Forest Adventures is an educational program designed to help students explore the forest and how it relates to their lives.

With outdoor classes at the Forest History Center, and traveling trunks loaned to classroom teachers, Forest Adventures makes learning an active, exciting experience.

Economic, social, political, recreational and environmental topics are introduced in engaging, memorable ways. Guided by naturalists, students are encouraged to analyze and process information, then formulate ideas of their own.

About the Forest History Center

Located in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, the Forest History Center is part of the Minnesota Historical Society. Its beautiful wooded trails, recreated 1900 logging camp and interactive visitors center exhibits help guests understand the relationship between people and the forest.

Outdoor Classroom Programs

Forest Adventures classes take students through outdoor learning stations for hands-on educational experiences that incorporate Minnesota state academic standards. A sample of the classes we offer:

• Squirrel’s World – 4th grade
  A look at the forest from a red squirrel’s perspective.
• White Tail Trail – 5th grade
  The ways of the white-tailed deer, explored through a highly interactive game.
• Cruising Giants – 6th grade
  The life cycle of the white pine and sustainable forest management, incorporating math and science.
• Stomping on Winter: Snowshoe Adventures – Grades 3-6
  Introductory snowshoeing with lessons on nature, winter and basic survival skills.
• Products from the Forest: “P” is for Paper – Grade level adaptable
  The many products derived from the forest, forest management for sustainability, and the papermaking process.

Traveling Trunks for Teachers

The Forest Adventures program also loans trunks to teachers for preparatory work in their classrooms. Trunk topics include:

• Traveling Tree Trunk
• Wolves Trunk
• Birding Resource Trunk

• Bats Trunk
• Loons Trunk

A Growing Program

Additional classes are being developed for the Forest Adventures program. For the most current listings, call 218-327-4482.

“As teachers, we were impressed with the knowledge of the presenters and their understanding of students' developmental needs and personalities. The presenters were able to make the learning interesting and provided hands-on experiences."