Virtual Wilderness Field Trips & Tours
Wilderness Inquiry developed online programming for youth to advance our mission of connecting everyone to the outdoors, regardless of age, ability, or background. Virtual Explorers offers the chance for youth in grades 4–8 to experience virtual field trips focusing on Minnesota's history, culture, and ecology through inquiry-based learning and exploration. Thanks to financial support from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund, Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund, Nature Valley, and USDA Forest Service, Minnesota youth have the opportunity to participate in courses for free.
About the Courses
Each Virtual Explorers course covers a variety of topics and offers creative ways for students to engage. Sessions are led by Wilderness Inquiry staff alongside partners including the National Park Service, USDA Forest Service, and more. Participants digitally join instructors on location and can engage with the content by asking questions or solving a mystery. Our courses are a great fit for teachers looking for new or hybrid learning opportunities, families who homeschool or want to enjoy family activities, and youth program coordinators engaging with youth groups, after-school program participants, camps, or church groups.
Current Course Offerings
Mississippi River Explorers
This course is a four-part series exploring sites along the Mississippi River in Minnesota. During each 90-minute session, learners will solve a mystery about a given site while exploring material connected to science and social studies academic standards.
Minnesota Freshwater Quest
The Minnesota Freshwater Quest is a two-part series where students explore local species that depend on healthy watersheds. Explorers will learn about the pressures on their waterways and develop a project that makes a difference in their community.
Upcoming Sessions
2025 Mississippi River Explorers
Ecology at the River
March 4-5
March 11-12
March 18-19
March 25-26
History at the River
March 6-7
March 13-14
March 20-21
2025 MN Freshwater Quest
April 8-9
April 10-11
April 17-18
April 22-23
April 24-25
Topics & Themes
STEM
Participants can learn about local ecosystems like prairies and floodplain forests, studying ecology and identifying native plants and wildlife. Or they could study environmental stewardship and learn how different species use Minnesota's many waterways, and most importantly, what we can do to help keep our ecosystems healthy.
History & Culture
Students can explore historical landmarks like Fort Snelling and Saint Anthony Falls, learning the story of the Mississippi's traveling waterfall and discussing the cultural significance of The Bdote to Native peoples. Or, older students can further their interest in the outdoors by exploring careers that sustain and appreciate nature.
You all were fabulous. Both my kids enjoyed all aspects. And it inspired us all to leave the suburbs and to get out and explore the river!
As an educator, I am thankful that my students have the opportunity to talk with and learn from Wilderness Adventures educators and USFS Rangers.