Every Student. Every School. Outdoor School.
An Outdoor Learning Center of Excellence
Learning Comes to Life in Nature
At Wolf Ridge, Outdoor School is more than an overnight field trip.
It is an accredited, immersive learning experience where students step outside the traditional classroom and into a 2,000-acre living laboratory.
Here, forests, wetlands, lakes, streams, and the Lake Superior watershed become part of the curriculum. Students investigate, explore, collaborate, solve problems, build confidence, and discover the natural world through direct experience.
- An Outdoor Learning Center of Excellence.
- Where Learning Comes to Life in Nature.
- Exploration Sparks Transformation.
“Outdoor School at Wolf Ridge is part of developing the outdoor ethic that we need in society” ~ Pete Smerud, Wolf Ridge Former Executive Director
Why Schools Keep Choosing Wolf Ridge
For nearly 40 years, schools have brought their students to Wolf Ridge.
And they keep coming back.
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89% of schools return year after year
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And Report a World-Class Experience — 88 NPS
Our Net Promoter Score reflects how likely the people who experience Wolf Ridge are to recommend it to others.
But numbers only tell part of the story.
- Schools return because they see what happens when students have the opportunity to learn this way.
- Students explore new places. Work together. Try things they have never tried before. Build confidence. Ask questions. Make connections.
- And almost always, they experience something for the very first time.
That’s Outdoor School at Wolf Ridge.
A Living Laboratory of Learning
Wolf Ridge’s 2,000-acre campus gives students something a traditional classroom can’t:
the opportunity to experience what they’re learning.
Students can:
- Investigate forests, wetlands, lakes, and streams
- Explore ecology, geology, environmental science, and natural history
- Study wildlife and ecosystems firsthand
- Develop outdoor skills and confidence
- Work collaboratively to solve problems
- Explore human culture and our relationship with the natural world
- Reflect on their experiences and connect learning to their own lives
Our programs are designed to connect hands-on experience with classroom learning and are aligned with Minnesota Academic Standards, Common Core, and Next Generation Science Standards while intentionally supporting social-emotional learning.
Programs are developed in partnership with schools to align with Minnesota Academic Standards while intentionally integrating CASEL-aligned social and emotional learning outcomes.
What Is Outdoor School?
Outdoor School is a multi-day, accredited residential learning experience where students learn through direct engagement with the natural world.
At Wolf Ridge, students live and learn together on campus while participating in hands-on classes taught by experienced Wolf Ridge Naturalists.
A typical experience includes:
3 Days / 2 Nights
Multiple daytime classes plus evening programming.
5 Days / 4 Nights
An extended experience with additional daytime classes and evening programming.
Schools can work with our team to create an experience that fits their students’ learning goals.
Removing the Barriers
We believe cost and transportation shouldn’t prevent students from experiencing Outdoor School.
That’s why Wolf Ridge continues to work with generous foundation, legislative, and independent funding partners to make these experiences more accessible.
For the 2026–27 school year, more than $800,000 in scholarship, transportation, and teacher-stipend support is available.
Support may help with:
- Student Tuition
Scholarship assistance is available for qualifying schools. - Transportation
Transportation support can help reduce the cost of getting students to campus. - Teacher Stipends
Funding can help offset costs for educators participating in Outdoor School.
Funding is limited and awarded throughout the year as schools reserve dates.
If cost or transportation has kept your school from coming, let’s talk.
Why Outdoor School Matters
Outdoor School gives students opportunities that extend beyond the days they spend at Wolf Ridge.
- They return to school with experiences to draw upon—not simply information they’ve been given.
- They have worked through challenges.
- They have learned alongside their peers.
- They have experienced the natural world firsthand.
- They have discovered new strengths and perspectives.
And for some students, the experience begins a relationship with the outdoors that continues long after they leave campus.
Exploration sparks transformation.
The Wolf Ridge Difference
Wolf Ridge is more than a place to take students outdoors.
We are an Outdoor Learning Center of Excellence with more than five decades of experience in environmental education and a fully accredited residential school program.
Our campus provides an extraordinary setting for learning:
- 2,000-acre North Woods campus
- 68-acre Lake Superior classroom
- 18 miles of hiking and ski trails
- Multiple lakes and streams
- Working organic farm
- Indoor climbing walls
- Outdoor ropes courses
- Experienced staff Naturalists
- 50+ hands-on classes and experiences
Every element of the experience is designed to bring learning to life.
Every Student. Every School. Outdoor School.
Ready to Bring Your Students?
Whether you’re planning your first Wolf Ridge experience or your school has been coming for years, we’re here to help.
Our Outdoor School team can help you explore:
- Available dates
- Program options
- Classes and learning goals
- Scholarship opportunities
- Transportation assistance
- Teacher support
Space is limited, and planning ahead gives schools the best opportunity to secure the dates they want.
Outdoor School for All in Minnesota
In June 2025, Minnesota established Outdoor School for All, creating a statewide grant program to expand access to multi-day, overnight outdoor learning experiences for students in grades 4–12.
The initiative supports accredited residential environmental learning centers in providing immersive experiences that integrate environmental and natural science learning, outdoor recreation and skill-building, and cultural and place-based education.
Wolf Ridge is proud to be part of Minnesota’s effort to expand access to meaningful outdoor learning experiences for students across the state.
Grant Information & Public Disclosure
Project Title: Outdoor School
Grant Award Amount: $262,625.60
Project Duration: Through June 30, 2028
This project is funded by the State of Minnesota and administered by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. All services and programming supported through this grant acknowledge the State of Minnesota as the sponsoring agency.
Grantee Leadership Contact
Vanessa Riegler
218-353-6122
vanessa.riegler@wolf-ridge.org
Program Management Contacts
Vanessa Riegler
218-353-6122
vanessa.riegler@wolf-ridge.org
Rebecca Meyer
218-353-6178
rebecca.meyer@wolf-ridge.org
Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center
6282 Cranberry Road
Finland, MN 55603
218-353-7414
800-523-2733
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