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Posts Tagged ‘Homeschool’

Hiking With A History Lesson: Battle of Musgrove Mill State Historic Site

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If you are looking for a fun outing in the great outdoors while taking in history, then the Musgrove Mill State Historic Site is the place! Learning about history doesn’t have to be boring, it can be an adventure! Local mom Maria took her kids to Musgrove Mill State Historic Site and is sharing her experience with us. This beautiful outdoor destination includes lots of territory to explore plus American history to share with your family.

This park is part of the free incentive program to get kids exploring the outdoors! Learn all about it in our review of the Kids in Parks Program!

On a hot, humid day on August 19, 1780, 200 Patriot militia defeated over 500 Loyalist troops at the Battle of Musgrove Mill. Today you can visit the beautiful Musgrove Mill State Historic Site to walk the steps of the patriot force and militiamen. If you do, you’ll also enjoy a beautiful, wooded hike alongside a clear, clean creek, and waterfall.

View of the Enoree River at Musgrove Mill
Enoree River at Musgrove Mill

Our Day at Musgrove Mill State Historic Site

You’ll want to begin your visit at the Visitor’s Center, where park rangers will play a short audio presentation about the battle, accompanied by a map with lighted markers, which will give your family a birds-eye view of the movement of both patriot and loyalist troops.

Hiking trails to choose from

Then you’ll need to choose to hike one of Musgrove Mill’s two trails. Will it be the one-mile hike to the loyalist camp along the Enoree River?  Or will it be the 1.3-mile battlefield trail beginning at Horseshoe Falls along Cedar Shoals Creek? My family is studying the American Revolutionary War this fall and have visited several Southern Campaign battlefields, so we decided to follow the battlefield trail. We were not disappointed!

Hikers will find the camp trail at the end of the Visitor Center parking lot, but if your family decides to visit the falls and the battlefield trail, you’ll need to get back in your car and drive about three miles to cross the Enoree River and get to the park’s other parking lot. The ranger at the Visitor Center will provide you with a map!

You can also follow the road signs for Horseshoe Falls. When you arrive at the trailhead, you will find a gravel parking lot and sign, just before the metal bridge that crosses the creek.

View of the fields at Musgrove Mills State Historic Site

The Battlefield Trail at Musgrove Mill

The battlefield trail begins with a couple of hundred yards of concrete, a wheelchair-accessible trail that takes you to Horseshoe Falls. Hikers of the battlefield trail will continue on past the falls, where the trail is no longer paved. The battlefield trail is a 1.3-mile loop, with frequent signage that describes the backcountry’s role in the Revolutionary War, the key players in the Battle of Musgrove Mill, and takes you step by step through the battle. 

Walking through the Revolutionary War sites

You’ll walk the soldiers’ path to the ridge where the outnumbered patriot militia waited to attack the loyalists. Of the Revolutionary War sites my family has visited, these signs were the easiest for my children to understand. My 8-year-old was able to read the majority of them aloud to the rest of us, and the pictures were clear and helpful. It was wonderful to gain a clear understanding and appreciation for what happened that day on the exact ridge upon which we stood.

Hiking the Battlefield Trail with young children

The battlefield hike does have some hills, but our little group didn’t find it too difficult. My 5-year-old was able to hike it without any difficulty, and my 3-year-old needed a piggyback ride for just the last bit of the loop. For young children, a carrier backpack would be helpful.

On our hike back to the car, we stopped at Horseshoe Falls to enjoy the waterfall and have a snack before heading for home. The nature-loving, rock skipping, critter hunting little ones among you will love exploring the edge of the sandy pool at the bottom of the falls.

Horseshoe Falls at Musgrove Mill State Historic Site
Horseshoe Falls at Musgrove Mill State Historic Site

More Things to Do at Musgrove Mill

  • Take a hike on the Palmetto Trail through the Blackstocks Battlefield, a moderately difficult hike with a 1.5-mile loop. This trail goes through the grounds of the Revolutionary War Battle of Blackstocks that occurred on November 20, 1780.
  • Fish on the Enoree River! You will need a SC fishing license, but the park does participate in the Tackle Loaner Program. Just pick up a loaner rod and reel from the park office.
  • Canoe or kayak down the Enoree River. There is a launch site at the park.
  • Have a picnic! There are a couple of shelters on site that are first come first serve, but a big blanket and basket will do the trick.
  • This place is bird heaven! If you love birdwatching or want to incorporate an Ecology lesson into your trip, then you will be happy to know that there are 30+ species of birds that you can see year-round or seasonally, including Great Horned Owls, Wild Turkeys, Great Blue Herons, and dozens more.
  • Geocaching! See what treasure you can find at several geocaching locations in the Musgrove Mill State Historic Site.

How and When to Visit Musgrove Mill

Musgrove Mill State Historic Site is located at 398 State Park Road in Clinton, South Carolina. 

The Horseshoe Falls and battlefield trail is open from 9 am to 6 pm daily. The gate to the visitor center and the camp trail is open 9 am – 6 pm daily.  The visitor center is open 10 am – 5 pm Friday through Sunday, and 10 am – 4 pm Monday through Monday- Thursday. We went on a Monday morning and there were two very helpful staff members at the Visitor’s Center.

There is a small fee for admission since it is part of the SC State Park system. However, if you have an SC State Park pass, it’s free. The SC State Parks website has more information and directions to the Battle of Musgrove Mill State Historic Site.

Curious to learn about the battle before you go? Check out this site, which gives an overview of the battle.

We hope you love your hike through a bit of American history. If you enjoy the trip, you’ll be happy to know that there are many state and national parks at the site of Revolutionary War battles in the upstate and throughout South Carolina. The SC State Parks Revolutionary War History page offers an excellent overview of the war in South Carolina and links to sites you can visit today!

Would your kids enjoy a historical field trip to Musgrove Mill State Historic Site?


Hiking in Greenville, SC

Looking for more hiking adventures?

Check out our Ultimate Guide to Hiking in the Upstate!


Make your adventure an educational one with our guide to Amazing Educational Things to Do in Greenville, SC.

Educational Adventures near Greenville SC

Museum & Gallery at Bob Jones University: Art History for All Ages

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M&G, the Bob Jones Museum and Gallery, is a place to examine cultural and art history for all ages. Though M&G has been closed to the public since 2017, you can still view historic pieces of art from the gallery at various campus locations, off-campus locations, and events throughout the Upstate.

Plus, M&G still offers homeschool programs, specialized tours, and summer camps! As M&G continues to fund for a new location, we can support them through the various art history programs available.

Where to See Collections on View Throughout the BJU Campus

Though the brick-and-mortar Museum and Gallery location is no longer open at BJU, there are several places where you can view Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, American, and religious art throughout the campus at Bob Jones University. The M&G Collection on View has pieces displayed in three campus locations, including:

  • Gustafson Fine Arts Center Atrium: Open Monday – Friday, 8 am – 5 pm
    Tours are available, Open to the public
    European Old Masters painting collection of Luther’s Journey: Experience the History
  • War Memorial Chapel: Open by appointment only
    Tours available
    The Benjamin West Collection: The Father of American Painting
  • Mack Library: Monday – Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm
    Open to the public
    Medieval and Renaissance artifacts and art pieces 

You will also find off-campus art displays from the M&G collection at First Presbyterian Church of Greenville from April 4, 2023- October 12, 2023, at the Jerry and Alice Lenz Gallery in Downtown Greenville, SC. These art pieces explore the Baroque era and include 14 paintings as part of the Ponder Anew: Baroque Masters of the Baroque exhibition. The satellite location is used to temporarily house one of the largest collections from M&G while BJU acquires a permanent location for the museum.

The gallery is open to the public on Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm. You can also make an appointment by emailing cfra[email protected] for out-of-public hour visits. 

Kids creating art at the Bob Jones Museum and Gallery

Activities for All Ages

Does history and art make your eyes glaze over? It doesn’t have to be like that! History is rich with incredible and interesting stories and art reflects that intrigue. M&G offers Scavenger Hunts that encompass everything from the signs and symbols in the art that mean something more than meets the eye to be able to identify techniques used by the greatest artists in all of history.

For 2023, Scavenger Hunts are currently held at the Ponder Anew: Baroque Masterworks of the Museum and Gallery exhibit at the First Presbyterian Church of Greenville. You can grab it at the reception desk at First Presbyterian from April until October 12, 2023. 

M&G also offers two print-off seasonal scavenger hunts for Easter and Christmas. These hunts are for all ages and use short audio clips and videos to help the hunter find out more information about the pieces they are hunting for.   

Art Discovery Tours for Kids

There are also specialized Cultural Discovery Tours for kids so they can learn more about art history. These tours are from K – 12th grade, and groups of 10 or more are needed. Tours are free but must be requested in advance.

Currently, M&G offers on-campus and off-campus tours for three different exhibits, including Luther’s Journey: Experience the History (grades 6th – 12th), Benjamin West: The Father of American Painting (grades 3rd -12th grade), and Ponder Anew: Baroque Masterworks from the Museum and Gallery (1st – 12th grade). Homeschool groups and teachers can submit a Specialized Focus Tours form to find out more information about the exhibits.

homeschool days at Bob Jones M & G

M&G Homeschool Days

M&G at Bob Jones University offers a special program for homeschoolers for their Homeschool Days, one that caters to students ages 5 – 14 years old. Lessons are 75 minutes long and are available once per month at the Mack Building on campus.

The Homeschool Days theme for 2023/2024 is American Masters. During their visit, students will learn about American artists, while exploring various art styles, media, and artists themselves. Elementary and Middle School lessons are available, so your kid will be learning on their level. Children will be inspired to dream and imagine what impact they can have on history too!

Homeschool days for 2023/2024 include:

  • September 7 or 8, 2023
  • October 5 or 6, 2023
  • November 2 or 3, 2023
  • February 8 or 9, 2024
  • March 7 or 8, 2024
  • April 4 or 5, 2024

Homeschool Days Class Schedule

Elementary classes for children ages K5- 5th grade are on Thursdays at 10 a.m. and 2 pm or and Fridays at 10 am, noon, and 2 pm.

The Middle School lessons are for children grades 6th – 8th grade, and follow the same order of subject matters on Fridays at 10 am, noon, or 2 pm.

Registration for Homeschool Days

Registration for Homeschool Days begins in August, and you can register for the Fall 2023 classes through the Homeschool Days Fall Registration form. Registration for the second semester for Spring 2024 will open at the end of the year.

Fees are $8.50 for children and $3 for adults. Adults are not required to stay for the lesson but are asked to walk their children into the museum and pick them up after 75 minutes.

For FAQs on the Homeschool Days, see here.

Digital Homeschool Days

If you prefer an at-home program, M&G also offers Digital Homeschool Days. These digital classes are for ages 5 – 14 years old and explore The Age of Antiquity. You must pre-register for the digital lessons and will have access to lessons on Sumer, Assyria, Babylon, Egypt, Hebrew, Greece, and Rome. 

Museum on the Move

If you are looking for a unique way to bring the museum to your classroom or homeschool co-op, then M&G has you covered! They offer art-based STEAM units, whoo hoo! If you choose the in person option, an educator will come to your classroom or group for a 30 – 60 minute lesson. Lessons meet core SC standards, so you don’t have to stress about that. 

You can also choose for grades 1st through 6th, with several lesson options available. You can find more information about the Museum on the Move program and how to register for in person and digital lessons on the M&G Museum on the Move page. 

Kids Create! Summer Camp at M&G

Every summer, M&G at Bob Jones University offers a Kids Create! Summer camp that will have your child exploring the world through art. Summer camps are available for children aged K5 – age 12. Your child will explore the fine arts, create art projects, play interactive games, learn age-appropriate material, and make new friends! Camps are typically a week long in June and are half-day.

Registration for Kids Create! Will open at the beginning of 2024 for the 2024 summer session.

Museum & Gallery at Bob Jones University
864-770-1331
http://www.bjumg.org
https://www.facebook.com/bjumg

Have you ever taken your kids to M & G at Bob Jones University?


The Ultimate Homeschool Guide to the Upstate, South Carolina.

Homeschooling?

Check out our Ultimate Homeschool Guide to the Upstate!


Summer Camps are the Best!

We have a Guide to over 120 Summer Camps Near Greenville, SC. There is something for every interest.

Summer camps in Greenville, SC and Upstate, SC

20+ Stores, Businesses, and Venues That Offer Homeschool Discounts

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If you’re homeschooling in Greenville this year, you might be eligible for homeschool discounts at some of your favorite local stores and businesses. You can find discounts for books, computers and even local things to do like visiting Roper Mountain Science Center. So, stock up on school supplies and save money with perks for the upcoming school year!

There are also some pretty significant discounts for homeschoolers when traveling. We’ve included discounts to popular venues at nearby vacation spots in Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida.

Where to find homeschool discounts at stores and venues near Greenville, SC.
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Eden Farms Has So Many Horse Experiences to Offer in the Upstate

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Looking for a horseback trail ride, or maybe a pony themed birthday party? Eden Farms offers so many fantastic ways to experience horses and all of it benefits their fantastic Happy Hooves therapeutic riding program. We got to spend some time at Eden Farms and couldn’t resist sharing some of the wonderful experiences they have available!

Kids riding horses at Eden Farms in Pickens, SC
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Homeschool Skate at Roller Sports in Taylors, SC is the Jam

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Homeschool Skate at Roller Sports in Taylors, SC happens every Third Friday of the month September-May and it’s a blast for both parents and kids!

The minute I pulled into the packed parking lot at Roller Sports in Taylors, SC for their Homeschool Skate I knew I had stumbled upon some true homeschool thing in the area. I had to park on the grass in the back of the building. What was so cool about this event? I was about to find out. 

Skating at Roller Sports in Taylors, SC
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