Fort Richardson State Park, Historic Site & Lost Creek Reservoir State Trailway

Field Trip Programs

Guided Historical Tour

Students will take a guided tour through the historic buildings of Fort Richardson. As they explore these restored structures, students will learn what life was like for soldiers and civilians on the Texas frontier in the late 1800s.

This engaging tour brings Texas history to life, encouraging students to think critically about daily life, military service, and westward expansion.

  • Grade levels: 4 -8, 9-12
  • Subject area: Social Studies, Texas History
  • TEKS: 4.1(A-B), 4.3(A–C), 4.20(A–B), 4.11(A), 5.4(A), 5.24(A–B), 7.7(A–C), 7.21(A)

Living History at the Fort

This is an annual event, contact the park for the dates.

History comes to life at Fort Richardson! Step into the past and experience what life was like in a 19th-century Texas fort. Watch as soldiers drill in authentic uniforms, hear the crack of black powder rifles, and see firsthand how settlers, craftsmen, and soldiers lived and worked on the frontier. Activities can include blacksmithing and chuckwagon cooking to military reenactments and hands-on activities.

  • Grade levels: 4-8, 9-12
  • Subject area: Social Studies, Texas History
  • TEKS: 7.6(A-B), 5.24(A–B), 4.3(A), 4.4(B–D), 4.9(A), 4.19(A), 7.3–7.5, 113.41, 113.42, 113.44

Junior Ranger Campsite Detectives

Protecting earth’s natural areas is up to us and future generations. Students will learn the 7 Leave No Trace Principles then put their newfound skills to the test!

  • Grade levels: K-2, 3-5, 6-7
  • Subject area: Science, Scientific investigation and reasoning
  • TEKS: K.3(A), 1.3(A), 2.3(A), K.9(A)

Guided Hike

Trail guides lead a hike that focuses on topics using the natural ecosystems and historical resources of Fort Richardson State Park as opportunities for observation and learning. Some possible topics include plant and animal adaptations, life cycles, ecological succession and human alteration of the environment, erosion and sedimentation, aquifers, native and invasive species, natural resource conservation, and biological diversity.

  • Recommended grade levels: K-2, 3-5, 6-8
  • Subject areas: Science, Social Studies
  • TEKS: K.10(A), 1.12(C), 2.10(B), 3.10(B), 4.10(B), 4.12(B), 5.10(C), 5.12(A)

Animal Adaptations

Fort Richardson State Park is home to diverse native wildlife species. Students can touch and observe animal furs, skulls and other related materials during this show-and-tell style program. A journaling and observation activity can be added for older students to compare/contrast survival adaptations.

  • Recommended grade levels: K-2, 3-5
  • Subject area: Science
  • TEKS: K.13(B), 1.13(A), 3.13(A), 5.13(A), 3.12(D), 4.12(B), 5.12(A)

Nature Journaling 101

Keeping a nature journal provides an opportunity for personal growth and study of the ever-changing natural world. Students will learn the importance of nature journaling and different journaling techniques.

  • Grade levels: 3-5, 6-8, 9-12
  • Subject areas: English Language Arts, Reading and Art
  • TEKS: 3-5.2(A), MS1-3.2(A), 3-5.11(B)(ii), 3-5.13(B), 6-8.12(A)

Aquatic Science

Students will get their hands wet as they explore the fascinating world of aquatic invertebrates. By collecting and identifying these tiny creatures, students will learn how invertebrate diversity helps us determine the health of a water system. This hands-on program brings science to life while teaching the vital role these organisms play in a balanced aquatic ecosystem.

  • Grade levels: 5, 6-8, 9-12
  • Subject areas: Science, Aquatic Science, organisms and environments
  • TEKS: AS.2(F), AS.5(B), AS.10(C), 3-4.2(B), 5.2(C), 5.5(B), 6-8.2(C), 6.12(D), 7.8(C), 8.11(A)

Introduction to Birding

Learn about what makes birds special and why so many people enjoy birdwatching. Explore the area with a ranger and look for some of the unique birds that make the park their home.

  • Grade levels: 3-5, 6-8, 9-12
  • Subject area: Science
  • TEKS: 3.11(B), 5.12(C), 5.13(A), 7.5(G), 8.5(G), B.13(A), B.13(D)

Habitat Hike

While our homes might look different, humans and other animals all share the same basic needs for food, water, shelter and space. On this short hike, each student takes on the role of a native animal found at Fort Richardson and uses a “shopping list” to search the forest for all the items they need to survive.

  • Recommended grade levels: K-2
  • Subject area: Science
  • TEKS: K.12(A-B), 1.12(C), 2.12(A-B)

Aquifer Simulation

Students will explore how Fort Richardson’s aquifer works through a hands-on activity modeling how water moves through a karst landscape. They'll learn how features like sinkholes and underground channels help store and move water and why conserving this resource matters. After the activity, students will brainstorm ways to protect groundwater. Optional: A short hike and geological scavenger hunt can be added to spot real karst features in the park.

  • Recommended grade levels: 3-5, 6-8
  • Subject areas: Science, Earth Systems, Environmental Education
  • TEKS: 4.7(C), 5.7(B), 6.10(B)

Pack-a-Wagon Simulation

Step into the 1800s as students become pioneers packing a wagon for a journey across the Texas frontier. Working in teams, they must choose what to bring - food, tools, clothes, and more - while staying within space and weight limits. This hands-on activity teaches about frontier life and westward expansion, decision-making and teamwork, needs vs. wants, and historical empathy.

  • Recommended grade levels: 3-5, 6-8, 9-12
  • Subject areas: Problem-solving / Economics, History
  • TEKS: 7.6(A–B), 15(B), 15(15), 15(5), 15(9), 4.11(A)

Service Project

Help the park out and teach students to be good stewards of nature through volunteer work. Contact us about available opportunities. This can be an independent program or can be done in conjunction with other park programs.