At Wilderness Inquiry, we believe that Everyone Belongs in the Outdoors. Turning that belief into reality requires a community of partners who are willing to pick up a paddle and help us lead the way.
We are excited to highlight our partnership with the Minnesota Star Tribune that brings that vision into sharper focus.
For over 158 years, the Minnesota Star Tribune has been the heart and voice of the north, building a better Minnesota by connecting us with the people, ideas, and stories that strengthen our communities.
“Wilderness Inquiry has also served as a catalyst for connection for nearly 50 years,” according to Executive Director Erika Rivers. “Leading people of all ages and abilities on transformative outdoor adventures that connect folks to themselves, each other, and the natural world. So, a partnership with the Minnesota Star Tribune is such a natural fit.”
As the lead sponsor for Wilderness Inquiry’s Great River Race, the Minnesota Star Tribune is expanding what’s possible for Minnesota youth in outdoor education.
Through their sponsorship, the Minnesota Star Tribune fuels outdoor learning across the state through our Canoemobile program, a “floating classroom” that brings students out on local waterways in 10-person canoes to learn about science, history, geography, and how the natural world influences and contributes to Minnesota’s culture. Our immersive curricula have demonstrated impact with:
- improving school performance,
- cultivating a stewardship ethic, and
- creating lifelong social-emotional skills for our student participants.
We are deeply grateful to collaborate with the Minnesota Star Tribune to engage thousands of students from diverse backgrounds and communities in connecting meaningfully with Minnesota’s public lands and waterways as places of recreation, learning, and community.
“At the Minnesota Star Tribune, the outdoors are more than just something we cover. They’re something we care deeply about as Minnesotans,” said Tim Ikeman, Head of Strategic Partnerships & New Ventures at the Minnesota Star Tribune. “Many of us are passionate about getting outside, so supporting the Great River Race and the opportunities it creates for more people to connect with nature is a natural fit.”
In addition to their incredible sponsorship support, the Minnesota Star Tribune team proved they are just as formidable on the water!
In the 2025 Great River Race, the Minnesota Star Tribune crew demonstrated major paddling power and won third place in our 25-boat race. Even more impressive, the race is five miles long and partially upriver – making their finish time of 1:06:14 quite the accomplishment!
Their podium finish isn’t just a testament to their athleticism, but to the same spirit of teamwork and determination they bring to their journalism every day. We love seeing our partners dive—or rather, paddle—headfirst into the mission!
The Great River Race is a day full of fun, purpose, and impact. Our proud sponsors and strong partnerships are key to creating a successful event that champions equitable outdoor connections for all youth.
Interested in learning more about sponsoring the 2026 Great River Race on August 29th? Email Shannon at Shannon.Lundquist@wildernessinquiry.org.
The Minnesota Star Tribune is an innovative modern media organization building on an extraordinary 158-year legacy. With seven Pulitzer Prizes and hundreds of other awards, the Minnesota Star Tribune boasts the Midwest’s largest news organization and is an unrivaled force for journalistic excellence in Minnesota and beyond. As the heart and voice of the north, the Minnesota Star Tribune is on a journey to create the leading model for local news in America – driving innovation in media to make every Minnesotan’s life better. For more information, visit www.startribunecompany.com.Check out Strib Unbound, the Minnesota Star Tribune’s celebration of the outdoors, on May 9 and discover even more opportunities to get out into our state’s rich natural spaces.
