Experiential Learning Trips for K-12 Schools
Jump to: Program Overview | Our Campus | Our Location | Trip Planning | Rates & Trip Options
Immersive Outdoor Learning Experiences for K-12 Students
Welcome to Eagle Bluff’s Outdoor School, where year-round field trips for student groups inspire learning and fun in nature. Through hands-on classes, naturalist programs, group challenges, and adventure activities, students strengthen their critical thinking, teamwork, and environmental stewardship.
Funding Assistance for Overnight Outdoor School Trips
Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center offers qualifying schools the opportunity to receive up to a 65% discount on overnight outdoor school trips.
These discounts are determined by the number of students eligible for free or reduced-price school meals, ensuring affordability for underserved communities.
Availability is on a first-come, first-served basis, so early inquiries are encouraged.
Overnight outdoor school trip discounts are available thanks to support from the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund.
Outdoor School Program Overview
Student-centered, nature-focused
Through our accredited Outdoor School programming, we provide students with hands-on, transformative experiences that aim to:
- Promote a positive relationship with the outdoors
- Spark curiosity and appreciation for the natural world
- Impart life skills such as teamwork and problem solving
- Increase environmental & academic literacy
- Foster a sense of respect, stewardship and community
Program Highlights:
☑ Student-Centered Inquiry
☑ STEM-Connected
☑ Social-Emotional Learning
☑ Place-Based Education
☑ Experiential Outdoor Classroom
☑ Nationally Accredited
☑ Trained Educators
☑ Aligned with State Standards
☑ Adventure & Challenge Activities
☑ Self-Selected Curriculum Aligned with Classroom Objectives
Sample schedule for a typical overnight trip (3 days, 2 nights):
| Day 1 | |
|---|---|
| 10:30 am | Arrival & Welcome |
| 12:00 pm | Lunch |
| 1:15 – 4:15 pm | Class 1 |
| 5:00 pm | Dinner |
| 6:15 – 7:15 pm | Naturalist Program |
| 7:30 – 9:00 pm | Evening Activity |
| 10:00 pm | Lights out |
| Day 2 | |
|---|---|
| 7:30 am | Breakfast |
| 8:30 – 11:30 am | Class 2 |
| 12:00 pm | Lunch |
| 1:15 – 4:15 pm | Class 3 |
| 5:00 pm | Dinner |
| 6:15 – 7:15 pm | Naturalist Program |
| 7:30 – 9:00 pm | Evening Activity |
| 10:00 pm | Lights out |
| Day 3 | |
|---|---|
| 7:00 am | Move out |
| 7:30 am | Breakfast |
| 8:30 – 11:30 am | Lunch |
| 11:30 am | Dinner |
| 12:30 pm | Departure |
What makes our Outdoor School program the best choice for your students?
Classes and Curriculum
All of our classes and activities are aligned with State Academic Standards, providing students in-depth experiences in ecology, nature identification, earth and physical science, history and people, outdoor adventure and recreation, challenge skills, and more! Our curriculum is paired with supporting materials to deepen the learning experience.
Teaching Philosophy
Using research-based methodologies, three core beliefs are woven throughout the student experience and incorporated into our lessons. We believe students learn best when they: think and engage with nature like a scientist, learn through discussions, and follow the learning cycle. Eagle Bluff’s methodologies are based on those researched and trained through The BEETLES Project.
Educators
Our highly-trained, passionate outdoor educators provide programming that challenges students to think critically, step out of their comfort zone, and experience personal growth and connection with the natural world. We get to know our students by name and work to build a culture of mutual respect. Additionally, all of our educators have have earned undergraduate degrees or higher and are trained and evaluated in behavior and risk management and outdoor teaching techniques.
“The students had a wonderful time!”
“And my team was pleased and impressed with how the Eagle Bluff staff appropriately challenged, and encouraged growth and leadership throughout the experience. Thanks again for a wonderful trip!”
– Middle school teacher, Mankato, MN
Explore our Campus
The perfect learning environment!
The outdoor environment of our 250-acre campus, such as the river, prairies, and forest, as well as indoor classrooms in our Discovery Center, are used for teaching lessons in science, adventure, natural history, cultural history, team building and more. Located in the ecologically-unique Bluff Country, we are home to an abundance of unique plants and wildlife, adding to the richness of students’ learning experience.
Campus Highlights
☑ Hundreds of acres of wilderness
☑ Captive wildlife onsite
☑ Dormitory-style lodging
☑ Cafeteria-style dining hall
☑ Food waste reduction practices
☑ Adventure & challenge courses
Lodging and Amenities
Bunk comfortably in our climate-controlled lodging! Our 31-room, 248-bed, climate-controlled dormitory serves as the living quarters for students, chaperones, lead teachers, and other guests during their overnight trip to our Outdoor School. Each suite has private bathrooms and showers. Four rooms are fully handicapped-accessible. We also offer campus transportation for students with mobility limitations.
Dining Hall
Enjoy meals in our full-service, cafeteria-style Dining Hall! Our menus are accommodating to dietary needs and feature scratch-made, local, and organic ingredients as much as possible. Guests participate in our FoodWISE program to learn about minimizing food waste. We also utilize multiple composting systems allowing us to compost food scraps from kitchen prep and guests’ plates.
Recreation and Adventure Experiences
Campus recreation and adventure experiences include three high ropes courses, low ropes courses, an indoor rock climbing wall, archery ranges, an orienteering course, hiking trails, geocaching, a recreated 1860s settler cabin, a replica Oneota dwelling site, a gift shop, and more!
We are the only accredited residential outdoor learning center in southern Minnesota!
Just 2 hours from the Twin Cities, 45 minutes southeast of Rochester and an hour west of La Crosse, Eagle Bluff is conveniently located for schools and groups from all over Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa and northern Illinois.
Trip Planning Resources
Teachers and Group Leaders
Find important planning resources, including our Overnight Planning Guide, Trip Planning Checklist, Medical Release Forms, Code of Conduct, Food Allergen Disclosure, etc.
Parents and Students
Find important information for parents, including pertinent forms, lodging and safety information, and more! Students, check here to learn more about what to expect on your trip!
Adult Chaperones
Chaperones are a vital part of your group’s trip to Eagle Bluff! Find information on How to Be a Top-Notch Chaperone, Tips for Thriving During Your Chaperone Experience, and more!
Gift Shop
Our Gift Shop is located in the Dining Hall and offers Eagle Bluff apparel, water bottles, stuffed animals, and other nature and adventure-inspired items for purchase.
Rates and Trip Options
Discounts may be available for first-year groups booking multi-day overnight programs. To learn more, please complete the inquiry form below.
Our rates are per person and include:
- Lodging and meals (for overnight trips)
- Educational programming and activities for students and chaperones
We are dedicated to making outdoor experiences accessible to everyone. To discuss financial assistance options for your trip, please contact us.
Overnight Trips
(2024-2025 School Year)
3 Days, 2 Nights:
$175/person
4 Days, 3 Nights:
$229/person
5 Days, 4 Nights:
$278/person
Overnight Trips
(2025-2026 School Year)
3 Days, 2 Nights:
$190/person
4 Days, 3 Nights:
$248/person
5 Days, 4 Nights:
$302/person
Day Trips
(Year-Round)
Half Day
$40/person
Full Day
$65/person
Youth group lunch available at $7/person (subject to availability).
Inquire About an Outdoor School Trip
Fill out our inquiry form and our Scheduling Manager will get back to you with more information.
Don’t have all your trip details yet? No problem! Start the conversation with us, and our Scheduling Manager will assist you in gathering the information as it becomes available.
You can also call our Scheduling Manager directly at 507-467-2437 to discuss your trip details.
