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FIELD TRIPS

Whether you plan to stay a week or a day, Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area serves as an ideal place to take your students for a great educational experience in America’s Great Outdoors. Your students can explore 170,000 acres of fields, streams, woods, and ponds while integrating science, math, reading, writing, and exercise.

Golden Pond Planetarium & Observatory: Our newly upgraded Golden Pond Planetarium & Observatory serves as a NASA Educator Resource Center and offers a wide range of stunning planetarium shows that are suitable for all grade levels. Our 360-degree, surround-sound, 40-foot domed theater has controlled temperatures and comfortable high back seats.

Homeplace 1850s Working Farm and Living History Museum: Step back in time- no time travel machine required! Give your students a first-hand view of life in 1850s Western Tennessee and Kentucky with a visit to the Homeplace 1850s Farm- a real, working farm. We feature heritage breeds of livestock and heirloom plants in the fields and gardens, and your students can participate in chores and activities of the time period. We are members of the National Association for Interpretation and the Association of Living History, Farm, and Agricultural Museums.

Woodlands Nature Station: The Woodlands Nature Station offers an exciting mix of live animal displays, native gardens, static exhibits, and knowledgeable interpretive naturalists to easily build a fun and educational curriculum about the environment, resource conservation, animal life histories, and more. We are members of the National Association for Interpretation. Nestled in the woods between Honker and Hematite Lakes, the Nature Station also serves as a gateway to the 8,500-acre Nature Watch Area. Additionally, several scenic hiking trails embark from the Nature Station.

Brandon Spring Group Center: Stay with us at Brandon Spring Group Center and create lifelong memories in our outdoor classroom! Groups who want to experience nature in a fun and safe environment, while still enjoying all the amenities of home, love staying at Brandon Spring Group Center. Brandon Spring Group Center offers accommodations for up to 128 people, delicious food services, and an activity building for inclement weather. Amenities include a swimming pool, sports fields, basketball courts, trails, a lake, canoes, and plenty of outdoor space to explore — providing impressionable learning experiences that last a lifetime.

Elk & Bison Prairie: The 3.5-mile drive in the Elk & Bison Prairie will take your class back to a time before European settlement of the area — when elk and bison were common in Western Kentucky. Our efforts to restore native grasses and wildflowers offer up close viewing of some incredible native plants and animals which easily complements a conservation message. Elk and bison roam free within this 700-acre enclosure. Numerous other wildlife species and a stunning array of native plants also thrive in the prairie. Wild turkeys, a variety of birds, small game, butterflies, and prairie mammals find sanctuary in the Elk & Bison Prairie. What will you discover?

supports classroom learning in:
KY and TN Standards

topics covered:
Animals, Astronomy, Camping, Conservation, Ecology, Environmental Education, Farming, Heritage, Hiking, Nature Living History, Recreation, Sustainability, Team Building, Wildlife. KY and TN Standards

contact info
Phone: 800-525-7077
Email: [email protected]

INFO

Grade Level: All Grades Group Size: Varies Program Type: Day Trips, Overnight Trips, Self-Guided Tours, Guided Tours, Self-Guided Activities, Guided Activities, Performances Recomm. Length of Visit: Varies Recommended Ratio of Youth to Chaperones: VariesRecommended Ratio of Youth to Chaperones: VariesRecommended Ratio of Youth to Chaperones: Varies Registration: 270-924-2020 Food Options: Bring Your Own, Place for Picnicking, Lunch Options Program (meals only if staying at Brandon Spring Group Center) Cost: Fee, Free, Financial Support

ABOUT

Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area

Nestled between Kentucky and Barkley Lakes in Western KY and TN, Land Between the Lakes has been part of America’s Great Outdoors since 1963 and is the largest inland peninsula in the country. Over 300 miles of scenic, undeveloped shoreline, 500 miles of trails, 5 environmental education facilities, and 170,000 acres of outdoor recreation await. From camping and hiking to paddling and wildlife watching, there is truly something for every outdoors enthusiast!

contact info

Hrs: 24 hours

HELPFUL LESSON PLAN(S)

Prepared by FieldTripDirectory.com

Nature Exploration Lesson Plan

FUN FACTS

One single tree can provide the oxygen required for two human beings and over 8,000 sheets of paper. Trees can also clean the soil and air by absorbing harmful pollutants. So what have you done for a tree lately? Nature centers and state parks provide a hands-on environment to discover facts about native plants and animals, as well as ways to preserve these natural resources.

View Lesson Plan>>

FIELD TRIPS

Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area provides a 170,000-acre outdoor playground with multiple opportunities to explore nooks and crannies of the landscape. We offer over 260 miles of hiking trails, 200 watering holes, and 1,400 campsites. We think you’ll find this national recreation area the perfect place to learn through fun activities and connecting with nature! The Woodlands Nature Station offers special scout programming and events during the year, too.

supports scout badges in:
Environmental Sciences, Fish and Wildlife, Forestry

topics covered:
Animals, Astronomy, Camping, Conservation, Ecology, Environmental Education, Farming, Heritage, Hiking, Nature Living History, Recreation, Sustainability, Team Building, Wildlife.

contact info
Phone: 800-525-7077
Email: [email protected]

INFO

Grade Level: All Grades Group Size: Varies Program Type: Day Trips, Overnight Trips, Self-Guided Tours, Guided Tours, Self-Guided Activities, Guided Activities, Performances Recomm. Length of Visit: Varies Recommended Ratio of Youth to Chaperones: VariuesRecommended Ratio of Youth to Chaperones: VariuesRecommended Ratio of Youth to Chaperones: Variues Registration: 270-924-2020 Food Options: Bring Your Own, Place for Picnicking, Lunch Options Program (meals only if staying at Brandon Spring Group Center) Cost: Fee, Free

ABOUT

Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area

Nestled between Kentucky and Barkley Lakes in Western KY and TN, Land Between the Lakes has been part of America’s Great Outdoors since 1963 and is the largest inland peninsula in the country. Over 300 miles of scenic, undeveloped shoreline, 500 miles of trails, 5 environmental education facilities, and 170,000 acres of outdoor recreation await. From camping and hiking to paddling and wildlife watching, there is truly something for every outdoors enthusiast!

contact info

Hrs: 24 hours

HELPFUL LESSON PLAN(S)

Prepared by FieldTripDirectory.com

Nature Exploration Lesson Plan

FUN FACTS

One single tree can provide the oxygen required for two human beings and over 8,000 sheets of paper. Trees can also clean the soil and air by absorbing harmful pollutants. So what have you done for a tree lately? Nature centers and state parks provide a hands-on environment to discover facts about native plants and animals, as well as ways to preserve these natural resources.

View Lesson Plan>>

FIELD TRIPS

Brandon Spring Group Center is an education and recreation complex which serves as a year-round overnight facility for groups of all ages. Nestled on a wooded knoll, it overlooks scenic Bards Lake and Lake Barkley in the Tennessee portion of Land Between the Lakes. Whether your group is school, civic, scouts, church, or business related, we can provide the ideal environment for all of your overnight gatherings.

Learning experiences can include wildlife, orienteering, outdoor survival, natural sciences, journal writing, photography, problem solving, and outdoor recreation. We can also show your group how to identify trees, plants, habitats, and wildlife tracks. Schools can choose programs that meet your state’s core content for assessment.

Popular topics include:
-Getting hands-on knowledge learning about animal habitats
-Practicing map reading and teambuilding skills on our compass course
-Collecting specimens and comparing pond and stream ecotypes
-Building interpersonal and critical thinking skills on a challenge course
-Discovering the world of bats through game play
-Designing and constructing a shelter while learning survival skills

topics covered:
Animals, Astronomy, Camping, Conservation, Ecology, Environmental Education, Farming, Heritage, Hiking, Nature Living History, Recreation, Sustainability, Team Building, Wildlife.

contact info
Phone: 800-525-7077
Email: [email protected]

INFO

Grade Level: All Grades Group Size: Varies Program Type: Day Trips, Overnight Trips, Self-Guided Tours, Guided Tours, Self-Guided Activities, Guided Activities, Performances Recomm. Length of Visit: Varies Recommended Ratio of Youth to Chaperones: VariesRecommended Ratio of Youth to Chaperones: VariesRecommended Ratio of Youth to Chaperones: Varies Registration: 800-525-7077 Food Options: Bring Your Own, Place for Picnicking, Lunch Options Program (meals only if staying at Brandon Spring Group Center) Cost: Fee

ABOUT

Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area

Nestled between Kentucky and Barkley Lakes in Western KY and TN, Land Between the Lakes has been part of America’s Great Outdoors since 1963 and is the largest inland peninsula in the country. Over 300 miles of scenic, undeveloped shoreline, 500 miles of trails, 5 environmental education facilities, and 170,000 acres of outdoor recreation await. From camping and hiking to paddling and wildlife watching, there is truly something for every outdoors enthusiast!

contact info

Hrs: 24 hours

HELPFUL LESSON PLAN(S)

Prepared by FieldTripDirectory.com

Nature Exploration Lesson Plan

FUN FACTS

One single tree can provide the oxygen required for two human beings and over 8,000 sheets of paper. Trees can also clean the soil and air by absorbing harmful pollutants. So what have you done for a tree lately? Nature centers and state parks provide a hands-on environment to discover facts about native plants and animals, as well as ways to preserve these natural resources.

View Lesson Plan>>

FIELD TRIPS

Whether you plan to stay a week or a day, Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area serves as an ideal place to take your students for a great educational experience in America’s Great Outdoors. Your students can explore 170,000 acres of fields, streams, woods, and ponds while integrating science, math, reading, writing, and exercise.

Golden Pond Planetarium & Observatory: Our newly upgraded Golden Pond Planetarium & Observatory serves as a NASA Educator Resource Center and offers a wide range of stunning planetarium shows that are suitable for all grade levels. Our 360-degree, surround-sound, 40-foot domed theater has controlled temperatures and comfortable high back seats.

Homeplace 1850s Working Farm and Living History Museum: Step back in time- no time travel machine required! Give your students a first-hand view of life in 1850s Western Tennessee and Kentucky with a visit to the Homeplace 1850s Farm- a real, working farm. We feature heritage breeds of livestock and heirloom plants in the fields and gardens, and your students can participate in chores and activities of the time period. We are members of the National Association for Interpretation and the Association of Living History, Farm, and Agricultural Museums.

Woodlands Nature Station: The Woodlands Nature Station offers an exciting mix of live animal displays, native gardens, static exhibits, and knowledgeable interpretive naturalists to easily build a fun and educational curriculum about the environment, resource conservation, animal life histories, and more. We are members of the National Association for Interpretation. Nestled in the woods between Honker and Hematite Lakes, the Nature Station also serves as a gateway to the 8,500-acre Nature Watch Area. Additionally, several scenic hiking trails embark from the Nature Station.

Brandon Spring Group Center: Stay with us at Brandon Spring Group Center and create lifelong memories in our outdoor classroom! Groups who want to experience nature in a fun and safe environment, while still enjoying all the amenities of home, love staying at Brandon Spring Group Center. Brandon Spring Group Center offers accommodations for up to 128 people, delicious food services, and an activity building for inclement weather. Amenities include a swimming pool, sports fields, basketball courts, trails, a lake, canoes, and plenty of outdoor space to explore — providing impressionable learning experiences that last a lifetime.

Elk & Bison Prairie: The 3.5-mile drive in the Elk & Bison Prairie will take your class back to a time before European settlement of the area — when elk and bison were common in Western Kentucky. Our efforts to restore native grasses and wildflowers offer up close viewing of some incredible native plants and animals which easily complements a conservation message. Elk and bison roam free within this 700-acre enclosure. Numerous other wildlife species and a stunning array of native plants also thrive in the prairie. Wild turkeys, a variety of birds, small game, butterflies, and prairie mammals find sanctuary in the Elk & Bison Prairie. What will you discover?

supports classroom learning in:
KY and TN Standards

topics covered:
Animals, Astronomy, Camping, Conservation, Ecology, Environmental Education, Farming, Heritage, Hiking, Nature Living History, Recreation, Sustainability, Team Building, Wildlife.

contact info
Phone: 800-525-7077
Email: [email protected]

INFO

Grade Level: All Grades Group Size: Varies Program Type: Day Trips, Overnight Trips, Self-Guided Tours, Guided Tours, Self-Guided Activities, Guided Activities, Performances Recomm. Length of Visit: Varies Recommended Ratio of Youth to Chaperones: VariesRecommended Ratio of Youth to Chaperones: VariesRecommended Ratio of Youth to Chaperones: Varies Registration: 270-924-2020 Food Options: Bring Your Own, Place for Picnicking, Lunch Options Program (meals only if staying at Brandon Spring Group Center) Cost: Fee, Free

ABOUT

Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area

Nestled between Kentucky and Barkley Lakes in Western KY and TN, Land Between the Lakes has been part of America’s Great Outdoors since 1963 and is the largest inland peninsula in the country. Over 300 miles of scenic, undeveloped shoreline, 500 miles of trails, 5 environmental education facilities, and 170,000 acres of outdoor recreation await. From camping and hiking to paddling and wildlife watching, there is truly something for every outdoors enthusiast!

contact info

Hrs: 24 hours

HELPFUL LESSON PLAN(S)

Prepared by FieldTripDirectory.com

Nature Exploration Lesson Plan

FUN FACTS

One single tree can provide the oxygen required for two human beings and over 8,000 sheets of paper. Trees can also clean the soil and air by absorbing harmful pollutants. So what have you done for a tree lately? Nature centers and state parks provide a hands-on environment to discover facts about native plants and animals, as well as ways to preserve these natural resources.

View Lesson Plan>>

FAMILY OUTINGS

Land Between the Lakes is a family-friendly recreation area that offers one of the largest blocks of undeveloped forest in the eastern United States and draws visitors from around the world to escape into nature. With 300 miles of natural shoreline, lake access provides idyllic settings for camping, picnicking, hiking, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing, and water sports. Families also enjoy the authentic experiences provided by Woodlands Nature Station, Elk & Bison Prairie, Homeplace 1850s Working Farm, and Golden Pond Planetarium and Observatory.

topics covered:
Animals, Astronomy, Camping, Conservation, Ecology, Environmental Education, Farming, Heritage, Hiking, Nature Living History, Recreation, Sustainability, Team Building, Wildlife.

contact info
Phone: 800-525-7077
Email: [email protected]

INFO

Grade Level: All Grades Group Size: Varies Program Type: Day Trips, Overnight Trips, Self-Guided Tours, Guided Tours, Self-Guided Activities, Guided Activities, Performances Recomm. Length of Visit: Varies Registration: 270-924-2020 Food Options: Bring Your Own, Place for Picnicking, Lunch Options Program (meals only if staying at Brandon Spring Group Center) Cost: Fee, Free

BIRTHDAY PARTIES

Have a wild birthday at the Woodlands Nature Station in Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area! Birthday party program packages include a 30-minute Triple Creature Feature animal encounter, goody bags for every child, Nature Station admission, 2-hour picnic pavilion rental, and more. For more information or to book your party, call: 270-924-2020.

topics covered:
Animals, Astronomy, Camping, Conservation, Ecology, Environmental Education, Farming, Heritage, Hiking, Nature Living History, Recreation, Sustainability, Team Building, Wildlife.

contact info
Phone: 800-525-7077
Email: [email protected]

INFO

Grade Level: All Grades Group Size: Varies Program Type: Day Trips, Overnight Trips, Self-Guided Tours, Guided Tours, Self-Guided Activities, Guided Activities, Performances Recomm. Length of Visit: Varies Recommended Ratio of Youth to Chaperones: VariesRecommended Ratio of Youth to Chaperones: VariesRecommended Ratio of Youth to Chaperones: Varies Registration: 270-924-2020 Food Options: Bring Your Own, Place for Picnicking, Lunch Options Program (meals only if staying at Brandon Spring Group Center) Cost: Fee

ABOUT

Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area

Nestled between Kentucky and Barkley Lakes in Western KY and TN, Land Between the Lakes has been part of America’s Great Outdoors since 1963 and is the largest inland peninsula in the country. Over 300 miles of scenic, undeveloped shoreline, 500 miles of trails, 5 environmental education facilities, and 170,000 acres of outdoor recreation await. From camping and hiking to paddling and wildlife watching, there is truly something for every outdoors enthusiast!

contact info

Hrs: 24 hours