Student Adventure-Outdoor Itinerary (3-days)

Whitewater Rafting in Ohiopyle (Fayette County) 🚣
9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Kick off the trip with an exciting whitewater rafting adventure with White Water Adventures on the Youghiogheny River in Ohiopyle State Park! This thrilling yet student-friendly activity is a perfect way to experience Western Pennsylvania’s natural beauty. Beginner-friendly guided tours are available for safe and fun rafting.

Lunch Break in Ohiopyle 🥪
12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m.

Enjoy a picnic lunch or grab a bite at a local café before heading to the next stop.

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Kentuck Knob 🏡
2 p.m.-3:30 p.m.

Tour Kentuck Knob, one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural masterpieces. This stunning home blends seamlessly into the Laurel Highlands landscape and offers students a look at organic architecture and sculpture gardens.

Overnight Stay – Hampton Inn Greensburg 🌙

After a day of adventure and architecture, settle in for the night at Hampton Inn Greensburg to rest up for Day 2.

Graffiti Art Tour OR Scratch Mold Workshop with Rivers of Steel 🎨
9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

Rivers of Steel showcases the artistry and innovation of southwestern Pennsylvania’s industrial and cultural heritage by fostering dynamic initiatives and transformative experiences.

Option 1: Graffiti Art Tour – Explore the Carrie Furnaces, a former steel mill turned outdoor art gallery featuring stunning large-scale graffiti.

Option 2: Scratch Mold Workshop – Get hands-on with metalworking by creating a custom iron casting mold, which will be poured into solid metal by foundry artists!

Lunch at Eat’n Park 🍽️
noon-1 p.m.

Enjoy a classic Pittsburgh diner experience with a student-friendly meal, and of course, don’t forget the famous Smiley Cookies!

Cathedral of Learning – Nationality Rooms Tour 🏛️
1:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m.

Head to the University of Pittsburgh for a guided tour of the Nationality Rooms, each representing a different country’s cultural heritage and architectural style.

Heinz Memorial Chapel Tour ⛪
2:45 p.m.-3:30 p.m.

Next, visit the stunning Heinz Memorial Chapel, known for its breathtaking stained glass windows and Gothic-style architecture.

Phipps Conservatory & Botanical Gardens 🌿
3:45p.m.-5 p.m. ~if time allows

If time permits, explore the beautiful themed gardens, exotic plant collections, and seasonal exhibits at Phipps Conservatory & Botanical Gardens.

Overnight Stay – Best Western Plus Cranberry North 🌙

Travel north and check in to the Best Western Plus Cranberry North for the final night of the trip.

Ranger-Guided Hike at Moraine State Park 🥾
9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

Start the day with a ranger-led hike at Moraine State Park, where students can learn about local wildlife, geology, and conservation efforts while enjoying the scenic trails along Lake Arthur.

Picnic Lunch in the Park 🥪
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Enjoy a picnic-style lunch at Moraine State Park, soaking in the natural beauty before heading to the final stop.

Living Treasures Animal Park (Lawrence County) 🦁
1 p.m.-3 p.m.

End the trip with a visit to Living Treasures Animal Park, where students can feed and interact with over 70 species of animals, including giraffes, camels, and kangaroos! This up-close experience is both fun and educational.