NPS Photo/ A. King We are here to help you plan and reserve your field trip. Please read these FAQs and contact us for additional information.
Email us to receive a field trip request packet. Complete the forms in the packet and submit them at least three weeks prior to the date of your visit. It may be possible to process requests in a shorter time period, but it is not guaranteed. After we have received your request, we will review your information and send you a confirmation when your request is finalized.
Email us to receive a field trip request packet, which includes an academic fee waiver request form. Visit the Academic Fee Waiver page to find out more information about this process.
Field trip and academic fee waiver requests should be submitted at least three weeks prior to the date of your visit. It may be possible to process requests in a shorter time period, but it is not guaranteed. Field trip requests are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Slots for ranger-led education programs are limited and fill up quickly.
The answer to this question depends on several different factors, including your group size, the date/time of your visit, and park staff availability. In general, we are better able to accommodate program requests for smaller-sized groups. Spring is peak season for field trips to Harpers Ferry NHP, and program slots fill up quickly.
To request a ranger-led education program, please email us to receive a field trip request packet. If you are interested in receiving a program during your field trip, we recommend listing several options for field trip dates on the request form. Check out our ranger-led education programs here.
Yes! Even if you are planning a self-guided visit to Harpers Ferry NHP, we still recommend scheduling a field trip in advance. Here’s why:
Academic fee waivers cannot be granted at the entrance station or visitor center. Unscheduled groups will be charged the park entrance fee upon arrival. Private and commercial buses are prohibited from loading or unloading passengers in the Lower Town without permission from the park superintendent. Only groups with a confirmed field trip reservation will be authorized to drop off and pick up in the Lower Town bus loading/unloading zone. Unscheduled groups will need to use the park shuttle buses to travel from the visitor center to the Lower Town. Groups with a confirmed field trip reservation will receive a brief orientation from a park ranger or staff member at the beginning of their visit. This orientation will include important safety messages and relevant information to help make your visit a success!
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park charges an entrance fee. Group rates can be found on the Group Fees and Reservations page. There are no additional fees to enter the park museums/exhibits, access the park hiking trails, receive a ranger-led education program, or for parking. Eligible groups can apply for an Academic Fee Waiver to help cover the cost of the park entrance fee. An academic fee waiver request form is included in the field trip request packet.
When scheduling a field trip, school groups can request to reserve storage bins for bagged lunches. These lunch storage bins are located near the Hamilton Street walking path, which is the designated picnicking area for school groups in the Lower Town. Please note that the lunch storage bins are not refrigerated, and there are no picnic tables at this location. Picnic tables are available near the visitor center parking lot.
Be advised that there are no indoor eating locations or trash cans in Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. Please have a plan for inclement weather and be prepared to take all food waste with you. Privately-owned shops and restaurants that sell food and beverages are located a few blocks away from the park museums/exhibits in the Lower Town.
There are no trash cans or dumpsters in Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. Please bring trash bags and have a plan to take all garbage with you, including food waste.
Most of the time on your field trip to Harpers Ferry National Historical Park will be spent outside and will involve walking/hiking. Please encourage all members of your group to dress appropriately for the forecast. Remind them to wear comfortable tennis shoes or hiking boots and bring a reusable water bottle. Depending on the weather forecast, additional preparation could include bringing sunscreen, bug spray, ponchos, umbrellas, and jackets.
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Last updated: August 6, 2026