Join us for an Island Adventure!
We welcome around 30 groups to our museum every year, hosting programs from March - November. We offer six different programs, each led by local guides, historians, artists, and watermen. Whether you are interested in diving deep into the seafood industry or making lifelong memories with your grandchild, our Road Scholar programs provide a unique perspective on Chincoteague Island people, culture, and heritage.
Chincoteague: Lighthouses, Wild Ponies, and Pirates
Road Scholar Program 2005RJ: 6 day / 5 night
Chincoteague Island, Virginia’s last inhabited barrier island, retains the aura of a waterside village of years past. Discover the island’s exceptional history from its earliest settlers to today -- a story that includes maritime events, pirate lore, and Chincoteague’s surprising role in the Civil War. Travel to the adjacent Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, rich in wildlife, waterfowl, and natural habitats, and see its iconic Assateague Lighthouse, explore nature trails and stroll its pristine seashore. Observe the herds of wild Chincoteague ponies that still roam the marshes and beaches of the Refuge and were forever memorialized in Marguerite Henry’s timeless classic novel Misty of Chincoteague.
Island Adventure: Discover Chincoteague and Assateague Islands
Road Scholar Program 10545RJ: 4 day / 3 night
Come for a taste of barrier island life! Tucked away on the Eastern Shore of Virginia is one of the most special places on the East Coast, evoking visions of unspoiled coastal island charm and serving as the gateway to the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, the second most visited wildlife refuge in the U.S. Enjoy a small plates dinner featuring historic island recipes that are paired with wine while sitting with views of the water. Listen as a local artist explains how our spectacular vistas and beautiful wildlife inspire her and observe her technique as she creates a waterfowl painting as she speaks. Learn about the island’s rich history as you explore the exhibits at the Museum of Chincoteague Island.
Misty of Chincoteague: An Island Adventure with Your Grandchild
Road Scholar Program 18685RJ: 6 day / 5 night
Chincoteague is a magical island, where herds of wild ponies run free, bottlenose dolphins play in quiet coves nearby, and eagles soar over marshes teeming with marine critters. Chincoteague has fascinated children for generations, thanks to the island’s most famous resident in history: Misty the wild pony, and the main character in a famous children’s book (and movie). Learn Misty’s story as you and your grandchild visit her home and get up close to the wild ponies of today. Visit restricted areas of the wildlife refuge on the island and play and swim at one of the longest undeveloped shorelines on the Atlantic coast. Meet park rangers as you collect marsh specimens and learn how oysters and clams grow. Plus, visit the NASA Visitor Center on Wallops Island to find out about the rockets that launch there!
Misty of Chincoteague: Island Adventure with Your Family
Road Scholar Program 22788RJ: 6 day / 5 night
Chincoteague is a magical island, where herds of wild ponies run free, bottlenose dolphins play in quiet coves nearby, and eagles soar over marshes teeming with marine critters. Chincoteague has fascinated children for generations, thanks to the island’s most famous resident in history: Misty the wild pony, and the main character in a famous children’s book (and movie). Learn Misty’s story as you and your grandchild visit her home and get up close to the wild ponies of today. Visit restricted areas of the wildlife refuge on the island and play and swim at one of the longest undeveloped shorelines on the Atlantic coast. Meet park rangers as you collect marsh specimens and learn how oysters and clams grow. Plus, visit the NASA Visitor Center on Wallops Island to find out about the rockets that launch there!
A Hands-On, Sea-to-Table Extravaganza on Chincoteague Island
Road Scholar Program 23441RJ: 6 day / 5 night
The coastal waters surrounding Chincoteague Island off Virginia’s Atlantic coast were once known for their salty oysters until overfishing nearly depleted the harvest during the 19th century. Today, a new “aquaculture” industry is emerging as the famous oysters known as “Chincoteague Salts” return. Local waters also offer excellent grounds for clamming and crabbing, and sea-to-table restaurants abound for enjoying these bountiful harvests. During this hands-on seafood extravaganza, get your feet wet as you join local shellfishers and crabbers to hunt for clams, oysters, and the famous blue crab, and head to the kitchen with experienced chefs to learn how to make historic and modern Chincoteague dishes. Along the way, learn about the re-emerging aquaculture industry and from those who live it, and find out about the challenges faced by those who work on the water.
Chincoteague Service Learning: Preserving Barrier Island Environments
Road Scholar Program 2637RJ: 6 day / 5 night
Spend a week on the beautiful barrier islands of Chincoteague and Assateague working at the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company’s pony care properties, the Beebe Ranch, and with the Museum of Chincoteague Island to help conserve the islands’ wildlife, habitats, history, and culture. Under the supervision of experts, assist with a variety of projects ranging from repairing and clearing woodland trails and walkways, to cleaning up undeveloped beaches, to preserving historic sites, to working among the Museum’s collection of artifacts and records. You will have opportunities to observe barrier island waterfowl and other wildlife up close, including the herds of wild Chincoteague ponies. Discover the unique culture of this treasured natural barrier island paradise with local experts.
See What People Are Saying...
“I strengthened my bond with my grandchild.”
2025 Misty of Chincoteague with your Grandchild Participant
“Enjoyed the local guide and exposure to the culture of the location.”
2025 Island Explorers participant
“Everything is top quality, from where you stay, food you eat, the leaders, and itinerary.”
2025 A Hands-On, Sea-to-Table Extravaganza on Chincoteague Island
“I liked that fact that our leader had deep roots in the area and was a wealth of information about past and present people and events.”
2025 Misty of Chincoteague with your Family participant
“ All of the instructors showed their passion for the subjects they presented and were able to communicate well with the Road Scholars.”
2025 Lighthouses, Wild Ponies, and Pirates participant
