Educa­tional Programs

Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park is a premier destination for field trips in California.

Did you know that in a typical year, more than 50,000 students visit Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park for field trips and educational programs?

Our partners at California State Parks provide educators with a variety of educational programs to choose from to meet the needs of classrooms- from free virtual field trips to overnight experiences.

As the nonprofit partner for Sutter’s Fort SHP, Friends of Sutter’s Fort works to support these programs and provide grants and financial assistance to schools to help them overcome barriers that may prevent them from visiting Sutter’s Fort. 

Field Trips

A student works alongside blacksmith inside the blacksmith shop at Sutter's Fort

Environmental Living Program

For more than four decades, ELP has left an indelible mark on the lives of countless students, offering an immersive experience like no other. During ELP, students spend a full 24-hour day at Sutter’s Fort SHP.

A large group of students gather in front of the Central Building at Sutter's Fort

Environmental Studies Program

The perfect day-time alternative to the popular overnight program. ESP runs from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, allowing for a comprehensive exploration of history for students. 

Virtual Field Trips

Virtual Field Trips

Through PORTS (Parks Online Resources for Teachers and Students ®) educators can sign up for free, virtual field trips. They offer both live sessions and prerecorded sessions from Sutter’s Fort SHP and many other state parks throughout California. 

students gather around the grist mill at Sutter's Fort.

School TOur Program

This immersive 1-hour experience is designed to enrich your students’ understanding of the 1840s trades that shaped the history of Sutter’s Fort and California and uncover the integral role of Native Peoples in the Sacramento Valley whose labor was intertwined with the history of the Fort.

School bus parked on street with trees overhead.

Joint Field Trips

Many schools decide to visit Sutter’s Fort in conjunction with another site on the same day. Some of the most popular joint field trip options include the California State Indian Museum, the B Street Theatre, the California Railroad Museum and the Sacramento History Museum.

Two students use hammers in the vaquero room at Sutter's Fort

grant opportunities

Educators often face financial barriers that prevent them from participating in field trips. From program fees to transportation costs, our grant programs are designed to help teachers overcome these barriers. Learn more about grant opportunities available to teachers and schools.