Interpretive Programs

 

Inside the museum, visitors can view exhibits that discuss the archaeology and paleontology of the site. Guests can also watch a short film that provides an overview of the site’s history. The film is approximately 15 minutes long and is typically played every half hour. However, if the auditorium is being used for interpretive programming, the film may not be available. Please call ahead to confirm availability. 

Field Trips and Group Programs

School Field Trips

We offer field trip programs to school groups of all ages (preschool to college), including homeschool groups. Field trips are free for students, teachers and chaperones. Eligible schools are encouraged to apply for the Missouri State Parks Bus Grant Program to alleviate the cost of transportation.

Our standard field trip focuses on the paleontological and archaeological significance of Mastodon State Historic Site. An interpreter will give a presentation about the prehistoric inhabitants of the area. The presentation will include an up-close look at replica skulls, as well as an opportunity for students to ask questions. Students will then get to explore the museum exhibits before heading out for a 0.5-mile guided hike along Wildflower Trail. During the hike, an interpreter will discuss how the local environment and landscape have changed since the time of the mastodons. The hike can be substituted with an accessible indoor activity.

The standard field trip takes approximately 90 minutes and can accommodate up to 120 students. Groups of 40 or more will be split into separate groups. 

Smaller groups (30 students or fewer) are encouraged to try our specialized programs. Specialized field trips are also 90 minutes long and can be adjusted to accommodate different grade levels.

• Geology and Paleontology: Students will watch a demonstration on how fossils are made and will view fossils found in Missouri, including some found at Mastodon State Historic Site. Students will hunt for fossils during a museum scavenger hunt. Depending on the students’ ages and the group’s interests, the group can then either “dig for fossils” in our sand tubs or embark on the guided Geological Eras Tour – a 0.5-mile to-scale hike reviewing planetary and evolutionary history. The Geology and Paleontology program is available ONLY on Mondays and Tuesdays.
• Archaeology: An interpreter will lead a hands-on program to teach students about the science of archaeology. Students will learn how archaeologists study and make conclusions about the past. If the weather permits, the field trip will end with a demonstration of the atlatl, an ancient spear-throwing tool. After the demonstration, students will get to practice using an atlatl. The Archaeology program is available ONLY on Mondays and Tuesdays.
• Creek Ecology: The group will meet at the picnic shelter off Seckman Road and learn about the biological communities found in freshwater creeks. After a brief presentation, including hands-on activities, about watersheds and water pollution, students will sample for macroinvertebrates in Rock Creek. The program will end with a group brainstorm on how to protect our aquatic resources.

Virtual Field Trips

Can’t make it to Mastodon State Historic Site? No problem! We are happy to schedule virtual field trips for anyone who is interested. An interpreter will present information about our site’s paleontology and archaeology and will leave time for questions. Virtual field trips are available ONLY on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Youth Organizations

Youth organizations, such as Scout groups, are welcome to visit the museum during regular museum hours. Groups that schedule their visit in advance will be offered free admission for all participants, including chaperones. Pending availability, an interpreter can give a presentation, a museum tour, and/or a guided hike along our 0.5-mile Wildflower Trail. Interpreter availability is limited on the weekends.

Youth organizations are welcome to schedule field trips, including specialized programs and virtual field trips, on weekdays in the summer. Virtual field trips, along with the Archaeology program and the Geology and Paleontology program, are available only on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Other Groups

Trips for other groups, including senior groups and retirement homes, can be booked at the group rate ($3.50 per person). To qualify for the group rate, groups must schedule their trip at least two weeks in advance. Pending availability, an interpreter can give a presentation, a museum tour, and/or a guided hike along our 0.5-mile Wildflower Trail. Interpreter availability is limited on the weekends.

Scheduling

Each field trip is scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. We prefer to have field trips, especially those for larger groups, on Mondays and Tuesdays. The Geology and Paleontology program, the Archaeology program, and virtual fields trips are available only on those days.

To schedule your field trip or group tour, call the site office at 636-464-2976 or email the site interpreter at Emily.Lange@dnr.mo.gov.