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Archery

“Anchor, aim. . . release!” In this course we will cover the fundamentals of Olympic-style target archery, then let you practice your skills on the range! Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, you’ll have fun and challenge yourself with every arrow. Don’t miss this opportunity to unleash your inner archer and hit the Bulls-eye!

All Seasons, Summer, Spring, Winter, Fall

AIS (Aquatic Invasive Species)

What’s a zebra mussel? Discover underwater invaders in this Aquatic invasive species class! You will study their biology, ecology, and impacts on our waters through engaging activities and hands on investigation!

All Seasons, Summer, Spring, Winter, Fall

Birds on the Wing

Birds provide a vibrant, engaging look into nature. In this activity, we will learn how birds have adapted to different environments and what makes them unique. We will also use our eyes and ears to spot and listen to the colorful birds that call Prairie Woods home!

All Seasons, Summer, Spring, Winter, Fall

Canoeing

You’ll have fun experiencing this historic form of transportation. After a lesson in canoeing skills and safety, students will set off over the water to witness the wetland wildlife at Prairie Woods.

Summer, Spring, Fall

Climbing Wall: Indoor

No matter what the weather, stretch your arms, legs, and courage on our indoor climbing wall. Nine different climbs suit a wide range of skill levels, ensuring that everyone can feel challenged as they strive for the top! Great for birthday parties!

All Seasons, Summer, Spring, Winter, Fall

Climbing Wall: Outdoor

Try our amazing 40-foot, three-sided climbing tower with six different climbs to fit your level and style. Whether you are a beginner or a pro, you will find a climb that will test your skills and boost your confidence!

Summer, Spring, Fall

Compass

Let’s stay found! Students will learn the basics of how to find and shoot bearings using a compass, as well as how to navigate in a straight line. Got it? Test your skills in outdoor activities, games, and a compass course.

All Seasons, Summer, Spring, Winter, Fall

Cross-country Skiing

Explore the wonders of winter while gliding across the snow. Students will enjoy the opportunity to have a new experience and learn the history of cross-country skiing.

Winter

EcoConnections: Nature’s Relationships

Study the complex relationships seen throughout nature. Students have their own roles to play as we learn about population dynamics and survival strategies through simulation games. Are you a wolf, a rabbit, or a leech?

All Seasons, Summer, Spring, Winter, Fall

Eco-Voyager Canoe

When it comes to water, we’re all in the same boat! With Prairie Woods’ outreach education program, you can explore a lake or river near your school as you paddle our 34-foot voyageur canoe. The Eco-Voyageur program is open to individual classes (15-30 students) or entire grade levels.

Summer, Spring, Fall

Fat-tire Biking

Take your biking skills off road. This class will cover bicycle safety, body positioning, pedaling, and shifting as we explore the trails through the prairies. This class is for participants who are already comfortable riding a bike on flat and even terrain.

All Seasons, Summer, Spring, Winter, Fall

Fire Building

Don’t let the cold get you down! Join us for a fun and educational class where you’ll learn how to make and light a campfire using primitive and modern techniques. Whether you want to go back to basics or use some handy tools, we’ll show you how to stay warm and cozy!

All Seasons, Summer, Spring, Winter, Fall

Flying Squirrel

Experience the thrill of The Flying Squirrel, a team-building adventure that will lift your spirits! You and your teammates will take turns soaring up to 40 feet in the air! You decide how high, how fast, and how much you want to swing. The Flying Squirrel is a fun and exhilarating way to bond with your team!

Summer, Spring, Fall

Giant’s Ladder

The Giant’s Ladder is a fun and exciting way to test your teamwork and climbing skills. You and a partner will need to support each other, physically and emotionally as you climb up the giant rungs of the ladder. Can you reach the top together?

Summer, Spring, Fall

Insect Safari

Creepy, crawly, and crucial: insects are among the most abundant, and necessary, critters on earth. Investigate the importance of insects, learn about their roles in ecosystems, as you search for insects here at Prairie Woods.

Summer, Spring, Fall

Kick Sledding

Think dog sled, but smaller and without the dogs. Known as a spark in Scandinavian countries, this snow-scooter is propelled by kicking the ground by foot. Zoom through the snow and explore PWELC in the winter!

Winter

Lorax Puppet Show

Watch Dr. Seuss’s The Lorax come to life in a live puppet show. Students will learn the lessons of the Lorax, the Onceler, the Truffula Trees and all the other friends that lived in the “grickle grass”. A short discussion will be held after the performance. Can be done for a classroom or large audience.

All Seasons, Summer, Spring, Winter, Fall

Mammals and Animal Tracking

Through studying pelts and skulls, students learn about adaptations among our native mammals. Then, join us outdoors for a detective search, where we’ll use observation skills to track animals and learn about their behavior.

All Seasons, Summer, Spring, Winter, Fall

Mobile Climbing Wall

Looking for a fun and thrilling activity for your group? Check out Prairie Woods’ 26.5-foot climbing tower that can travel to your location! Whether it’s a town festival, a family reunion, or a youth group event, you and your friends will love trying out the 5 different climbs on this wall!

Summer, Spring, Fall

Pond Study

Mysterious and fascinating creatures live in our wetlands. Search the pond’s edge to collect and observe living things in many shapes and sizes. Learn about wetland formation, the importance of wetlands, and what that means for us.

Summer, Spring, Fall

Prairies, Bison and Beyond: The story of the Prairie

Just 1% of Minnesota’s original tall-grass prairie remains today. Explore the significance of this remarkable ecosystem through hands-on activities in our native and restored prairies.

Summer, Spring, Fall

Snowshoeing

Experience life like the Snowshoe Hare as you put on your “big feet” and explore the snowy-scapes of Prairie Woods. Along the way discover the joy of traveling across deep snow as we look for evidence of how animals adapt to winter and search out tracks to identify.

Winter

Team Building Initiative Games

Team Building Initiative Games teach communication, creative problem solving, cooperation and critical thinking while playing games and working to complete tasks! Activities illustrate the complexity of human interaction and provide a fun way to prepare for meeting the challenges of daily life.

All Seasons, Summer, Spring, Winter, Fall

Tree-tectives

Trees surround us, but how well do we know them? Act out the parts of a tree, then get personally acquainted with a tree here at Prairie Woods. Upper elementary students will use a map to find their way on our Tree-Trail, and practice using a dichotomous key to identify them.

All Seasons, Summer, Spring, Winter, Fall

Water Cycle

Water takes many shapes in Minnesota, from ice in the winter to gaseous vapor in the summer. Become a water molecule and explore how water transforms and travels around the world through fun activities. Join us on water’s Incredible Journey!

All Seasons, Summer, Spring, Winter, Fall

Wilderness Survival

Do you have what it takes? In this survival simulation, groups will discuss their basic needs and the rules of 3’s before journeying into the woods to practice their skills! Teamwork will be key to form a survival plan and build an overnight shelter.

All Seasons, Summer, Spring, Winter, Fall

Log Cabin

Take a trip back in time to 1888 to discover the log cabin home of Swedish immigrants, the Danielson family. Activities may include chores like grinding coffee, beating rugs, doing laundry, or sawing wood. Once you get all your chores done, relax with some pioneer era crafts and games!

All Seasons, Summer, Spring, Winter, Fall