What to expect: LaGrange, Georgia (located 60 minutes south of Atlanta) is a top destination for homeschooling families and educational field trips. This two-day, family-friendly itinerary covers ancient history at the Biblical History Center, botany at Hills & Dales Estate, physical education at Great Wolf Lodge, and local history at the Legacy Museum on Main, offering hands-on learning across multiple curriculum subjects.
Mid-week offers? Check. Hands-on history? Check. Swimming for “PE”? Double Check. Pack the car. Class is in session!
Subject 1: Ancient History & Social Studies at Biblical History Center (LaGrange, GA)
The Biblical History Center in LaGrange is one of the few museums globally where students can experience the daily life of the ancient world firsthand. Forget reading about the Roman Empire—come taste it.
Teacher Tip: Book the “Kid’s Dig” add-on so students can excavate replica artifacts in a real sand pit.
Educational Activity: The Bread of Life Tour allows children to recline at a replica Roman triclinium table, learn ancient dining customs, and taste 15 authentic ancient food items.
Curriculum Matches: Ancient Civilizations, Roman History, Archaeology, World Religions.
Subject 2: Biology & Botany at Hills & Dales Estate
Step into one of the best-preserved 19th-century gardens in the United States. This 35-acre estate serves as a living laboratory for plant life, conservation, and landscape architecture.
Teacher Tip: Visit Hills & Dales Estate during the Spring (azalea season) or Fall to discuss plant life cycles and seasonal changes.
Educational Activity: Grab a map for the Garden Scavenger Hunt. Students will hunt for the rare Bunya-Bunya tree, identify different species of dwarf boxwoods, and learn how the Ferrell and Callaway families preserved this land for nearly 200 years.
Curriculum Matches: Life Science, Botany, Georgia History (The Textile Industry).
Subject 3: Physical Education at Great Wolf Lodge or West Point Lake
Option A: The “Physics of Fun” at Great Wolf Lodge
Why Parents Love It: The indoor park is 84 degrees year-round, requiring no sunscreen.
Educational Activity: 93,000 square feet of indoor water park action.
Curriculum Matches: Hydrodynamics, swimming strokes, climbing, and water safety.
Option B: Nature Study at West Point Lake
Curriculum Matches: Freshwater ecology and local wildlife spotting (including Ospreys and Bald Eagles).
Educational Activity: Hiking the trails at Oakfuskee Conservation Center (located at Pyne Road Park) or renting a kayak.
Family-Friendly Dining & Recess in LaGrange
Every good school day needs a recess and a great lunch.
- Your Pie Pizza: Customizable personal pizzas where everyone gets exactly what they want.
- Picnic at Lafayette Square: Grab sandwiches and eat by the Lafayette Fountain. It’s an ideal spot to discuss the Marquis de Lafayette and the Revolutionary War statue.
- Recess at Southbend Park: Located downtown, this urban oasis features age-specific playground zones, fenced-in safety, a Tony Hawk Foundation-funded concrete skatepark, and separated dog parks with agility obstacles.
Where to Stay: Family Lodging Options
Hotel Option: Great Wolf Lodge
Best For: All-in-one resort families
Key Perk: On-site indoor water park; sign up for “48 Hour Sale” emails
Hotel Option: Holiday Inn Express & Suites
Best For: Budget-savvy travelers
Key Perk: Free hot breakfast included (cinnamon rolls)
Hotel Option: Courtyard by Marriott
Best For: Quiet retreats with older kids
Key Perk: Walking access to downtown square and museums
Bonus Subjects: History, Civics & Engineering
The best lessons happen where history actually happened.
Civil Engineering at Mulberry Street Cemetery
Horace King was born into slavery in 1807 and became the most respected bridge builder in the Deep South, eventually buying his freedom and serving in the Alabama legislature.
- The Activity: Walk across the Town Lattice Truss covered bridge at the cemetery entrance. Originally built by King’s son, it was moved here to honor the master builder buried just steps away.
- Challenge: Have students identify how the wooden lattice design holds weight without using modern steel beams.
Women in Wartime at Legacy Museum on Main
While most men were away fighting during the Civil War, the women of LaGrange formed their own military company—the Nancy Harts—to defend the town.
- The Activity: Visit the Legacy Museum on Main to see the artifacts and hear the story of how these women successfully negotiated a peaceful surrender, saving their homes from being burned.
- Trivia for Kids: The Union Colonel who surrendered to them was also named LaGrange (Colonel Oscar LaGrange).
International Alliances at Lafayette Square
Why is a Georgia town named “LaGrange”? It’s named after the French estate of the Marquis de Lafayette, the hero of the American Revolution.
- The Activity: Find the statue of Lafayette in the center of the fountain. It is an exact replica of the one in Le Puy-en-Velay, France.
- Discussion Question: Why did a French aristocrat come to America to fight for our freedom?
Ready to Book Your Unit Study?
LaGrange is ready for your class.
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Teacher Resources & Downloads
Make the trip count with these free printables.