As educators begin planning for the 2026-2027 school year, the National Park Service at Natchez Trace Parkway is excited to support teaching with engaging programs that connect students to thousands of years of history, culture, and natural science found right here in Mississippi. See Natchez Trace Parkway Education Flyer 2026 for details.
The National Park Service is committed to making meaningful learning accessible to all classrooms. All programs are free of charge.
Education Opportunities for 2026-2027
Classroom Visits
Rangers come to your school to deliver interactive, grade-level specific programs highlighting the cultural and natural resources of Natchez Trace Parkway.
Ranger-Led Field Trips
Bring your students into the park for immersive, place-based learning experiences that make history come alive.
Distance Learning
Connect with a ranger virtually for engaging lessons no matter where your classroom is.
Self-Guided Experiences
Use the ready-to-use materials to explore park resources with your students at your own pace.
Program Availability
- Education programs this fall will take place on Tuesdays through Fridays, from Aug. 18 – Dec. 19.
- Education programs this spring will take place on Tuesdays through Fridays, from Jan. 12, 2027 through Friday, May 7, 2027.
- Programs begin no earlier than 10 a.m.
- Programs must be requested no less than two weeks before the requested date for the program.
- In-person programs are limited to locations within a 75-mile radius of the Parkway Visitor Center in Tupelo, Mississippi and the Mount Locust Information Center near Natchez, Mississippi.
Why Choose Natchez Trace Parkway?
The programs:
- Promote environmental literacy and cultural understanding
- Help students meaningfully connect classroom concepts to the landscapes and stories of their home state
- Are offered at no cost to schools and community-based educational groups
- Transportation fees are not covered by Natchez Trace Parkway
How to Reserve Your Program
Booking for the new school year is now open.
- Visit the Education webpage: Education – Natchez Trace Parkway (U.S. National Park Service)
- Choose the type of program you’d like to schedule: Classroom visits, ranger-led field trips, or distance learning
- Scroll to the bottom of the page to complete the request form
- Click “Submit my Education Reservation Request”
Once the request is received, our team will confirm availability and help match your grade level and learning objectives with the most suitable program.
For questions or guidance selecting a program, contact:
Education Team
Natchez Trace Parkway
2680 Natchez Trace Parkway
Tupelo, MS 38804
Learn with a Ranger!
Phone: (662) 401-3092
Email: natr_education@nps.gov