How can YOU become a Fort Stanwix Junior Ranger?
Who wants to go on a boring grown-up tour when you can do some fun, cool kid things while exploring a historic fort? If that person is you, then ask a park ranger how can YOU become a Fort Stanwix Junior Ranger today!
Did you know that dogs are welcome to visit Fort Stanwix National Monument with their special people? Learn the rules of B.A.R.K., participate in two activities below, and take the oath to become a Bark Ranger! You can also visit the ranger station inside the historic fort for a special B.A.R.K. Ranger stamp!
Soldiers at the fort were encouraged to tend gardens, and we have a few examples of what they grew! Come and see how different some of your favorite fruits and vegetables were back in the 18th century, and learn about how different medicinal herbs were used. You may already have some herbs in your pantry!
Have you ever wanted to become a time traveler? Visit the historic fort during the summer months and try one of the many historic activities that would have been happening there.
How can YOU become a Fort Stanwix Junior Ranger?
Who wants to go on a boring grown-up tour when you can do some fun, cool kid things while exploring a historic fort? If that person is you, then ask a park ranger how can YOU become a Fort Stanwix Junior Ranger today!
In Rome, NY, home of Fort Stanwix National Monument, you can find lots of history. Most of it sits within walking distance of the park, along an ancient trail called the Oneida Carry. Explore these locations if you get the chance and learn about how they all tie into American history; including the Oneida Carry, Fort Stanwix, the American Revolution, the Erie Canal, and the City of Rome.
The Erie Canal Trail stretches across New York State. In Rome, NY, you can tour the heart of it and see its largest feeder river, the Mohawk.
This smaller section of trail offers scenic views of the land as it was before the modern era.
Did you know that even urban parks have hiking trails? Explore the beautiful and historic Mohawk River and Erie Canal in this unique environment. Enjoy the quiet of nature where you never expected it; in the heart of the city!
Fort Stanwix National Monument has a nice, big, grassy lawn and plenty of picnic tables to make your travels more convenient. Feel free to play and picnic on the park lawn during your visit!
There are many opportunities for hands-on learning and fun when your group visits the park!
National Park Service/Ranger Dan U.
Group Reservations
The park offers on and offsite programs for a wide audience. Past groups have included military organizations, group homes, motor coach tours, and senior groups. If you are interested in reserving a program for your group, please read the listings below and then contact the Park Reservation Coordinator. If you are part of a youth or education group, please visit the Plan a Field Trip page for more options.
Group Tour Options
The Marinus Willett Center houses the park's visitor center and bookstore. The story of the people and events that helped determine the fate of a continent are presented in the gallery area through audio/visual presentations, period artifact displays, and hands on activities.
Time: At least 45 minutes is recommended to view all of the exhibits/presentations in the Willett Center. Assistance: A staff member will give your group an orientation to the Willett Center and will be available for any questions that may arise. Accessibility Notes: The Willett Center is entirely accessible based on ADA compliance. Learn more about park accessibility.
Have a park ranger lead your group on an in-depth tour of Fort Stanwix, the fort that never fell. The ranger will take your group into a number of the fort rooms from the sutlery to the enlisted men's barracks. In the Hearth Room, you'll see an original fireplace uncovered during the initial archeological excavations of the fort. Schedule extra time to see the fort's audio/visual presentation, "I Was So Wore Out With Fatigue," and to climb the bastions!
Time: At least 60 minutes is recommended for this tour. Accessibility Notes: The Gregg Barracks/visitor contact station and the restrooms are accessible. Ramps are provided to allow for accessibility into a number of the fort rooms. Learn more about park accessibility.
See the fort from the British perspective! Discover how close their trenches were to the fort. Learn what the stream on the east side of the fort was used for. Walk the trails in the park and explore!
Time: At least 30 minutes is recommended to walk the trails and view the wayside exhibits. Assistance: This walk will is self-guided; however, park staff will always be close by to answer any of your questions. Accessibility Notes: The park trails and waysides are completely accessible to wheelchairs. Learn more about park accessibility.
Is your group within a 50 mile radius of the park? Have the park come to you! These free programs could be a great way to prepare your group for an upcoming visit, a follow-up to your trip to the fort, or an 18th C. topic based discussion around something of interest to your organization.
Type:Kid Friendly, Relaxed, Urban, Educational, Outdoors, Group Friendly
Duration:Full Day
Topics:American Revolution, Forts, Colonial/European Contact Conflicts, African American Heritage, Burial, Cemetery and Gravesite, LGBTQ American Heritage, Maritime - Military, Military, Battlefields, Cavalry, Indigenous and Native Warrior, Infantry and Militia, US Air Force (Army Air Corps), US Army, US Coast Guard, US Marines, US Navy, Wars and Conflicts, American Revolutionary War, Civil War, Korean War, Mexican War, Spanish-American War, Vietnam War, War of 1812, World War I, World War II, Women's History, Native American Heritage, Colonization and Settlement, Farming and Agriculture, Foothills, Plains and Valleys, Geology, Unique Species, Urban America, Indian and Frontier Wars, Archeology, Trails, Canals, Roads, Routes and Highways, French and Indian War, Arts, Monuments and Memorials, Schools and Education, Architecture and Building, Westward Expansion, Wilderness
Activities:Junior Ranger Program, Museum Exhibits, Self-Guided Tours - Walking, Living History, Picnicking
Explore Fort Stanwix National Monument. It's fun for the whole family!
From Junior Rangers to living history programs, there's plenty of hands-on fun!
Type:Kid Friendly, Active, Relaxed, Outdoors, Road Trip, Group Friendly
Sites:National Heritage Areas Program, Fort Stanwix National Monument
Duration:Full Day
Topics:American Revolution, Ancient Seas, Commerce, Trade, Explorers and Expeditions, Forts, Geology, Lakes, Military, Monuments and Memorials, River and Riparian, Scenic Views, Trails, Water Trails, Transportation, Canals, Urban America, American Revolutionary War, French and Indian War, Watersheds, Westward Expansion, Marshes, Archeology, Colonization and Settlement, Battlefields, Indigenous and Native Warrior, Infantry and Militia, US Army, Roads, Routes and Highways, Colonial/European Contact Conflicts, Native American Heritage, Schools and Education, Architecture and Building, Wars and Conflicts, Wilderness, Indian and Frontier Wars, Animals, Engineering, Foothills, Plains and Valleys, Wetlands
The Erie Canal was at one point the longest canal system in the world. Beginning in Albany and ending in Buffalo, NY, it took advantage of the natural landscape to maximize its efficiency for travel and transportation.
Today, the old and modern canal is still available for use. You can walk, bike, or even paddle the length of it.
This is the guide for the Central New York section.
Type:Kid Friendly, Relaxed, Educational, Indoors, Outdoors, Road Trip, Group Friendly
Sites:National Heritage Areas Program, Fort Stanwix National Monument, Saratoga National Historical Park
Duration:Multiple Days
Topics:American Revolution, Ancient Seas, Commerce, Trade, Explorers and Expeditions, Forts, Geology, Lakes, Military, Monuments and Memorials, River and Riparian, Scenic Views, Trails, Water Trails, Transportation, Canals, Urban America, American Revolutionary War, French and Indian War, Watersheds, Westward Expansion, Marshes, Animals, Birds, Photography, Burial, Cemetery and Gravesite, Colonization and Settlement, Enslavement, Farming and Agriculture, Foothills, Plains and Valleys, Grasslands, Meadows, Artillery, Battlefields, Cavalry, Indigenous and Native Warrior, Infantry and Militia, US Army, US Navy, Mountains, Native American Heritage, Natural Sounds, Roads, Routes and Highways, Wars and Conflicts, Colonial/European Contact Conflicts, Architecture and Building, Archeology, Coniferous Forests, Deciduous Forests, Indian and Frontier Wars, Swamps, Schools and Education, Forests and Woodlands, Wilderness, African American Heritage, Immigration, Fire, Industry, Mills, Presidents, Sculpture, Wetlands
Activities:Biking, Road Biking, Self-Guided Tours - Walking, Museum Exhibits, Living History, Hiking, Junior Ranger Program, Picnicking
In 1777, British General John Burgoyne attempted to change the course of the American Revolution by dividing the new United States physically in half, beginning with New York. Fort Stanwix National Monument, Saratoga National Historical Park, and other sites preserve the stories of the American victories that led to the larger win of becoming an independent nation!
Walk where history was made, get out and explore, and find the American Revolution at your fingertips!