Henry Horton For Educators
Warning Alert
Ongoing Construction at Henry Horton State Park
In anticipation of our new lodge opening, there will be a significant impact on the roads and traffic patterns within Henry Horton State Park. We ask that visitors please use caution and follow all road signs while traveling throughout the park's day-use area. A fence will surround the main construction area.
Guests visiting the Visitor Center, Restaurant, Cabins, Shelters, and Conference Hall should expect modified traffic flow and clearly marked detour routes. With construction underway, guests may experience periods of loud construction noise.
Please note:
- Some roads in the lodge area are temporarily closed.
- All guests should follow posted DETOUR signage throughout the park.
- Traffic patterns near the Lodge, Visitor Center, and Day-Use Parking have been adjusted.
- A construction fence surrounds active work zones.
- Guests may experience periods of loud construction noise.
- Please drive slowly and use extra caution when traveling through the park.
Our team will be on-site assisting with directions and parking adjustments to help make your visit as smooth as possible.
We sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding as we begin these exciting enhancements to Henry Horton State Park. We look forward to sharing more soon!
If you have any questions or need assistance during this time, please call the lodge at 931-364-2222 or the park office at 931-364-7724. We look forward to welcoming you!
Henry Horton Educator Programs
Want a fun way to get your students excited about learning? Why not learn with a Park Ranger?
Tennessee State Parks offer accessible, discovery-based educational experiences aligned with Tennessee’s academic standards. Choose a program for your class, plan your day at a park, and request an experience today.
Our Programs
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Field Trips
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School Outreach
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Self-guided/Teacher-led
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Virtual Connections
Henry Horton State Park Programs
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Meet a Ranger
Who are Rangers? What do they do? Find out! It takes skill, knowledge, experience, and education to be a Park Ranger. Join us today to explore a day in the life of a Tennessee State Park Ranger!
Location: Park or school
Grade Level: All grade levels
Length: 30 minutes
Capacity: 150 students
Cost: $0/student -
Adaptations & Relationships
Experience an up-close encounter with one of the park's animal ambassadors. Students will learn about their adaptations, predator/prey relationships, and vital importance to our ecosystem! Select to meet a snake, turtle, or a barred owl.
Meets: 2.LS1.1-2, 2.LS2.1, 3.LS4.2, 4.LS2.3
Location: Park or school
Grade Level: All grade levels
Length: 45 minutes
Capacity: 40 students
Cost: $3/student -
Mammals of Tennessee
Students will learn about several local mammal species, their importance, predator/prey relationships, and how to identify these animals by their pelts, skulls, or footprints. This program includes hands-on activities.
Meets: 2.LS1.1-2, 3.LS4.2, 4.LS2.2, 5.LS4.2
Location: Park or school
Grade Level: All grade levels
Length: 45 minutes
Capacity: 40 students
Cost: $3/student -
Mussels Lifecycle
Students will use several types of native mussel shells to learn about the unique characteristics, life cycle, and roles mussels play in the vital Duck River ecosystem. This program involves hands-on activities.
Meets: 2.LS1.3, 2.LS2.1-2, 3.LS4.1, 4.LS2.5
Location: Park or school
Grade Level: All grade levels
Length: 45 minutes
Capacity: 40 students
Cost: $3/student -
Duck River Watershed
Students will learn about watersheds and how the Duck River is essential for not only wildlife but also thousands of people in Middle Tennessee. Students will see a dynamic demonstration of a watershed model called EnviroScape.
Self-guided tour of the Duck River exhibit is available at the park.
Meets: 2.LS2.2, 3.ESS3.2, 4.ESS3.2
Location: Park or school
Grade Level: All grade levels
Length: 60 minutes
Capacity: 40 students
Cost: $3/student -
River Explorations
While exploring the Duck River, students will take samples of wildlife and learn about the freshwater habitat and the difference in vertebrates and invertebrates.
Weather dependent! Bring your own personal towel. In addition, we recommend that you bring a change of clothes.
Expect water levels up to two feet.
Meets: 2.LS1.2, 3.LS4.2
Location: Park only
Grade Level: All grade levels
Length: 60 minutes
Capacity: 30 students
Cost: $5/student -
Guided Wildlife & Ecosystem Hike
Students will learn about native wildlife, their survival needs, their role in one of three different ecosystems, and how humans and changing environments affect wildlife and their homes.
Three trail options: Mostly flat, uneven terrain, gradual slope
Distance: 0.7-2.0 miles
Meets: 2.LS2.1-2, 3.LS4.1, 3, 4.ESS2.3, 4.ESS3.2
Location: Park only
Grade Level: All grade levels
Length: 60 minutes
Capacity: 35 students
Cost: $3/student -
Guided Botany Hike
Students will see examples of native and invasive plants and learn about their unique characteristics, how they survive and interact with the ecosystem, and how they are affected by a changing environment.
Three trail options: Mostly flat, uneven terrain, gradual slope
Distance: 0.7-2.0 miles
Meets: 3.LS4.1-3, 4.LS2.4-5, 4.ESS2.3, 4.ESS3.2
Location: Park only
Grade Level: All grade levels
Length: 60 minutes
Capacity: 35 students
Cost: $3/student -
Guided History Hike
Students will learn about the 19th-century life of the Wilhoite family, including how family members accomplished daily tasks, spent their free time, and participated in the local economy and industrialization movement because of their proximity to the Duck River.
Surface: Flat, uneven terrain
Distance: 0.7 miles
Meets: 1.23, 1.25, 5.01
Location: Park only
Grade Level: All grade levels
Length: 60 minutes
Capacity: 35 students
Cost: $3/student
How to Request a Program
Program requests use the same form whether you are requesting funding support or not. Once you have submitted the form, allow 10 days for processing. Request educational program experiences at least four to six weeks in advance of the desired time frame for the program.
To complete the form:
Funding Assistance
Field trip funding may be available to remove barriers to participation.
The Tennessee State Parks Conservancy (501-C3) assists schools in covering the costs of scheduled programs with a Tennessee State Park. Funds can cover bus transportation costs, park program fees, and park shelter rentals. Partial funds may be awarded. Awards are given after the field trip is completed.
When applying for a program, select “yes” on the application form if you are interested in receiving funding support.
What’s Next?
Submitting the form begins the scheduling and funding process.
The request will be in Pending status until confirmed. Allow 10 days for processing. A park staff member will email confirmation of the program and notify you of any park-related fees.
If you requested funding, the Tennessee State Parks Conservancy Director will email the decision to award or deny funding. Funding is processed after the program as a reimbursement. Partial funds may be awarded. In this case, the school will be responsible for any costs above the amount written in the award email.
Submitting for Funding Reimbursement
To receive reimbursement, you must provide the following documentation:
- Bus invoice
- Park invoice
- Photos
- Number of students new to any Tennessee State Park
- Student and teacher feedback