25+ Years of Connection: Why We Keep Coming Back to Wolf Ridge

25+ Years of Connection: Why We Keep Coming Back to Wolf Ridge

By Aaron Olmanson, Teacher at King of Grace Lutheran

It’s been over 25 years since our school, King of Grace Lutheran, first made the trip up to Wolf Ridge. Every year, we make the three-hour journey from the Twin Cities—and every year, it’s worth it.

There’s something powerful about stepping into the “Up North” experience: the pine trees, the quiet, the night sky filled with stars. It’s a break from the noise of everyday life, and one of the best sleeping environments we get all year!

But the real magic happens during the day. Our students explore new biomes and connect what they see to our ecosystem units back at school. They ice fish, snowshoe, track animals, and bond with each other—and with us, their teachers and chaperones. It’s learning, but it’s also real connection.

Some of our best memories come from the Winter Survival class, where students build shelters, make fires, and role-play survival scenarios. It sparks creativity, teamwork, and a deep sense of accomplishment. As one student put it: “It was great because you get to experience getting lost without the danger.”

As educators, we’re always trying to make learning meaningful. Sometimes, that means leaving the classroom behind and heading into the woods. Wolf Ridge helps us do that—and we’re so grateful for it.