Residential Outdoor School Program (K-12)
Our residential outdoor experiential 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. Book your school or group’s overnight or day trip today!
Outdoor 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! Immersed in natural surroundings, students participate in hands-on classes, naturalist programs, group challenges, and adventure activities that sharpen their critical thinking skills, foster teamwork and leadership, and challenge them to become stewards of the environment who care for the earth and each other.
Through our accredited Outdoor School programming, we aim to provide students with hands-on, 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
Program Overview
Sample Daily Schedule
Morning
7:30-8:30: Breakfast
8:30-11:30: Class
11:30–12:00: Free time
Afternoon
Noon-1:15: Lunch/Free Time
1:15–4:15: Class
4:15–5:00: Free time
Evening
5:00–6:30: Dinner/Free Time
6:30–7:30: Naturalist Program
7:30–9:00: Group Activities
Nighttime
9:00–9:30: Group Meeting Time
9:30-10:00: Quiet Time in Rooms
10:00 – 6:30: Quiet hours
Programming highlights
☑ Inquiry-based learning
☑ Classes almost all outdoors
☑ Aligned with state standards
☑ STEM-connected w/ IB profiles
☑ Adventure & challenge activities
☑ Custom curriculum based on group
Our 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. All education staff:
- have earned undergraduate degrees or higher in education, science or other related fields
- are trained and evaluated in behavior and risk management and outdoor teaching techniques
- have earned or are working toward a certificate in environmental education and certification as an Interpretive Guide.
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. Eagle Bluff’s methodologies are based on those researched and trained through The BEETLES Project.
Our 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.
“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
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 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
Lodging & Accommodations
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.
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. 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 for schools and groups from all over Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa and northern Illinois.
Prepare for Your Trip
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.
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!
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.
Rates & Trip Options
Discounts may be available on multi-day overnight programs to first-year groups! Inquire using the form below!
Two ways to visit the Outdoor School for the 2020-2021 school year:
1
Overnight Trips
Three Day, Two Night Program:
$123/person
Four Day, Three Night Program:
$168/person
Five Day, Four Night Program:
$210/person
2
Day Use Trips
Half-day
$20/person
Full day
$30/person
Lunch $7/person, or you may bring your own.
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.
Inquire about a trip
Fill out our inquiry form and our groups manager will get back to you with more information!
You may also call and talk with our groups scheduling manager at 507-467-2437.