k-12 field trips

a field trip they will remember

Turn a day out of the classroom into a meaningful and memorable learning experience! Magnolia’s curriculum-aligned tours bring science, history, horticulture, and nature to life with engaging programs tailored to your group’s needs.

THE MAGNOLIA DIFFERENCE

  • Learn from our knowledgeable and enthusiastic team who love sharing all that Magnolia has to offer

  • Experience plants and animals in preserved and protected habitats

  • Walk through beautiful historic gardens full of color, design, and surprises

  • Discover complex and compelling stories of the past, right where they unfolded

contact us for pricing and additional information
A small, open-sided tourist train with a white front, labeled "HARLAN," moving through a wooded area. The train has a green canopy and passengers seated inside, with a woman in a blue shirt and cap sitting at the front, pointing forward.

nature train

land and legacy tour

Hop aboard the Nature Train as it travels through Magnolia’s diverse landscapes, featuring swamps, woodlands, and more. Students explore native plants and animals while learning about rice cultivation, colonial history, and habitat restoration. A fun and educational way to see wildlife in action and connect with South Carolina’s ecological and cultural past.

Three small vintage white houses with steps leading to doors, surrounded by green trees and grass, in a rural setting.

historic cabins

from slavery to freedom

Step into Magnolia’s historic cabins for a moving look at African American life, from slavery through Reconstruction. Through stories, artifacts, and the landscape itself, students gain insight into the lives of those who lived and worked at Magnolia, and the role the Ashley River played in shaping the region. This experience is designed to engage all ages and honor a legacy of resilience and enduring contributions.

A turtle with autumn-colored facial markings sitting on sandy ground, next to a carved pumpkin with a partially eaten top, in a park-like setting with a wooden fence in the background.

wildlife center

meet rescued animals

Get up close with native animals in this 30-minute, hands-on program led by Magnolia’s expert wildlife team. Students meet non-releasable animals and learn about their care, habitats, and adaptations through engaging demonstrations and interactive games. Optional classroom activities are available. This tour is perfect for all grade levels!

A boat with a green canopy floating on a calm river during daytime, with trees and open fields in the background, and some wooden posts in the foreground.

wildlife boat

nature and history ride (seasonal)

The Wildlife Boat Tour takes you on a peaceful ride through Magnolia’s restored tidal marsh, offering up-close views of native birds, turtles, and alligators in their natural habitat. Along the way, you’ll gain insights into the landscape’s ecological history. Available for an additional fee.

“I wanted to email you to tell you how much we enjoyed our time at your site on Wednesday. As an educator, I appreciated the age-appropriate activities and the time limits to complete them. I’m sure we will be back in the future!”

- 3rd grade teacher, Pepperhill Elementary School

“The students still talk about the trip and even asked if we could go again. I have a feeling this may become an annual event.”

- 5th grade teacher