Hands-On Learning at River Bend Barn
River Bend Barn Programs
The River Bend Barn, located within River Bend Farm at Biltmore, is a one-of-a-kind structure designed by Richard Howland Hunt, son of Biltmore House architect Richard Morris Hunt. At the turn of the last century, it stabled draft horses and mules; provided storage for hay, grain, and farm equipment; and housed the Smithy and other work areas. The barn also served as a social gathering place for the families of estate workers who called Biltmore home.
Today the River Bend Barn serves as a venue for experiential educational programs linked to the NC Standard Course of Study. Depending on their grade, students learn about farm life and explore the unique technological features of the barn, interact with animals in the Farmyard or experience first-hand both the science and sensory delights of Biltmore's Kitchen Garden. Curriculum links vary according to program and may include:
- Social Studies
- Science
- Math
- English Language Arts
- Information Skills
- Healthy Living
- Visual Arts
Please call 866-851-4661 for more information.
Educational Programs
2009–2010 School Year
All our River Bend Farm tours meet state and national educational standards. We enhance classroom learning with inspiration and hands-on learning. Please dress appropriately for River Bend Farm tours, as all activities are outdoors. All activities are season and weather-dependent. Download the complete Educational Program guidebook for full tour descriptions and more information.
Living Science Fair on the Farm
Designed for Fourth to Eighth Grade Curriculum
Delve into the wonderful world of science. Conduct a mini-science project using natural resources from our farm. Create a hypothesis, make observations, draw conclusions, and present your discoveries.
Animal Crackers
Designed for K–3 Classes
This combination tour includes highlights from An Introduction to Biltmore House and Animal Crackers at River Bend Farm. Designed to accommodate little legs, this option includes introducing young learners to art, history, farming, gardening, and livestock. Activities at the farm vary depending on time of year, work schedules, and weather, and may include a tractor-pulled wagon ride, horse grooming, bottle feeding young animals, gathering and washing eggs, and tending a garden. This tour is also a great teaching tool for fieldtrip etiquette and manners.
Barn Tales—A Day in the Life at River Bend Farm
Designed for Fourth and Fifth Grade Curriculum
Create your own living history with role-playing. Students pretend to be estate employees who lived and worked at River Bend Farm in the late 19th century as they learn about our food chain, agricultural methods, and examine the distance food travels. Activities accentuate the community nature of farming and may include butter churning, gardening, animal care, and woodworking.
Go Green! An Environmental Analysis
Designed for Middle and High School students
Gain an appreciation for Western North Carolina's natural resources while learning about the estate's green techniques. The program concludes with the creation of an environmental and wildlife conservation action plan for Appalachia.
Nature Hunt: A Story in the Land
Designed for Middle and High School Students
Take an excursion around the estate while looking for clues about land use. We'll go beyond the picturesque beauty and learn how time and human contact impacted the landscape.
Old-time Holiday Celebration at River Bend Farm
Open to all grades; available November 9–December 18, 2009.
Continue to explore Vanderbilt holiday traditions with a visit to River Bend Farm. Partake in old-fashioned activities such as creating ornaments from nature, candle making, caroling, and wagon rides. Students should dress warmly as some activities are held outdoors.
Make reservations by calling Group Sales at 866-851-4661