Prairie Woods

Prairie Stars Dinner + Auction
2025-09-04 17:30 - 20:30 UTC | Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center, 12718 10th St NE, Spicer, MN, United States
✨ Prairie Stars Dinner + Auction
Thursday, September 4, 2025
5:30-8:30pm
Pavilion, PWELC
Join us under the stars for an evening of community, nature, and learning that lasts a lifetime. Enjoy delicious food, live music, a lively auction, and stories from our Environmental Education and Nature Preschool leaders.
This year’s paddle raise supports exciting improvements to our indoor and outdoor learning spaces — including fresh signage, educational displays, and live animal experiences for students!
Tickets & Sponsorships

Individual Ticket: $75
Trailblazer – $250 (2 Tickets + Recognition)
Prairie Partner – $750 (6 Tickets + Wine + Recognition)
Eco Explorer – $1,000 (8 Tickets + Wine + Special Recognition)
Underwriter – $2,500 (8 Tickets + Wine + Top-Level Recognition)

Can’t attend? You can still make a tax-deductible gift to support the mission.

Looking to sponsor a table or support the event in a bigger way?
👉 Download the Prairie Stars 2025 Sponsorship Form (PDF)

After School Archery Club
2025-09-16 16:00 - 17:30 | PWELC- Farmsite, 12718 10th St. NE, Spicer, MN, 56288, United States
Ages: 4th grade and up
The first session will be learning and practicing the skill of archery with compound bows. Each session after, we will play games, shoot 3-d targets, and learn about shooting from an elevated position and ground blind.
This program meets at the Farm Site from 4:00pm – 5:30pm for 3 Tuesdays in September: September 16, 23, and 30.
The cost for this program is $30.

Outdoor Survival Club
2025-10-02 16:00 - 17:30 | PWELC – Education Building, 12718 10th St. NE, Spicer, MN, 56288, United States
Outdoor Survival Club is a fun and engaging program for kids in kindergarten through 4th grade. Each session will focus on a basic survival skill such as building a shelter, starting a fire with supervision, filtering water, and exploring nature safely – all through hands-on activities, teamwork, and outdoor play.
This club meets at the Education Building for 3 Tuesdays in October from 4:00pm – 5:30pm: October 7, 14, and 21.
The cost for this program is $30.

Halloween Haunt
2025-10-23 16:30 - 19:30 | PWELC – Education Building, 12718 10th St. NE, Spicer, MN, 56288, United States
The best Halloween Party of the year! Talk with the creatures of the enchanted trail, play games, and decorate a cookie. Climb the indoor wall with your costume on! Children must be accompanied by an adult. Cost is $10 per child; register here!

Prairie Planting - Volunteers Needed!
2025-10-25 12:30 - 16:00 | MN
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.

Indoor Rock Climbing
2025-11-18 16:00 - 2026-03-26 17:30 | Indoor Climbing Wall at the Education Building
Ages: K – 12th Grade
Challenge yourself physically and mentally with indoor rock climbing! Beginners can learn the basics while experienced climbers can train and refine their skills. PWELC instructors are here to help every climber reach new heights. Equipment provided.
Meet at the PWELC Main Education Building from 4:00pm – 5:30pm.
Dates:

Tuesday November 18
Tuesday, December 9
Thursday, December 18
Tuesday, January 6
Thursday, January 22
Tuesday, February 3
Thursday, February 26
Tuesday, March 10
Thursday, March 26

The cost for this program is $10 per climber for each class.

Give to the Max Day
2025-11-20 08:00 - 17:00 | MN
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.

Story Hour at the Pioneer Cabin
2025-12-04 16:00 - 2026-01-15 17:15 | MN
Come to the Pioneer Cabin at Prairie Woods! Listen to a story about the Ingalls family and what pioneer life was like. We will take a page out of the book and do an activity that Laura did. It will be a new book and activity each time.
Dates: Thursday January 15th, 2026
Ages: Kindergarten – 3rd Grade
Location: PWELC Farm Site – Pioneer Cabin
Cost: $8 per child/session

PWELC Extravaganza
2026-01-12 09:00 - 16:00 | MN
NO SCHOOL TODAY? SNOW PROBLEM!
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. *Must bring own lunch & snack*
Ages: 1st – 12th Grade
Location: PWELC Main Building
Cost: $40

Intro to Cross-Country Skiing
2026-02-12 16:00 - 17:30 | MN
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 | MN
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 | MN
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

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Sunset Paddle
2026-05-29 19:00 - 21:00 | MN
Come enjoy the solitude of a Prairie Woods’ wetland while watching the sun set and the full moon rise! Canoe, paddles, life jackets and instruction provided by Prairie Woods ELC.  Children must be accompanied by a participating adult.
Date: Friday, May 29
Time: 7:00pm-9:00pm
Location: PWELC Farm site
Cost: $15/adult & $5/youth
Ages: All

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!

Indoor Rock Climbing
2026-06-04 16:00 - 17:30, 2026-07-09 16:00 - 17:30, 2026-08-06 16:00 - 17:30 | MN
Looking for a way to challenge yourself both physically and mentally? Climbing offers the perfect opportunity! Whether you’re a beginner eager to learn the ropes or an experienced climber aiming to refine your skills, our instructors at Prairie Woods ELC are here to help you reach new heights. Enjoy the thrill of the climb, get a great workout, and have fun along the way. Plus, we’ve got all the equipment you need covered!
Dates:
Thursday, June 4
Thursday, July 9
Thursday, August 6
Time: 4:00pm-5:30pm
Location: Indoor Climbing Wall at the Education Building
Cost: $10 per climber for each class
Ages: K-12th Grade

Wilderness Survival Camp: 3rd-5th Grade
2026-06-08 09:00 - 2026-06-11 13:00 | MN
Adventure awaits! Campers will learn the basics of outdoor survival, including building shelters, practicing safe fire building (weather permitting), and exploring simple water purification methods. Each day features hands on skills, fun challenges, and wilderness themed games designed to build confidence, teamwork, and a love for the outdoors.
Dates: Monday June 8 – Thursday June 11
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!

Family Campfire at Prairie Woods
2026-06-12 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-07-10 19:00 - 21:00 | MN
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

Wild for Wildlife Camp: 3rd-5th Grade
2026-06-15 09:00 - 2026-06-18 13:00 | MN
Dive into nature with a fun-filled week of wildlife exploration! Campers will discover local mammals and their tracks, investigate insects up close, discover local birds, and explore pond life through hands-on study. Each day includes outdoor adventures, games, and creative wildlife themed crafts—perfect for curious young nature lovers.

Dates: Monday June 15 – Thursday June 18
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!

Nature Days
2026-06-23 08:30 - 2026-06-25 11:30 | MN
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

Nature Explorers Camp: 1st-3rd Grade
2026-07-07 09:00 - 2026-07-09 13:00 | MN
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!

Nature's Elements Camp: 3rd-5th Grade
2026-07-13 09:00 - 2026-07-16 13:00 | MN
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 | MN
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

PWELC Sampler
2026-07-23 09:00 - 16:00 | MN
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

Paddle the Crow
2026-07-25 09:00 - 12:00 | MN
Join us for a half day of paddling and fun on the Mill Ponds! The Middle Fork Crow River Watershed District (MFCRWD) and Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center (PWELC) are once again partnering to get people out on the Crow River in New London. Participants will meet at the New London Boat Access at 9:00 a.m., paddle up through the Mill Ponds, and return by noon. We will provide canoes, paddles, life jackets and river knowledge for our adventure.  Afterward, everyone is welcome to join us for lunch at Goat Ridge Brewing Co. (lunch not included).
Date: Saturday, July 25
Time: 9:00am-12:00pm
Location: New London Boat Access
Cost: $10 per person or $25 family maximum (all participants must be registered, PWELC will reach out for equipment sizing)
Ages: All (minors must be accompanied by an adult)

Wonders of Water Camp: 3rd-5th Grade
2026-07-27 09:00 - 2026-07-30 13:00 | MN
Make a splash while discovering the amazing world of water! Campers will investigate pond creatures up close, paddle across the water while canoeing, and explore how water travels through nature in the Journey of Water game. With hands on experiments and watery activities throughout the week, this camp is perfect for kids who love exploring and getting their feet wet.
Dates: Monday July 27 – Thursday July 30
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!

Youth Sporting Clay & .22 Shoot - Sponsored by Pheasants Forever
2026-08-08 09:00 - 12:00 | MN
This is a great opportunity to shoot for the 1st time OR improve your already existing shooting skills. Safe gun handling instruction will be included in this class. Firearms, shells, and targets will be provided. You may bring your own 12 or 20ga shotgun. Meal to follow program (Meet at Westby shooting range)
Date: Saturday, August 8th
Time: 9:00am-Noon
Location: PWELC – Gary Westby Educational Shooting Sports Range
Cost: $5
Ages: 11-16
