Making Candles during Class of Discovery

Join us for hands-on history, nature up close and learning fun!

Come explore our outdoor classroom. Based at Fort Clatsop, the Education Program at Lewis and Clark National Historical Park connects children and adults to their National Park and to the stories that have shaped the Columbia Pacific region. The Education Program offers a variety of experiences that take students of all ages back in time to discover what life was like for the Lewis and Clark Expedition during their 1805-06 winter stay at Fort Clatsop. With nature trails, forest and river exploration, the Education Program connects your students to the outdoors and brings classroom lessons to life.

The 2008-2009 guided education season runs from Oct. 1 to Dec. 1, and March 1 to June 15.  Self-guided groups are invited year-round, with reservations.

More than 7,000 school children, teachers and chaperones participated in the Education Program at Lewis and Clark National Historical Park in 2007-08 school year. About 2,000 school children used the Education Program’s trunks in schools nationwide and almost 4,000 students viewed videos and DVDs sent out by the park’s Education Program. This kind of outreach can help students prepare for a visit to the park, or it can help round out their studies, even if they never get a chance to visit Lewis and Clark National Historical Park. The Education Program promises adventures and enrichment as fourth and fifth graders learn how to light a fire with flint and steel or preschoolers explore our friendly park trails. Middle and high school students can get involved at the park through service learning. Our offerings meet Oregon and Washington education standards and home school and informal education groups are welcome. 

No doubt you heard of the devastating fire that destroyed the Fort Clatsop replica in 2005, on the eve of the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Commemoration. The event made international news and generated overwhelming support for the park. Thanks to that support, the Fort has been completely rebuilt and is open for visits and education. We look forward to exploring history with you.

New this year are programs for students from preschool to third grade, designed to reach out to the park’s youngest visitors and to connect them with the cultural and natural stories at the park. The goal is provide teachers and parents with fun activities that reinforce and make real what kids learn in the classroom. 

Based at Fort Clatsop and in partnership with the Lewis & Clark National Park Association, the Education Program connects children and adults to their National Park and to the stories that have shaped the Columbia Pacific Region. Through guided and self-guided programs, we make cultural and natural history come alive. Questions? Please call the Park Education Program at (503) 861-4423.