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
Ice Rink at the Rec Center
The Outdoor Adventure team has installed an ice skating rink on the east side of the Student Recreation Center facing Annie Glidden Road. Students and community are welcome to skate at your own risk free of charge when the rink is open. Posted signage displays whether the rink is open or closed. The rink is open every day, weather pending, from sunrise to 10 p.m. when the light shuts off. The rink may be closed some evenings for resurfacing and maintenance.
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 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 is available in front of the Recreation Center. Parking on campus is only free on weekdays after 5 p.m. and weekends.
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.
