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 funding assistance for overnight outdoor school trips.
Determination for funding assistance is made based on information provided to us following completion of a Funding Assessment Form.
Overnight outdoor school trip funding assistance is available thanks to support from Outdoor School for All legislation and the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund.
Outdoor School Program Overview
Student-centered, nature-focused
Through our nationally 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 community, stewardship, and respect
Program Highlights:
☑ Student-Centered
☑ STEM-Connected
☑ Social-Emotional Learning
☑ Place-Based
☑ Experiential Outdoor Learning
☑ Nationally Accredited
☑ Expert Educators
☑ Standards-Aligned
☑ Adventure & Challenge Activities
☑ Classroom Connected
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 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, hands-on, experiential learning is woven throughout the student experience and incorporated into our lessons. We believe students learn best when they: build upon their previous experiences, are active participants in their learning and engage in discussions. Eagle Bluff’s methodologies are based on constructivist theories, such as: The BEETLES Project, Experiential Education, and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL).
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 are trained in outdoor teaching techniques, plus behavior and risk management.
“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 team building, adventure, science, natural history, cultural history, 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 experiences.
Campus Highlights
☑ 250+ Acres of Diverse Wilderness
☑ Captive Wildlife Onsite
☑ Dormitory-Style Accommodation
☑ Dining Hall
☑ Food Waste Reduction Program
☑ Ropes Courses & Rock Wall
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, teachers, and other guests during their overnight trip to our Outdoor School. Each suite has a private bathroom and shower. Four rooms are fully accessible to wheelchairs. We also offer on-campus transportation for participants with mobility limitations.
Dining Hall
Enjoy meals in our full-service, cafeteria-style Dining Hall! Our menus are accommodating to dietary needs and feature kid-friendly meals paired with an all-you-can-eat salad bar. Students participate in our FoodWISE program to learn about minimizing food waste. We also utilize a compost system, allowing us to reuse food scraps from 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, hiking trails, geocaching, a replica 1860s settler cabin and 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 planning guides, checklists, codes of conduct, and more!
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
Funding assistance may be available for booking multi-day overnight programs. To learn more, please complete the inquiry form below.
Our rates are per student and adult, 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
(2025-2026 School Year)
3 Days, 2 Nights:
$190/person
4 Days, 3 Nights:
$248/person
5 Days, 4 Nights:
$302/person
Overnight Trips
(2026-2027 School Year)
To be announced Fall 2025
Day Trips
(Year-Round)
Half Day
$45/person
Full Day
$70/person
Youth group lunch available at $10/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 507-467-2702 to discuss your trip details. Or, email schools@eaglebluffmn.org
