Outdoor Education & Recreation
Whether its rock climbing, canoeing, kayaking, camping, or backpacking, the Outdoor Education and Recreation Center (OERC) can help you learn the requisite skills or provide equipment needed for your next adventure.
The Outdoor Education and Recreation Center offers a variety of outdoor programs for both students and the community. We provide trips, clinics, trainings, and equipment rentals to:
- promote the development of lifetime outdoor skills
- learn about safety and proper technique
- gain an appreciation and concern for our natural environment
- have a great time
The OERC’s staff are leaders in the outdoor industry. All trip leaders are certified by the Wilderness Medicine Institute of NOLS with at least Wilderness First Aid (most with Wilderness First Responder) and, depending on the trip they are leading, have professional training in each focus area.
In addition, many have taken in-depth outdoor education courses through organizations such as NOLS, PCIA, AMGA, LNT, and ACA.
With nearly 6,000 square feet of climbing surface and 2 bouldering walls, any thrill seeker is bound to get a fun workout in whenever they want.
Climbing CenterStudents, employees, and community members can all take advantage of the OERC’s rental equipment for activities from camping to climbing.
Rent Outdoor EquipmentYou can register for events at the OERC front desk.
We offer:
- Team Building Activities
- Low Ropes Course
- High Ropes Course
- Rock Climbing Wall
Financial Assistance
Removing barriers to access outdoor recreation is essential and integral to the OERC. We recognize everyone is in a different financial position and we want to be able to support everyone’s desire to participate in what we offer.
To that end the OERC offers financial assistance programs based on a sliding scale. If you need financial assistance, please complete the OERC Financial Assistance Application (PDF) and Supplemental Applicant Information (PDF) and return to michael.henderson@winona.edu.
507.457.2940
351 Lafayette Street
Education
- S. Recreation
- AIARE Course Leader
- AMGA Apprentice Ski Guide
- AMGA SPI
- Wilderness EMT
Mike loves to travel anywhere that makes him nervous and his favorite outdoor activities are skiing and ice climbing—ideally both in the same route.
The OERC employs student workers in a variety of positions including Climbing Wall Attendants, Field Staff and Rental Center Staff.