Adventure Trips

Join us for the experience of a lifetime. We offer:

A variety of enjoyable and affordable experiences
Scheduled off-campus day, weekend and weeklong trips
Educational experiences to learn new outdoor skills
Volunteer opportunities in environmental stewardship
An exclusive and unmatched experience just for first-year students
Tailor-made team-building workshops and custom experiences for groups by request

S ubscribe to our email list to receive regular updates. For more information, contact us at outdooradventure@niu.edu or 815-753-9423.

Embark: First-year Trips

Kick off your first year at NIU with an adventure! Our Embark trips are a great way to make new friends and explore nature, no matter what level of experience you have with the outdoors. Trips are led by Outdoor Adventures (OA) student leaders. They'll teach you skills and provide information to help you have a comfortable, enjoyable experience. Meals are included. Please inform us of dietary restrictions in advance.

Registration

You'll register online. This includes acknowledging the liability statement and drug/alcohol policies. If you're not yet 18 years old, email us at outdooradventure@niu.edu so we can send you a paper version of the forms for your guardian to sign and return to us. You can appy for a scholarship to help cover the cost of the trip.

Transportation

Transportation is provided. Simply arrive at the Adventure Center by 8 a.m. on the departure date. If you don't have a way of getting to or from NIU, please contact us for assistance.

Supplies and Preparation

We'll provide the outdoor gear and email you a list of personal items to bring. For example, you'll need clothing and hygiene supplies, waterproof rain gear and personal eating supplies, as well as a pair of broken-in hiking boots for backpacking trips. If there's something on the list you aren't able to purchase or acquire, let us know and we can help.

We encourage you to engage in some regular physical activity before the trip. Hiking and canoeing involve physical challenge, and we've found that people who prepare a little for trips are less tired and enjoy their experience more.

Custom Events and Trips

Develop your group through dynamic experiences! Our custom trips are available to NIU organizations and the general public. Depending on your goals and interests, our staff will plan and lead your group through activities during an afternoon, overnight or on a longer trip. Your group will have opportunities to learn leadership and outdoors skills, build relationships and share experiences that will last a lifetime.

You can choose from a wide range of activities with adventure, education and team-building components. Some possible activities include canoeing, rock climbing, geocaching and moonlight hiking.

Rates

Prices vary depending on type and length of trip/activities and the size of your group. Trips typically cost between $5-$30 per person per day. Transportation, food, and group and individual gear are included.

There may be additional charges for requests received with less than two weeks' notice.