Special Events

Trip Planning Guide:

First Year Multi-Sport Adventure

For NIU First-Year Students only. Join other incoming students for the best recreation experience our area has to offer. Camp, climb, paddle, cave, hike and hang out on this extended multisport adventure in the Mississippi River Valley near Savanna, IL. The area is ripe with opportunity to push your limits and learn a new outdoor pursuit while camping and exploring with new friends before the semester begins. We will set up a group base camp at Mississippi Palisades State Park and venture out each day including rock climbing along the scenic bluffs at the Mississippi Palisades, kayaking on the Mississippi River, and caving at Maquoketa Caves State Park in Iowa.  Included in the registration fee is all the equipment for activities including rock climbing, kayaking, and caving as well as all camping gear. In addition, all meals, transportation, and instruction are included.  

Date(s) and Time(s): Thursday, August 14, 8:30 a.m. – Saturday, August 17, 8:00 p.m.

NIU Incoming First Year Students ONLY Register  Here

Early registration cost and deadline: $250 by July 29
Regular registration cost and deadline: $300 by August 8

Pre-trip Meeting: Sunday, August 11, 4:00 p.m. at the Student Recreation Center