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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).

No refunds will be issued for Outdoor Pursuits events except in the case of cancellation by Campus Recreation. 

Questions? Contact:

  • Pat McGrath, Assistant Director of Outdoor Pursuits and Aquatics
    p-mcgrath@wiu.edu
    309-298-2641
  • Amber Bedee, Outdoor Pursuits and Special Events Graduate Assistant
    ar-bedee@wiu.edu

Outdoor Pursuits in the News:

Coming Spring 2013 

Battleship!, February 6

Teams of three combine forces in the Aquatics Center pool to sink opponents' canoes before the other teams sink them!

  • FREE!
  • Register at IMLeagues.com
  • Wear swimwear or clothes you don't mind getting wet!

Ski Trip at Snowstar, February 12

Celebrate Lincoln's Birthday by joining Outdoor Pursuits on a Ski Trip.  No Experience Necessary!

  • $30 registration fee
  • Includes transportation, rental, and lift pass
  • Depart 8:00 AM, return at approximately 5:00 PM
  • Bring a lunch or money to buy one!
  • Register in Campus Recreation Office by Thursday, February 7                

Spring Break Adventure Week in the New River Gorge, WV, March 10-15

Take a great trip over Spring Break.  We will Travel to the New River Gorge in West Virginia and sample the amazing outdoor opportunities the area has to offer.

  • Cost is $300
    • Covers food, transportation, equipment rental, and all activities.
  • Activities include:
    • Camping in Red River Gorge, KY
    • 2 Nights in Cabins in the New River Gorge
    • Whitewater Rafting on the New River
    • 1/2 Day Canopy Zip Line Tour
    • Several Day Hikes
  • Register in the Campus Recreation Office by March 1

Challenge Course at Horn Field Campus, April 10

Push your limits and challenge yourself 40 feet in the air on Horn Field Campus' Challenge Course.

  • Free
  • Depart from Q-Lot in front of Spencer SRC at 4:00 PM
  • Return at approximately 6:30 PM
  • You MUST pre-register in the Campus Recreation Office by Monday, April 8

Camping at Lake Argyle State Park, April 13-14

Enjoy a weekend of camping close to home!

  • Cost: $15
  • Enjoy hikes, campfire and more!
  • Register in the Campus Recreation Office by Thursday, April 11

Rafting/Canoeing Trip, April 27

Join us for a day on the water!  Destination TBD as water levels permit

  • Cost: $20
  • Depart from Q Lot in front of Spencer SRC at 8:00 AM
  • Receive a water safety briefing
  • Enjoy a day of fun on the water
  • We will return to WIU at approximately 7:00 PM
  • Participants must provide their own lunch
  • Register in the Campus Recreation Office by Wednesday, April 24

Fall 2012 Adventure Trips

Trips included:

  • Backpacking at Cuivre River State Park in Missouri
  • Climbing Night at Horn Field Campus climbing tower
  • Horn Field Campus Corn Maze
  • Wednesday Walk in the Woods at Lake Argyle State Park
  • Indoor Climbing at Upper Limits in Bloomington, IL

Photos From Past Trips

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