Outdoor Activities & Trips

Outdoor Activities and Trips provides opportunities for students and community members to participate in nature based workshops and excursions. Goals include skill development, social interaction, environmental awareness and relaxation.

OUTDOOR ACTIVITY EVENTS CALENDAR FALL 2019

TRIPS EVENTS CALENDAR FALL 2019

VOLUNTEERING WITH THE OUTDOOR PROGRAM

Do you love the outdoors and have a desire to share it with others? The Outdoor Program is always seeking new student staff members for a variety of opportunities. You don't need to be an expert in the wilderness to join us and there will be opportunities to fit your schedule, with lots of free training.
KICK OFF MEETING: TUE, SEP 3, 5-6PM
Meet: Sports and Health Center Room 191
We will have regular meetings and activities throughout the semester on Tuesdays at 5pm. To get details of what the topics are or how to get involved, email Ryley (olive255@d.umn. edu). Even if you can't make the meetings, we can get you involved.

SAILING DULUTH

Spend the afternoon with the breezes of Lake Superior. Experienced sailors from the Duluth- Superior Sailing Association will be teaching the basic principles of sailing, including the terminology, mechanics, and operation of a sailboat. Aeolus may be the Greek ruler of the winds, but you'll control how you use them as you experience nature's power of wind. No experience necessary. This year we have two separate outings. Pick one date.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 31, 1-6PM SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 1-6PM
Register By: Noon, August 30
We Provide: Transportation and instruction
You Provide: Proper clothing for the weather (if it is rainy, make sure you have rain pants and jacket), soft soled shoes and a water bottle.
Meet: "Trailhead" Sports & Health Center Lobby
Cost: $19 for UMD Student Members Only
REGISTER ONLINE

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE SAMPLER AT UMD (AND FREE FOOD!)

Get outside and explore what UMD has to offer for outdoor activities. Join us for the Outdoor Adventure Sampler at Bagley Nature Area. Here you can experience activities such as hiking, biking, canoeing, slacklining, nature exploration, and cooking by the fire - we'll have all of the equipment, staff, and free picnic food (hot dogs for cooking on the fire, s'mores, and more). Bring a friend or meet some new ones and help us kick off the new school year to a great adventure-filled start! MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2 (LABOR DAY) 5-7PM - STOP BY ANYTIME
Meet: Bagley Nature Area Classroom (if you need directions go to www.d.umn.edu/maps)
Cost: FREE! Just show up!

FREE CANOEING ON ROCK POND

Here is your chance to try canoeing right on campus! Over in Bagley Nature Area (on the north side of campus) is Rock Pond. We'll have canoes and equipment as well as instructors for you to learn the basics. Or just show up to have fun on the pond if you already know how to paddle. We may even pull together some on-water games. Get outdoors! Get on the water! Have fun
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 AND SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 11AM-1PM
We Provide: Leaders, canoes and accessories
You Provide: Dress for the weather
Meet: Rock Pond in Bagley Nature Area
Cost: Free! Just show up!

SHT DAY HIKE

Join us for a day hike along the beautiful Superior Hiking Trail! We'll be driving up the North Shore to do a lovely day hike, roughly 6-8 miles at a manageable pace. This trail is one of the best anywhere. Join us for spectacular views, new friends, and active exploration.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 9AM-5PM
Register by Noon September 6
We Provide: Transportation, leaders
You Provide: Bag lunch, proper clothing, hiking footwear, water bottle
Meet: "Trailhead" Sports & Health Center Lobby
Cost: $10 UMD Student Members/$18 Others
REGISTER ONLINE

MOUNTAIN BIKE MISSION CREEK

Duluth Is one of only 6 gold level mountain bike ride centers in the world! Join us as we explore the flowing Mission Creek trail system. Bikes and helmets are available for rent at the Rental Center. Become a part of Duluth's growing mountain biking community. All skill levels welcome.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 4-7PM
Register By: Noon, September 9
We Provide: Instruction/leaders and transportation
You Provide: Water Bottle, and Clothing for the weather
Meet: "Trailhead" Sports & Health Center Lobby
Cost: $6 UMD Student Members/$12 Others
REGISTER ONLINE

WILD YOGA

Join us for both a mental and physical release out in the woods. After our yoga session we will have tea.
WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 11, 10-11AM
Register by Noon September 10
We Provide: Yoga Instruction and Tea
You Provide: Yoga Mat or Sleeping Pad
Meet: Bagley Nature Area Classroom
Cost: $1 UMD Student Members/$4 Others
REGISTER ONLINE

BIRDING AT HAWK RIDGE

Fly like an eagle over to Hawk Ridge and do some birding. Spend the morning during peak migration and learn some birding techniques! Experience one of the most amazing raptor migrations in North America!
TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 17, 10AM-12PM
Register By: Noon on September 16
We Provide: Instruction, binoculars and transportation
You Provide: Dress for the weather, snacks and water. Bring binoculars, if you have them
Meet: "Trailhead" Sports & Health Center Lobby
Cost: $3 UMD Student Members/$6 Others
REGISTER ONLINE

HUNT DULUTH

Attention Hunters! If you are new to Duluth or just want to learn about the vast opportunities that exist for hunters this is for you. Local St. Louis County Forester and avid hunter Jason Meyer will present on the public land opportunities near Duluth. Bring your questions (and your maps for marking - if you have them)! THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 7-9PM
Meet: Sports and Health Center Room 9
Cost: FREE! Just show up!

NORTH SHORE AGATE HIKE

Duluth Rocks! Join us in learning about the North Shore and finding some of the treasures on the North Shore beaches.
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 22, 10AM-4PM
Register by: Friday, September 19 at Noon
We Provide: Transportation and leaders
You Provide: Proper clothing for the weather, proper footwear, water bottle, bag lunch
Meet: "Trailhead" Sports & Health Center Lobby
Cost: $6 UMD Student Members/$12 Others
REGISTER ONLINE

NORTH SHORE WATERFALL HIKE

Are you tired of just seeing beautiful waterfalls around Duluth in pictures? Well come discover them for yourself in this 2 part series, and find hidden wonders around Duluth and also up the northshore.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 AND MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 4-6PM
Register by: September 23 or 30 by 12pm
We Provide: Transportation and leaders
You Provide: Proper clothing for the weather, proper footwear, water bottle, food & money (for restaurants or snacks)
Meet: "Trailhead" Sports & Health Center Lobby
Cost: $3 UMD Student Members/$6 Others
REGISTER ONLINE

LUMBER JACK/JILL

You know you want to wear a dress, eat pancakes, and act like a woodsperson. Sign up with a few friends (4 people per team) to compete against others. This annual competition has historically consisted of firemaking, pancake eating, hand canoeing, cross-cut sawing, and much more. So get your friends together, put on your best outfit, and come join in on the fun!
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 5-7PM
Register By: Noon, September 23
We Provide: Competition equipment, prizes
You Provide: Wacky costume, enthusiasm
Meet: Bagley Nature Area, Rock Pond Kiosk
Cost: $10 per team
REGISTER ONLINE

GREAT LAKES BEACH SWEEP

Lake Superior is massive and awe inspiring. But, it is at risk if we do not take care of it. Join us and our partners from the UMD Office of Sustainability for the annual "Alliance for the Great Lakes" beach sweep and barbecue to help keep one of our spots on the grandest of the Great Lakes free from trash and litter. We provide trash bags and gloves.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 5-6:30PM
Register By: September 19th, 12pm
Meet: UMD Boat Shed
COST: FREE!

DULUTH TRAVERSE CHALLENGE

You can't lie to a bike about how in shape you are. Come test your stamina and riding skills on Duluth Traverse. This trail will be over 100 miles when it is finished and our plan is to finish as much as possible in 12 hours. Don't worry, if you have gone as far as you can go you can always grab a City bus back to campus.
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 28, 10AM-4PM
Register by: Noon on Friday September 27
We Provide: Instruction, Bikes, Helmets, Bike pumps, and transportation
You Provide: Water Bottle, and Clothing for the weather
Meet: "Trailhead" Sports & Health Center Lobby
Cost: $10 UMD Student Members/$22 Others
REGISTER ONLINE

30 IN 24

Discover all the wonders of the Superior Hiking Trail in one quick and intense hike. Join us and hike about 30 miles of the Superior Hiking Trail in under 24 hours. We'll make tracks starting in the Fond du Lac neighborhood and finish at UMD. There will be options for bailout and we'll take care of transportation, safety, and guides. Stops for food and rest are all planned in.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5, 4AM-MIDNIGHT
Register By: Noon, October 4
We Provide: Transportation and leaders
You Provide: Proper clothing for the weather, proper footwear, water bottle, food & money (for restaurants or snacks)
Meet: "Trailhead" Sports & Health Center Lobby
Cost: $10 UMD Student Members/$22 Others
REGISTER ONLINE

APPLE CIDERING: THE OLD FASHIONED WAY

See the magical process of fresh local apples being turned into tasty apple cider! Learn about the old techniques that early settlers used to sweeten up their lives and participate in the process of using an old cider grinder and press. Mmmmm good!
MONDAY, OCTOBER 7, 5-7PM
Register By: Noon, October 7
We Provide: Instruction, all materials needed
You Provide: Mug for cider, dress for the weather - we will be outside
Meet: Bagley Nature Area Classroom
Cost: $3 UMD Student Members/$7 Others
REGISTER ONLINE

BUCKTHORN PULL

Buckthorn is an invasive species that is choking out the native species of the area. We will be working to eradicate this nuisance species through non-toxic, environmentally friendly methods. We need your help to rid Bagley Nature Center of Buckthorn by pulling it out of the ground so it doesn't come back. It will be an afternoon of fun and hard work and you will be helping the forest stay healthy. No registration is required. Free pizza for workers!
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 4-7PM
We Provide: Instruction, tools, & Pizza
You Provide: Gloves, work clothes, water bottle
Meet: Bagley Nature Area Classroom
Cost: FREE!!!

CANOE PADDLE MAKING

The canoeing season may be over, but that doesn't mean you can't start preparing for the next one. Come and join us as we'll explore the different ways wooden paddles are made, then work on making a laminated, straight shaft paddle. We supply the wood and you will glue up the blade, shaft, and grip on the first day. Second session we will shape and work on sanding each paddle. The third session will get you across the finish line of completion of almost everything but varnishing.
MONDAYS, NOVEMBER 4, 11, AND 18, 6-9PM
Register By: Noon, October 28
We Provide: Instruction, materials, and tools
You Provide: Tools (if you have: hand plane, spokeshave, c-clamps, pipe clamps, saber saw)
Meet: Bagley Nature Area Classroom
Cost: $32 for UMD Student Members Only
REGISTER ONLINE

SWANTS

Do you love to keep up with all the high fashion trends? Then this is the program for you! We will start with an old sweater and up-cycle it to turn it into the most high fashion pants that your friends will ever see.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 5-6:30PM
Register By: Noon, November 12
We Provide: Instruction and all materials
You Provide: Sweater to turn into swants (if you have one)
Meet: Sports and Health Center Room 191
Cost: $7 UMD Student Members/ $14 Others
REGISTER ONLINE

CONSTELLATION HIKE

Come walk amongst the stars. We will hike up to Rock Knob in Hartley Park and look up at the stars. We will explore the stories and the history behind the constellations that mark the Fall Sky.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 7-9:30PM
Register by: November 20 at Noon
We Provide: Transportation and leaders
You Provide: Proper clothing for the weather, proper footwear, water bottle, food
Meet: "Trailhead" Sports & Health Center Lobby
Cost: $3 UMD Student Members/$7 Others
REGISTER ONLINE

WAXING CLINIC

Hitting the slopes or Nordic ski trails over winter break and need a wax job? Come join us to learn how to hot wax your skis/snowboards and kick wax your classic cross-country skis so you are ready to slide through the snow like butter!
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 6-8PM
Register By: Noon, November 26
We Provide: Instruction and all waxing equipment
You Provide: Cross country skis, alpine skis, or snowboard
Meet: Sports and Health Center Room 191
Cost: $6 UMD Student Members/$12 Others
REGISTER ONLINE

WOODEN SPOON MAKING

The word spoon translates to a "chip of wood". In this course you will learn how to make a wooden eating spoon with green woodworking techniques, all done with hand tools. Tools will be provided but feel free to bring any hook or whittling knife, small hatchets, or gouges.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 6-9PM
Register By: Wednesday, December 4 at Noon
We Provide: Tools and Instruction
You Provide: Any tools you may have
Meet: Bagley Nature Area Classroom
Cost: $4 UMD Student Members/ $8 Others
REGISTER ONLINE

WILDERNESS TRIPS

APOSTLE ISLANDS SEA KAYAKING

We will camp on islands with sand beaches along Lake Superior's South Shore, stargaze, swim, and hike with new friends. Our experienced leaders will introduce you to equipment, safety and paddling techniques.
DEPART: FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2PM RETURN: SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 6P
Register By: Noon, Wednesday, Aug 28
Meet: "Trailhead" Sports & Health Center Lobby
Cost: $78 UMD Student Members Only
REGISTER ONLINE

PADDLING THE BOUNDARY WATERS CANOE AREA WILDERNESS

We'll load up our Duluth packs and paddle through the majestic lakes of the BWCA from Sawbill Lake. Explore the beauty and wonder of this pristine wilderness with experienced and enthusiastic leaders. Stargazing, stories, and listening for hooting owls and howling wolves are included on this trip's itinerary. Beautiful fall colors, few people, and no bugs will make this a special trip. No experience required.
DEPART: FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2PM RETURN: SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 6PM
Register By: Noon, September 4
We Provide: Group gear, food, transportation, Instruction
You Provide: Personal camping gear
Meet: "Trailhead" Sports & Health Center Lobby
Cost: $79 UMD Student Members Only
REGISTER ONLINE

BACKPACK THE PORCUPINE MOUNTAINS, MI

There are mountains around here? Yes, and they are beautiful! In the Upper Peninsula of Michigan are the secluded Porcupine Mountains, right along Lake Superior. Enjoy fall colors as they are in full grandeur – and there will be no bugs! Marvel at the colors by day and the starlit sky by night. We will help you develop backpacking skills while we discover the "Porkies" fall forest beauty. New friends and adventure for everyone who comes along. No experience is necessary.
DEPART: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2PM RETURN: SUNDAY, OCTOBER 6, 6PM
Register By: Noon, October 2
We Provide: Transportation, Food, Group Camping Equipment
You Provide: Backpack, and Personal Camping Gear
Meet: "Trailhead" Sports & Health Center Lobby
Cost: $79 UMD Student Members/ $125 Others
REGISTER ONLINE

CANOEING THE OZARKS

Spring break 2020 in the Ozarks of Arkansas is warm and beautiful! Here is your chance to get away from winter and enjoy spring as it is emerging along the Buffalo River, a "National River" (a National Park that is a river). This is one of the most beautiful and spectacular rivers in the United States, that some call a museum of natural history with a wide variety of mammals, plants, fish, birds, and spectacular geology. History buffs will also enjoy the human history, which includes Civil War skirmishes, old homesteads, and cemeteries. Hop in the canoes for a ride down the clear water of the Buffalo River. Early on we'll pass steep walls of rock over 500 feet high and have some thrills of occasional small rapids. Campsites will be on gravel bars along the river. Side hikes to waterfalls, Caves, old homesteads, cemeteries, and overlooks will be included. Fun paddling, amazing scenery, short hikes, and new friends. What more could you ask for?
DEPART: FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 4PM
RETURN: SUNDAY, MARCH 15, 2PM
Register By: Noon, February 21
We Provide: Group Equipment, Food, Transportation
You Provide: Personal Gear
Cost: $512 UMD Student Members/
$795 Others

INFOSHEET