The article examines the main factors of the inclusion of excursions in the educational process of educational institutions of the Russian Empire at the end of the XIX century. The formation of excursions as a form of organization of cognitive activity of students is traced. A connection is being made between the development of the excursion business and the scientific and technical revolution in the country. The idea of borrowing Western pedagogical experience of using the didactic potential of student excursions is substantiated. The contribution of scientific societies, circles, and clubs to the popularization of student excursions is emphasized. All types of excursions with students have been identified. Considerable attention is paid to the successful implementation of excursions in higher education. The author comes to the conclusion that in the second half of the XIX century. in most educational institutions of the country, excursions were fully reflected in the curricula, had a solid methodological base, contributed to the expansion of the scientific horizons of students, carried important educational and educational significance.