- Recreation
- Programs
- Outdoor Adventures

Lets go on an Adventure Trip!
Our trips are fun, yet educational and allow individuals or groups to learn the skills necessary to enjoy the outdoors.

Team Building Workshops
Does your team need a pick-me-up? Our teambuilding workshop is your simple solution for a local group function.

Embark: First-Year Trips
Kick start your first year at NIU outdoor adventure style with a five-day trip.
Outdoor Adventures
For over 35 years, Outdoor Adventures (OA) has provided outdoor recreation experiences for NIU students, faculty and staff as well as services to the general public.
We provide a year-round program full of scheduled trips and events, a four-season rental center, and custom team building services that are available by request to any organized group.
We believe the outdoors has something special to offer everyone. We invite you to stop by and visit our Adventure Center, check out our selection of resources and let us help you spend more time enjoying the great outdoors.
Subscribe to our email list to receive regular updates and local information.
Spring 2022 Trip and Event Schedule
East Lagoon Boat Rentals
Looking for a quick and easy opportunity to paddle without leaving campus? Outdoor Adventures offers watercraft rentals at NIU's scenic East Lagoon and invite you to get out and paddle. A boat rack with two canoes, two single kayaks, one double tandem kayak and two standup paddleboards and a nearby dock for easy access are located on the north side adjacent to parking lot #14 along College Ave. Parking permits are required on campus Monday-Friday from 7 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Options for rentals include hourly on-site rentals which are scheduled seasonally. Visit our event calendar for dates, times, and online advance registration. We also accept walk-up rentals as available. Or you can visit the Adventure Center to pick up the key, paddle(s) and PFD(s) for a day or weekend rental. If you would like to reserve your rental, inquire about a group outing on the Lagoon, or have any questions please email, call, or visit the Adventure Center during business hours.
Please be respectful of others. Remember to Protect the Pack, if you are experiencing symptoms or have been in contact with anyone is sick or has tested positive, please stay home.
Questions?
For more information please contact Outdoor Adventures at outdooradventure@niu.edu.
Contact Us
Adventure Centeroutdooradventure@niu.edu
815-753-9423
Hours
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
Open 3-6 p.m.
Location
Inside the Recreation Center, there is a separate entrance on the west side of the building on Stadium Drive East.
Temporary parking is available next to the racks of canoes.