Connecting people to nature and each other through transformative outdoor learning experiences

Founded in 1978, Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to providing immersive outdoor learning experiences for children, adults, and families. As a year-round environmental education center, we welcome over 16,000 visitors annually, offering nationally accredited outdoor education programs designed to inspire a lifelong appreciation for nature.

Nestled in the scenic hills of southeastern Minnesota, Eagle Bluff is located just a few miles from the historic town of Lanesboro in Fillmore County. Our campus is easily accessible, situated just two hours from the Twin Cities, 45 minutes from Rochester, and 45 minutes from Winona. We are conveniently located within driving distance of neighboring states: Wisconsin, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, and beyond, making us a central destination for outdoor education and adventure.

At Eagle Bluff, we go beyond traditional field trips. Our hands-on outdoor adventures allow visitors to explore, observe, and interact with the environment in a way that fosters a deeper connection to the natural world. By immersing participants in nature, we help them develop a greater understanding of the environment while encouraging environmental stewardship and personal growth.

Our mission is to empower individuals to care for the earth and each other. Our programs focus on:

• Building a sense of community, respect, and stewardship for the environment
• Teaching valuable life skills, including teamwork and problem-solving
• Enhancing environmental awareness and academic knowledge
• Creating positive outdoor experiences that inspire a passion for nature
• Sparking curiosity and appreciation for the natural world

Through our programs, we inspire the next generation of environmental leaders and offer opportunities for all ages to experience the wonders of outdoor learning and adventure.

A remedy for “Nature-Deficit Disorder”

In today’s digital world, children and families are spending less time in nature than previous generations. New research reveals a startling statistic: the average child in the United States now spends less than 10 minutes a day in unstructured outdoor play.¹ Meanwhile, screen time has become the norm, with parents of children aged 8 to 12 reporting that their kids spend three times as many hours on computers and televisions as they do outside.²

This growing disconnect from nature has been termed “nature-deficit disorder” by author Richard Louv in his book The Last Child in the Woods. Over the past two decades, studies have highlighted the significant, long-term benefits of outdoor experiences, such as boosting creativity, reducing stress, and fostering a sense of responsibility for the environment.

At Eagle Bluff, our goal is to reverse this trend. We believe in the transformative power of nature. Our programs are designed to help visitors get outdoors while building life skills, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities. Whether it’s your first visit or your twentieth, Eagle Bluff provides an opportunity to discover new places, challenge yourself, and connect with the outdoors in ways that leave a lasting impact.

Learning outside the classroom

Amidst the natural beauty of the scenic bluff country near Lanesboro, Minnesota, Eagle Bluff is located on over 250 acres of restored prairie and mixed hardwood forest and surrounded by hundreds of acres of state forest land. Our campus is located in the Driftless region, which is rich in natural resources and cultural history, unique in its limestone karst geology and enchanting beauty.

Our campus overlooks the Root River Valley and boasts an abundance of unique plant and wildlife, including gray fox, river otter, soft-shelled turtle, timber rattlesnake, tufted titmouse, bald eagle, pleistocene snail, luna moth, wild turkey, American woodcock, cream wild indigo, wild parsnip, and more!

Learning at Eagle Bluff is nearly all outdoors, always hands-on and led by passionate professional outdoor educators. 45 different classes and activities are available with subjects ranging from science, adventure, natural history, cultural history, team building and more.

The staff at Eagle Bluff is comprised of a dedicated team of highly-skilled professional educators, naturalists, and administrative support personnel. Each staff person is committed to creating and outstanding educational experience and meeting the individual needs of each student.

Programming

Our core programming consists of:

• Nature Preschool: Nature-based kindergarten readiness program which uses environmental education to support the development of the whole child. 
• Outdoor School: 3- to 5-day overnight trips for K-12 students (including teachers & chaperones) facilitated through their school
• Summer & Family Camps: Week-long adventures for families and kids grades 3-12 where campers gain new skills, build their self-confidence, and foster their relationship with the natural world
• Environmental Education Fellowship: Year-long graduate program where participants facilitate experiences for students while developing teaching and public relations skills as an outdoor educator

Additionally, our Wildlife staff is dedicated to the care, training and educational programming of Eagle Bluff’s wild animal ambassadors (five birds of prey, one skunk, six snakes, a turtle, and other reptiles and amphibians). Our wild animals are a core part of our educational programming and can even be brought to you through our public outreach programming to teach outside groups about wildlife conservation.

Furthermore, we offer a variety of ways for other groups to experience Eagle Bluff and our beautiful campus through seasonal events, custom retreats, conference and meeting hosting, team building adventures, and other custom outdoor experiences.