Join us for exploration, adventure and instruction in a wide range of land and water based outdoor activities. Our activities are fun, exciting and challenging and are designed to help you develop the skills and knowledge needed for safe, environmentally responsible participation in outdoor activities.
About the Program
Upper Iowa University Outdoor Pursuits and Rental Center offers regularly scheduled guided excursions on weekends and rent a wide array of equipment to venture out on your own any day of the week. In addition to everything you could possibly need to "navigate" the Volga River or hike Northeast Iowa, a full supply of camping gear is also available. We challenge you to venture beyond the familiar and pursue the unknown as you take advantage of your geographical location here at Upper Iowa.
The Outdoor Pursuits program (OP) is financed by the Office of Student Services and is open to all students, faculty and staff of Upper Iowa University. Our programs are designed with the beginner in mind. OP is designed to provide a positive, fun and safe adventure at a reasonably low cost.
We appreciate your input about past trips and new ideas. Our programs are only possible if people participate, so come and get involved.
Outdoor Pursuits Rental Center
Need a tent, sleeping bag and stove for the weekend?
Everything we have is available to you for FREE!!!
Stop by the Rental Center located on the west wall of Dorman Gym. open from 1-3 Monday - Friday.
Or give us a call at (563) 425-5794.
Tents-Sleeping bags-Sleeping pads-Stoves-Lantern-Tarps-Camp kitchens-Heaters-Grill-Coolers-Backpacks-Climbing shoes-Climbing harnesses-Canoes-Kayaks-Life jackets-Paddles-Wet suits-Dry bags-Throw bags-Car carriers-Bikes-Helmets-Locks-Car carriers-Water bottles-Sleds-Horse shoes-Trailers-Fishing supplies-First Aid Supplies-and MORE!
All items (excluding canoes) can be checked out for a maximum of 72 hours without facing imposed fines. Damaged or loss of equipment is the responsibility of the student who checks out the supplies.
White-Water Rafting
Take a weekend and get away to northeast Wisconsin for one of America's favorite outdoor activities--white-water rafting. We will leave Fayette on Friday afternoon and head for the Wolf River, which is a classic pool drop river with many class III and IV rapids. After a great day on the river, we will head to The Bear Paw Inn & Resort to roast marshmallows and camp for the night. In the morning, we will have a hot breakfast, then hit the river for another day of excitement. We head back to Fayette on Sunday. We will be going in the fall and the spring. We will provide food, transportation and all the needed equipment. You need warm clothes, paddling clothing, towel and extra-dry footwear.
Skiing and Snowboarding
We offer three skiing trips each year. We leave Fayette later in the afternoon and head to Dubuque to the beautiful Sundown Ski Resort for an evening of downhill skiing. Free ski lessons are offered for the beginner, and many difficult runs challenge the more experienced skier. Dress warm, and come join in on the excitement! You need warm clothes and a change of dry clothes for the ride home.
Mountain Biking
Just north of Fayette lies the Volga Recreation Area, providing miles and miles of beautiful trails to be explored. We will provide the mountain bikes and helmets. We will decide how far and how difficult the ride will be, depending on the group. You need proper clothing, depending on the weather.
Canoeing
These canoe trips are for the beginner or experienced canoeist. We will be canoeing the most beautiful and scenic rivers located in Northeast Iowa. Be prepared to view many different species of wildlife and high bluffs typical to this area. We will provide you with the equipment you need. You must dress appropriately for expected weather conditions.
You will also be able to do your part for the local environment with our annual Volga River clean up. Last year we picked up over 100 tires. You need extra change of warm clothes.
Indoor Climbing Wall
The Upper Iowa indoor climbing wall is located on the west side of Dorman Gym where the two white doors are facing Grace Meyer Square. Come over and climb on the Iowa Conference's first indoor climbing facility and only the second in the state. There are very easy routes for the novice and very challenging routes for the more advanced climbers. The wall provides opportunities for developing fitness, strength, confidence, challenges and, of course, climbing skills. The wall is 20 feet high and offers over 800 square feet of pure climbing fun. The climbing wall is open to all UIU students, faculty and staff. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday 1-3 p.m.
Peacocks for Progress
Many people have expressed interest in making Fayette a better place to go to school and live. In response, the Office of Outdoor Pursuits/Student Activities has developed what is now known as "Peacocks for Progress." Peacocks for Progress is a program developed to unite the Fayette Community and Upper Iowa University in working together to create a fun, safe, and beautiful living environment. Contact the Director of Outdoor Pursuits to see how you can help!
Other Activities Offered
- Camping
- Cave Exploration
- Cross Country Skiing
- Fishing
- Horseback Riding
- Hunting
- Hiking
- Mushroom Hunting
- Paintball
- Rockclimbing
- Snowshoeing
- Sledding
- Tubing
- Wild Game Feeds
Sign-Up
Signing up for one of our Adventure Trips?
All participants must sign a waiver and medical release form before engaging in any activities offered by Outdoor Pursuits. The costs of these activities vary, depending on the duration and type of activity. Transportation is provided. Sign-up is on a first come first served basis. You will find the sign-up list in the Office of Student Services!
Download the appropriate Risk Form (Waiver and Medical Release Form):
- Backpacking (Word format | pdf format)
- Canoeing / Kayaking / Rafting (Word format | pdf format)
- Rappelling / Rockclimbing (Word format | pdf format)
- Skiing / Sledding / Ice Skating / Snowboarding (Word format | pdf format)
Hours / Staff
Office located in the lower level of Garbee Hall. Regular office hours for the Fall and Spring semesters are Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Rental Center is located on the west wall of Dorman Gym Monday - Friday 1-3 pm.
Daryl Grove
Director of Outdoor Pursuits
Four Workstudy Students
Rental Center Coordinators
(563) 425-5794
