Outdoor Recreation School
The Outdoor Recreation School brings outdoor adventure recreation throughout Three Rivers Park District and local communities with its hands-on programming. Whether you're interested in exploring trails, waters or the parks themselves, our instructors deliver high-quality and customizable programs for youth and adults.
Adventure-based Activities
The Outdoor Recreation School’s mission is to create outdoor recreation experiences that connect, inspire and educate for a lifetime of play in the natural world. We work with a diverse range of groups including schools (4th grade and older), agencies, clubs, businesses, adults, youth (ages 10 and older) and families.
Customized Programs
In addition to our public programs and events or private lesson options, our team can customize privately booked programs. These can include multiple activities and can be adapted to meet the physical or cognitive needs of each individual.
Our wide variety of program options include snowshoeing and geocaching on the trails, paddling on the water, learning camping skills or slacklining in the parks. Browse our full list of available activities below. Program descriptions are organized by season.
Ready to Schedule?
Request a program for you or your group by filling out our Group Program Request form.
Adapted Programming
Our programs can be adapted to accommodate varying abilities. Our specialized equipment includes adapted paddle equipment, archery equipment and adapted mountain bikes. Experienced staff can help select accessible locations, as well as design programming to meet your needs.
Spring/Summer/Fall Programs
Archery: Learn how to safely shoot a compound bow using National Archery in the Schools Program instruction. Safety and proper shooting techniques will be covered.
Canoeing: Learn water safety, proper paddle techniques and boat control. Practice your skills on a beautiful lake. Instruction in rescue techniques is also available.
Camping skills: Learn skills needed for this Minnesota pastime. Practice building and lighting a campfire. Work with a small group to set up and take down a tent. Review the principles of Leave No Trace for camping.
Disc golf: Learn to play the game of disc golf, including rules, etiquette, equipment, and putting and distance throwing techniques. Experience the satisfaction of rattling the chains when you hit the basket.
Fishing: Learn basic fishing techniques, bait selection, baiting a hook, types of Minnesota fish and how to safely take a fish off your hook.
Geocaching: Learn the basics of Global Positioning System (GPS) technology. Master the buttons and functions of GPS units, and then head outside to hunt for hidden treasures.
Kayaking: Learn kayaking basics, water safety, proper paddle techniques and boat control. Both adult- and youth-sized kayaks are available.
Log rolling: Try out this exciting sport rooted in Minnesota’s logging history. Log rolling is both safe and fun. Learning to stay on the log while it spins in the water improves balance, agility, concentration and core strength.
Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP): Whether you stand, kneel or sit, SUPing can be an invigorating full-body workout or a relaxing float on the lake. The class covers safety, paddle strokes and board control.
Slacklining: Build your confidence as you learn to walk on a narrow, flexible piece of webbing set low to the ground. Great for improving core strength, balance and concentration.
Winter Programs
Cross-country skiing: Learn how to cross-country ski on beautiful trails. Group lessons cover the basics of classic technique including diagonal glide, going up and down hills and getting up from a fall. Private lessons are available for one-on-one instruction, for small groups, for more advanced levels and for skate skiing. Rental equipment available.
Geocaching: Learn the basics of Global Positioning System (GPS) technology. Master the buttons and functions of GPS units, and then head outside to hunt for hidden treasures.
Ice fishing: Learn the tools, techniques and regulations of this uniquely northern pastime. We’ll also discuss ice safety as we drop our lines and try our luck on the lake.
Kicksledding: Learn the basics of this fun activity that became popular in Nordic countries more than 100 years ago. With a few kicks on the packed snow or ice, the sleds gain speed and glide. Kicksledding is a great way to explore our parks in winter, have fun and stay in shape.
Snowshoeing: Learn about the history of snowshoes and basic snowshoeing techniques. Enjoy a guided snowshoe hike as we explore the wonders of winter in the woods.
Private Paddling Lessons
Looking to improve your paddling technique for canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) or kayaking? The Outdoor Recreation School offers a limited number of private lessons for a more personalized experience. No matter your experience level, our highly experienced instructors will customize the lesson to each paddler’s skills and goals.
Private lessons are designed for either one person or for two people of similar age and ability. Ages 18+. Scheduling is based on instructor availability. Email Recreation@ThreeRiversParks.org for scheduling and pricing. Equipment included.
Volunteering
Three Rivers relies on the support of volunteers to maintain the high quality of our programs. No experience is necessary, and training is available. If you are interested in joining the Outdoor Recreation School team as a program volunteer, call our office 763-694-7717 or email Recreation@ThreeRiversParks.org.
Accessibility
Three Rivers Park District is committed to making our programs accessible. With advance notice, sign language interpreters and a wide variety of assisted technology (all-terrain wheel chairs, sound amplifiers, etc.) can be arranged. Please call 763-559-9000 (for relay services dial 711) or email Access@ThreeRiversParks.org to request specific services or to discuss options. Financial assistance is available for qualifying groups.
Contact Us
Questions? Call 763-694-7717 or email Recreation@ThreeRiversParks.org. Our office is open Monday through Friday.
