Adventure Center

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

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Gear Rentals

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

One day (check out and return the same day)
Weekend (check out Monday-Thursday, Thursday-Monday or 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.

View gear and pricing.

You can also rent gear for the bouldering room.

Ice Rink at the Rec Center

Students and community are welcome to enjoy our ice-skating rink located on the east side of the Recreation Center facing Annie Glidden Road. You can skate at your own risk, free of charge when the rink is open.

The rink is open every day, weather pending, from sunrise to 10 p.m. when the lights shut off. The rink may be closed some evenings for resurfacing and maintenance. Check the posted sign for the current status.

Please note the following:

The ice rink is not supervised.
Skating conditions may not always be perfect, especially after high traffic or warmer temperatures.
Beware of soft spots, rough edges, water puddles or other hazards.
Please use caution when entering and exiting the ice.
No food, beverages, or pets allowed on the ice.

Rentals of figure, hockey, and children-sized skates are available at the Adventure Center. The Adventure Center is open weekdays from 3-6 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

Email outdooradventure@niu.edu with any questions or to reserve equipment for larger groups. Permit and metered parking are available in front of the Recreation Center. Parking on campus is only free on weekdays after 5 p.m. and weekends.

East Lagoon Boat Rentals

Rent a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard 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. Check the OA event calendar to see available hourly rental times.

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. If you're not willing to provide the information required to create an account, you won't be allowed to rent equipment.

Returning Equipment

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

Equipment cannot be renewed over the phone. You must bring it to the Adventure Center for processing.

Tent Return

Tents must be returned clean, dry and complete. When returning, you must set the tent up for a damage assessment. Please allow 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.

Promotional Items

Support our student scholarship fund! Purchase a custom item at the Adventure Center or add one to your cart when registering for your next trip or event: