Outdoors

The Outdoors program provides opportunities for members of the University of Iowa and surrounding communities to introduce themselves to a variety of outdoor activities. Through a focus on adventure-based learning, the aim is to educate participants with the necessary technical skills, as well as the ethical guidance, to ensure these activities are carried out with a maximum level of concern for the participants and the environment. Outdoors encompasses several programs and facilities including:

Outdoor Rental Center
Climbing Wall in the CRWC
Lifetime Leisure Skills classes (for academic credit)
Wildlife Camps
School of the Wild
Iowa Raptor Project
Adventure Trips
UI Challenge Course
Macbride Nature Recreation Area

For updated cross-country ski trail conditions, visit: www.iowaski.blogspot.com

Wildlife Camps

Wildlife Camps are for ages 4-17 and began in the summer of 1991 with a mission to awaken an awareness and appreciation of the natural world in our campers, as well as to inspire campers to action through developing a sound “land ethic” (in the words of Aldo Leopold, a native Iowan). We offer camps in the summer and over spring/winter breaks.

Iowa Raptor Project

The Iowa Raptor Project is devoted to the preservation of Iowa's birds of prey and their natural habitats. The Raptor Center currently displays 17 unreleaseable birds of prey historically found in Iowa. The Raptor Center is open to the public and we welcome visitors!

School of the Wild

Each year over 1200 students participate in School of the Wild, a week-long environmental education experience for area schools. Students have a unique opportunity to explore the outdoor setting with small group sizes and experienced naturalists and teachers.

Adventure Trips

Explore Iowa and our surrounding states with us! Throughout the year, we plan several 1-2 day trips to Iowa State Parks and other regional outdoor spaces.

Outdoor Rental Center

We have everything you need at the Outdoor Rental Center for a week-long camping trip, canoe or kayak trip, and equipment to help you enjoy the outdoors, no matter the season.