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Public Events

Come one, come all to Principia College for performances, special events, and school field trips.

Students, faculty, staff, and the community join together to perform, create, and inspire on our beautiful campus overlooking the bluffs of the Mississippi River. Located in the historic Village of Elsah, Illinois—known as the #1 scenic spot in the state—Principia is not far from St. Louis, Alton, and Grafton. Most events are free of charge.

Love performances and the arts? Join us for orchestral and dance productions in Merrick Theatre and McVay Center, attend a theater performance at the Black Box, or soak in world-renowned and local art at the Schmidt Gallery. Love nature and history? Schedule a field trip to soak in our world-renowned architecture, scenic views, and visit Benny the Mammoth, a pre-historic wonder found on campus, on display in our Science Center.

Book a school field trip or grab your theatre and dance event ticket, and our Front Gate security will direct you to your destination. We are excited to welcome you to campus! 

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Grades 5-12 Field Trip to Meet the Mammoth
Grades 5-12 Field Trip to Meet the Mammoth

Fall and Spring Semesters

Making national news, Principia faculty and students unearthed the remains of a Mastodon, thought to be over 27,000 years old. But believe it or not, this has not been the first pre-historic mammal discovered on campus! In 1999, a facilities crew member discovered a mammoth tooth while operating a backhoe on campus. The mammoth, nicknamed “Benny” after its discoverer, was excavated from 1999–2013 and is estimated to have died 17,500 years ago.

The remains of the male woolly mammoth, including two tusks, a skull, and the frame of a body, are displayed in the lower level of the Science Center on campus.  

Reach out to communications@principia.edu to book your field trip.