FIELD TRIPS & GUIDED TOURS
The Alliance for Historic Hillsborough offers a variety of engaging ways to explore the town’s rich history. From educational field trips designed for students to guided walking tours that bring Hillsborough’s past to life, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re visiting with a school group, joining a scheduled tour, or booking a private walking tour tailored to your interests, our expert guides provide fascinating insights into the people, places, and events that shaped the community. Discover Hillsborough’s history up close and experience its stories in a whole new way!
Field Trips
Grades K - 12
Our Town Civic Tour
This program introduces students to important municipal and county institutions that govern, protect, and educate Hillsborough.
Students will tour civic sites and meet town leaders for a fun and engaging learning experience. Site visits may include the Hillsborough Police Department, Orange County Historical Museum, a mock trial at the Orange County Courthouse, Orange Rural Fire Department, or many other sites.
Ages: Kindergarten – 3rd grades
Hillsborough History Day
The Historic Hillsborough Tour offers an engaging field trip experience, where students will visit around 12 key sites around town to learn about their historical significance. As they walk through Hillsborough, students will encounter guides stationed at 4 or 5 of the sites, ready to provide in-depth knowledge. For the sites without a guide, we will provide informational materials to ensure students gain a comprehensive understanding of each location. This tour provides a dynamic and educational way to explore the rich history of the town.
Ages: 2nd grade – 8th grade
Hillsborough History Day
The Historic Hillsborough Tour offers an engaging field trip experience, where students will visit around 12 key sites around town to learn about their historical significance. As they walk through Hillsborough, students will encounter guides stationed at 4 or 5 of the sites, ready to provide in-depth knowledge. For the sites without a guide, we will provide informational materials to ensure students gain a comprehensive understanding of each location. This tour provides a dynamic and educational way to explore the rich history of the town.
Ages: 2nd grade – 8th grade
Occaneechi Village Tour
Step back in time with a field trip to the Occaneechi Replica Village, where students can explore the history and culture of the Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation. This hands-on experience offers a glimpse into Indigenous life, featuring traditional structures, tools, and storytelling that bring the past to life. Perfect for groups looking to connect with local history in an immersive way!
Ages: All Ages (including private tours)
Guided Walking Tours
Hillsborough Guided Walking Tours
Experience American history through the unique perspective of one of North Carolina’s oldest and most historically significant towns, with a guided walking tour of downtown Hillsborough. Established in 1754 as the seat of government for Orange County, Hillsborough’s colonial legacy and signs of its importance in North Carolina and American history can be seen everywhere.
The tour begins at the Hillsborough Visitors Center, located in the eighteenth century Alexander Dickson Farm House, and guides visitors to a variety of historic places from the site of a 1790s African American-owned distillery to the 1840s Orange County Courthouse and the grave of one of North Carolina’s signers of the Declaration of Independence.
Hillsborough Guided Walking Tours
Experience American history through the unique perspective of one of North Carolina’s oldest and most historically significant towns, with a guided walking tour of downtown Hillsborough. Established in 1754 as the seat of government for Orange County, Hillsborough’s colonial legacy and signs of its importance in North Carolina and American history can be seen everywhere.
The tour begins at the Hillsborough Visitors Center, located in the eighteenth century Alexander Dickson Farm House, and guides visitors to a variety of historic places from the site of a 1790s African American-owned distillery to the 1840s Orange County Courthouse and the grave of one of North Carolina’s signers of the Declaration of Independence.
Private Tours
Experience American history through the unique perspective of one of North Carolina’s oldest and most historically significant towns, with a guided walking tour of downtown Hillsborough. Established in 1754 as the seat of government for Orange County, Hillsborough’s colonial legacy and signs of its importance in North Carolina and American history can be seen everywhere.
The tour begins at the Hillsborough Visitors Center, located in the eighteenth century Alexander Dickson Farm House, and guides visitors to a variety of historic places from the site of a 1790s African American-owned distillery to the 1840s Orange County Courthouse and the grave of one of North Carolina’s signers of the Declaration of Independence.
Private Group Tours
Bus Tours
Know Before You Go
Preparation for Walking Tours
In-person walking tour that sometimes crosses uneven terrain. Please plan to be walking or standing for the duration of the event, wear comfortable walking shoes, and bring a water bottle (plus your curiosity)!
Refund Policy
Refunds and date changes can be requested up to one week prior to the selected date. Refunds and changes can not be provided within a week of the selected date. Tours operate rain or shine, barring hazardous weather conditions.
