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.
Upcoming Events
Adventure Center
Hours
Open 3-6 p.m. Mon., Tues., Thurs., and Fri.
Location
Contact
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 2021 Adventure Trip and Event Schedule
East Lagoon Boat Rentals
Looking for a quick and easy opportunity to paddle without leaving campus? Outdoor Adventures offer 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, 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, please wear a mask, socially distance, and interact only in small groups. If you are experiencing symptoms or have been in contact with anyone who has tested positive, please stay home.
Trip Scholarships
Can't afford a trip? If you're an NIU student, you can apply for a scholarship to help cover up to 50% of the cost. After you fill out the trip scholarship form, we will get back to you as soon as we are able.
If your application is accepted and financial assistance is granted, you must:
- Pay the difference of the trip cost no later than one week before the trip. If you do not pay the difference, you'll be charged for the entire cost or removed from the trip.
- Act in an orderly and respectful manner on the trip.
- Complete an assignment about your experience on the trip. This usually consists of creating a social media post or providing a personal testimony. You will receive details in advance.
- We reserve the right to revoke a scholarship at any time before or after a trip.
Questions?
For more information please contact Christine Lagattolla, Assistant Director of Outdoor Adventures at outdooradventure@niu.edu.
