COVID-19 MESSAGE: We are not scheduling any group tours at this time. WCHS museums are currently closed until further notice. Some staff is still available through email or phone and their direct contact information can be found here.
Group Tours and Field Trips at the History Center |
We welcome group tours of all ages! From bus groups to class field trips we can help you have a great experience that is both educational and entertaining. We provide a Museum Guide for your group at no extra charge with admission. (See How to Book... below) Groups who do not wish to have a guide do not need to call in advance, but it is encouraged so we at least know you are coming, and can meet any needs your group might have.
Group Tour Types and Rates
School Field Trips at the History Center
We welcome students of all levels - Pre-school to College!
Our guides will lead your students back in time to explore our local history, community, and how our history fits into larger stories in American and even world history. Groups smaller than 20 will be guided through the museum (60-90 mins.) to topic stations of your choice for a general overview. Groups larger than 20 will be split into smaller groups to rotate to the topic stations. We will ask that you pick 3 or 4 based on your group size and timeframe. Groups will rotate to each station for 15 minutes each (please leave at least 60, but 90 minutes is preferred for the entire visit).
1. Lumber Industry and Building Winona
We take a look at the logging industry and mills that lined Winona's riverfront.
2. Children's Exhibit - Walking Through Time
This hands-on area features a timeline humans in our area with a Cave, Tipi, and Steamboat Pilot House to explore.
3. Dakota Life Long Ago
Learn more about early Dakota life in the area.
4. Inventions and Winona County Firsts
We head to the early 1900s section of our time line exhibit to see some of the inventions that changed our lives dramatically. See Winona County's first Television.
5. Mr. Laird and his Library
Take a look at the history of our Public Library and hear the story of one of Winona's most generous businessmen.
6. Artifact Activity: Be a Historian
What is it and what can it tell us about the past? Learn how historians use artifacts, or objects from the past, to learn about what life was like. (sit-down, hands-on activity)
For Field Trips and guided group tours please contact us to at least two weeks in advance of your visit for the best chance at getting your preferred date. May dates do fill fast for school field trip in the spring.
How to Book a Field Trip or Guided Tour
Fill out our Online Form
or
1. Call 507.454.2723 ext. 3 or email educator@winonahistory.org
2. We will return your inquiry with availability and ask for any other details.
3. Confirm your tour.
Other Educational Resources for Teachers!
Guide to Doing History with Objects, from the Curators of the National Museum of American History.
Lesson Plans from Smithsonian's History Explorer.
Stay Connected and sign up for our Educator E-news
Group Tour Types and Rates
- Student Groups, $3 per student, Teachers and limited number of chaperones are free.
- Preschool Groups, Children $2 each, Adults free (please have at least one adult per 3-4 children).
- Adult Groups of 15 or more, $4 each, bus driver and tour leader are free. (Regular Adult admission is $5 ea.)
- Step-on Bus Guides can be booked for a Customized Tour of Winona, $4 per person + any additional attraction admission. Check out VISIT WINONA for more great Winona Attractions too.
School Field Trips at the History Center
We welcome students of all levels - Pre-school to College!
Our guides will lead your students back in time to explore our local history, community, and how our history fits into larger stories in American and even world history. Groups smaller than 20 will be guided through the museum (60-90 mins.) to topic stations of your choice for a general overview. Groups larger than 20 will be split into smaller groups to rotate to the topic stations. We will ask that you pick 3 or 4 based on your group size and timeframe. Groups will rotate to each station for 15 minutes each (please leave at least 60, but 90 minutes is preferred for the entire visit).
1. Lumber Industry and Building Winona
We take a look at the logging industry and mills that lined Winona's riverfront.
2. Children's Exhibit - Walking Through Time
This hands-on area features a timeline humans in our area with a Cave, Tipi, and Steamboat Pilot House to explore.
3. Dakota Life Long Ago
Learn more about early Dakota life in the area.
4. Inventions and Winona County Firsts
We head to the early 1900s section of our time line exhibit to see some of the inventions that changed our lives dramatically. See Winona County's first Television.
5. Mr. Laird and his Library
Take a look at the history of our Public Library and hear the story of one of Winona's most generous businessmen.
6. Artifact Activity: Be a Historian
What is it and what can it tell us about the past? Learn how historians use artifacts, or objects from the past, to learn about what life was like. (sit-down, hands-on activity)
For Field Trips and guided group tours please contact us to at least two weeks in advance of your visit for the best chance at getting your preferred date. May dates do fill fast for school field trip in the spring.
How to Book a Field Trip or Guided Tour
Fill out our Online Form
or
1. Call 507.454.2723 ext. 3 or email educator@winonahistory.org
2. We will return your inquiry with availability and ask for any other details.
3. Confirm your tour.
Other Educational Resources for Teachers!
- Schedule a piece of Learning Luggage for your classroom, nursing home or group. Topics available include Pioneer Life, The Lumber Industry, Dakota Life, and The Civil War. An educator from the Society can present a program, or you are welcome to share the contents with your students or group yourself. Easy to use guides and lesson plans accompany each piece. The Learning Luggage program is a free service! Call 507-454-2723 ext. 0 to reserve the topic(s) that fits your needs.
- Have you heard about History Day? Its more than just a Day, it's a fulfilling research learning experience! Learn More About History Day!
- Teaching with Primary Sources:
Guide to Doing History with Objects, from the Curators of the National Museum of American History.
Lesson Plans from Smithsonian's History Explorer.
Stay Connected and sign up for our Educator E-news