Nestled in the rolling glacial terrain of Spicer, Minnesota, Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center (PWELC) is more than just a slice of wilderness—it’s a dynamic outdoor classroom, a team-building ground, and a sanctuary for discovery for all ages.

PWELC offers a diverse selection of programs designed for preschoolers, youth groups, schools, and adults. Whether you’re looking to foster environmental knowledge, strengthen teamwork, or simply spark curiosity, there’s a program for every goal. And with activities for all seasons, there’s never a bad time to visit. Check out the descriptions below to see what programs sound most intriguing to you.

Archery
“Anchor, aim. . . release!” In this course we will cover the fundamentals of Olympic-style target archery, then let you practice your skills on the range! Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, you’ll have fun and challenge yourself with every arrow. Don’t miss this opportunity to unleash your inner archer and hit the Bulls-eye!
(Available for All Seasons)

AIS (Aquatic Invasive Species)
What’s a zebra mussel? Discover underwater invaders in this Aquatic invasive species class! You will study their biology, ecology, and impacts on our waters through engaging activities and hands on investigation!
(Available for All Seasons)

Birds on the Wing
Birds provide a vibrant, engaging look into nature. In this activity, we will learn how birds have adapted to different environments and what makes them unique. We will also use our eyes and ears to spot and listen to the colorful birds that call Prairie Woods home!
(Available for All Seasons)

Canoeing
You’ll have fun experiencing this historic form of transportation. After a lesson in canoeing skills and safety, students will set off over the water to witness the wetland wildlife at Prairie Woods.
(Available Summer, Spring, Fall)

Climbing Wall: Indoor
No matter what the weather, stretch your arms, legs, and courage on our indoor climbing wall. Nine different climbs suit a wide range of skill levels, ensuring that everyone can feel challenged as they strive for the top! Great for birthday parties!
(Available for All Seasons)

Climbing Wall: Outdoor
Try our amazing 40-foot, three-sided climbing tower with six different climbs to fit your level and style. Whether you are a beginner or a pro, you will find a climb that will test your skills and boost your confidence!
(Available Summer, Spring, Fall)

Compass
Let’s stay found! Students will learn the basics of how to find and shoot bearings using a compass, as well as how to navigate in a straight line. Got it? Test your skills in outdoor activities, games, and a compass course.
(Available for All Seasons)

Cross-country Skiing
Explore the wonders of winter while gliding across the snow. Students will enjoy the opportunity to have a new experience and learn the history of cross-country skiing.
(Available in Winter)

EcoConnections: Nature’s Relationships
Study the complex relationships seen throughout nature. Students have their own roles to play as we learn about population dynamics and survival strategies through simulation games. Are you a wolf, a rabbit, or a leech?
(Available for All Seasons)

Eco-Voyager Canoe
When it comes to water, we’re all in the same boat! With Prairie Woods’ outreach education program, you can explore a lake or river near your school as you paddle our 34-foot voyageur canoe. The Eco-Voyageur program is open to individual classes (15-30 students) or entire grade levels.
(Available Summer, Spring, Fall)

Fat-tire Biking
Take your biking skills off road. This class will cover bicycle safety, body positioning, pedaling, and shifting as we explore the trails through the prairies. This class is for participants who are already comfortable riding a bike on flat and even terrain.
(Available for All Seasons)

Fire Building
Don’t let the cold get you down! Join us for a fun and educational class where you’ll learn how to make and light a campfire using primitive and modern techniques. Whether you want to go back to basics or use some handy tools, we’ll show you how to stay warm and cozy!
(Available for All Seasons)

Flying Squirrel
Experience the thrill of The Flying Squirrel, a team-building adventure that will lift your spirits! You and your teammates will take turns soaring up to 40 feet in the air! You decide how high, how fast, and how much you want to swing. The Flying Squirrel is a fun and exhilarating way to bond with your team!
(Available Summer, Spring, Fall)

Giant’s Ladder
The Giant’s Ladder is a fun and exciting way to test your teamwork and climbing skills. You and a partner will need to support each other, physically and emotionally as you climb up the giant rungs of the ladder. Can you reach the top together?
(Available Summer, Spring, Fall)

Insect Safari
Creepy, crawly, and crucial: insects are among the most abundant, and necessary, critters on earth. Investigate the importance of insects, learn about their roles in ecosystems, as you search for insects here at Prairie Woods.
(Available Summer, Spring, Fall)

Kick Sledding
Think dog sled, but smaller and without the dogs. Known as a spark in Scandinavian countries, this snow-scooter is propelled by kicking the ground by foot. Zoom through the snow and explore PWELC in the winter!
(Available in Winter)

Lorax Puppet Show
Watch Dr. Seuss’s The Lorax come to life in a live puppet show. Students will learn the lessons of the Lorax, the Onceler, the Truffula Trees and all the other friends that lived in the “grickle grass”. A short discussion will be held after the performance. Can be done for a classroom or large audience.
(Available for All Seasons)

Mammals and Animal Tracking
Through studying pelts and skulls, students learn about adaptations among our native mammals. Then, join us outdoors for a detective search, where we’ll use observation skills to track animals and learn about their behavior.
(Available for All Seasons)

Mobile Climbing Wall
Looking for a fun and thrilling activity for your group? Check out Prairie Woods’ 26.5-foot climbing tower that can travel to your location! Whether it’s a town festival, a family reunion, or a youth group event, you and your friends will love trying out the 5 different climbs on this wall!
(Available Summer, Spring, Fall)

Pond Study
Mysterious and fascinating creatures live in our wetlands. Search the pond’s edge to collect and observe living things in many shapes and sizes. Learn about wetland formation, the importance of wetlands, and what that means for us.
(Available Summer, Spring, Fall)

Prairies, Bison and Beyond: The story of the Prairie
Just 1% of Minnesota’s original tall-grass prairie remains today. Explore the significance of this remarkable ecosystem through hands-on activities in our native and restored prairies.
(Available Summer, Spring, Fall)

Snowshoeing
Experience life like the Snowshoe Hare as you put on your “big feet” and explore the snowy-scapes of Prairie Woods. Along the way discover the joy of traveling across deep snow as we look for evidence of how animals adapt to winter and search out tracks to identify.
(Available in Winter)

Team Building Initiative Games
Team Building Initiative Games teach communication, creative problem solving, cooperation and critical thinking while playing games and working to complete tasks! Activities illustrate the complexity of human interaction and provide a fun way to prepare for meeting the challenges of daily life.
(Available for All Seasons)

Tree-tectives
Trees surround us, but how well do we know them? Act out the parts of a tree, then get personally acquainted with a tree here at Prairie Woods. Upper elementary students will use a map to find their way on our Tree-Trail, and practice using a dichotomous key to identify them.
(Available for All Seasons)

Water Cycle
Water takes many shapes in Minnesota, from ice in the winter to gaseous vapor in the summer. Become a water molecule and explore how water transforms and travels around the world through fun activities. Join us on water’s Incredible Journey!
(Available for All Seasons)

Wilderness Survival
Do you have what it takes? In this survival simulation, groups will discuss their basic needs and the rules of 3’s before journeying into the woods to practice their skills! Teamwork will be key to form a survival plan and build an overnight shelter.
(Available for All Seasons)

Log Cabin
Take a trip back in time to 1888 to discover the log cabin home of Swedish immigrants, the Danielson family. Activities may include chores like grinding coffee, beating rugs, doing laundry, or sawing wood. Once you get all your chores done, relax with some pioneer era crafts and games!
(Available for All Seasons)

From scaling a 40-foot climbing tower to gliding silently across snowy trails, Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center offers more than just activities—it offers experiences that ignite curiosity, build resilience, and create lasting bonds.

Every trail, every classroom, and every challenge here is an opportunity to step away from screens and step into something real: the rush of hitting your first bullseye, the discovery of an insect you’ve never seen before, the satisfaction of building a fire with your own hands, or the simple joy of hearing wind move through the prairie grass.

No matter the season, no matter your age, PWELC transforms the outdoors into an unforgettable adventure—and you’re invited. Gather your group, pack your sense of wonder, and come see where nature, education, and excitement meet.

📍 Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center
12718 10th Street NE, Spicer, MN
📞 320-354-5894 | 📧 prairiewoods@prairiewoodselc.org