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Outdoor Pursuits

Shawnee National Forest

Outdoor Pursuits wants to involve you in a variety of experiences whether you are a novice or experienced outdoors person. We will host a number of Adventure workshop series demonstrating a number of outdoors related activities. In addition we are organizing several outdoor trips that will include but not limited to: Camping, hiking/backpacking, caving, kayaking, educational tours, etc.

Check out our Upcoming Trips below and our Adventure Workshop Series (AWS).

Questions? Contact:

Graduate Assistants, Outdoor Pursuits and Facilities

Grant Fleetwood GE-Fleetwood@wiu.edu

Brandon Meyer  BJ-Meyer3@wiu.edu


Coming Soon, Fall 2012

Shawnee National Forest Backpacking, August 30 - September 3

  • $60 registration fee
  • More information to come!                         

Mammoth Cave Wild Cave Tour, October 12-14

  • $150 Fee
  • More information to come!

Spring 2012 Adventure Trips

Ski Trip - Perfect North Slopes, IN

Perfect North Slopes
  • When: February 11-12, 2012
  • Where: Perfect North Slopes, Southern Indiana (Night Skiing)
  • Trip Fee: $40 (Transportation)
  • Ski Rental: $23 (Paid to Perfect North Slopes)
  • Lodging: Drawbridge Hotel - $159.00 ($79.50 each for two occupants) * You are responsible for booking your own room!
  • Hotel Package includes: Overnight accommodations, Two 8-hour ski lift tickets to Perfect North Slopes, Two embroidered ski hats, deluxe continental breakfast for two.
  • Additional 8-hour ski lift tickets are $35 each through the hotel but you must call ahead of time to order them (you save $10).
  • To book your reservation, call 1-800-354-9793 and ask for the Western Illinois University room block.
  • Hotel Registration Deadline: Friday, January 27, 2012 however Campus Rec has reserved several rooms if anyone is interested in signing up after this date.
  • Registration Deadline: Tuesday, February 7, 2012 @ 4:30pm in the Main Campus Recreation Office.
  • Mandatory Pre-trip Meeting: Wednesday, February 8, 2012 @ 9:00pm in the Keeney Room near the East entrance of the Spencer Student Recreation Center.
  • We will depart early Saturday from the Student Rec Center and will be skiing that evening. The group will depart Sunday after check-out. For questions, details and/or an itinerary please email Brandon Meyer, BJ-Meyer3@wiu.edu

Buffalo River Conservation Alternative Spring Break

buffalo river

  • When: Saturday, March 10-Friday, March 16, 2012
  • Where: Jasper, Arkansas, Ozark National Forest
  • Trip Fee: $150
  • We will stay in a Forest Service owned house in Jasper, Arkansas while performing one full day of trail building service work and three half-days. Our projects include, but are not limited to, trail restoration, trail tread work and refurbishing the Richland Creek Campground which has been closed for 3 years due to a 26-acre landslide. Your fee includes transportation, food, and a day-long canoe trip down the Buffalo National River. We will also provide alcohol prevention presentations by staff, Forest Service Rangers and National Park Service Employees.
  • Mandatory Pre-trip meeting: Wednesday, March 7, 2012  7:00-9:00pm in the Student Recreation Center
  • Registration Closes: Wednesday, February 29, 2012 @ 4:30pm Sign up in the Main Campus Recreation Office

 

 

Earth Day Mississippi River Backpacking

eagle
  • When: April 20-22, 2012
  • Where:  Nauvoo State Park to Wildcat Springs Park, Hamilton, IL
  • Trip fee: $25
  • Join us for Earth Day weekend as we hike along the Mississippi River. Friday at 3:30pm we leave for Nauvoo State Park. Saturday we will hike along country roads to Wildcat Springs Park. Earth Day is Sunday as we return to our starting point down the Great River Road, just feet from the Mighty Mississippi. Backpack rental, food and campsites are included along with your campsite fees. 12 miles each way! Spot Bald Eagles all along the river!
  • Pre-trip meeting: Wednesday, April 18, 2012 @ 9:00pm in the Student Recreation Center
  • Registration closes: Wednesday, April 18, 2012 @ 4:30pm Sign up in the Main Campus Recreation Office

 

 

BWCA Canoeing/Fishing Expedition

BWCA

  • When: May 14-21, 2012
  • Where: Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Ely, Minnesota
  • Trip fee: $375
  • Trip includes: 7 days on the water in the BWCA, food, equipment rental (Canoes, sleeping bag, Duluth bags), campsite and access fees, and a shower at the outfitter!
  • Come join Outdoor Pursuits in the BWCA for some of the best fishing and the most spectacular scenery in the North Woods! The Boundary Waters are a world renowned destination and perfect for a great backcountry experience.
  • Mandatory Pre-trip meeting: Wednesday, May 2, 2012 @ 7:00pm in the Student Recreation Center
  • Registration closes: Friday, April 27, 2012 @ 4:30pm

To register for Outdoor Pursuits trips, please visit the Campus Recreation Main office Weekdays between 8 am and 4:30 pm

Past Trips

  • Shawnee National Forest/Garden of the Gods Camping/Hiking, September 23-25, 2011