Free Field Trips

BRAHM is proud to offer a Free Field Trip Program for public and home schools in Watauga, Ashe, Avery, and Caldwell counties.

Benefits of museum field trips include:

Enhance students' critical thinking, observational skills, and historical empathy
Introduce students to a wide variety of art media and techniques
Teach proper museum etiquette
Help teachers meet NC Essential and Common Core standards in visual arts, social studies and history

At BRAHM, guided field trips will address North Carolina Essential Standards in contextual relevancy, critical response, culture, economics, geography, history, and visual literacy; plus Common Core standards in literacy in history/social studies, speaking & listening, and writing. For more information please email the Education Outreach Coordinator at ed_outreach@blowingrockmuseum.org or call 828-295-9099 ext. 3014.

Please note: Grades served and standards met may vary by season.

Can’t visit us? We will visit you!

If you are not able to visit the museum, BRAHM will visit your classroom to lead an art lesson inspired by BRAHM’s current exhibitions. For more information please email Katie Jensen Please contact Katie Jensen at ed_outreach@blowingrockmuseum.org or call 828-295-9099 ext. 3014.

"We are so grateful that the Education Outreach Coordinator could bring the museum to us in my art classes. My K-5 students loved meeting Ms. Jensen and learning about the wonderful exhibits at BRAHM. They got to see how art extends outside of my classroom and how art connects our community. They were inspired to express themselves creatively and were also very excited about the opportunities at the museum. I loved how the lessons tied in with my visual art curriculum, but also connected to our K-5 social studies standards."

-Ashley Tate, Visual Art Teacher at Green Valley and Mabel School

School Bus Reimbursement

Bus reimbursements is available for Watauga County schools, thanks to a grant from St. Mary of the Hills Episcopal Church.

Want to extend your tour?

Below are a few suggestions to extend your learning and make the best use of your free field trip while in Blowing Rock. Please contact these organizations directly to make arrangements independently of your BRAHM visit.

Doc's Rocks Gem Mine and Appalachian Fossil Museum

Located at Tanger Shoppes on the Parkway, just a mile west of BRAHM on 321.

Tour of Fossil Museum $4.99 per person
Pan for fossils: $5, $8, $14 options
Contact Doc or Trina at 828-414-9889, or email b.r.gemmine@gmail.com

The Blowing Rock Attraction

Located on 321, just one mile North of BRAHM on 321.

This is the perfect destination for school field trips. Students can learn how the "Rock" was formed, what the "Rock" is composed of, and the history and legend of The Blowing Rock. Bring science, history, and language arts teaching standards to life as your students experience firsthand the beauty and history of the North Carolina Blue Ridge Mountains at the Blowing Rock Attraction. $2 per student, up to four teachers or drivers free. Students may bring money for snacks. Reservation request form and lesson plans are available at https://theblowingrock.com/school-groups/.

The 1888 Museum

Located at the East end of Memorial Park

The Museum is open for self-guided tours daily from 9:00 to 5:00 and on weekends only during the winter. More information at https://www.blowingrockhistoricalsociety.com/1888-museum

Blue Deer Cookies and Ice Cream on Main Street

Located by the intersection of 221 on Main Street, three blocks from BRAHM

Locally sourced ice cream and cookies.

Blue Ridge Parkway

Visit the Cone Manor House, the Carriage Trails at Trout or Bass Lake, the Apple Barn on the Carriage Trails, or the Price Picnic area are just a few areas of interest.

Town of Blowing Rock

Memorial Park has a playground, restrooms, and first come first serve picnic shelter
Davant Field has an athletic field, restrooms, and free reservable rotary picnic shelters
There may also be opportunities for students to visit civic buildings, post offices, fire or police stations
To make reservations or for more information, contact Jennifer Brown at 828-295-2522, or email prdirector@townofblowingrocknc.gov or Thomas Steele tsteele@tobr.us