Plan a Field Trip

 

The following is intended to help teachers plan a field trips to Ninety Six. There are many lesson plans available for pre and post visits. Traveling Trunks are also available.

 

Children on a field trip

NPS

Important Notes

• Please call the park at [phone] x 3 to schedule your trip.

• There is no fee for the programs at this park.

• Please have two dates in mind when you call in case the first choice is not available.

• Schedule at least two and a half hours for your visit.

• There are a few picnic tables available on a first come, first serve option for lunch, in addition to picnicking on the adjoining lawn.

• Please remember you are sharing the park with other visitors. All school groups are expected to follow park etiquette.

Items Your Students Should Bring

In order for your students to have a safe and enjoyable field trip, they should have:

• Weather appropriate clothing.
• Appropriate footwear. Hiking shoes, boots, or sneakers are recommended. Avoid wearing flip-flops or open-toed footwear.
• It is highly recommended that each student have a bottle of water. Water is available near the visitor center at a bottle refilling station located on the water fountain.

 

What is there to do in the Visitor Center?

Hours and Restrooms

The Visitor Center is open Wednesday through Sunday, 9:00 am to 4:30 pm. Restrooms are located across from the Visitor Center.

Museum

The museum contains a reproduction 3-pounder cannon and numerous archeological artifacts found on the site are displayed with informational panels.

Video Presentation

Ninety Six: Crossroads of a Revolution, covers the history of the site and is typically shown prior to touring the battlefield. The film is recommended for Grades 4 and above. The film is rated "PG" and may be too graphic and the sound effects scary for younger viewers. The theater can seat 40 people. Students will receive an introduction from a ranger. The introduction plus video will take about 30 minutes.

Sales Outlet

The gift shop or bookstore is operated by America's National Parks. It offers books, snacks, postcards, and theme-related souvenirs. If your students plan to purchase anything, please remind them that tax is not included in the sticker price. Teachers receive a 15% discount on all items in the bookstore.

 

Battlefield Trail & Other Areas

Battlefield Trail

The paved one mile trail includes wayside exhibits, the site of the 1781 siege and original Star Fort, historic roads, reconstructed earthworks and stockade fort, and the site of the Old Town of Ninety Six. Allow for at least 1 hour to walk with stops on a self guided tour. Allow for at least 1 hour and 15-minutes to walk the trail with stops along the way with a ranger. The park can accommodate up to 50 students on one tour.

Gouedy's Trail

This 1.5 mile loop trail starts from the Battlefield Trail, just past the location of the old town heading down the Charleston Road. It goes by the location of Robert Gouedy's trading post, James Gouedy's grave, and Ninety Six Creek. It lends itself to both history and nature activities.

Cherokee Path Trail

This 1.5 mile one-way nature trail starts from the Battlefield Trail and ends at the Star Fort pond. If you would like to do this trail the shortest path to get to it from the Visitor Center is to go backward on the Battlefield Trail

Picnic Area

Near the Visitor Center, the park offers 6-8 picnic tables and the adjacent lawn for the students to have a picnic lunch. The tables are available on a first come, first serve basis.

Star Fort Pond

Located at the back of the park on Kinard Road off Hwy 246 is the Star Fort Pond, a 27-acre lake built in the 1950s by the Greenwood Mill Company. There is an enjoyable nature trail that circles the lake and multiple benches close to the water. There is a fishing pier and one designated picnic table. This area could be used for science and nature activities to compliment your history lesson.