Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center

Discoverers
2026-07-19 - 2026-07-24, 2026-07-26 - 2026-07-31, 2026-08-02 - 2026-08-07 | Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center, 6282 Cranberry Road, Finland, MN, 55603
Sign up for Discoverers
Summer Camp Website
For students entering grades 4-5
Experience Nature’s Wonders at Discovery Camp – Perfect for First-Time Adventurers!
A foundation for building confidence and outdoor skills. Discoverers is the perfect introduction to the classic Wolf Ridge Camp experience, blending outdoor exploration with environmental stewardship. Designed for first-time campers, this program fosters independence and builds confidence while encouraging a deeper connection to nature. Campers will learn how to be comfortable and self-reliant outdoors while developing naturalist skills that help them observe and engage with the environment. Activities include swimming, hiking, group games, participating in our ropes course, exploring our farm, and lots of chances to learn about the plants and animals around us.
Register for this Camp
Multiple weeks of this camp are available.

Immersive Naturalist Training
2026-07-19 - 2026-07-24
Register for S.T.I.N.T Camp
Summer Camps Website
Entering grades 9-12
Join Us for the S.T.I.N.T. Camp at Wolf Ridge!
Join us for a Short Term Immersive Naturalist Training (S.T.I.N.T.) camp at Wolf Ridge. Campers will spend their time exploring the unique ecosystems within and around the Wolf Ridge campus through a naturalist’s lens. They will learn and practice slowing down, making observations and asking questions while diving deeper into the ecology around them. The group will explore the unique interests that campers come to camp with or what they discover while they are here. They will have the opportunity to meet and learn with professionals in the field of natural resources. This is a great camp for youth interested in exploring and developing their field science skills.

Isle Royale Backpacking Adventure
2026-07-19 - 2026-07-31
https://wolf-ridge.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Isle-Royal-Video.mp4
Register for Isle Royale Backpack
Explore Wilderness Trips
Summer Camps Website
For students entering grades 9-12
This camp includes an overnight camping adventure away from campus
An Unforgettable Adventure: Backpacking Camp at Isle Royale National Park
Kick off your adventurer’s summer with an exciting two-day experience at Wolf Ridge, where they will prepare for an epic backpacking adventure! After building essential skills and team spirit, campers will embark on a seven-day journey to Isle Royale National Park, hiking 5-8 miles daily through its stunning and untamed landscape.
On the island, your teen will explore ancient old-growth forests, soak in breathtaking views of Lake Superior, and share captivating stories around the campfire. They might even catch a glimpse of moose in their natural habitat! This immersive experience is designed to cultivate independence, resilience, and a deep appreciation for nature.
Upon returning, campers will enjoy a few more days at Wolf Ridge, filled with thrilling activities such as rock climbing, survival skills training, and navigating the adventure ropes course. Each evening, they will gather to reflect on their experiences and forge lasting friendships.
This camp perfectly blends the vibrant energy of Wolf Ridge summer camp with the unique adventure of backpacking across Isle Royale National Park—an experience unlike any other that your teenager will treasure for a lifetime.

Bird Banding Drop-In
2026-07-22 07:00 - 11:00, 2026-08-05 07:00 - 11:00 (America/Chicago)
Registration not required for this event.

Since 1993, Wolf Ridge has been a site for a long-term international study to learn about the lives and health of migratory songbird populations. Visitors can observe these beautiful birds up-close and learn about the banding process and bird research.
Meet at the Forest Ecology Building on any one of seven summer mornings.
Free and open to all ages. Banding will be canceled on rainy days.

Family Camp: Full Week
2026-07-26 - 2026-07-31, 2026-08-09 - 2026-08-14
Register for this Family Camp
Learn About Family Camp
Adventure for Every Age — Together at Wolf Ridge!Registration for Family Camp is now open!
Embark on an unforgettable Northwoods adventure with the people who matter most. At Wolf Ridge, our sampler and full-week Family Camps are crafted to spark curiosity, encourage exploration, and create lasting memories for every member of your household.
What Awaits You at Wolf Ridge:
Cozy, Family-Friendly LodgingSettle into the beautiful Margaret A. Cargill Lodge, where comfortable rooms and inviting spaces offer the perfect place to relax after a day outdoors.
Delicious, Farm-Fresh MealsSavor hearty, nutritious dishes made with ingredients grown on our very own organic farm—fuel for every family adventure.
Choose-Your-Own-Adventure ActivitiesFrom guided hikes and canoeing to birdwatching and hands-on nature lessons, our flexible programming lets you build the experience that fits your family’s pace and interests. Prefer to explore on your own? There’s plenty of space to wander, discover, and unwind.
Engaging Kids’ ProgrammingLooking for a moment to recharge? While adults enjoy some well-earned downtime, our experienced instructors lead fun, educational activities that keep kids inspired and active.
At Wolf Ridge, we believe that time in nature strengthens family bonds and creates stories you’ll share for years to come. Whether you’re eager to dive into structured adventures or simply savor quiet moments together under the pines, Family Camp is your invitation to reconnect, recharge, and rediscover the joy of the outdoors.
Join us this summer for a week—filled with laughter, learning, and wilderness wonder. Register today!

Intro to Canoeing
2026-07-26 - 2026-07-31
Register for Intro to Canoeing
Summer Camps Website
For students entering grades 8 – 9
All gear provided!
Discover the Great Outdoors: One-Week Introductory Canoe Camp
Give your explorer an adventure of a lifetime with our one-week camp session in Minnesota’s iconic Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness! This breathtaking destination is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and endless opportunities for exploration, making it the perfect setting for young adventurers to embark on their wilderness journey.
Our introductory canoe trip is designed to help campers develop essential backcountry skills while fostering a deep connection to nature. Under the guidance of experienced instructors, your camper will learn to paddle and portage through vast forests and pristine lakes, all while immersing themselves in the wonders of wildlife and camping at remote, tranquil sites.
This experience not only cultivates outdoor skills but also instills confidence and independence, allowing campers to thrive in the great outdoors. Join us for an unforgettable journey into one of nature’s most spectacular landscapes!

Adventurers
2026-07-26 - 2026-07-31, 2026-08-02 - 2026-08-07
Sign up for Adventurers
Summer Camp Website
For students entering grades 8-9
Embark on a True Wilderness Adventure: Build Outdoor Skills and Confidence at Wolf Ridge!
Putting outdoor skills to the test in real-world adventures. Adventurers build their skills and knowledge, taking outdoor exploration and personal growth to new heights. This camp is designed to deepen campers’ connection to nature, focusing on applying what they’ve learned about the environment and history to real-world outdoor experiences. Campers will embark on a day-long canoe trip, learning canoeing techniques, practicing ‘Leave No Trace,’ and immersing themselves in the natural beauty surrounding Lake Superior. Through teamwork, outdoor challenges, and learning to respect and coexist with nature, campers will gain confidence, make lasting friendships, and leave with a stronger appreciation for the world around them.
Multiple weeks of this camp are available.

Voyageurs
2026-07-26 - 2026-07-31, 2026-08-02 - 2026-08-07
Sign up for Voyageurs
Summer Camp Website
Entering grades 6-7
Adventure Awaits: Build Confidence and Outdoor Skills at Wolf Ridge Camp!
Expanding skills with navigation and wilderness exploration. Campers will advance their outdoor skills, enjoy swimming and bonding with new friends, and engage in exciting challenges like the Adventure Ropes course. This camp will include an all day hiking experience on the Superior Hiking Trail. It’s a perfect mix of adventure, learning, and personal growth in a safe and supportive environment.
Multiple weeks of this camp are available.

Counselors in Training (CIT)
2026-07-26 - 2026-08-07
Register for Counselors in Training
Summer Camp Website
Entering grades 11 – 12
This two-week program is a wonderful opportunity to enhance and develop self-confidence, communication skills, tolerance for adversity, self-awareness, and personal leadership style.
As a counselor-in-training (CIT), experience camp from both sides, as a camper and as a counselor. The first week of camp will be learning from our counselor staff how things work behind the scenes in between doing some fun camp activities. During this time campers will work on skills such as leadership, team-building, time and behavior management.
The second week of camp, CITs will be paired with our counseling staff to help run a camp! They will sit in on the weekly staff meeting, be there to greet campers as they arrive, play games and show them interesting activities, and help to lead a song or skit at the final campfire. We hope you’ll consider returning to Wolf Ridge as part of our counseling staff in the future!

STEM Camp
2026-08-02 - 2026-08-07
Register for STEM Camp
Summer Camps Website
Entering grades 6 – 7
Ready, set, design, and build!
Use STEM skills to explore the world of renewable energy. Use solar power to light up your room and cook some food. We’ll explore the connection of energy and the outdoors by designing wind turbine blades and water wheels to see what generates the most power. See how renewable energy sources and batteries can work together to power many of the items we use in our daily life. Even cooking over a campfire will use biomass energy—another renewable source of power!

Intro to Backpacking Trip
2026-08-02 - 2026-08-07
Register for Intro to Backpacking
Summer Camps Website
Entering grades 8-9
This camp includes an overnight camping adventure away from campus
Explore, Learn, and Thrive on Minnesota’s Superior Hiking Trail?
Give your teen the opportunity to explore the wonders of Minnesota’s legendary Superior Hiking Trail with our one-week introductory camp session! Spanning 300 miles from Duluth to just south of the Canadian border, this remarkable footpath offers campers a unique opportunity to connect with nature in its purest form.
Our backpacking trip is thoughtfully designed to help young adventurers build essential backcountry skills while fostering a deep appreciation for the wilderness. With experienced guides leading the way, your camper will trek through expansive forests and serene lakes, encounter diverse wildlife, and camp at remote, peaceful sites.
Not only will this journey cultivate practical outdoor skills, but it will also instill confidence and independence as campers learn to navigate and thrive in the great outdoors. Join us for an unforgettable experience in one of Minnesota’s most beautiful landscapes!

Intro to Sea Kayaking
2026-08-02 - 2026-08-07
Sign up for Intro to Sea Kayaking
Explore Wilderness Trips
Summer Camps Website
For students entering grades 8-9
All kayaking gear provided
This camp includes an overnight camping adventure away from campus
Big water and bold adventure await teens in this action-packed one-week sea kayaking session!
Learn the basics of sea kayaking before heading out onto lake Superior for a multi day trip discovering what makes this area so special. Learn how to read the weather and the waves, and explore the unique shoreline of Lake Superior. Bring your spirit of adventure and Wolf Ridge will provide the kayaking gear.

Nature Quest Camp
2026-08-02 - 2026-08-07
Register for Nature Quest
Summer Camp Website
For students entering grades 4 – 5

Get Ready for an Unforgettable Adventure!
It’s time for an adventure! Come to Wolf Ridge and complete various challenges throughout the week. First, learn useful skills such as archery or plant identification, then work with the other campers to see if you have what it takes to complete the quest before the week is out! This is a theatrically themed camp where the adventure is led by a wizard who is guiding campers through a series of activities that culminates in a final quest.
It’s an adventure full of learning, bonding, and memories that will last a lifetime!

High School Outdoor Recreation Camp
2026-08-02 - 2026-08-07
Register for Outdoor Recreation Camp
Summer Camp Website
For students entering grades 10 – 12
High School Outdoor Recreation Camp: Adventure Awaits
Spend a week at Wolf Ridge immersed in the beauty of Minnesota’s North Shore while exploring a variety of outdoor recreation skills. This adventure-focused camp engages teens in physical activity and fosters lifelong passions for the outdoors. Participants will develop practical skills in paddling, rock climbing, hiking, and more, all under the guidance of experienced instructors. Designed for youth eager to fully embrace recreation, this camp offers an unforgettable experience of learning, adventure, and connection with nature.

Leap into Camp: Grades 2-3
2026-08-09 - 2026-08-12
Register for Leap Into Camp
Summer Camp Website
For students entering Grades 2-3
Leap into Adventure and Curiosity at Our North Woods Overnight Camps for Grades 2 – 3!
Leap Into Camp at Wolf Ridge offers campers a supportive overnight camp experience designed to build confidence and comfort in a camp setting. Ideal for both first-time campers and those seeking a shorter stay, this program encourages independence, teamwork, and curiosity through outdoor adventures, games, campfires, and opportunities to form new friendships.
Register for this Camp
Multiple weeks of this camp are available.

Leap into Camp: Grades 4-5
2026-08-09 - 2026-08-12
Register for Leap Into Camp
Summer Camp Website
Entering Grades 4-5
Leap into Adventure and Curiosity at Our North Woods Overnight Camps for Grades 4-5!
Leap Into Camp at Wolf Ridge offers campers a supportive overnight camp experience designed to build confidence and comfort in a camp setting. Ideal for both first-time campers and those seeking a shorter stay, this program encourages independence, teamwork, and curiosity through outdoor adventures, games, campfires, and opportunities to form new friendships.
Register for this Camp
Multiple weeks of this camp are available.

Leap into Camp: Grades 6-7
2026-08-09 - 2026-08-12
Register for Leap Into Camp
Summer Camp Website
Entering Grades 6-7
Leap into Adventure and Curiosity at Our North Woods Overnight Camp for 6th & 7th Graders!
Leap Into Camp at Wolf Ridge offers campers a supportive overnight camp experience designed to build confidence and comfort in a camp setting. Ideal for both first-time campers and those seeking a shorter stay, this program encourages independence, teamwork, and curiosity through outdoor adventures, games, campfires, and opportunities to form new friendships.
Register for this Camp
Multiple weeks of this camp are available.

Intro to Canoeing
2026-08-09 - 2026-08-14
Register for Intro to Canoeing
Summer Camp Website
For students entering grades 8 – 9
All gear provided!
This camp includes an overnight camping adventure away from campus
Discover the Great Outdoors: One-Week Introductory Canoe Camp
Give your explorer an adventure of a lifetime with our one-week camp session in Minnesota’s iconic Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness! This breathtaking destination is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and endless opportunities for exploration, making it the perfect setting for young adventurers to embark on their wilderness journey.
Our introductory canoe trip is designed to help campers develop essential backcountry skills while fostering a deep connection to nature. Under the guidance of experienced instructors, your camper will learn to paddle and portage through vast forests and pristine lakes, all while immersing themselves in the wonders of wildlife and camping at remote, tranquil sites.
This experience not only cultivates outdoor skills but also instills confidence and independence, allowing campers to thrive in the great outdoors. Join us for an unforgettable journey into one of nature’s most spectacular landscapes!

Grandparent & Grandchild Camp
2026-08-09 - 2026-08-14
Register for Grandparent & Grandchild Camp
FAQs
What’s more rewarding than passing on your love of lifelong learning and being outdoors?
Teaching a younger adventurer to love it too! Wolf Ridge’s Grand Summer Adventure is an intergenerational program designed for grandparents and their grandchildren to explore, learn, and connect with the natural world together.
Throughout the week, grandparents and grandchildren will hone outdoor skills, discover the unique history and ecology of Minnesota’s North Woods, and participate in hands-on adventures that foster curiosity, teamwork, and appreciation for nature. This special program offers a chance to share your passion for lifelong learning while creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Discounted rates are available for families with six or more participants, and children 2 and under attend free. Whether hiking, canoeing, or exploring the forests, Grandparent Camp provides the perfect opportunity to bond, laugh, and discover the wonders of the outdoors together.

North Woods, Great Lakes Master Naturalist Biome Course at Wolf Ridge
2026-08-16 - 2026-08-22
August 16 – August 22, 2026
Age: 18+

**Register through Wolf Ridge for optional Lodging/Meals ONLY
**Sign up for the biome course through Master Naturalist HERE
(Program cost through Master Naturalist is $395)
Join us for a North Woods, Great Lakes Master Naturalist Biome Course at Wolf Ridge! Wolf Ridge is happy to partner with the Minnesota Master Naturalist program through the University of Minnesota Extension to offer this week-long course. This course will benefit beginners and experts to the area as there will be something for everyone. Learn more about the Minnesota Master Naturalist program by watching this short video.

Why A Wolf Ridge Master Naturalist Course

The meals only package includes breakfast, lunch and dinner served in our dining hall starting with breakfast on Monday through breakfast on Saturday for a cost of $110.
Lodging includes the meal package and a private suite in the MAC Lodge. A Sunday arrival allows for an early start to programming on Monday and a Saturday departure allows for a graduation celebration Friday night. Lodging cost = $840.
Option for shared room and shared bathroom (4 people per room on bottom bunks) and meals for $675.

CancellationsWe’re excited to have you join us! To reserve your spot, a $150 non-refundable deposit per person is required.
If plans change, let us know at least two weeks before your session to receive a refund (minus the deposit).
For cancellations within two weeks, we understand that life happens. Refunds (minus the deposit) may be considered for illness, injury (with a doctor’s note), or a death in the immediate family.
We appreciate your understanding and look forward to seeing you!

In The Company of Trees Forest Bathing Retreat
2026-08-31 - 2026-09-02
Register Now
In the Company of Trees: The Silence that Speaks
Join us for a three-day forest bathing retreat at Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center in Finland, Minnesota — one of the North Shore’s most breathtaking natural settings. From August 31–Sept 2, you’ll slow down, step off the grid, and reconnect with the living world through guided forest bathing walks, fire circle reflections, a twilight wander under the waning moon, and quiet time among old trees. Woven throughout is the grounding wisdom of Stoic philosophy — not as lecture, but as a lens for noticing what the forest already knows: that stillness clarifies, impermanence teaches, and presence is enough. Whether you’re carrying exhaustion, transition, or simply the weight of too much noise, this retreat offers something rare — unrushed time in good company, with the trees doing most of the talking.
About the Instructor:
David M. Motzenbecker, PLA, ANFT
Founder, Motz Studios Forest Bathing Experiences
David Motzenbecker didn’t set out to lead people into forests—he set out to design them as an award-winning landscape architect. But over time, the quiet call of the forest became harder to ignore.
As the founder of Motz Studios, David now walks between worlds—where forest and human meet, where design becomes medicine. His therapeutic forest bathing walks are rooted in the Japanese tradition of Shinrin Yoku and blend Stoic philosophy, design insight, and nature’s healing power into meaningful, transformative experiences.
One of ANFT’s Top Three Certified Walk Leaders globally, David has led walks for nearly 3,000 participants since 2018. His approach invites even the busiest minds to slow down and listen. The forest, in his view, is not an escape, it’s a way back to what matters. His experiences are calm, focused, and deeply effective—helping busy, high-performing individuals slow down, reconnect, and find clarity through nature.

REGISTER NOW
Lodging Information
Directions to Wolf Ridge

Fall Equinox Yoga Retreat
2026-09-25 - 2026-09-27
Register Now
Gather. Nourish. Restore

Breathe in the crisp northern air, feel the earth beneath your feet, and settle into a slower rhythm as autumn unfolds along Minnesota’s North Shore.
This retreat offers space to pause and honor the transition into a new season through movement, stillness, and self-discovery. Wander among the trees, breathe deeply, stretch gently, and explore guided prompts that help you release what no longer serves you while setting intentions for the months ahead.
This Retreat is for you if you’re ready to:
• Slow down and reset
• Spend intentional time in nature
• Connect with like-minded community
• Nourish your body with movement and food
• Embrace the grounding energy of fall

About the Instructor:

Rewa Giroux-DumasRewa Zen Yoga and WellnessRYT 500
Growing up I can remember being outside, regardless of the weather. It was a place where I was most creative, felt safe and at home. To this day, when I find myself out of balance, I seek time to connect to nature.
I found Yoga while healing from a back injury. Active most of my life, and a bit competitive, took a toll on my body. Through the practice of Yoga I learned strength, steadiness, surrender and balance in my life in addition to compassion toward myself. I enjoy guiding a fun, breath centered practice that encourages exploration of the body, breath and heart. My teachings draw from over 25 years of study and practice in the areas of health, wellness, yoga and mindfulness. The practice is one that meets you just as you are, right now. It invites a quiet exploration into courage, strength and renewal. Get ready to experience one, or more, of those AH-HA moments.

Instruction, meals and lodging included. Private room options are available for an additional fee during registration.

REGISTER NOW
Lodging Information
Directions to Wolf Ridge

Retreat for Naturalists
2026-09-25 15:00 - 2026-09-27 14:00
Retreat for Naturalists
Register Now
Connect. Explore. Learn.
Join us at Wolf Ridge for a one-of-a-kind gathering where naturalists of all experience levels come together to explore, learn, and connect in Minnesota’s North Woods.
Over the course of the event, you’ll experience hands-on sessions across Wolf Ridge’s 2,000-acre campus, our Field Station on the shores of Lake Superior, and the surrounding Superior National Forest. Learn from Wolf Ridge Naturalists, join peer-led explorations, or simply spend time discovering the landscape alongside others who share your curiosity about the natural world.
Whether you’re a seasoned field naturalist or just beginning your journey, you’ll find opportunities to:

Explore diverse habitats through guided field sessions and outdoor activities.
Learn from experienced Wolf Ridge Naturalists and fellow participants.
Meet new friends and build connections with a welcoming community of nature enthusiasts.
Share ideas, observations, and expertise with others who are passionate about the North Shore and the natural world.
Gather each evening for inspiring presentations, conversations, and community.

Come ready to discover new places, deepen your knowledge, and be part of a vibrant community of lifelong learners in one of the Midwest’s most remarkable landscapes.
***If you are attending and interested in leading a session,request so in advance by emailing Charlie.Pavlisich@wolf-ridge.org
Register Now
