Our Mission: Getting You Outside

Wilderness Inquiry’s mission is to connect people from all walks of life to the natural world through shared outdoor adventures. Through the medium of outdoor adventure travel, we inspire personal growth, enhanced awareness of the environment and community integration. Our adventures encourage people to open themselves to new possibilities and opportunities.

In addition to our many great adventures for adults, we facilitate opportunities for urban youth, individuals with disabilities, and other nontraditional users of public lands and waterways via programs such as Canoemobile, Gateway to Adventure, and Outdoor Career Academy. Since 1978, we’ve directly served more than half a million individuals.

Our programs facilitate fundamental changes in perceptions and beliefs, breaking down barriers between people. During a Wilderness Inquiry experience, participants begin to realize that perceived differences, such as ability level, ethnicity, or economic status, are less significant than their common humanity. One participant shared, “It was good to be a part of a group of people from various backgrounds and physical abilities. We focused on people’s strengths rather than the weaknesses.”

For 41 years, Wilderness Inquiry has created a replicable, scalable, and customizable model of inclusive outdoor experience. Long before “Social Enterprises” became mainstream, Wilderness Inquiry’s innovative model provided an opportunity for participants to explore the natural world while making outdoor spaces accessible to individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. Revenue from our public adventures is used to support our programs.

dangling wheelchair Erin Broadbent. The trip included a day of rappelling down a sheer rock face along the river. Erin's eyes lit up with excitement. Greg Lais describes the scene, "I was standing in the river at the base of the cliff, watching these two wheelchair rims edge their way over the cliff. Erin was cool as a cucumber, started rolling her way down the sheer cliff face when I took the picture. A moment later, her wheel caught in a crack of rock and she flipped sideways. I looked up at her and asked if she was nervous. She responded, 'Nah, I already broke my neck once, this is no big deal.'" Peering at Erin over the cliff, the crowd above burst into applause as Erin freed herself and made her way down the cliff. After Erin, everyone in the group enthusiastically rappelled down the cliff.

Professional Guides

Our knowledgeable and charismatic guides ensure that your trip is safe, fun, and full of local flare.

Global Itineraries

We offer itineraries in over 150 destinations. Your adventure awaits close to home or across the world.

40 Years of Excellence

With over forty years of adventures, we've built up a reputation for the best outdoor itineraries.

Access for All

We make every effort to make our trips accessible to people of all ages, backgrounds, and ability levels.

What your fellow travelers have to say:

Voyageurs National Park

"Our kids had an amazing time on this adventure. It really helped that all of the gear was provided. An experience we will never forget!"

-Marcia, Voyageurs National Park Family Paddle

Apostle Islands

"I enjoyed every aspect of my trip. My fellow campers were a great group of people. The weather and location were beautiful."

-Sue, Apostle Islands Base Camp

Tanzania

"I learned that to do something, you need to follow your leader and that going slowly actually helps you go faster and farther. I saw the joy and simplicity in each and every person I met. It was a moving experience. Unbelievable, life-changing trip."

-Melissa, Climb Kilimanjaro

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