Learning happens best when one experiences it with their whole self…

Learn by Doing – Wherever You Are Right Now

Wolf Ridge was established around the idea that we all learn best when we are wholly involved– body, mind, and soul. The COVID pandemic has allowed us to expand our on-site curriculum offerings into new formats, accessible anywhere in the world. Scroll to see opportunities to learn with Wolf Ridge, or view more about the philosophy that drives how we teach.

At Your School, Home, or Neighborhood

Virtual Field Trips

Explore Minnesota’s ecosystems live with professional naturalists. We’ll be outside with our camera and YOU, ready to spark curiosity in and about the outdoors. See Virtual Field Trip video.

Wolf Ridge Teacher Institute

There is no “one size fits all” training that can give you what you want and need most in these exceptional times. Our customized coaching sessions give confidence to your educators and support them as they develop their desire and capacity to teach outdoors. Virtual or in-person outdoor teaching observations and coaching can be arranged. A custom, on-site experience with experts from the Wolf Ridge Teacher Institute can change your coronavirus teaching challenges into practices that will transform and enhance student learning well into the future.

Adventures in Learning Curriculum – Free!

Eleven free, flexible, standards-based lessons that can be done with or without internet access. You’ll join naturalists Caroline and Robby as they explore Wolf Ridge, experiencing nature from a variety of perspectives, such as science, history, culture, art, and literature. Share a few laughs along the way as you read their story or watch a video of their 10-minute adventure. Next, participate in outdoor activities that will enhance your learning while you spend time in a neighborhood park or near your own home. Enhance learning and make interesting topics even more relevant by scheduling an Adventure in Learning LIVE virtual experience with our professional naturalists before, during, and/or after your Adventures in Learning lessons.

Traveling Naturalist Programs

Visitors are traveling to the North Shore like never before–give them a reason to come back again to stay with you in the future! A memorable encounter visiting with one of Wolf Ridge’s live education animals or a customized tour with one of our professional naturalists can enhance your guest’s connection to the North Shore and help inspire them to re-book with you on their next visit.

At Our Campus near Lake Superior

Half or Whole-Day Adventures

Escape from the crowds and join us for a great day of exploration, fun, and learning! Morning and afternoon three-and-a-half-hour adventures with a Wolf Ridge naturalist explore the forests, lakes, and mountains of our secluded property. Groups are small (maximum of 8 people) and follow COVID-safe practices.

Overnight School Programs

Learning should be fun— an adventure. And Wolf Ridge delivers on that, no matter the season. Here, students of all ages are sure to get a one-of-a-kind experience and education. We build partnerships with educators across the region, elevating classroom-taught principles through hands-on, real-world experiences.

Summer Youth Camps

We have camps ranging from a half-week overnight camp or day camp for youngsters to three-week wilderness adventures family camp, one t0 two-week adventure camps, and wilderness trips for older campers, and everything in between! Choose the option below for the grade your camper will be entering in the fall or check out our Wilderness Trips for campers entering 7-12 grade.

Family Programs

Love vacationing as a family? How about something that combines an outdoorsy experience with a warm meal, a place to rest your head, and many different activities for you and yours? All you need to pack is your sense of adventure and an excitement to learn. Family Summer Camp has a great mix of family and age-based activities – perfect for everyone!

Adult Workshops

Love exploring woods and waterways both big and small? Maybe you’re a nature enthusiast, teacher, wilderness traveler, or have a special interest. We offer a variety of experiences year ’round.

Graduate Naturalist Training

Live, learn & teach in a community of over thirty skilled environmental educators and naturalists from late August through early June. Join the broader community of nearly 1000 alumni scattered across the globe serving as college professors, natural resource professionals, directors of nature centers and camps, school teachers, scientists, state and national park naturalists, writers, adventurers, and artists.