School Field Trips
We are delighted to offer an unforgettable field trip experience for students of all ages at LSU Rural Life Museum. From guided tours led by knowledgeable docents to hands-on demonstrations and self-guided exploration, we provide a range of engaging options to cater to different grade levels and interests. Discover the past while having fun in and around our scenic and historical grounds!
Teachers can utilize the museum to enhance social studies, cultural arts, math, and science classes. The museum has a 19th- century Plantation area, a Folk Architecture section, an Exhibit Barn, 32 historical buildings, and thousands of artifacts representing the rural way of life.
Field Trip Information
When: The Rural Life Museum is open every day except New Year’s Day, Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.
Times: The earliest tour starts at 8:30 am. The latest tour is scheduled for 3:00 pm to allow for a comprehensive one-hour tour and ample time for exploration before the museum closes at 4:30 pm.
Length: We recommend a minimum duration of one hour for all tours. However, we highly encourage those partaking in the Hands-On Demonstrations Program or opting for a Docent-Guided Tour to allow additional time for independent exploration and fully absorb the museum experience.
Field Trip Offerings
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Hands-On Demonstrations Program (Grades K–3) |
Docent-Guided Tours (Grades 4–12) |
Self-Guided Tours (Grades 4–12) |
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Students actively participate in their tours, combining learning with interactive engagement. The tour takes participants through various stations located across the museum grounds, where they will encounter historical concepts through explanation, demonstration, and hands-on activities. Students will have immersive experiences, such as learning about school life in the past, traditional methods of laundry, coffee and corn grinding techniques, and even butter churning. This enhanced tour experience fosters a deeper understanding and enthusiasm among both students and educators. |
Students embark on an enlightening journey led by our experienced docents. To make the most of this educational adventure, we recommend requesting a docent-led tour at least two weeks prior to your planned visit. Our docents will expertly guide you through our extensive museum grounds, including the captivating 19th-century Plantation area, the Exhibit Barn, 32 historical buildings, and a vast collection of artifacts that represent the rural way of life. Immerse yourself in history as our knowledgeable guides provide valuable insights and answer your questions along the way. |
For independent exploration, self-guided tours are an option where teachers or adult chaperones can accompany students through their personalized journey. This allows flexibility for teachers to tailor the experience to the needs and interests of their students and/or curriculum. Enjoy the freedom to explore our museum grounds, experience the 19th-century Plantation area, Folk Architecture section, Exhibit Barn, and discover thousands of artifacts that bring the rural way of life to life. |
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$9.00 per person (students, teachers, and chaperones) with 1 adult for every 10 students admitted at no charge. *Minimum of 20 students* *Maximum of 75 students* |
$8.00 per person (students, teachers, and chaperones) with 1 adult for every 10 students admitted at no charge. |
$8.00 per person (students, teachers, and chaperones) with 1 adult for every 10 students admitted at no charge. |
Reservations (Required for all school groups)
Click here to request a school tour today!
Please note that the form above serves as a request and your trip is not scheduled until you receive confirmation from museum staff.
You may also contact the museum at (225)765-2437 or email cgbrown@lsu.edu with "field trip" in the subject line. Please be prepared to provide the following information when you call or email:
- Name of School
- Number of Students
- Grade Level of Students
- Name of Contact Person
- School Address
- School phone number and an alternate phone number
- E-mail address
- Number of Adults (teachers and chaperones)
Payments, W-9 Requests, and Cancellations
Payment is due upon arrival on the scheduled tour date, with the option of pre-payment in certain cases. Please ensure that you have an accurate count of students, teachers, and chaperones before arriving at the museum to facilitate a smooth payment process. We accept cash, credit card, and business checks from schools, payable to the LSU Rural Life Museum.
For schools requiring a W-9 form to process payment, please submit a W-9 request at least two weeks before the tour date. To initiate a W-9 request, kindly email rlm@lsu.edu with "W-9 request" in the subject line.
For last-minute cancellations, please contact the museum as soon as possible. For other necessary cancellations or modifications, please contact the museum at least a week before the scheduled tour. If a refund is necessary, please allow 4-6 weeks for a refund check to be issued.
Chaperones
One adult leader must accompany each group of 10 students. Teachers and parent chaperones are responsible for student behavior and are required to accompany students throughout the duration of the visit. If the school does not collect payment from parent chaperones prior to the tour date, parent chaperones can pay separately upon arrival on the day of the tour.
Food and Drink
Food and all beverages, except water, are prohibited on the museum grounds. Students, teachers, and chaperones are permitted to carry water bottles during the tour.
Lunches:
The museum cannot accommodate on-site lunches. However, there are alternative options available for your group.
LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens Pavilion (Separate, Additional Rental)
Located at the front of the Burden Museum and Gardens property, this large outdoor structure has a 140-person capacity and can be utilized for your group’s lunch. Facility use charges include the use of the covered pavilion (approximately 40' x 60',) restroom access, and the lawns surrounding the building and the Memory Garden. For information on scheduling a Pavilion rental from LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens, please contact Leslie House at lhouse@agcenter.lsu.edu.
Perkins Road Community Park
Free access to public park located off of Kenilworth Pkwy.
Museum Gift Shop
Teachers—discover history books, educational items and historic games perfect for classroom use. And students will love the toys, games and other souvenirs. Please indicate if you would like your group to have access to the Gift Shop.
Accessibility
The LSU Rural Life Museum aims to offer an enriching and enjoyable experience for all visitors. If your group includes individuals with special needs, please provide advanced notification.