Natchez Trace For Educators
Warning Alert
Lodge and Restaurant Closed for Rebuild
The Lodge at Natchez Trace (the Pin Oak Lodge) and Restaurant are currently undergoing a rebuild, with an anticipated reopening in spring 2028.
During construction, the pool will be unavailable. Guests are welcome at our cabins, which remain open during construction, and a food truck at the Camp Store serves hot food.
Horse Stall Reservations
Horse stall reservations must be made through the Visitor Center at Natchez Trace at 731-968-3742.
Natchez Trace Educator Programs
Want a fun way to get your students excited about learning? Why not learn with a Park Ranger?
Natchez Trace State Park offers accessible, experiential educational opportunities to both engage and educate students. Choose from varied park programs or work with a Ranger to create a program that meets the Tennessee academic standards in your classroom.
Our Programs
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Field Trips
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School Outreach
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Self-guided/Teacher-led
Natchez Trace 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 -
Reptiles of Tennessee
Students will learn about native Tennessee reptiles, including their characteristics, habitats, prey, and predators.
Meets: 2.LS1.2, 2.LS2.2, 4.LS2.4
Location: Park or school
Grade Level: All grade levels
Length: 30 minutes
Capacity: 25 students
Cost: $0/student -
Tennessee Animals
Feathers and skulls and pelts, oh my! What better way to celebrate Tennessee than through learning about its native wildlife? Students will explore the characteristics of different animals that call Tennessee home in this hands-on program.
Meets: K.LS1.3, 2.LS1.1-2, 3.LS1.1, 3.LS4.1
Location: Park or school
Grade Level: All grade levels
Length: 60 minutes
Capacity: 25 students
Cost: $0/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