Field Trips - Fort McAllister State Park | Department Of Natural Resources Division

Please fill out and submit at least 2 weeks prior to the program:

Group Program Request
Adult Waiver (if applicable)
Minor Waiver (if applicable)

If you do not see a program listed below of interest to you or fits into your group’s educational needs, please contact the interpretive staff at the park. We are always happy to create custom programs to meet the needs of your group.

School Field Trips & School Groups

As a teacher or group leader, you have the opportunity to utilize every aspect of your state park. We invite you to navigate the nature trails, paddle on the river or behold the Civil War earthen works of Fort McAllister.

These programs are designed to meet current Georgia standards and are available for groups ranging in size from 20–150 students. Groups larger than 150 students may be asked to split their field trip into multiple days depending on the program(s) requested. Group trips may be conducted on a self-guided basis or you may learn from one of our ranger-led school programs. Whether you’re planning to explore the park on a self-guided basis or indulge in one of our ranger led programs we do require a Group Program Request Form (linked above).

You may schedule a field trip to the park by calling the park office at 912-727-2339 or by filling out the program request form and emailing it to the Park Interpretive Staff. Please remember that your program is not confirmed until you receive a confirmation from the Park Interpretive Staff.

Be ready to provide the following information when you call:

Organizer’s name and contact information
Name and address
Number and grade level of students
Program preferences/requests
Optional “rain dates”

Ranger Led - Historic Fort Tour: The Fall of Fort McAllister Grades (4 -12)

Fort McAllister is the site of the last battle of the American Civil War fought in Georgia, and the end of Sherman's March to the Sea. On Dec. 13th 1864 history was made that would forever change the lives of many Americans, and students have the opportunity to experience that history first hand by touring our historic site and museum. A field trip visit includes a guided tour of the historic site by a living historian in period costume, along with a musket Demonstration. You can choose to have a cannon firing demonstration for starting at an additional $300.

Program length: 1hr - 1.5hr
GSE: SS8h5, SS4H5, SSUSH9

Ranger Led - African American History Tour: Builders and Hero’s Grades (4 -12)

From daring escapes to freedom and unsung war heroes, to stories of human loss and tragedy. This tour focuses less on the events that happened at Fort McAllister and more on the enslaved people who built it. Learn their forgotten stories on this ranger guided tour of our historic site. Program includes a blacksmith demonstration.

Program length: 1hr
GSE: SS8h5, SS4H5, SSUSH9

Other Historic Focused School & Group programing includes:

Rice Hike: Fort McAllister prior to being and Civil War Fortification was a Rice Plantation owned by the McAllister Family. Explore the historical site with a ranger and learn all about its ties to rice.

Hand Dipped Candle Making: Candles have changed drastically since the mid-1800’s- both in function and production. Come learn how hand-dipped candles are made and participate in making one to take home.

Blacksmithing: This lost art form was a major career with many years of training and many different specializations. See what it takes to make all things metal.

Civil War Era Medicine: Medical practices have come a long way, but find out how injuries and ailments were treated during the 1800’s.

Women With Muskets: Iconic stories of female soldiers who dared to push the boundaries of society and disguised themselves as men and fought in the American Civil War.

Nature/Science Focused School & Group Programing Includes:

Edible Plant Hike: In this hike, you will learn about basic plant identification, and the various plants that are edible in Georgia and the Coastal Region.

Solar System Walk: Take a tour of our solar system with this short hike and get to view the stars with our telescope. *This a nighttime program and must be scheduled after sunset – Additional fees apply for after hours programs.

Survival Class: From Fire Making to Shelter building learn the basics of outdoor survival. *This program is very flexible depending on the group.*

The park will only cancel programs in cases of severe weather i.e. tornado, flooding, etc, and other unforeseen circumstances. If your group or school needs to cancel your trip to the park, please call the park office no later than 48 hours prior to your scheduled trip. Teachers and chaperones are expected to participate and assist program staff as needed.

Field Trip & School group FAQ:

Q: What comes included with the program cost?
A: Ranger led tour of Fort. Lunch in our day-use area and access to playground equipment, musket demonstration upon request.

Q: Do you offer a discount to Title 1 schools?
A: No

Q: How do these programs relate to what I am teaching?
A: Each of these programs were designed to align specifically around the grade-specific standards outlined by Georgia’s Standards of Excellence.

Q: Is there a cost or limit for chaperones?
A: There is no limit for the number of chaperones that can come on a ranger-led program. Only the lead teacher and bus driver are free of charge, All other chaperones must pay admission.

Q: How early in advance do I need to book our program?
A: We require at least a two-week notice to book any ranger-led programs. In order to book your ranger-led program either call the park office at (912) 727-2339.

Outreach Programs

If you can’t make the trip to the park, we will bring a little piece of the park to you. Outreach programs can be scheduled within a 20-mile radius of the park. The following outreach programs are available. Please call 912.727.2339 for more information or to schedule an outreach program.

The Fall of Fort McAllister

The story of Sherman’s end to the March to the Sea, and the roll and fall of Fort McAllister. Includes details of the battle, military science, and artillery history. Program lasts approximately 30 minutes and can be performed by a ranger or living historian in period costume.

Women With Muskets Talk

This program offers Iconic stories of female soldiers who dared to push the boundaries of society and disguised themselves as men and fought in the American Civil War. We will also discuss the roles, efforts, and advancement of women during the Civil War. Program is performed by a living historian in women's period dress and lasts approximately 30 min.

African American History Talk: Builders and Heroes

From daring escapes to freedom and unsung war heroes, to stories of human loss and tragedy. The lowcountry is imbued with fascinating African American history. Our interpretive ranger will share this history in a 30-45 min program.

Nature Based Talks

Our Interpretive Ranger & Naturalist have a wide variety of knowledge on many topics covering our natural world. We can theme these programs around native fauna, birds, trees, animals, and much more. This program is very flexible depending on what your groups focus is! These talks last 30-45 min but can vary depending on topic and other factors.