Wilderness Inquiry

10/12/2026

Join us in the Boundary Waters this upcoming February for a guided lodge-based getaway that’s built for you to fall in love with winter ❄️

On this 4‑day Boundary Waters Winter Adventure, you’ll:
🐺 Dogsled across frozen lakes
🎿 Cross‑country ski and snowshoe through quiet pine forests
🔥 Warm up in a wood‑fired Finnish sauna (polar plunge optional!)
🎲 Relax at the lodge with good food, games, and great company

Our Wilderness Inquiry Outdoor Leaders handle the planning, gear, and safety so you can simply show up, stay warm, and enjoy the magic of winter in the North Woods.

👉 Learn more & reserve your spot here: https://wildernessinquiry.org/trip/boundary-waters-winter-adventure/

Tag a friend you’d bring on a winter wilderness adventure.



📸- Angie Banks and Melissa Murphy

10/08/2026

Make your tax-smart giving count! 🌲

Did you know you can support inclusive outdoor adventures through your Donor-Advised Fund (DAF)? Today is , a nationwide day of giving that highlights the extraordinary impact of donor-advised funds.

When you direct a gift from your DAF to Wilderness Inquiry, you’re helping us break down barriers to the outdoors. Every dollar directed through a DAF goes straight to work funding adaptive gear, supporting outdoor experiences for youth, and creating accessible adventures across the country.

If you have a DAF with Fidelity, Vanguard, Schwab, your local community foundation, or another provider, recommending a grant only takes a few clicks.

🔗 For instructions and details on how to direct a gift from your DAF to Wilderness Inquiry, visit wildernessinquiry.org/support-us/donate/donor-advised-funds

10/06/2026

Canoemobile check‑in from the road! 🛶

In Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Minnesota, and Boston, school-aged youth and military families have been climbing into canoes, learning to paddle together, and experiencing hands‑on discovery back on shore. Kids have learned fire-making, testing water quality, and getting up close with wildlife as they explore who lives beneath the surface.

If we visited your community so far, share your favorite Canoemobile activity in the comments so we can celebrate it with you.

Blue Star Families U.S. Forest Service

10/02/2026

Join Wilderness Inquiry and Wild Rumpus Books for Young Readers for a magical Halloween Story Time Canoe Paddle on Friday, October 16 (MEA weekend!) 🎃

Climb into our 10-person North canoes and gently glide across Bde Maka Ska, Lake of the Isles, and Cedar Lake with your family. We’ll sing together as we paddle, then land at Cedar Lake Point Beach for a cozy shoreline story time led by Wild Rumpus booksellers.

👻 Costumes are absolutely encouraged—keep them comfy, warm, and life‑jacket friendly for a crisp fall morning on the water.

Each adult registration includes one Wild Rumpus book purchase, so you’ll head home with spooky stories to keep long after the paddle ends.

🔗 Tap the link below to reserve your family’s spot today—space is limited.
https://wildernessinquiry.org/trip/minneapolis-chain-of-lakes-halloween-story-time-canoe-paddle-with-wild-rumpus/

09/24/2026

Nature sets the pace. We just have to show up ready for the journey.

That’s how Wilderness Inquiry Outdoor Leader John Trout approaches every adventure, whether he’s canoeing, hiking, foraging, or introducing military families to America’s public lands.

One of John’s favorite Military Families Outdoors memories came during a multigenerational trip to Glacier National Park. Every evening ended with laughter as families joined in the playful tradition of gathering bear-safe food containers before bed, creating memories that spanned generations.

His advice is simple: nature leads the dance. Come prepared, stay flexible, and embrace whatever the day brings.

Thank you, John, for helping military families create traditions and connections that last well beyond the trail.

Blue Star Families

09/22/2026

Wilderness Inquiry is seeking a Finance & Human Resources Manager to strengthen the operational foundation behind our mission of providing inclusive outdoor experiences for all.

This position is ideal for a professional who:
• Brings rigor and accuracy to financial management
• Values clear processes and organizational systems
• Is committed to building a supportive, equitable workplace

In this role, you will:
• Oversee core finance and HR functions across the organization
• Build and improve processes that keep a nonprofit running smoothly
• Contribute directly to the stability and sustainability of our programs and staff

👉 To apply and see full position details, please refer to the job posting here: https://careers.wildernessinquiry.org/job/finance-human-resources-manager/

09/21/2026

Crisp air means it's time to layer up with Wilderness Inquiry merch from Ursa Minor Outfitters that’s built for fall adventures:
🧢 Cozy beanies for frosty mornings on the trail
🔥 Soft hoodies for post‑paddle campfires
🧢 Classic dad hats for sunny fall day hikes
👕 Go‑to tees that rep your favorite adventures year‑round
🍁 Neck gaiters to cut the wind

Every piece helps fuel Wilderness Inquiry’s mission to make the outdoors open and welcoming to everyone—all ages, all backgrounds, all abilities.

👉 Shop the merch here: https://www.ursaminoroutfitters.com/shop/wilderness-inquiry/3D65RQIP7R6MUK62RX45D76W

09/18/2026

Who’s ready for fall on the water? 🍂🛶

The Canoemobile rigs are officially on the road! This season, five crews of Outdoor Leaders and their stacks of canoes are rolling into communities across the country—including Minnesota, Michigan, Indiana, New York, Washington, D.C, Ohio, Massachusetts, Virginia, and Georgia—programming in 30+ cities.

Every stop means more kids and families experiencing the joy of paddling, learning outside, and seeing themselves as belonging in the outdoors.

Follow along on Instagram with .undredgers

Want Canoemobile in your community? Or want to help fuel the journey? Head to the link here to learn more:https://wildernessinquiry.org/programs/canoemobile/

09/16/2026

Join Wilderness Inquiry and Wild Rumpus Books for Young Readers for our enchanting Halloween Story Time Canoe Paddle on Friday, October 16! 🎃 Together in 10-person North canoes, we’ll sing and paddle through the Chain of Lakes. At Cedar Lake Point Beach, we’ll pull onto shore for a story time led by Wild Rumpus booksellers.

👻 Halloween costumes are encouraged! Think comfy, weather‑friendly outfits that work with a life jacket and are ready for a fall paddle.

Each adult registration includes one Wild Rumpus book purchase, so you’ll head home with fun and spooky stories from the water to keep.

🔗 Register at the link below to reserve your family’s spots today!
https://wildernessinquiry.org/trip/minneapolis-chain-of-lakes-halloween-story-time-canoe-paddle-with-wild-rumpus/

09/14/2026

In 1995, Duluth local Paul Hlina became the first thru‑hiker of the Superior Hiking Trail (S*T), raising funds for Wilderness Inquiry scholarships so more people of all abilities could access outdoor adventures.

Now, for the S*T’s 40th anniversary, he’s back — hiking the “Last 100” miles from the southern terminus to Burlington Bay, inviting others to join sections along the way and to keep expanding who belongs outside.

Read more and join the hikes here:

Paul Hlina was the first thru-hiker of the Superior Hiking Trail. He traversed the then-existing 200 miles of trail between Two Harbors and Grand Marais. His jo