Minnesota

Rafting & Raptors: Northwoods Minnesota With Your Grandchild

Program No. 23100RJ
Experience the great outdoors in Minnesota’s Northwoods. Try a variety of different sports while learning about the wildlife that also plays in this dense, green forest.

Enroll with Confidence

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. Learn more

Protecting the Environment

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more

At a Glance

Hold on to your helmets! Deep in the heart of Minnesota’s Northwoods, you and your grandchild will experience some of the most exciting sports this side of the Mississippi River. White water rafting, archery, rock climbing and a ropes challenge course are just a taste of your outdoor fun as you venture through the lush greenery on your next learning adventure. Keep an eye out for all the wildlife that inhabit the woods and learn about their environment from expert naturalists. After the day’s lessons and thrills, relax by the crackling fire where you can tell stories of the adventures that you’ll always share with your grandchild.
Activity Level
Outdoor: Spirited
Whitewater rafting for 2 or more hours. Rock Climbing 100 foot cliffs for 2 hours. Navigating high ropes course 35+ in the air. Hiking up to 3 miles. There will be daily walking.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

What You'll Learn

  • Enjoy whitewater rafting on the St. Louis River; the largest tributary to Lake Superior in the U.S.
  • Outdoor rock climb with climbing pros and experience the Northwoods from a different perspective.
  • Learn about birds of prey with expert instructors and get up close with snakes, frogs, salamanders and toads!
Meals
14 Meals
5 Breakfasts
4 Lunches
5 Dinners
The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Gluten Free, Vegetarian, Low Fat
Lodging
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Display
Jul 28, 2024 - Aug 02, 2024
  • Jul 28, 2024 - Aug 02, 2024
  • Jul 07, 2024 - Jul 12, 2024
  • Jul 28, 2024 - Aug 02, 2024
5 nights
Sandstone
Osprey Wilds Environmental Learning Center is nestled on the shores of Grindstone Lake in east-central Minnesota and consists of 780 acres of mixed forests, prairies, wetlands and farmland. The land was once a farm and operated by the Schwyzer family from St. Paul, MN. The original farmhouse, barn and land were eventually donated to be operated as an environmental learning center. In addition to the original farmhouse, our facility now has a second smaller lodge and a modern dormitory and can house up to 162 guests. Road Scholar participants will be staying in Crosby Lodge, an ADA accessible facility that has fourteen dormitory rooms, two classrooms, and a large gathering room. Each dorm rooms has four bunk beds, two sinks, a private toilet, and a private shower. There are no TVs or hair dryers provided in the rooms. There is campus-wide highspeed wi-fi internet. Linens and towels are provided. We do not offer daily cleaning services, but fresh linens or towels can be provided upon request. We serve mostly scratch-made meals that are delicious and nutritious. They are served cafeteria style in our large dining hall. Coffee and tea are available throughout the day, and well into the evening. Be prepared to witness beautiful summer sunsets over Grindstone Lake and enjoy the quiet northwoods mornings in this beautiful Minnesota setting.
5 nights
Sandstone
Osprey Wilds Environmental Learning Center is nestled on the shores of Grindstone Lake in east-central Minnesota and consists of 780 acres of mixed forests, prairies, wetlands and farmland. The land was once a farm and operated by the Schwyzer family from St. Paul, MN. The original farmhouse, barn and land were eventually donated to be operated as an environmental learning center. In addition to the original farmhouse, our facility now has a second smaller lodge and a modern dormitory and can house up to 162 guests. Road Scholar participants will be staying in Crosby Lodge, an ADA accessible facility that has fourteen dormitory rooms, two classrooms, and a large gathering room. Each dorm rooms has four bunk beds, two sinks, a private toilet, and a private shower. There are no TVs or hair dryers provided in the rooms. There is campus-wide highspeed wi-fi internet. Linens and towels are provided. We do not offer daily cleaning services, but fresh linens or towels can be provided upon request. We serve mostly scratch-made meals that are delicious and nutritious. They are served cafeteria style in our large dining hall. Coffee and tea are available throughout the day, and well into the evening. Be prepared to witness beautiful summer sunsets over Grindstone Lake and enjoy the quiet northwoods mornings in this beautiful Minnesota setting.





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