“The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not expect to sit.” – Nelson Henderson Make it possible for people to find peace and belonging in nature for generations to come with a legacy gift to Wilderness Inquiry. Join a growing number of supporters who choose to include a… [Read more] Learn about Legacy Giving
News & Notes
2025 Changes to Charitable Giving: A Quick Guide
At Wilderness Inquiry, we believe Everyone Belongs in the Outdoors. Whether it’s a student floating along the Mississippi River in a North canoe for the first time or an adult who experiences disability navigating a forest trail, these life-changing experiences are only possible because of generous donors like you. We want to ensure that our… [Read more] 2025 Changes to Charitable Giving: A Quick Guide
The Lasting Power of Outdoor Leadership: Emily’s Story
At the forefront of every Wilderness Inquiry adventure is a team of talented and dedicated Outdoor Leaders. These hard-working professionals make the magic of our programs happen for the thousands of participants who paddle, camp, hike, explore, and learn with us each year. Beyond simply hired guides, they equally serve as skilled mentors and educators… [Read more] The Lasting Power of Outdoor Leadership: Emily’s Story
2025 Canoemobile: Paddling, Learning, and Exploring with 30,000+ People
With the incredible outdoors as its backdrop, Canoemobile allows youth and families to explore, to stretch their comfort zones, and to build their self-confidence. It offers students the chance to see how what they learn in the classroom shows up outside of school. It brings people together in community — creating shared moments that remind… [Read more] 2025 Canoemobile: Paddling, Learning, and Exploring with 30,000+ People
An Olympic National Park Adventure: Maintaining Lifelong Connection to the Outdoors Through Senior Adult Travel
On a gorgeous early September evening, the west-coast sun was quickly playing catch-up to the horizon when the group of eight Wilderness Inquiry adventurers rounded the last bend to Lake Crescent — their entry point to a five-day Olympic National Park adventure. After a winding, three-hour traverse from the urban jungle of Seattle, the six… [Read more] An Olympic National Park Adventure: Maintaining Lifelong Connection to the Outdoors Through Senior Adult Travel
Trading the Daily Routines and Stresses of Military Life for the Serene Surroundings of the Boundary Waters
When you think of Wilderness Inquiry, it’s hard not to draw a connecting path to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) — as that’s where it all started. Our organization’s history is tightly coupled with that of Minnesota’s iconic natural wonder, where our first and founding trip took place in 1977. In the years… [Read more] Trading the Daily Routines and Stresses of Military Life for the Serene Surroundings of the Boundary Waters
Brick by Brick: Cultivating Confidence and Connection Through Skill-Building Experiences
In the thick of a steamy mid-July afternoon standing along the shores of Minneapolis’ Lake Nokomis, Isaac didn’t hesitate a beat to share some high hopes for his upcoming trip to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). Hooking his thumbs through the shoulder straps of his bright-blue PFD, he deftly parried a suggestion of… [Read more] Brick by Brick: Cultivating Confidence and Connection Through Skill-Building Experiences
A Moroccan Adventure with Wilderness Inquiry
This past April, a group of six women set off on an unforgettable adventure to Morocco — a first for Wilderness Inquiry! Traveling along the stunning landscapes, historic sites, and vibrant markets of Morocco, these women formed a bond as they connected with the beauty of their surroundings. [Read more]
From Base to Basecamp: Strengthening Military Families Through Outdoor Adventures
Through engaging adventures in national parks, public lands, and waterways, the Military Families Outdoors (MFO) program provides service members and their families the opportunity to experience the life-changing benefits of nature. In its 2024 pilot year, MFO impacted over 9,000 participants through an array of outdoor experiences, including guided hikes, canoeing and kayaking excursions, camping trips, and environmental education programs to support positive mental and physical health outcomes for all military family members who participate. [Read more]
Unpacking the Impact: Devin’s Story
A Wilderness Inquiry adventure is so much more than a trip. It’s an experience, an opportunity for connection, a place where everyone belongs. And we think no one is better to tell that story than those exact people who explore the natural world with us. This is Devin’s story. Devin’s journey with Wilderness Inquiry began… [Read more] Unpacking the Impact: Devin’s Story