By Lincoln McElwee
The fun and frenzy of classroom field trips is something that practically every child looks forward to. But does the fun have to stop once the school year ends? Why not aid in your child’s education by ensuring that outdoor activities, such as your annual summer vacation, mimic the experience of a field trip by going on your own educational, hands-on vacation.
One such place to ensure maximum fun while engaging in learning is the majestic state of Montana!
Montana happens to be a great state for extending the lesson/activity methodology of the classroom setting. Montana simply has it all, boasting national parks, museums, family-friendly hotels, breathtaking scenery, family-friendly activities, and much more.
Additionally, vacationing in Montana means that your child can take part in fun-filled activities that focus on the historic Lewis and Clark expedition that took place from 1804-1806! In other words, your child can actually be immersed in the beauty of nature as well as unrivaled fun all while learning about a fascinating part of American history.
Be sure to start your adventure at the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center, which is located (about halfway up) on the 4,000 mile long Lewis and Clark Expedition Route. The center boasts the prestige of being the largest museum dedicated to every facet of the famous expedition, providing an indispensable menu of year-round activities and exhibits.
For example, in addition to the sheer wealth of information housed at the center, you can take part in the living history area along the Missouri River, known as the River Camp, and take part in demonstrations which highlight daily life on the expedition, as well as the influence and interaction with native cultures along the route! There are also live programs, films and hands-on activities. For additional information, visit: www.fs.fed.us/r1/lewisclark/lcic.htm, (406) 727-8733.
Near Billings, Montana, Pompey’s Pillar National Monument (www.pompeyspillar.org or (406) 875-2233) will leave your family in awe. The 200-foot sandstone outcropping is home to the only “graffiti” left on the expedition route. That’s right: on the return trip, Clark actually carved his name on the rock! In addition, be sure to plan your visit during the last weekend in July if possible, as area historians host Captain William Clark Days every year at the site. The fun event includes campfire stories, demonstrations, canoe trips, nature hikes, and stargazing!
The school environment will be sure to continue as you visit Montana State University and the spectacular Museum of the Rockies (www.montana.edu/wwwmor)! The museum allows kids to interact with the exhibits in a user-friendly way by highlighting designated areas with yellow “KidSpace” signs.
Want more fun while traversing “The Big Sky State?” Be sure to check out these additional sites when planning your Montana itinerary this summer:
- Lewis & Clark Dugout Days Camps: www.fs.fed.us/r1/lewisclark/lcic
- USA National Park Service: www.nps.gov/lecl
- National Council of the Lewis & Clark Bicentennial: www.lewisandclark200.org
- Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation (Montana): www.lewisandclark.org
- The Dillon Visitor Center: http://lewisandclark.state.mt.us
As far as lodging is concerned, the possibilities are virtually endless, and depend on your family’s needs and the type of vacation you’re looking for! You can choose from dude ranches, hotels, motels, camping inside national parks, RV camping, and many other options!
The following list has a few fun and noteworthy lodgings to consider for your stay:
- Holiday Inn Grand Montana, Billings, MT: http://www.higrandmt.com/
- The Lodge, Big Sky, MT: http://www.lodgeatbigsky.com/
- The Dude Ranchers’ Association: http://www.duderanch.org/montana-dude-ranch
- Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp Resorts, Missoula, MT: http://www.campjellystone.com/campgrounds/montana-campgrounds/
- U.S. Farm Stay Association: http://www.farmstayus.com/search#state=26
