famous Chincoteague ponies, and vessels.
- Norfolk Botanical Garden
m01229/flickr The Norfolk Botanical Garden is essentially a living museum for plants. In addition to breathtaking gardens, the facility here offers both classes for children as well as adult programs.
- Virginia Holocaust Museum
Wikimedia This Richmond museum opened in 1997 and serves as a tribute to the historical and personal accounts of the Holocaust.
- Natural Bridge
Wikimedia One of the seven natural wonders of the world, Natural Bridge is a famous geological formation that is listed as both a Virginia Historic Landmark and National Historic Landmark.
- Booker T. Washington National Monument
Wikimedia This is the former tobacco farm where Booker T. Washington was born a slave. A visit here explains what life was like for this important American figure.
- Blackfriars Theatre
Living-Learning Programs/flickr Staunton has the world’s only recreation of Shakespeare’s indoor theatre, and it is a must-see if you never made it for a field trip. The acting and architecture are equally incredible.
- Virginia Marine Science Musuem
Tim Menzies/flickr This museum in Virginia Beach has “touch tanks,” which allow visitors to touch starfish, stingrays and other sea creatures.
- Pocahontas Exhibition Mine and Museum
Taber Andrew Bain This coal mine in southwest Virginia began in 1882 and was in operation for 73 years. Walking tours of historic small town Pocahontas are also available. This is actually the oldest attraction of its kind.
How many of these have you visited?
Tony Fischer/flickr
Monticello is the beloved home of Thomas Jefferson in Charlottesville. Guided tours of the unique interior and grounds are available.
Matthew and Heather/flickr
The home of George Washington is located in Mount Vernon on the Potomac. This estate is open all year long.
Wikimedia
Just in case two presidential homes didn’t quite cover it, James Madison’s Montpelier can be found in Orange, Virginia. (Looking for more? James Monroe’s Ash Lawn is in Charlottesville, William Henry Harrison’s Berkeley Plantation is in Charles City, John Tyler’s Sherwood Forest is also in Charles City, and Woodrow Wilson’s Manse can be found in Staunton.)
Phoebe Reid/flickr
Agecroft was built in Lancashire, England in the 15th century. In the 1900s, this house was dismantled and shipped across the Atlantic to its current residence in Richmond. How amazing is that? It presently serves as a museum.
Aizhol/flickr
A trip to the largest caverns in eastern America is sure to make for a fascinating adventure. And this time you won’t be quizzed on the difference between stalactites and stalagmites.
Wikipedia
Outdoor living history and exhibitions make for an exciting learning opportunity for students and visitors alike. America’s first permanent settlement has many tales to tell.
Tony Alter/flickr
Since 1965, the VLM has been teaching Newport News and beyond about the importance of conservation in the natural world.
Ryan Somma/flickr
One of the coolest geology field trips out there is a day spent searching for gems at Morefield in Amelia.
Wikimedia
The Museum of Chincoteague displays the area’s history in a fascinating and interactive way. This is the place to learn about lighthouses, the famous Chincoteague ponies, and vessels.
m01229/flickr
The Norfolk Botanical Garden is essentially a living museum for plants. In addition to breathtaking gardens, the facility here offers both classes for children as well as adult programs.
This Richmond museum opened in 1997 and serves as a tribute to the historical and personal accounts of the Holocaust.
One of the seven natural wonders of the world, Natural Bridge is a famous geological formation that is listed as both a Virginia Historic Landmark and National Historic Landmark.
This is the former tobacco farm where Booker T. Washington was born a slave. A visit here explains what life was like for this important American figure.
Living-Learning Programs/flickr
Staunton has the world’s only recreation of Shakespeare’s indoor theatre, and it is a must-see if you never made it for a field trip. The acting and architecture are equally incredible.
Tim Menzies/flickr
This museum in Virginia Beach has “touch tanks,” which allow visitors to touch starfish, stingrays and other sea creatures.
Taber Andrew Bain
This coal mine in southwest Virginia began in 1882 and was in operation for 73 years. Walking tours of historic small town Pocahontas are also available. This is actually the oldest attraction of its kind.
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