Outdoor School
Our three to five day accredited residential outdoor education program expands learning outside the classroom, engaging students in critical thinking, scientific inquiry, and activities that aim to raise environmental awareness, instill stewardship, and foster respect and teamwork.
Outdoor environmental education trips for overnight and day groups
What is the Eagle Bluff Outdoor School? More than your average field trip – it’s an experience unlike any other! Groups (predominately from schools in MN, WI, IA and IL) stay overnight together at our campus, eat together in our dining hall and learn together about the environment, in the environment. Immersed in natural surroundings, students participate in classes, naturalist programs, group challenges, and adventure activities that sharpen their critical thinking skills, foster teamwork and leadership, and challenge them to become nature lovers and stewards of our environment.
Through our Outdoor School programming, we aim to provide students with transformative experiences that:
- 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
Jump to: Plan Your Trip | Meet our Staff | Rates & Scholarships
Learning at Eagle Bluff
The outdoor environment of our 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.
Our 250-acre campus is located in the ecologically-unique Driftless Area and is home to an abundance of unique plant and wildlife, adding to the richness of students’ learning experience.
Our 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.
Our methodologies are based on those researched and trained through The BEETLES Project.
Our 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. Weave environmental education into your own classroom by book-ending your experience with pre- and post-trip activities designed around your Eagle Bluff classes and trip outcomes.
“We had a wonderful time here. The kids got so much hands-on learning, had so much fun, and created such a wonderful little community together. This is definitely an experience they will look back on for years.”
– Parent chaperone
Food & Dining
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.
Students are encouraged to “take what they eat and eat what they take.” That’s the motto of our FoodWISE program which offers incentives for guests who minimize their food waste. We also utilize multiple composting systems allowing us to compost food scraps from kitchen prep and guests’ plates.
We’re located in the beautiful Bluff Country of Lanesboro, Minnesota
Just 45 minutes southeast of Rochester and an hour west of La Crosse, Eagle Bluff is conveniently located and accessible for schools and groups from all over Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa and northern Illinois.
Information for Teachers & Group Leaders
Here you’ll find planning resources: Overnight Planning Guide, Trip Planning Checklist, Medical Release Forms, Code of Conduct, Food Allergen Disclosure, and more.
Information for Adult Chaperones
Chaperones are a vital part of your group’s trip to Eagle Bluff! Here you’ll find information on How to Be a Top-Notch Chaperone, Tips for Thriving During Your Chaperone Experience, and more.
Information for Parents & Students
Parents, here you’ll find important information including pertinent forms, lodging & safety info, and more. Students, check here to learn about what to expect on your upcoming trip!
Lucas Newton
Outdoor School Manager
Sheila Fishbaugher
Groups & Scheduling Manager
Colleeen Foehrenbacher
Education Director
Fall 2019 – Spring 2020
Overnight Trips:
Three Day, Two Night Program:
$118/person
Four Day, Three Night Program:
$163/person
Five Day, Four Night Program:
$205/person
Day Program:
$20/person for ½ day
$30/person for full day
Lunch $7/person, or you may bring your own.
We offer a 25% discount on multi-day overnight programs to first-year groups!
We believe that everyone should have access to the outdoors. For scholarship information, please contact us.
Inquire about a trip
Fill out our inquiry form and our groups manager will get back to you with more information!