Field Trips: Oliver Kelley Farm

Experience the story of farming and food at the Kelley Farm from 19th-century farm life on the historic farmstead to modern Minnesota agriculture and food in the Farm Lab.

Core experience

Farming Through the Seasons

Grades K-12
Experience the sights, smells, sounds, and activities of an 1860s family farm! Students will participate in essential farm work, meet a variety of farm animals, and help prepare foods like those that Minnesotans ate 150 years ago. Students will compare and contrast the lives of farm children from the past to their lives today through hands-on, seasonal activities that help the farm run. 

Prepare For Your Day

Before you come

• Assign students to specific chaperones. One chaperone per ten students is admitted free during your Kelley Farm visit.
• Make name tags for your students

Prepare your chaperones

• Chaperones are responsible for the conduct of the students they are accompanying. The Oliver Kelley Farm requires that students and chaperones remain together at all times.

Prepare your students

• Discuss Museum Manners.
• Learn about the Oliver Kelley Farm.
• Share the two-minute introduction video.

Accessibility

The Oliver Kelley Farm welcomes all visitors and strives to make everyone's visit a positive experience. Please let us know if your group has anyone with special accommodation needs. Call 1-888-387-5008 to discuss your access needs.

• Auxillary aids or services, including sign language interpreters, are available with two weeks's notice.
• Limited number of wheelchairs are available on site for use during your visit.
• Private spaces and restrooms are available for diaper changing and tube feeding.
• More about Oliver Kelley Farm accessiblity.

The day of your visit

• Bag or box lunches together by group number for ease of distribution.
• Give bus driver's directions
• Give chaperones a list of the students in their group and scheduled activities.

When you arrive at the Oliver Kelley Farm

• Unload buses in the bus drop off in front of the Visitor Center entrrance.
• Give an accurate count of the number of students, teachers and chaperones to the School Program Facilitator.
• Students will enjoy a brief orientation before starting their field trip.
• Late arrival may impact your group's schedule and activities for the day. Running late? Weekday groups contact: 1-888-387-5008 Weekend groups contact: 1-763-441-6896.

Cancelation policy

• Please visit our Program Policies page for information about our trip cancellation policy.

Cost

• $6 per student
• Teachers and school staff are admitted free
• One chaperone free per ten students ($6 for each additional chaperone)
• MNHS memberships are not accepted for group visits
• All reservations will be invoiced, to original booking teacher via email unless otherwise specified, after your program for final numbers in attendance. Separate payments by individual members of the group, including chaperones, will not be accepted. Final payment is due in the form of a single check or credit card within 30 days after your scheduled experience. No refunds will be issued after payment has been received. Minnesota Historical Society Membership and 6th Grade Minnesota History Passes are not valid for field trips, paid program, or specially priced exhibits.