West Virginia Tourism Field Trips – West Virginia Botanic Garden

A field trip in West Virginia offers a unique blend of fun and education, perfectly encapsulating the Mountain State’s rich history and natural beauty giving students a chance to experience hands-on learning beyond the classroom. The state’s rugged landscape provides an unparalleled natural laboratory for environmental science and outdoor education creating experiences that foster a deeper appreciation for culture, history, and the environment.

West Virginia Botanic Garden

The West Virginia Botanic Garden at Tibbs Run Preserve, located eight miles outside of Morgantown, is the state’s flagship public garden and a premier destination for nature lovers and families. Spanning 85 acres on the site of the former Tibbs Run Reservoir, the garden offers a diverse landscape of wetlands, meadows, and old-growth forests featuring 200-year-old hemlocks. Visitors can explore approximately five miles of trails, including boardwalks and handicap-accessible paths that connect eight distinct themed areas like the Butterfly Garden, the George W. Longenecker Shade Garden, and the Rhododendron Garden. As a non-profit community resource, it hosts a variety of educational programs, nature camps, and wellness workshops, such as yoga and painting. The site also features a new Visitors Center with a gift shop and Cafe Rose, as well as the Terrace at Tibbs Run, a popular venue for weddings and events. The garden is open daily from dawn to dusk with free admission. Located at 1061 Tyrone Road, Morgantown, WV.

Tourism Field Trip Offering’s

Exploring Habitats
Students will adventure through a variety of habitat types found at the WVBG. At each habitat, students will discover more about the types of plants and animals that make that habitat home. Each student will receive a journal to draw pictures or write their observations in.

Age Groups and Other Requirements
Best for grades 2nd-8th, May be adapted to suit younger groups. Closed-toed shoes recommended.

Pricing and Group Sizes
WVBG field trips are free for the 2024/25 school year for CEP-eligible schools, the rate for Non CEP eligible schools is $5/student

We can accommodate groups ranging in size from 10 students to 75, special accommodations can be made for larger groups.


The Circle of Life
Students will learn about the life cycles of other living things. Guides will assist children in observing the life stages of plants, tadpoles and/or butterflies in their natural habitats. Students will also plant a seed to continue their observations at home.

Age Groups and Other Requirements
Best for grades 1st-4th, May be adapted to suit younger or older groups. Closed-toed shoes recommended.

Pricing and Group Sizes
WVBG field trips are free for the 2024/25 school year for CEP-eligible schools, the rate for Non CEP eligible schools is $5/student

We can accommodate groups ranging in size from 10 students to 75, special accommodations can be made for larger groups.


Leave No Trace
Students will learn about human impacts on the natural environment and how to apply the Leave No Trace principles of outdoor ethics to their favorite outdoor activities. Students will leave with a workshop certificate from Leave No Trace.

Age Groups and Other Requirements
Best for grades 3rd-5th. Closed-toed shoes recommended.

Pricing and Group Sizes
WVBG field trips are free for the 2024/25 school year for CEP-eligible schools, the rate for Non CEP eligible schools is $5/student

We can accommodate groups ranging in size from 10 students to 75, special accommodations can be made for larger groups.


Educational Benefits

Within the WVBG exists several different types of forest, wetlands, wet and dry meadows, streams, pools, and a variety of beautifully designed flower beds. It’s an ideal outdoor classroom for nature study of all kinds. This is a place within their own community where students can learn about the world that exists around them, a place where they can develop a personal connection to nature and observe its processes. All programs were designed to meet Science K-8 Content Standards and Objectives for West Virginia Schools


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This post was last updated on June 14, 2026

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