THE HISTORY:
In 1925, a new Tennessee law made it illegal to teach evolution in public schools. A 24-year-old high school teacher, John T. Scopes, stood accused of having taught Darwin’s scientific theory, and his trial riveted the nation. The courtroom drama was electrifying, featuring legendary figures like three-time presidential candidate William Jennings Bryan as prosecutor, and the renowned attorney Clarence Darrow leading his defense. The debates it ignited about education, science, church & state separation, faith, and freethought are still crucially important and relevant to decisions we are currently facing in America today.

100 YEARS OF DEBATING SCIENCE:
The picturesque town of Dayton, TN, presents "Destiny in Dayton," an annual historical theater re-enactment of the 1925 Scopes Trial, the courthouse clash between religion and science broadcast all over the world. This riveting “true to the transcript” drama takes place in the actual courtroom where the original showdown unfolded. We've previously made the trip to see their performance before, and their production value is actually quite high -- it's historically accurate, educational, humorous, even charming -- a very worthwhile way to experience this centennial of the event and its enduring impact.

TRIP OVERVIEW:
Join fellow science enthusiasts from Nashville on an organized day trip to Dayton! Enjoy private luxury transportation to and from Nashville on a 56-passenger coach with on-board wifi, phone chargers, and restroom (food, snacks, and drinks are welcome on board, including alcoholic beverages). Arrive in Dayton for dinner at Monkey Town Brewing & Restaurant. Seating for the entire group will be reserved, and guests will pay directly for their food and drinks. Finally, experience the main event, for the opening night performance! Afterwards, relax in comfort with good company on the way back to Nashville.

TRIP ITINERARY:
11:15 AM Central Bus boarding time - bus departure 11:45 AM SHARP! (2:45 hour drive)
4:30 PM Eastern Dinner at Monkey Town Brewing & Restaurant
6:00 PM Eastern Walk to the Courthouse, visit downtown, museum, festivities
7:00 PM Eastern Historical “Destiny in Dayton” performance begins
9:30 PM Eastern Load bus and depart for return
11:30 PM Central Return at Nashville starting point

TRIP PRICE: $88 per person

WHAT'S INCLUDED:
Private luxury coach transportation and bus driver gratuity, round trip from Nashville
Reserved seating at Monkey Town Brewing & Restaurant
Ticket to "Destiny in Dayton" performance

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED:
Food and drinks at Monkey Town Brewing & Restaurant

RESERVATIONS: Available above at the Tickets button.

Professional transportation provided by Wise Coaches of Nashville, TN.

Refunds are available upon request up to June 11, 2025 (one month in advance).
No refunds will be issued after June 12, 2025, including for no-shows on the day of the trip.

For more information about the original Scopes Trial and the production of this event:
https://www.rheacountyheritage.com/trial-history
https://www.scopes100.com/our-story-our-history

"The Scopes Monkey Trial" Field Trip

Experience the “Trial of the Century” pitting creation vs evolution, on a chartered trip to the 100 year re-enactment in the historic courtroom where the showdown took place.