Classes & Curriculum
Hands-on learning.
Real-world connections.
Unforgettable experiences.
Our Outdoor School curriculum combines hands-on learning with meaningful outdoor experiences that support state academic standards and help students build STEM, humanities, and life skills.
Start Planning Your Trip
Explore classes, naturalist programs, evening activities, trip journals, and pre- and post-visit resources designed to help you create a meaningful experience connected to your classroom goals, curriculum, and students.
Inquire About a Trip
Complete the Outdoor School Trip Inquiry Form, and our Scheduling Manager will follow up to discuss your goals and available dates.
Choose Your Classes
Browse Day Class by subject area, activity level, duration, and grade level to build the best experience for your students.
Add Evening Programs
Enhance your trip with engaging Naturalist Programs and Evening Activities.
Explore Classroom Connections
Use trip journals, lesson plans, and resources to extend learning before and after your trip.
Day Classes
Each Outdoor School daytime class is hands-on, student-centered, and designed to use the outdoors as the classroom. Use the filters below to explore classes by subject area, grade level, activity level, and duration to build an experience that supports your students, schedule, and learning goals.
Class availability may vary based on season, weather, staffing, and scheduling. Contact scheduling@eaglebluffmn.org to discuss available options for your group’s visit.
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Big Freeze
Use binoculars to observe the bird diversity and explore what makes them unique.
Resources:
- Summary
- Pre-Visit Activity (COMING SOON!)
- Post-Visit Activity (COMING SOON!)
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Wildlife Ecology
Use models and hike through different ecosystems to study wildlife population dynamics.
Resources:
- Summary
- Pre-Visit Activity
- Post-Visit Activity (COMING SOON!)
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Treetops High Ropes Course
Challenge yourself, expand your comfort zone, and encourage others while traversing 30 feet above the ground.
Minimum grade required: 4th
Resources:
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Trees and (Dichotomous) Keys
Make observations and use a dichotomous key to explore the diversity of Midwest tree species.
Resources:
- Summary
- Pre-Visit Activity
- Post-Visit Activity (COMING SOON!)
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Team Navigation
Work together to explore the outdoors while learning a new way to navigate via a large game of hide and seek.
Resources:
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Survival
Build confidence in your outdoor experience through shelter building and fire-making.
Resources:
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Snowshoeing
Play games and stay warm by tromping through the snow on snowshoes.
Resources:
- Summary
- Pre-Visit Activity
- Post-Visit Activity (COMING SOON!)
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Settler Life
Visit a replica cabin and do chores to analyze how 1850’s Settler-Colonists made their homes in Minnesota.
Resources:
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Root River Hike
Find new ways to enjoy the outdoors through art, games, and beautiful views on a hike to the Root River.
Resources:
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Rock Climbing
Challenge yourself and support others through safe risk-taking on our rock wall.
Resources:
- Summary
- Pre-Visit Activity
- Post-Visit Activity (COMING SOON!)
Naturalist Programs
Each evening from 6:15–7:15 p.m., students participate in a staff-led naturalist program designed to help them unwind after a full day of Outdoor School activities. Unlike daytime classes, evening programs are more relaxed and designed for larger group participation.
What to Expect:
Naturalist Programs may include storytelling, slideshows, live animal experiences, or character-led presentations exploring topics related to nature, wildlife, history, and culture.
Invasive Species
Learn how invasive species impact ecosystems—and what you can do to help protect native environments.
Legends in the Sky
Listen to and act out star stories from cultures around the world, exploring both their differences and shared themes.
Limited to 50 participants.
Nighttime Neighbors
Explore Minnesota’s nocturnal animals and how their senses and behaviors help them thrive after dark.
RaptorCARE
Learn how Eagle Bluff trains, cares for, and works with raptor ambassadors in educational programs.
RaptorFORCE
Explore how humans and raptors have interacted and influenced each other throughout history.
RaptorPHYSICS
Discover the science of flight and learn how birds of prey are uniquely adapted for flight and life in the skies.
Rattled!
Investigate why we often fear snakes, and learn more about the unique adaptations of Minnesota’s only venomous snake.
Reptiles
See reptiles up close to learn about Minnesota’s reptiles, their unique adaptations, and the important roles they play in the ecosystem.
StarLab
Explore seasonal constellations, their science, and the stories behind them in our inflatable planetarium.
Spiders, Ticks, & Mosquitos
Discover what makes these arthropods “tick” in the natural world, and how to enjoy the outdoors in spite of them.
Team Machine
Play an active, competitive game of telephone to learn about communication and problem solving. Led by Eagle Bluff staff.
Limited to 120 participants.
Unhuggables
Explore the myths and realities of misunderstood “nuisance” animals and the important roles they play in ecosystems.
Evening Activities
Evening activities run from 7:30–9:00 p.m. and are led by your school staff or chaperones. Evening activities are flexible and design to meet a variety of your needs.
Your Choice
Customize your evening. Popular options include talent shows, capture the flag, journaling, board games, and gaga ball.
Board Games & Bingo
Unwind and reconnect while you play your choices of cards, board games, and bingo in your homeroom.
Campfire
Unplug and gather around the fire for stories, connection, and classic camp moments.
Staff- or group-led. S’mores optional.
Eagle Bluff Olympics
High-energy team challenges that combine strategy, problem-solving, and friendly competition.
Quick Reference Guide »
Movie Night
Relax and recharge with a movie. Bring your own or use Eagle Bluff’s Netflix or DVDs.
Night Hike
Experience the outdoors after dark—engage the senses and discover the nighttime world.
Lesson Plan »
Quick Reference Guide »
Owl Pellets
Dissect owl pellets to uncover food webs and ecosystem connections.
Additional cost per pellet.
Lesson Plan »
Quick Reference Guide »
Project Teamwork
Strengthen communication and collaboration through guided problem-solving activities.
Lesson Plan »
Quick Reference Guide »
Talent Show
Lip-syncing? Slam poetry? Martial arts? Show the crowd hidden talents on stage or around the campfire.
Volleyball & Rec Time
Enjoy movement in the outdoors with a volleyball, frisbee, basketball, and more.
Yard Games
Simple, fun outdoor games that bring groups together through movement and friendly competition.
Trip Journals
Use the Naturalist Program Trip Journal with any Naturalist Program; there are no program-specific pages. Print one page per student for each night of your stay.
Naturalist Program Trip Journal »
A quick guide to selecting, preparing, and using Trip Journal pages for your Eagle Bluff visit, including helpful tips and answer keys for the crossword and word find activities.
Trip Journal Guide for Teachers »
Trip Planning Resources
Find more trip planning information and resources below.
Teachers and Group LeadersEverything you need to plan, prepare for, and lead a successful Outdoor School trip at Eagle Bluff. Learn more » |
Parents and StudentsInformation for students and families, including required forms, lodging details, safety information, and what to expect. Learn more » |
Adult ChaperonesHelpful guidance on how to prepare, what to expect, and tips for making the most of your time as a chaperone. Learn more » |