Fall Colors at the MAC Lodge
Crisp air, vibrant leaves, and the quiet magic of the Northwoods — autumn is the perfect time to discover Wolf Ridge.
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Explore everything our 2,000-acre classroom offers for students, educators, and lifelong learners ready to take their next adventure outside.
Programs OverviewCampus
Located in Finland, Minnesota, the Wolf Ridge campus is bordered by rivers, lakes, and streams, with spectacular views of Lake Superior and the Sawmill Valley.
Campus OverviewAbout
Founded in 1971, Wolf Ridge hosts 12,000+ visitors annually, many for multi-day immersive outdoor experiences on our 2,000-acre campus.
About OverviewRetreats
Where Nature, Comfort, and Sustainability Meet--groups gather, families reconnect, and individuals recharge—inside one of the greenest lodges on the planet.
Retreats Overview
Crisp air, vibrant leaves, and the quiet magic of the Northwoods — autumn is the perfect time to discover Wolf Ridge.
Experience winter learning at its best with the Wolf Ridge Teacher Training Institute’s Winter Weekend Workshop. Learn to co-teach with winter, strengthen your naturalist skills, and gain practical strategies for engaging students outdoors in cold weather. Ideal for both new and experienced educators. Family activities are available throughout the weekend—call after registering if you plan to bring additional family members.
Short on time? Join Wolf Ridge for the first half of the Teacher Training Institute and experience a hands-on introduction to naturalist practices. Explore watersheds, bird banding, Lake Superior’s shoreline, and nature journaling while building strong outdoor teaching skills. Perfect for beginners and experienced educators alike. Family activities are available,
Join the Wolf Ridge Teacher Training Institute for a weeklong, hands-on naturalist immersion. Explore watersheds, practice bird banding, discover Lake Superior’s shorelines, and deepen your outdoor teaching skills through nature journaling and foundational outdoor pedagogy. Perfect for both beginners and experienced educators. Family members are welcome—youth daytime activities and local adventure suggestions available.
Immerse yourself in the art and science of bird banding with Wolf Ridge’s seven-day adult course. Gain hands-on experience in safe bird handling, mist-net operation, aging and sexing birds, and accurate data recording using the MAPS protocol. Explore lectures on avian life histories, molting patterns, and ethical considerations, all while contributing to meaningful conservation research. Lodging and meals are provided for a fully immersive learning experience in Minnesota’s beautiful natural setting.
Experience the North Woods with Wolf Ridge! Explore forests, cliffs, wetlands, and Lake Superior with guided sessions, evening presentations, and fellow naturalists. Discover hidden gems of the North Shore and connect with a vibrant nature community.
Explore Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center at our Free Open House! Families can enjoy rock climbing, adventure ropes courses, canoeing on Wolf Lake, hiking the trails, and campus tours. Picnic areas are available, and no advance registration is required. It’s a fun-filled day for all ages to experience the outdoors and connect with nature!
Dreaming of exploring the Boundary Waters? Wolf Ridge’s Introductory Canoeing Course teaches beginners essential skills in paddling, portaging, trip planning, and wilderness navigation. The course culminates in a hands-on adventure in the Wilderness, guided by experienced naturalists, allowing participants to practice their skills, gain confidence, and create lasting memories in one of America’s most pristine landscapes.
Take your bird banding expertise to the next level with Wolf Ridge’s Advanced Bird Banding Workshop for experienced banders. Focused on refining mist-net techniques, advanced bird-handling skills, and precision in aging and sexing, this intensive course also includes lectures on avian life histories, molt strategies, and plumage identification. Participants receive individualized instruction, hands-on practice, and the opportunity to connect with fellow banders, all while staying on the scenic Wolf Ridge campus with lodging and meals provided. Expand your skills and contribute to meaningful avian research in a supportive, immersive environment.
Join us for a hands-on, overnight sea kayaking adventure on Lake Superior’s North Shore. Learn paddling techniques, essential safety gear, and trip planning while practicing skills on the water and camping along the shore. Perfect for beginners looking to gain confidence and experience.