• A curve along the Natchez Trace Parkway with fall colors

    Natchez Trace

    Parkway AL,MS,TN

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  • Sequestration Effects on the Parkway

    On March 1, 2013, the Parkway was required to reduce its annual budget by five percent, in accordance with the sequestration provision of the Budget Control Act of 2011. Click the link to learn about visitor center, restroom, and services impacts. More »

  • Portion of National Scenic Trail Near Tupelo Closed to Hikers

    Part of the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail (NOT the Parkway) near Tupelo, MS, has been closed until 2015 due to construction under Tupelo's Major Thoroughfare Construction Project. Parkway travelers may expect delays, but no detours are expected. More »

Education Programs near Natchez, Mississippi

A boatman traveling on the Natchez Trace

Students will be excited to hear about travel on the Natchez Trace from "Mike Fink" as part of the "Stories of the Natchez Trace Outlaws" program.

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A field trip to the Natchez Trace Parkway will provide an opportunity for your students to be immersed in Parkway resources, and have experiences that can not be replicated in the classroom. All field trips are free of charge, and are scheduled based on ranger availability. Please have alternate days ready when scheduling your trip. Bus parking and restrooms are available at the Mount Locust Inn.

If a field trip is not possible for your class, a ranger may be available to visit your classroom.

Program options in the Mount Locust area include:

  • "Pathway to Parkway", a formal slide program on the history of the Natchez Trace Parkway. A question and answer period will allow your students to interact with a Park Ranger, and learn more about the history of the Natchez Trace. This program is available for grades 3-12 in the classroom only.
  • "Stories of the Natchez Trace Outlaws." Welcome "Mike Fink", as he returns from his travels on the Natchez Trace. Learn about the dangers he encountered and adventures he had as he traveled the "devil's backbone." This program is available for grades 3-12, and can be presented in the park, or your school.
  • "Slavery at Mount Locust", a black history program complete with props (shackles and chains, a copy of Chamberlain estate papers revealing the names and monetary value of Mount Locust slaves). This program is available for grades 3-12.
  • "Early Frontier Children", an interactive program that includes a demonstration of period toys with audience participation. This program is available for grades kindergarten to 3.

To schedule a field trip to the Mount Locust Inn at milepost 15.5, or to arrange for a ranger to visit your classroom, please call 601-445-4211, and talk with Mike Hazlip.

Did You Know?

The Sunken Trace at mile post 41.5 on the Natchez Trace Parkway

The "Sunken Trace" at milepost 41.5 on the Natchez Trace Parkway was caused by thousands of travelers walking over the easily eroded loess soil.