Outdoor Pursuits is here to help students get outdoors and develop relationships with each other and a sense of place.
Outdoor Pursuits Programs and Services
Experience our woods and waters.
- Learn about our service centers
- Explore our programs
Outpost Gear Rental
Want to explore the north woods region but don’t have the gear or know where to hit the trail? The Outpost gear rental outfitter can help you with both. In addition to renting a wide selection of outdoor recreation equipment, our knowledgeable, friendly Outpost staff can offer advice on what gear you will need for your trip goals, as well as ideas for where to discover the gems of our region. Our rental rates are student wallet-friendly and are also available to faculty and staff. Stop by and check us out, or email us to make a gear reservation in advance. Download the latest Outpost Equipment Rental and Sale Catalog.
2025 Winter Term Hours
Mon: 4–6 p.m.
Wed: 4–6 p.m.
Fri: 4–6 p.m.
The Outpost is also open by appointment.
Location
LL104 Larson-Juhl Center for Science and the Environment (lower level, bottom of east stairwell)
Contact
soeioutpost@northland.edu
Phone: 715-682-1265
Bouldering Wall
The Bouldering Wall, managed by Outdoor Pursuits, is a community hub where people gather to climb, set routes, train, cheer, and chat, but most of all, to have fun together. Rock climbing culture can be intimidating. Our staff encourage inclusivity in this community-based sport by organizing events like women and nonbinary climb nights, Halloween competitions, and climbing movie nights. A range of boulder “problems” are set with both beginners and experienced climbers in mind. We look forward to climbing with you! You must have a waiver on file and go through a Bouldering Wall Orientation with a staff member before climbing on our wall.
2025 Winter Term Hours
Mon–Thu: 6–8 p.m.
Location
John N. Allen Fitness Center
Contact
Email: thansen@northland.edu
Phone: 715-682-1846
Sunshine Bike Shop
Since the mid-1990s, Northland’s Sunshine Community Bike Shop has served as a hub for bike enthusiasts, and a reminder of the potential of bicycles to bring us closer to sustainability. The shop, located in the straw bale building, has tools, parts, and plenty of advice to offer to anyone who wants to repair their bike or build a bike from scratch.
If you are interested in learning the ABCs of bike repair, you are welcome and encouraged to volunteer alongside our work-study students who manage the shop.
Thinking about not bringing your own bike to campus this year? Consider adopting one of our thirty rental bikes for a semester or two! For more information, contact us.
2025 Winter Term Hours
Tue: 12:00–2:30 p.m.
Contact
Email: thansen@northland.edu
Phone: 715-682-1846
Nordic Ski Center
Your one-stop shop for outfitting classic, skate, and downhill skiing and for getting intel on local ski areas. The Nordic Ski Center serves students, staff, faculty, and the Northland Nordic Ski Club. We provide rentals, waxing, repair, and maintenance services for ski equipment. We also offer educational clinics and manage the campus Nordic ski trail system. See you when the snow falls!
2025 Winter Term Hours
Mon: 4–6 p.m.
Wed: 4–6 p.m.
Fri: 4–6 p.m.
Location
Lower Level, Ponzio Campus Center (LumberJack Lounge)
Contact
Email: soeinordic@northland.edu
Phone: 715-682-1316
Logistical Support Center
The Logistical Support Center (LSC) supports Northland College academic courses and campus programs in planning and preparing for field courses, trips, and expeditions. The LSC offers a wide selection of well-maintained outdoor equipment for rent, and can also repair equipment including textiles, stoves, plastics, boats, skis, and other items. To see our full list of equipment and to view pricing, check out our rental and sale catalog. To request maps please fill out the Map Request Form and email it to the LSC at the address provided on the form. In addition to equipment, we can plan, purchase, and pack rations for field courses. With the support of the Office of Health Services, the LSC manages and distributes first aid kits for field-based courses and programs. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions, to begin the planning process, or to place an order for equipment and first aid kits.
2025 Winter Term Hours
Mon: 4–6 p.m.
Wed: 4–6 p.m.
Fri: 4–6 p.m.
The LSC is also open by appointment.
Location
LL104 Center for Science and the Environment (lower level, bottom of east stairwell)
Contact
Email: soeilogistics@northland.edu
Phone: 715-682-1846
Programs
Outings and Trips
You’ve chosen to make home on Lake Superior and in the surrounding north woods, now what? Our Outings and Trips program serves Northland students by fostering a sense of place in our breathtaking region and a sense of belonging to our campus community. Our trips are designed for an array of interests and experience levels, and most do not require any prior experience. You can go sea kayaking in the Apostle Islands, apple picking on the Bayfield Peninsula, and mountain biking on the Hayward CAMBA trails, just to name a few excursions. In addition to our offerings during the academic year, we coordinate Outdoor Orientation for incoming students and the Forest Stewardship and Adventure Program for rising sophomores. Check out our upcoming events calendar to find your next adventure.
Contact
Email, 715-682-1231
Contact
Email: soeioutings@northland.edu
Phone: 715-682-1231
Clinics, Trainings, and Certifications
Looking to hone your skills or live more comfortably in the outdoors? Outdoor Pursuits offers a variety of educational opportunities including ski waxing, gear repair, and outdoor cooking clinics, Wilderness First Responder Certifications, Scenario Sundays, and more.
Contact
Email: soeioutings@northland.edu
Phone: 715-682-1846
Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute
The Northland College Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute hosts Outdoor Pursuits and other great programs.
Upcoming Events
| January 25 |
Frozen Waterfall Adventures |
|---|---|
| February 1 |
Ice Skating |
| February 7 |
Annual Candlelight Ski |
| February 8 |
Mt. Ashwabay Play Day |
| March 7–9 |
Wilderness Medical Associates—Wilderness First Responder Recertification Course |
| March 15 |
Sauna and Dip |
| March 29 |
Wood Carving Clinic |
| April 11–13 |
Spring Semester Retreat |
| April 19–26 |
Wilderness Medical Associates—Wilderness First Responder Course |