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.
Where Nature, Comfort, and Sustainability Meet--groups gather, families reconnect, and individuals recharge—inside one of the greenest lodges on the planet.
Since 1993, Wolf Ridge has hosted a long-term international study of migratory songbirds. Visitors can watch the banding process, learn about bird research, and observe these beautiful birds up close. Sessions are held on summer mornings at the Forest Ecology Building, free and open to all ages. Banding is canceled on rainy days.
Since 1993, Wolf Ridge has hosted a long-term international study of migratory songbirds. Visitors can watch the banding process, learn about bird research, and observe these beautiful birds up close. Sessions are held on summer mornings at the Forest Ecology Building, free and open to all ages. Banding is canceled on rainy days.
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.
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,
Leap Into Camp at Wolf Ridge gives first-time overnight campers in grades 2-3 a fun, beginner-friendly introduction with outdoor adventures, games, campfires, and new friendships.
Leap Into Camp at Wolf Ridge gives first-time overnight campers in grades 4-5 a fun, beginner-friendly introduction with outdoor adventures, games, campfires, and new friendships.
Leap Into Camp at Wolf Ridge gives first-time overnight campers in grades 6-7 a fun, beginner-friendly introduction with outdoor adventures, games, campfires, and new friendships.
Bio-Blitz Camp at Wolf Ridge invites grades 8-9 campers to explore nature and catalog as many species as possible. Track mammals, study birds and insects, and engage in hands-on scientific discovery.
Since 1993, Wolf Ridge has hosted a long-term international study of migratory songbirds. Visitors can watch the banding process, learn about bird research, and observe these beautiful birds up close. Sessions are held on summer mornings at the Forest Ecology Building, free and open to all ages. Banding is canceled on rainy days.
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!
Discoverers Camp is the perfect introduction to Wolf Ridge! First-time campers build confidence, independence, and outdoor skills while enjoying hiking, swimming, ropes courses, and hands-on nature adventures.
Campers will expand their outdoor skills, hike the Superior Trail, tackle the Adventure Ropes course, enjoy swimming, and build friendships in a safe, adventurous environment.
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.
Experience four nights of family adventure at Wolf Ridge with our Family Camp Sampler! Designed for all ages, this shorter session offers guided hiking, canoeing, birdwatching, and flexible activities to explore the scenic grounds. Stay in family-friendly lodging, enjoy fresh meals from our on-site farm, and let children participate in engaging programs while adults relax. Connect with nature, build family bonds, and create lasting memories during this immersive mini-camp experience.
Wolf Ridge Day Camp offers K-5 campers a hands-on summer adventure in nature. Explore habitats, play games, learn outdoor skills, and celebrate with a family campfire.
Discoverers Camp is the perfect introduction to Wolf Ridge! First-time campers build confidence, independence, and outdoor skills while enjoying hiking, swimming, ropes courses, and hands-on nature adventures.
Campers will expand their outdoor skills, hike the Superior Trail, tackle the Adventure Ropes course, enjoy swimming, and build friendships in a safe, adventurous environment.
Beginning Survival Camp at Wolf Ridge teaches grades 4-5 campers essential outdoor skills like fire-building, wayfinding, canoeing, and teamwork in a fun, adventurous setting.
Girls Rock the Ridge at Wolf Ridge helps grades 6-7 campers build confidence, leadership, and practical outdoor skills through ropes courses, team games, and a Superior Hiking Trail adventure.
Embark on a Wolf Ridge adventure along Minnesota’s Superior Hiking Trail! This girls-only backpacking experience blends confidence-building, outdoor education, and wilderness exploration. Spend a week learning backcountry skills, hiking breathtaking overlooks, and camping beneath the stars — a transformative journey for young women ready to explore, grow, and connect with nature.
Discover Wolf Ridge’s Short Term Immersive Naturalist Training (S.T.I.N.T.) Camp — an adventure in Minnesota’s Boundary Waters for curious teens. Guided by experienced naturalists, campers explore wetlands, forests, and lakes while learning to observe, identify, and understand the living world. From lichens to dragonflies, each day deepens their knowledge and connection to nature. This immersive program fosters curiosity, teamwork, and a lifelong appreciation for the outdoors.
Share an unforgettable week outdoors at Wolf Ridge! Grandparent Camp invites grandparents and grandchildren to explore, learn, and create lasting memories together. Hone outdoor skills, discover the North Woods, and enjoy hands-on adventures in this unique intergenerational experience.
Join Wolf Ridge’s S.T.I.N.T. Camp, a Short Term Immersive Naturalist Training program for grades 9–12. Campers explore unique ecosystems on and around the Wolf Ridge campus, learn to slow down and make careful observations, and dive deeper into ecology through hands-on activities. Participants also engage with natural resource professionals and develop field science skills while exploring their own interests and discoveries. This camp is ideal for teens passionate about nature and scientific exploration.
Experience a week of adventure at Wolf Ridge with our High School Outdoor Recreation Camp for grades 10–12. Teens will develop skills in paddling, rock climbing, hiking, and other outdoor activities while enjoying the scenic North Shore. This immersive, adventure-focused program encourages physical activity, outdoor skill-building, and a lasting love for recreation and nature.