Adventure Center

The Adventure Center has everything you need for your next trip or group event!

Gear Rentals

You can rent biking, sports, water and winter gear for:

One day (check out and return the next day)
Weekend (check out for any four-day period)
Week (check out any day of the week and return by the same day the following week)

You can rent camping equipment for one-four days or five-12 days.

Climbing shoes for the bouldering room can be checked out at the main desk of the Recreation Center for no cost to students and members for use during facility hours.

East Lagoon Boat Rentals

During paddling season, usually starting in April through October, you can rent a canoe, double kayak or single kayak and get out on the East Lagoon! Stop by the Adventure Center to rent and pick up a key and gear for a day, weekend or week. The boats and a nearby dock are located by parking lot 14 on College Avenue. Login to MyRec and click on the Lagoon Rental button to see our open times and pre-register a boat for yourself.

Rental Guidelines

You must provide a current NIU OneCard, student Z-ID or employee A-ID account number at the time of rental. If you're an NIU graduate or a member of the general public, you'll need to create an account.

Returning Equipment

You must return equipment to the Adventure Center during business hours. You can't leave it at the main Recreation desk.

Tent Return

Tents must be returned clean, dry and complete. When returning, you must set the tent up for a damage assessment. Please allow up to 30 minutes for this inspection, after which you must repack the tent.

Late/Replacement Fees

If you return equipment late, you'll be charged a late fee. After two weeks, the equipment will be assumed lost, and you'll be charged a replacement fee.