Indoor Rock Climbing (K-12th Grade)
2025-01-07 16:00 - 17:30, 2025-01-23 16:00 - 17:30 UTC | Indoor Climbing Wall at the Education Building
Climbing offers participants the chance to challenge themselves both physically and mentally. Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn about the sport and have fun, or an experienced climber seeking to train and refine your skills, our Prairie Woods ELC instructors are here to support you. Let’s reach new heights together! Ages: k-12th Grade
To register, please contact us by phone or email.
(320) 354-5894
prairiewoods@prairiewoodselc.org

Forest Fridays Nature Preschool Program (Ages 3-5 years)
2025-01-10 08:30 - 11:30, 2025-01-17 08:30 - 11:30, 2025-01-24 08:30 - 11:30, 2025-01-31 08:30 - 11:30 | Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center, 12718 10th St NE, Spicer, MN, United States
Get ready for our Forest Fridays Nature Preschool Program, a mini program leading up to the official launch of our nature preschool. Each Friday, children will be engaged in their natural environment through hikes, nature exploration, and immersive play. Our program is focused on nature connection and free play in the outdoors that ignites children’s natural curiosity about the world around them. Each session will include: a hike, story, healthy snack, singing and nature exploration/play. You will receive a mini-handbook with more information about the program prior to class. If you have any questions prior to the start of Forest Fridays, please reach out to Hannah at hannah.s@prairiewoodselc.org

Maximum of 10 children.

Instructor: Hannah Stelley, Nature Preschool Director

Fridays, January 10th, 17th, 24th, and 31st 2025
8:30 -11:30am
Drop off and Pick up at outdoor playscape behind the Westby Observatory, Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center.
Course Fee: $120 for a 4-week session

Register Now

PWELC Extravaganza (1st-12th Grade)
2025-01-13 09:00 - 16:00, 2025-01-20 09:00 - 16:00 | PWELC – Education Building, 12718 10th St. NE, Spicer, MN, 56288, United States
NO SCHOOL TODAY-WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO?
Get outside and explore this winter! Hit the trails and have an adventure on the skinny skis or Scandinavian kicksleds. Learn some winter survival skills. Then we will come inside to finish the day at the indoor climbing wall. Meet at PWELC Main Building. *must bring own lunch & snack*

Kicksled Adventure (4th Grade and Up)
2025-01-21 16:00 - 17:30 | PWELC – Education Building, 12718 10th St. NE, Spicer, MN, 56288, United States
Explore Prairie Woods with style and learn a new way to enjoy winter on our Scandinavian kicksleds! We will get a brief history and instruction before setting off on the trails together! Meet at PWELC Main Building.

(Cancelled) Winter Fun Day
2025-02-09 13:00 - 16:00
Due to lack of snow, this event has been cancelled. Trails are open to the public for hiking.
Let it snow, Let it snow, Let it snow!
Celebrate winter at PWELC with fun outdoor activities for everyone in the family. Try cross country skiing, snowshoeing, kicksledding or fat-tire biking. Indoors, enjoy hot chocolate and treats sold by 4H, warm up by the fire, check out exhibits about winter hobbies & pastimes, or try your hand at the climbing wall.
Date: Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025
Time: 1pm – 4 pm
Cost: $5/person, ($20 max/family) to xc ski, snowshoe, kicksled, fat-tire bike & climb on the indoor rock climbing wall.
Free-will donations are appreciated!
Please call if you are interested in sponsorship opportunities, volunteering, or exhibiting at Winter Fun Day.

Intro to Cross Country Skiing (2nd Grade -Adult)
2025-02-13 16:00 - 17:30 | PWELC – Education Building, 12718 10th St. NE, Spicer, MN, 56288, United States
Don’t let the snow keep you inside all winter long. Come learn the basics of cross-country skiing. Then hit the trails to practice your new skills. Instruction and equipment provided. Meet at PWELC Main Building.

Join Us for Our Nature School Open House!
2025-02-13 16:00 - 18:00 | Westby Observatory, 12718 10th Street NE, Spicer, MN, 56288, United States
We’re excited to invite you to our Nature School Open House! Come and explore the wonders of our outdoor playscape and indoor classroom space, and learn more about the engaging programs we offer.

What to Expect:
-Tour our outdoor playscape, where children connect with nature.-Explore our indoor classroom filled with hands-on learning materials.-Discover all the exciting changes made to the Westby Observatory.-Meet our dedicated staff and ask any questions about our programs!-This is the perfect opportunity to see how our Nature School provides a nurturing and educational environment for children.

We can’t wait to share what makes our school special and how we inspire the next generation to love and respect nature.

Earth Day Celebration
2025-04-12 12:00 - 16:00 | Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center, 12718 10th St NE, Spicer, MN, United States
🌎 Celebrate Earth Day at Prairie Woods!
Get ready for a day of outdoor fun, hands-on learning, and nature exploration for the whole family! This year’s Earth Day event features exciting new attractions, including the Nature Preschool & Playscape, along with a special presentation from the Science Museum of Minnesota!
Explore & Discover:

Interactive exhibits on water quality, energy efficiency, and conservation
Live presentations with Science Museum of Minnesota at 12:30pm and 3:00pm
Rock climbing wall
Guided prairie walks & pond study
Hands-on kids’ activities
Outdoor gear SALE to support Prairie Woods
Food truck on site!

New This Year: Treehouse Workshops!
Our Treehouse Learning Space will host interactive workshops every 30 minutes on environmental topics, including wildlife conservation, pollinator habitats, and sustainability.
Workshop Schedule:

12:00pm – Monarchs and Pollinators
12:30pm – Electrify Everything
12:30pm – Water Show (grades K-2)
1:00pm – Emerald Ash Borer
1:30pm – Pond Study
2:00pm – Wildlife Wizard
2:30pm – Wood Duck Boxes
3:00pm – Electrify Everything
3:00pm – Water Show (grades 3-5)

This annual Earth Day event is a collaborative effort of Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center, Middle Fork Crow River Watershed, North Fork Crow River Watershed, and Kandiyohi County SWCD.
Saturday April 12, 2025
12:00-4:00pm
Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center – Education Building
Cost: FREE
All Ages Welcome!
Join us for a fun, inspiring day celebrating our environment and community—and let’s hope for some spring sunshine! ☀️

Firearm Safety Field Day
2025-04-26 07:30 - 16:00 | PWELC – Education Building, 12718 10th St. NE, Spicer, MN, 56288, United States
This class is FULL –
(Ages 11-15) Students must complete the online course prior to the Field Day. The firearms safety certificate becomes valid at age 12.
The Field Day consists of seven required scenario-based training opportunities. These scenarios allow students to learn and demonstrate commonly accepted principles of safety in hunting and handling firearms. It includes shooting a .22 caliber rifle on a range.
Saturday, April 26th, 2025
8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. – firearm check in and paper work to start at 7:30 a.m.
Prairie Woods ELC 12718 10th St NE, Spicer MN 56288 – Education Building

What to Bring:
– printed www.huntercourse.com voucher and a
– copy of student’s birth certificate
– Students should bring a long gun without a scope. Do NOT bring ammunition for this firearm
– bag lunch and snacks
– water bottle
– students must dress for the weather and wear closed toe shoes, we will be walking in the woods and fields, Crocs are not a good option.

Registration is full.
Contact:
Jake Schwinghammer
jake.s@prairiewoodselc.org

Forkhorn I Camp
2025-06-16 09:00 - 2025-06-20 12:00 | PWELC – Education Building, 12718 10th St. NE, Spicer, MN, 56288, United States
(Ages 11-15) Your child will learn beginning hunting skills. Extensive hands-on instruction in basic safety and shooting techniques for rifle, shotgun, and archery. Includes Whitetail deer ecology, outdoor survival skills, and Hunters ethics. Plus, traditional camp activities like canoeing and rock climbing. MN DNR Firearm Safety Certification included.
Monday, June 16 – Friday, June 20, 2025
Time: 9:00-4:00pm (Monday through Thursday)
9:00-12:00pm (Friday, Shooting Range Day)
Location: Education Building, Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center
Fee: $379 (A $100 deposit is due at registration and payment in full prior to the start of camp)
You will also need to fill out the MN DNR “Firearm safety Hunter education program student registration-parental release and self-certification form” at check in. Full legal name and date of birth will need to be verified with birth certificate or passport (a copy is okay).
For more information or to register, please contact:
jake.s@prairiewoodselc.org
Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center
320-354-5894

Prairie in Progress Workshop
2025-08-22 09:30 - 11:00 | PWELC – Education Building, 12718 10th St. NE, Spicer, MN, 56288, United States
Prairie in Progress Handout:

Watch the full workshop recording:

A Workshop for PWELC MembersCome learn what’s growing at PWELC!
Join us for a special morning dedicated to our habitat restoration project, made possible through a grant and partnership with Pheasants Forever. Hear from staff and project partners about the work happening right here at PWELC, and how you can be part of it. Refreshments provided.
Friday, August 22, 2025
9:30-11:00am
Education Building, PWELC
Fee: Free Will Donation to contribute to the prairie project at PWELC. Let’s restore the prairie together!
RSVP Today

Schedule:
9:30am — WelcomeJennifer Swenson – Introduction & overview
Restoration OverviewSabin Adams, Pheasants Forever
PF’s statewide habitat work, Project plans at PWELC
Creative PerspectivesKalley Pratt & Fiona
Youth voice: GIS StoryMap & community engagement
Education in ActionEllen Dolph – How PWELC will integrate restoration into programming
The Big PictureScott Glup – Understanding native prairie ecosystems
Optional HikeJoin for a guided walk to view prairie restoration site

Let’s restore the prairie together — for wildlife, for people, and for future generations.
RSVPs encouraged but not required.

Prairie Planting - Volunteers Needed!
2025-10-25 12:30 - 16:00
Help restore native prairie habitat! Volunteers will join PWELC and Pheasants Forever staff to plant prairie violets and spread prairie seed across our restored areas. These prairies will become outdoor classrooms and wildlife havens for years to come. By lending a hand, you’ll help create thriving prairies for generations.

Tools and plants provided (we’ll have trowels ready).

Dress for the weather and for working outdoors.

Family-friendly, kids welcome with an adult.

Meet at Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center in the parking lot just past the main building by the maintenance building.

Address:
12718 10th Street NE
Spicer , MN , USA 56288

Contact Ellen Dolph at Ellen.d@prairiewoodselc.org for questions or more information!

Made possible by Pheasants Forever.

Accessible Deer Hunt – Trails Temporarily Closed
2025-11-14 - 2025-11-16 | Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center, 12718 10th St NE, Spicer, MN, United States
Special Limited Deer Hunt
PWELC Trails will be closed Friday, November 14th – Sunday, November 16th, 2025.

Give to the Max Day
2025-11-20 08:00 - 17:00
Keep Outdoor Learning Alive for 20,000+ Each Year
In West Central Minnesota, opportunities for outdoor, hands-on learning are limited. Many children and families don’t have easy access to safe, guided experiences in nature close to home. Schedules are full, and getting outside can be hard.
That’s where Prairie Woods comes in.
As the only dedicated environmental learning center in West Central Minnesota, we welcome more than 20,000 participants each year to our 560 acres of prairie, woodland, and lakeshore. For more than 30 years, Prairie Woods has been a place where people of all ages explore, discover their strengths, and build relationships with the land and each other.
Every day, we see connection come to life when students work together on a team challenge, families share a trail, or preschoolers notice the changing seasons together.
But we can’t do it alone. To keep our programs accessible and impactful, we need your help. Trails require maintenance, habitats need restoring, and our outdoor classrooms depend on resources and staff to welcome learners year-round.
This Give to the Max Day, your donation of $25, $50, or $100 helps Prairie Woods stay strong and open to all.
Because every person deserves the chance to learn from, and belong in, nature.

Intro to Cross-Country Skiing
2026-02-12 16:00 - 17:30
Don’t let the snow keep you inside all winter long. Learn the basics of cross-country skiing, then hit the trails to practice your new skills. Instruction and equipment provided.
Ages: 2nd Grade to Adult
Location: PWELC Main Building
Cost: $10

Winter Survival
2026-03-03 16:00 - 18:00
Do you have what it takes to survive a Minnesota winter? Put your winter survival skills to the test! Join us for an adventurous afternoon where you’ll learn how to build a fire, construct a winter shelter, and discover what it really takes to thrive in the cold. Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or just curious, this hands-on experience is perfect for young adventurers.
Ages: 5th – 8th Grade
Location: PWELC Main Building
Cost: $15

Earth Day Celebration
2026-04-18 12:00 - 16:00
Come CELEBRATE EARTH DAY a fun and educational experience for the whole family! Watch a live animal presentation put on by Hemker Zoo, play nature-themed games, visit booths, exhibits, and activities centered on the environment, and climb the indoor wall!
*No pre-registration necessary.
Date: Saturday, April 18
Time: 12:00 – 4:00pm
Location: PWELC Main Building
Cost: Free

Brought to you by:

Wild for Wildlife Camp: 1st-3rd Grade
2026-06-02 09:00 - 2026-06-04 13:00 | PWELC – Education Building, 12718 10th St. NE, Spicer, MN, 56288, United States
Dive into nature with a fun-filled week of wildlife exploration! Campers will discover local mammals and their tracks, investigate insects up close, spot local birds, and explore pond life through hands-on activities. Each day includes outdoor adventures, games, and creative wildlife-themed crafts-perfect for curious young nature lovers.
Dates: Tuesday June 2 – Thursday June 4
Times: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Ages: 1st – 3rd Grade
Location: Education Building
Cost: $115
REGISTER HERE!
Please pack a snack, water bottle, and lunch, as well as clothes for the weather!

Nature Days
2026-06-23 08:30 - 2026-06-25 11:30
WHAT’S THAT????? Let’s check it out! For three mornings we will explore the natural world in which we live. We will use hands-on activities and games to better understand the forest, prairie, and the wetlands at Prairie Woods. Pack yourself a snack and a water bottle.
Dates: Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday, June 23, 24, 25
Time: 8:30am-11:30am
Location: Education Building
Cost: $75
Ages: K-3rd Grade
Call Prairie Woods at (320)354-5894 to register!

Nature Explorers Camp: 1st-3rd Grade
2026-07-07 09:00 - 2026-07-09 13:00
Join us for a fun outdoor adventure! Campers will enjoy kid-friendly hikes, nature‑themed games, hands‑on crafts, and plenty of exploration. Each day offers new discoveries—searching for plants and critters, creating art from natural materials, and playing active outdoor games. It’s the perfect camp for young adventurers who love to explore the world around them!
Dates: Tuesday July 7 – Thursday July 9
Times: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Ages: 1st – 3rd Grade
Location: Education Building
Cost: $115
REGISTER HERE!
Please pack a snack, water bottle, and lunch, as well as clothes for the weather!

PWELC Wildflower Planting - Volunteers Needed!
2026-07-10 08:30 - 11:30
Help restore native prairie habitat! Everyone is invited to spend a morning at Prairie Woods helping to plant native prairie plants and bring back the wildflowers at Prairie Woods! These prairies will become outdoor classrooms and wildlife havens for years to come. By lending a hand, you’ll help create thriving prairies for generations.

Tools and plants provided.
Dress for the weather and for working outdoors.
Bring a water bottle. We’ll have water available for refills.
Family-friendly, kids welcome with an adult.

Meet at Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center in the parking lot just past the main building by the maintenance building.

Address:
12718 10th Street NE
Spicer , MN , USA 56288

To register, or for more information, contact Ellen Dolph
Ellen.d@prairiewoodselc.org
Or call (320) 354-5894

Made possible by Pheasants Forever.

Family Campfire at Prairie Woods
2026-07-10 19:00 - 21:00
Enjoy a classic family evening outdoors with s’mores, campfire games, songs, and stories at Prairie Woods. Gather around the fire, have fun together, and soak up the sights and sounds of the great outdoors during this relaxed 2‑hour family adventure. Children must be accompanied by a participating adult
Dates:
Friday, June 12
Friday, July 10
Time: 7:00pm-9:00pm
Location: PWELC Farm site
Cost: $5/per person (minors must be accompanied by participating adult)
Ages: All
Call Prairie Woods at (320)354-5894 to register!

Nature's Elements Camp: 3rd-5th Grade
2026-07-13 09:00 - 2026-07-16 13:00
Explore the power of earth, air, water, and fire in this adventure-filled nature camp! Campers will dig into rocks and minerals, study Earth’s creatures, and experience the wonders of water through activities like pond study and canoeing. They’ll experiment with the science of air through outdoor experiments and practice safe fire-building (weather permitting). Each day blends hands-on exploration, nature discovery, and fun games inspired by the elements.
Dates: Monday July 13 – Thursday July 16
Times: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Ages: 3rd – 5th Grade
Location: Education Building
Cost: $150
REGISTER HERE!
Please pack a snack, water bottle, and lunch, as well as clothes for the weather!

Outdoor Adventure Day
2026-07-23 09:00 - 16:00
Step into the great outdoors with a day full of thrilling activities at Prairie Woods. Challenge yourself on the Outdoor Climbing Wall, experience the exhilaration of swinging high on the Flying Squirrel, and enjoy a peaceful paddle through the Lake Florida Slough. Test your aim with some archery fun, explore the trails on a fat-tire bike, and if time permits, learn essential survival skills like shelter building and fire starting.
Don’t forget to bring a sack lunch, snacks, and a water bottle to keep you energized throughout the day. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
Dates:
Thursday, July 23
Thursday, August 13
Time: 9:00am-4:00pm
Location: PWELC Farm site
Cost: $60
Ages: 5th-10th Grade
Call Prairie Woods at (320)354-5894 to register!

PWELC Sampler
2026-07-23 09:00 - 16:00
Join us at Prairie Woods ELC for an unforgettable adventure! Throughout the day we will explore the Pioneer Cabin, climb the rock wall, track animals, dig in the pond, collect insects, and learn essential outdoor survival skills! Remember to bring a sack lunch, snacks, and a water bottle.
Dates:
Tuesday, July 23
Thursday, August 13
Time: 9:00am-4:00pm
Location: PWELC Farm site
Cost: $45
Ages:1st-4th Grade
Call Prairie Woods at (320)354-5894 to register!
