Field Trip FAQs

How do we book a field trip to the Nevada State Museum, Carson City?
All school field trips require a reservation. To book, complete the Field Trip Request Form on our website. Reservations for the 2026-2027 school year open July 31, 2026.

Does it cost anything to book a field trip to the museum?
Admission is free for students. We allow one (1) free adult for every ten (10) students. Any additional adult over the 1:10 ratio will have to pay the $10 admission to the museum. We can, however, reimburse eligible schools for the cost of their buses.

Do adults include both teachers and chaperones?
Yes, we count adults at the museum as anyone age 18 and over.

We have more adults than the 1:10 adult to student ratio. How do we pay for the extra adults?
The Education Department will ask for how many extra adults you have in your party and will send you an invoice with the price for the number of extra adults. You may pay for the extra adults at the front desk on the day of your tour. We accept Visa, MasterCard, Cash, or a Check.

What is the Bus Transportation Reimbursement program?
Nevada public schools may be eligible for travel reimbursement. Funding is limited and offered first come, first served. We will need the exact dollar amount for the bus(es) when booking your tour. Your school will need to ensure the school district sends an invoice for the bus to dmhfiscal@nevadaculture.org.

View the program info here or email nsmeducation@nevadaculture.org to ask.

Please note that this ONLY applies to the Nevada State Museum. The Nevada State Capitol is not a part of the reimbursement program.

What information do I need to complete the Field Trip Request Form?
You’ll need your school’s name, contact info, preferred visit date(s), number of students and adults, grade level, and what tour type you are requesting. Please note any accessibility needs or special requests.

What communication will I receive prior to the field trip?
Once confirmed, you’ll receive a confirmation packet with your itinerary, guidelines, contact info, and arrival instructions. Reminders will be sent as your visit approaches. The week before the scheduled field trip, the teacher will receive a reminder email on all details before the trip. If the group has requested a scavenger hunt, the email will include a downloadable scavenger hunt worksheet for the students to use as they move through the exhibits. Teachers are required to print copies of the scavenger hunts prior to arriving at the museum.

How do I request Field Trip Scavenger Hunt Worksheet?
On the Field Trip Booking Form, select from one of the available scavenger hunt grade levels (e.g. Ages 7 & under, 8-11, and 12 & up).

When are field trips offered?
Field trips are available on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

What time should we arrive?
Field trip groups may begin at 9:00 a.m.

Where do buses unload? Where do we park?
The school bus loading zone is at the back entrance to the museum on Curry Street. Extra parking for chaperones or other adults is either street parking or in the lot across Curry Street, directly behind the museum.

Our bus is running late to the museum! What do we do?
If you encounter any delays or difficulties the day of your tour, please contact the Museum Security Desk at 775-687-0651.

Can we visit the Nevada State Capitol during our museum field trip? 
Yes, but you will need to book a separate field trip form for the Nevada State Capitol. The Capitol is free for both students and adults. Guided tours of the Nevada State Capitol are subject to volunteer availability. To fill out a field trip request of the Nevada State Capitol, go to our School Field Trip Request Form and choose Nevada State Capitol under Field Trip Choices.

All visiting groups are welcomed with a short orientation at the entrance of the museum.

Please note: Once your field trip is approved, you will receive a Field Trip Confirmation & Guidelines packet. All participating educators and chaperones must review and agree to these guidelines in order to confirm their booking. You are responsible for your group’s compliance and the distribution of the guideline’s information.

Why are we limited to 60 students at a time?
To ensure a safe and smooth visit for all guests and staff, field trip groups are limited to no more than 60 students per entry.

Can we bring more than 60 students?
Yes, but you must coordinate staggered entry. We recommend coordinating additional programming with either the Nevada State Legislature, Nevada State Capitol, or walking the Kit Carson Trail.

What supervision is required?
A minimum of 1 chaperone per 10 students is required. Students must remain with their teacher or chaperone at all times.

Can students visit the museum store?
Yes, with supervision. Limit 10 students in the store at a time, with each group or 10 students or less accompanied by a teacher or chaperone.

Do you have space for students to eat lunch? 
Yes, we allow school groups to use Loftin Park in the front of the museum as a space to eat lunch. This is an outdoor space, so please plan accordingly on days with rainy or snowy weather.

NSMCC offers a range of field trip experiences aligned with Nevada Academic Content Standards in Social Studies and Science. Educators can choose between self-guided scavenger hunt visits or enhanced options including guided tours and staff-led STEAM activities.

What is a self-guided scavenger hunt tour?
Your group explores exhibits independently, after a short orientation from museum staff. Teachers and chaperones lead the experience. Scavenger hunts will be provided to teachers in an email approximately one week prior to the field trip visit.

How much staff support is included in a self-guided tour?
Museum staff will be present to welcome your group and may offer support in the galleries, but they do not lead the experience.

Do I need to print these scavenger hunt worksheets for my students?
Teachers are required to print copies of the scavenger hunts prior to arriving at the museum. Museum staff will not guarantee any available copies at the time of your visit.

What should students bring?
Printed worksheets, clipboards, and pencils are welcome. Backpacks, food, drinks, and gum are not permitted inside galleries. Comfortable shoes are recommended. Museum staff may provide limited quantity clipboards and pencils for students to use while going through the museum. All pencils and clipboards must be returned at the conclusion of the field trip.

Can we request a guided tour or STEAM Program?
Yes. Guided tours and STEAM programs are available as enhanced experiences for groups of 60 students or fewer. These must be requested when you submit your reservation and require booking at least three weeks in advance. We have a Stations Tour, Small Group Guided Tour, and STEAM Programming available as guided options. Availability depends on staff and volunteer scheduling and is not guaranteed.

What is the Stations Guided Tour?
This 90-minute stations tour will take your students around the Nevada State Museum as you and your students will be able to get up close with some artifacts throughout the museum and hear stories of the Battleborn State. Students will be broken into 5 different groups, where they will spend 15 minutes at each station learning with our educated volunteer tour guides. Topics include Native American History, the famous Coin Press No. 1, our reconstructed ghost town/mine, and more!

Do we have to break up into 5 groups before the Stations Guided Tour? 
Yes, please have your students broken into 5 groups prior to your tour. This helps us get your school group started on their tour faster!

What is the Small Group Guided Tour?
This 60-minute guided tour throughout the museum will tell the stories of the Battleborn State through our volunteer tour guides and immerse your students in Nevada History. This tour will cover topics such as Native American History, Natural History, Nevada’s Wild West History, our reconstructed ghost town/mine, the famous Coin Press No. 1, and more! This tour is limited to 20 students total, so it is best for smaller groups. 

What STEAM Programming do you offer?
We offer a variety of STEAM programs in conjunction with our Natural History exhibit! Please check out our Additional Programs page for all STEAM programs.

Do the STEAM Programs include a full tour of the museum?
No, our STEAM programs are conducted mostly in our Natural History section of the museum as well as our Auditorium. These do NOT include other exhibits such as our Ghost Town and Mine.