Experiential Learning Trips for K-12 Schools & Groups
Jump to: Program Overview | Our Campus | Our Location | Trip Planning | Rates & Trip Options
Overnight and day-use environmental education field trips for schools and groups
What is the Eagle Bluff Outdoor School? More than your average field trip – it’s an experience unlike any other! Expanding learning beyond the classroom, students are immersed in natural surroundings while participating in experiential learning in the form of hands-on classes, naturalist programs, group challenges, and adventure activities.
Outdoor School classes, curriculum, and activities aim to sharpen students’ critical thinking skills, foster teamwork and leadership, and raise environmental awareness while inspiring an ethos of care for the earth and each other.
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
Programming Highlights
☑ Inquiry-based learning
☑ Classes almost all outdoors
☑ Aligned with state standards
☑ Cognia accredited
☑ STEM-connected w/ IB profiles
☑ Adventure & challenge activities
☑ Custom curriculum based on group
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 education program the best choice for your school or group?
Classes & Curriculum
All of our classes and activities are aligned with Minnesota State Academic Standards, providing students in-depth experiences in: ecology, nature identification, earth and physical science, history and people, outdoor adventure & recreation, challenge skills, and more! Our curriculum is paired with supporting materials to deepen the learning experience, including STEM connections and IB profiles.
Teaching Philosophy
Using research-based methodologies, four core beliefs are woven throughout the student experience and incorporated into our lessons. We believe students learn best when they: engage directly with nature, learn through discussions, think like a scientist, 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
Campus & Facilities
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 Driftless Area, 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
What sets our campus & accommodations apart?
Lodging & 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 impairments.
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 & Adventure Experiences
Campus recreation and adventure experiences include: three high ropes courses, low-ropes courses, rock climbing wall, archery ranges, orienteering course, hiking trails, geocaching, a re-created 1860’s settler cabin, a replica Oneota dwelling site, gift shop and more!
We are the only accredited residential outdoor learning center in southeastern 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 & Group Leaders
Find important planning resources, including our Overnight Planning Guide, Trip Planning Checklist, Medical Release Forms, Code of Conduct, Food Allergen Disclosure, etc.
For Parents & 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!
For 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 & Trip Options
Discounts may be available on multi-day overnight programs to first-year groups! Inquire using the form below!
Included in the per person cost (students and chaperones) is all lodging & meals (for overnight trips), and educational programming.
We believe that everyone should have access to the outdoors. To inquire about potential funding assistance for your trip, please contact us.
Overnight Trips
(2023-2024 school year)
Three Day, Two Night Program: $160/person
Four Day, Three Night Program: $214/person
Five Day, Four Night Program:
$263/person
Overnight Trips
(2024-2025 school year)
Three Day, Two Night Program: $175/person
Four Day, Three Night Program: $229/person
Five Day, Four Night Program:
$278/person
Day Use Trips
(Year-round)
Half-day
$40/person
Full day
$65/person
Youth group lunch rate is $7/person (as available), or bring your own.
Inquire about a trip
Fill out our inquiry form and our groups manager will get back to you with more information!
If you don’t know all your trip details yet that’s ok! Let’s start a conversation and our Groups Manager will work with you to gather information as you know it.
You may also call and talk with our groups scheduling manager at 507-467-2437.
