Join Montcalm Community College on an unforgettable seven-day educational journey through some of America's most important historical, cultural, and natural landmarks. Experience culture, American history, government, and natural beauty firsthand on this unforgettable study-away adventure through Virginia and Washington, D.C. Students will explore the scenic landscapes of Shenandoah National Park, walk through Civil War and Revolutionary War battlefields, visit Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, tour James Madison University, and immerse themselves in the living history of Colonial Williamsburg.

The journey culminates in Washington, D.C., where students will visit iconic monuments, museums, and government institutions, gaining a deeper understanding of the people, events, and ideals that shaped our nation.

This unique educational experience combines cultural influences, history, civics, leadership, college exploration, and travel, creating memories and learning opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom.

Highlights include:

• Shenandoah National Park & Skyline Drive

• Luray Caverns

• New Market Battlefield

• James Madison University

• Monticello

• Colonial Williamsburg

• Yorktown Battlefield

• Washington, D.C. monuments, museums, and government sites

Day 1: Travel and Shenandoah National Park

5:00 a.m. Depart MCC
12:00 p.m. Lunch at Oasis Rest Stop on your own 

• (Sack lunch or purchase from one of the restaurant options)

4:00 p.m. Arrive at Shenandoah National Park Front Royal Entrance

• Stop at Dickey Ridge Visitor Center (restrooms, information, a bookstore, publications, and maps)

4:45 p.m. Skyline Drive 

• Signal Knob Overlook, Compton Gap, Hogback Overlook

6:30 p.m. Exit near Thornton Gap

7:30 p.m. Dinner in Luray
8:30 p.m. Hotel check-in

Day 2: Luray Caverns & Shenandoah Valley Exploration

7:00 a.m. Breakfast at the hotel

7:45 a.m. Depart for Luray Caverns

8:00 a.m. Luray Caverns Tour

Explore Luray Caverns

• Cave tour

• Museum exhibits

• Restrooms

• Gift shop

10:00 a.m. Travel to Thornton Gap Entrance

Skyline Drive North Section

• Pinnacles Overlook

• Franklin Cliffs Overlook

• Jewel Hollow Overlook

• Stony Man Overlook

12:00 p.m. Picnic Lunch

• Big Meadows Designated picnic area

• Pre-arranged Boxed lunches

12:45 p.m. Stony Man Trail Hike

• About 1.6 miles round trip

• Relatively easy

2:30 p.m. Travel to Byrd Visitor Center / Big Meadows

3:00 p.m. View exhibits about Shenandoah's natural and cultural history. 

• Learn about the creation of the park and the role of the Civilian Conservation Corps. 

•  Watch the park film (if available). 

• Speak with park rangers. 

• Use restrooms and the bookstore

4:00 p.m. Continue Skyline Drive South

Overlook Stops:

• Crescent Rock

• Timber Hollow

• Spitler Knoll

5:15 p.m. Exit Park toward Harrisburg

6:00 p.m. Hotel Check in Harrisonburg (Possible Hampton)

7:00 p.m. Dinner locally or at the Hotel

Day 3: Civil War in the Shenandoah Valley

7:00 a.m.  Breakfast at the hotel

8:00 a.m. Travel to New Market Battlefield

9:00 a.m. Explore New Market Battlefield State Historical Park

This site preserves the May 15, 1864, Battle of New Market, famous for the participation of Virginia Military Institute cadets.

• Museum exhibits

• Battlefield orientation film

• Battlefield walking tour

• Student leadership discussion

• Military strategy analysis

11:30 p.m. Lunch in New Market

12:15 p.m. Depart for Harrisonburg

1:00 p.m. Shenandoah Heritage Market

Explore:

• Local foods

• Amish and Mennonite influences

• Agriculture in the Shenandoah Valley

• Regional crafts

2:00 p.m. Back to Harrisonburg

2:30 p.m. James Madison University Campus Visit

• Admissions presentation

• Guided tour

• Student life discussion residence hall tour

6:00 p.m. Back to the Hotel in Harrisonburg

Special Dinner presentation with Ole Bess

Day 4: Monticello/Williamsburg

6:30 a.m. Breakfast at hotel 

7:30 a.m. Depart for Monticello

8:45 a.m. Arrive at Monticello (Charlottesville)

Monticello Tour Program

Explore:

• House tour

• Mulberry Row

• Visitor Center Exhibits

• "Life of the Enslaved Community" exhibits

• Grounds and gardens

12:30 p.m. Lunch at Monticello Visitor Center 

1:15 p.m. Depart for Williamsburg

3:30 p.m. Arrive in Williamsburg and Great Wolf Lodge Check in

4:30 p.m. Colonial Williamsburg Orientation Walk

Enjoy:

• Duke of Gloucester Street

• Capitol exterior

• Governor's Palace exterior

• Historic district atmosphere

• Student photo opportunities

6:00 p.m. Hotel Check In (Great Wolf Lodge)

6:30 p.m. Dinner at the lodge

Day 5: Williamsburg /Washington, DC

7:00 a.m. Breakfast at hotel

8:00 a.m. Depart for Colonial Williamsburg

8:30 a.m. Explore Colonial Williamsburg

Explore:

• Capitol Building (Guided)

• Courthouse (Guided)

• Governor's Palace grounds (Guided)

• Historic trades demonstrations Free Exploration

  • Blacksmith Shop

  • Gunsmith

  • Printing Office

11:30: p.m. Depart for Yorktown Visitor Center for lunch

12:00 p.m. Enjoy Lunch 

1:00 a.m. Exploration of Yorktown Battlefield

1:30 p.m. Visitor Center and Film

2:15 p.m. Explore

• American Lines

• French Positions

• British Defenses

• Surrender Field

• Victory Monument

4:30 p.m. Depart Yorktown for Washington, DC

Approximately 3 to 3.5 hours by charter bus depending on traffic. Dinner along the way TBD

8:00 p.m. Hotel Check In

Day 6: Washington DC

6:30 a.m. Breakfast

7:30 a.m. Depart for the U.S. capitol (Arrival by 8:00 to get through security)

8:30 a.m.  

• U.S. Capitol Tour (Shoot for 8:30 a.m.)

• Library of Congress Visit (10:00 a.m.) 

  • Jeffersons Library

• Supreme Court (outside picture)

12:00 p.m. Lunch at Pentagon City Mall food court
1:00 p.m. Pentagon 9/11 Memorial

2:00 p.m. White House Picture Stop
3:00 p.m. Smithsonian Museums (American History or Natural History)
5:00 p.m. Dinner Reagan Int. Trade Center
6:00 p.m. Memorial Tour: WWII, MLK Jr., Korean, Vietnam, Lincoln, Jefferson (Time permitting)

8:00 p.m. Back to the Hotel

Day 7: Return Home

6:00 a.m.  Breakfast
7:00 a.m.  Depart for MCC
1:30 p.m.  Lunch at Hilton Garden Inn
8971 Wilcox Drive, Twinsburg, OH 44087

7:00 p.m. Approximate arrival at MCC