Field Trips

Bring your classroom to Fort Necessity!

Guided and Self-Guided field trips are offered at Fort Necessity throughout the year for free for all eduation groups. Please call 724-329-2503, email the Chief of Interpretation or a park ranger to inquire about availability or to make a reservation.

Visiting Fort Necessity is a great way for your students to learn history. Your class can attend one or more of the following stations. Groups larger than 30 students should be divided. You will need at least one station for each group of 30 students. Then the groups will rotate through the selected stations.

• Guided program at the reconstructed fort by a park ranger
• Self-Guided tour of the 1830s stagecoach stop, the Mount Washington Tavern, which is now a furnished museum (May 1 to October 31) *
• Guided program on the American Indians and how they related to the British and French through trade
• Introductory film about George Washington, the Battle at Fort Necessity and the National Road (20 minutes) and self-guided time in the exhibits and/or bookstore

The park also has a picnic area where students may eat lunch.
* Please note: The Mount Washington Tavern is 0.4 miles by road from the Visitor Center. Please see "Logistics of Planning a Field Trip" below.

Logistics of Planning a Field Trip

Below are some helpful tips for visiting Fort Necessity National Battlefield

• Beginning your Visit: You should begin your visit at the Visitor Center. You may also like to arrive a little early to use the restroom.
• Check In: Please check in with the park staff when you arrive. There is no fee for this program. The staff will collect information on the number of students, teachers, and chaperones. If for some reason you need to cancel your field trip plase call [phone] to let us know as soon as possible.
• Buses: If you plan to visit the Mount Washington Tavern your buss might be needed to transport the students from the Visitor Center to the Tavern. It is a 0.4 mile walk by road, but by trail it is slightly shorter but a walk up a large hill which may be muddy at any time of the year.
• Weather: This program will be offered rain or shine. The students will be walking to the reconstructed fort and taking part in outdoor activities there. All participants should dress appropriately. Also, remember it is often a few degrees cooler in the mountain areas. Good walking shoes are recommended.
• Restrooms: The public restrooms are located at the Visitor Center.
• Lunches: The Visitor Center has a covered picnic shelter with picnic tables available for use by the students. If you plan to eat lunch on site we can provide indoor storage of your lunches, however, no refrigeration is provided.
• Conduct: Park rangers will direct the group, however, the teachers and chaperons are responsible for discipline. Teachers and chaperones are expected to stay with the group. Inappropriate conduct may lead to the termination of the field trip. Food, drink, gum, and candy are only allowed in designated ares of the Visitor Center.