Friends of Sutter’s Fort is excited to support a diverse range of educational California State Park programs this fall, offering students and teachers the opportunity to engage with California history in meaningful ways. We thank our donors for making them possible.
Whether visiting in person or learning virtually, California State Parks offers a variety of programs to meet your needs. Here’s a detailed look at the programs available:
Self-Guided School Visits
Teachers and school groups can explore Sutter’s Fort at their own pace with free self-guided tours. Reservations are required, and time slots are available every 15 minutes from 10:00 AM to 2:45 PM, Monday through Friday. These visits provide an excellent opportunity for students to experience the Fort and learn about California’s early history firsthand. To reserve your spot, contact ReserveCalifornia at (866) 240-4655. For additional questions, reach out to Angela Howell at (916) 445-3755 or Angela.Howell@parks.ca.gov.
Virtual Field Trips (PORTS Programs)
California State Parks offers free, interactive Parks Online Resources for Teachers and Students (PORTS) virtual field trips to K-12 classrooms. Students can connect with Sutter’s Fort remotely and participate in live, two-way video sessions led by State Parks staff. A featured programs is “Sutter’s Fort Through Time” where students explore the history of the Fort in a fun, engaging way.
For classes looking for more flexibility, PORTScasts offer 1-way presentations that don’t require reservations. These broadcasts allow students to learn about the Fort and California history through virtual storytelling. Past PORTScasts like “Harvest and Hides” are also available for viewing on the PORTS YouTube channel. To learn more and sign up for a virtual field trip, visit PORTS Programs.
Student Tours at Sutter’s Fort
The Student Tour Program is ideal for grades 3-6 and includes a 45-minute, staff-guided tour. During the tour, students move through interactive stations, learning about the major trades that supported Sutter’s Fort in the 1840s. These hands-on experiences also cover the significant impact these trades had on California’s environment and the Indigenous Peoples of the Sacramento Valley. Students are introduced to key events in California history that connect back to the Fort. Reservations must be made at least 30 days in advance by calling ReserveCalifornia at (866) 240-4655.
Immersive Educational Programs: ESP and ELP
For a deeper dive into history, Sutter’s Fort offers two immersive programs: the Environmental Studies Program (ESP) and the Environmental Living Program (ELP). These programs are designed for grades 4-6 and allow students to fully immerse themselves in 1840s California life.
- ESP is a 9-hour program where students participate in a full day of hands-on learning, running from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
ELP is a 25-hour experience that includes an overnight stay at the Fort. Students arrive at 8:00 AM and remain until 9:00 AM the following morning, taking part in a variety of activities that simulate life during California’s early settlement period.
For more information on the application process, program costs, and available dates, contact Jared Jones at Jared.Jones@parks.ca.gov or call (916) 802-9723.
We invite teachers, students, and families to take advantage of these unique educational opportunities. Whether you join us in person or virtually, there are plenty of ways to engage with students at Sutter’s Fort SHP. Friends of Sutter’s Fort is proud to support these programs, and we thank our donors for making them possible.
For full details and to reserve your spot, visit our Educational Programs Page. We look forward to seeing you and your students at Sutter’s Fort this fall!