What we’re about
Want to spend more time in nature, learn new skills, and meet great people? This is the biggest outdoor adventure meetup in WI. All skill levels are welcome. We have free social events at least once per month that focus on things like backpacking skills, wild edibles, cold weather adventure, day hikes, gear, or just sitting around the fire sharing stories.
We hold a variety of classes and trips based on member interest including Wilderness First Aid certifications, backpacking and canoe camping trips, survival courses, cooking classes, firearms training and more. We also offer very unique and one of a kind international expeditions. From Mt. Everest to the Arctic to the Amazon Jungle these trips are organized and guided by NOW Outdoors.
We help people become more skilled, more experienced, and more confident outdoors. We never want to exclude anyone from classes or trips so please contact us with any questions or concerns so we can help you to be fully equipped for any adventure.
If you have a trip or event idea that you'd like to see, please email us at info@nowoutdoors.org.
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Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Voyageur Canoe Training (ORCKA L1-L2 & Trip Leader Certification)High Cliff State Park, Sherwood, WI$800.00
Overview
Step into the rhythm of the paddle and the power of the past. In partnership with the Indigenous-led 7th Fire Jiimaan Journey, we're hosting our first official Voyageur canoe certification and training course on the shores of Lake Winnebago, WI. This course is open to everyone with a passion for big canoes—whether you're stepping into a Voyageur canoe for the first time or you're an experienced paddler looking to refine your skills. No prior experience is needed—just a willingness to learn, paddle, and embrace the adventure!Guided by expert instructors from ORCKA, the Ontario Recreational Canoeing and Kayaking Association, you’ll master the art of paddling in a Voyageur canoe, the legendary vessels that shaped the fur trade and Indigenous traditions. Learn the skills of the gouvernail (steersman), navigate open water rescues, and uncover the historical and cultural significance of these mighty canoes.
Certification Details
This 5-day certification course will cover Voyageur canoe paddling theory, transporting, lifting, launching, landing, entering and exiting, skills in every paddling position, flatwater maneuvers, weather, individual and group safety, rescues, leadership including the gouvernail position, group dynamics, and re-enactment knowledge and skills. Participants will also learn Indigenous peoples’ practices in the development of large canoes, the historical development of Voyageur canoes for the fur trade, and the potential for these canoes to play a role in reconciliation and adaptive paddling. This course is great for camp staff, trip leaders, educational institutes, expedition training, team-building, and more. Participants who successfully complete the course will receive Voyageur Canoe Level 1 (VC1) and Voyageur Canoe Level 2 (VC2) certification from ORCKA. Participants who are eager for more may also be able to achieve certification for Voyageur Canoe Level 3 – Voyageur Canoe Day-Trip and Overnight Wilderness Trip Leader.Itinerary
📅 Arrive: Sunday, Sep. 7 after 5 PM — Set up camp
🚣 Training Begins: Monday, Sep. 8 at 8 AM
🏕️ Completion: Friday, Sep. 12 by 5 PMDifficulty: Moderate
The course will be conducted in calm to moderate water conditions with waves under 2 feet. The pace will be relaxed at times and challenging at others. Participants must be able to perform the following essential functions:- Independently breathe (i.e., without a medical device), maintain a sealed airway while under water, turn from face-down to face-up and remain floating face up while wearing a properly fitted life jacket, hold head and body upright, enter and exit a canoe at a landing, re-enter a canoe in open water after a capsize, paddle, swim, communicate, and manage personal care and safety.
- See, hear, follow, and communicate instructions.
- Maintain a safe body position while performing all skills, maneuvers, lifts, carries, launches, activities, and rescues.
- Dress for all possible weather conditions and plan to be in the water every day.
- Be comfortable in a canoe and in the water.
- Participate throughout the class.
- Carry gear or a canoe for short distances.
- Paddle several hours at times.
Background
A Voyageur Canoe is a style of big canoe that was typically made from the bark of paper birch trees that was stretched over a white cedar frame. Voyageur canoes were originally designed based on birchbark canoes that had already been used by America’s Indigenous cultures for thousands of years. The Anishinaabe People of the Great Lakes region call the birchbark canoe wiigwaasi jiimaan, and the large freight canoes chi jiimaan (big canoe). These canoes have always been, and remain today, a key part of Anishinaabe life and culture.These canoes were widely used across North America, especially around the Great Lakes, during the 18th and 19th century by the French, French Canadians, and others, called Voyageurs, for exploration and to transport furs and other trade goods during the North American fur trade era. The largest Voyageur canoes, also called Montreal Canoes, were 36-40 feet long and about six feet wide, weighed about 600 pounds, could carry up to 9,000 pounds of cargo, and had a crew of 8-14 paddlers, called Voyageurs. The smaller Voyageur canoes, also called North Canoes, were 24-28 feet long and about four feet wide, weighed about 300 pounds, could carry about 3,000 pounds of cargo, and had a crew of 4-6 paddlers. Modern Voyageur-style canoes may be made with wood, fiberglass, aluminum, or plastic and are commonly used for recreation and historical reenactments. Without cargo, the larger canoes can handle up to 20 paddlers.
Price: $800* REGISTER AND PAY HERE
> Payment deadline September 1st
> Spaces are limited and are filled in the order payments are received. An RSVP on Meetup will not hold your spot.
> Cancelations made within seven days of payment and on or before the payment deadline are eligible for a refund.Upon registration, you will have access to the event "Group Forum" where the gear list, directions, and other important information can be found. Some of these details will be added closer to the event date.
Included:
- Expert instructors
- Staff with advanced safety and rescue certifications
- Campsite and waterfront permits, user fees
- All meals Monday breakfast through Friday lunch
- Group gear (group tarp, camp kitchen including cooking and eating utensils, comprehensive first aid kit)
- Purified drinking water in camp and at the course location
- Voyageur canoes
- Paddles
- Life jackets
- Course equipment (bailer/pump, ropes, communication/signaling/navigation devices, etc.)
Not Included: Rental gear available
- Personal gear items and a water bottle (a packing list will be provided)
- Notetaking items (pens, notepad)
- Personal snacks and drink mixes
- WI State Park sticker for vehicle parking
- Transportation
Photo credit of jiimaanan and artwork used with permission from Fred Harrington, Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians.
If you have any questions, please reach out to us at info@nowoutdoors.org - Boundary Waters Canoe Adventure | Fully Guided | All-InclusiveEly, Ely, MN$2,300.00
Join us for an exhilarating, all inclusive, week-long paddle adventure through the wild heart of Northern Minnesota's Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA). Escape into a world where the sound of water lapping against your canoe is the only noise, and the untamed wilderness unfolds around you. Encounter moose, otters, beavers, wolves, eagles, and other majestic wildlife as you navigate through a pristine landscape far from the reach of civilization.
Our adventure begins Saturday evening, September 20th, in Grand Marais, MN, where we'll gather at a designated lodge to check gear and set our intentions for the journey ahead. Sunday morning, we embark on the ultimate wilderness expedition—50+ miles of stunning, remote lakes, winding through lush forests and rugged terrain. Along the way, we’ll spend a few days laying over in camp, sharpening our outdoor skills, fishing, and reconnecting with nature. Each day starts with a hearty breakfast and a sense of excitement as we break camp, ready to paddle and portage our lightweight tandem canoes across several beautiful lakes and challenging portage trails. Teamwork is key as we work together to transport gear, gather firewood, and manage camp tasks.
We believe in adventure without compromise, especially when it comes to food. While others may settle for cliff bars and ramen, we craft mouthwatering ultra-lite meals such as BBQ pork spaghetti, fruit and yogurt parfaits, steak fajitas, and more. Of course, fresh-caught fish is always an option. Special dietary needs? No problem. Just let us know—we’ve got you covered.
This adventure is rated Challenging and is best suited for those with previous paddling and camping experience. You should be comfortable in the water and in a canoe. You will need appropriate gear as recommended per a provided gear list. Everyone will be expected to contribute to camp life—portaging gear, paddling across the waterways, and working together to make each day an unforgettable experience. Expect to carry 50-60 pounds of gear for short distances over rugged portage trails. The pace will be relaxed at times, but we’ll also push ourselves to meet the challenges of the wild. With two full rest days built into the trip, you'll have time to fish, swim, and embrace the serene beauty of this wilderness paradise.
Are you ready to paddle into the wild?
Price: $2,300 This premium adventure is limited to just 6 spots. Register now.
You may pay a $500.00 non-refundable deposit to secure your spot. Deposit deadline is July 1st. After July 1st, payments must be made in full. Final balance due Sep 1st.Upon registration, you will have access to the event group forum where the gear list, directions, and other important information can be found.
REGISTER AND MAKE PAYMENTS HERE
> Spaces are limited and are filled in the order payments are received. An RSVP on Meetup will not hold your spot.
> Cancelations made within seven days of payment and on or before the payment deadline are eligible for a refund. Other cancelations will be converted to a credit to be used within one year for another Now Outdoors event.Included:
• Expert guides
• BWCA permits and user fees
• All meals from put-in to take-out
• Purified water in camp and on the go
• Lightweight Wenonah Spirit 2 canoes
• Premium CCS packs with padded backs, waist belts and adjustable straps
• Paddles and PFD's
• Camp kitchen including mess kits
• Group tarp and other misc. items
• Lodging fees the night before put-in and after take-out
• Free parking/shuttle to or from the put-in location from the lodgeNot Included:
• Personal gear items (rental equipment available)
• Fishing licenses and equipment
• Transportation to/from the BWCA (we can arrange shuttles if needed)
• Gratuities are always welcome if you've had a great time :)Please send all questions to info@nowoutdoors.org
- Winter Camping Workshop 2025Waupaca, Waupaca, WI$300.00
Join us in Waupaca for our Annual Winter Workshop Dec. 12th-14th for a variety of presentations and hands-on skill-building opportunities. Check-in time is 8-10 am Friday, Dec. 12th followed by camp set-up. Presentations start at 11 am and will take place entirely outside.
This event is located on 40 private acres at our NOW Outdoors basecamp in Waupaca, WI just west of Hartman Creek State Park. Upon arrival, you will check in at the parking lot and then hike down to the campsite roughly 5-minutes from your car on a clear, wide path. If there is deep snow, you may need a sled and snowshoes to haul your gear to camp. If you do not have a sled, we have several sleds available to use for free. Some people have found a wagon to be helpful as well. We can help you find a place to set up your tent or hammock. We have an incredible crew of expert presenters from the region joining us for a wide variety of topics.
This year's topics include:
- Winter clothing and equipment for an expedition at 40 below
- Building a winter fire: The ability to build fire under extreme cold or wet conditions is an important and potentially life-saving skill.
- Winter camping on a budget: Tips and tricks to save money and find deals for all of your winter gear needs.
- Axe and saw use: Learn proper technique and safe ways to process firewood in this hands-on skills workshop.
- Cold weather first aid: Learn to identify and manage cold weather emergencies such as frostbite and hypothermia in this hands-on presentation.
- Shelters and sleep systems including winter hammocks
- Knife safety and use: Bring a fixed blade (Mora) style knife and hone your skills. (we will have some knives available if needed)
- Women's-specific camping topics
- Build a signal fire
- Useful knots for the backcountry
This year, you can bring your own food or purchase a ticket for our own fantastic NOW Outdoors campfire meals.
Coffee and hot water will be available at no charge throughout the day.AS ALWAYS >>> A gear list and directions will be available via the group forum on our website for this event. You will have access to this "Group" page upon registration. We have zoom calls and recordings posted here along with other resources and important updates.
Event Registration Price: 3 Days $300
- Registration closes Monday, Dec. 2nd.
- Meal tickets must be purchased by Monday, Dec. 2nd.
> Ask about our discount for scouts and other youth groups.
> Spaces are limited and are filled in the order payments are received. An RSVP on Meetup without payment will not hold your spot. The event may fill before the payment deadline.
> Refunds are available within 7 days of ticket purchase but not after the registration deadline. Refunds beyond 7 days of ticket purchase will be in the form of a full credit valid for 1 year that can be used for NOW Outdoors trips and events.REGISTER AND MAKE PAYMENTS HERE
Included:
- Coffee and hot water all day
- Misc. group gear (tables, kitchen equipment)
- Warming tent
- Porta-potty
- Firewood
- Group parachute shelter
- First aid kit
- Pre-trip Zoom call
- Group forum
Not Included: (rental gear available)
- Personal camping equipment
- Meals (meal tickets are available for purchase at checkout)
Hot tent rental: Contact us for details at info@nowoutdoors.org
We have 2 Snowtrekker wall tents and 1 Tentipi Zircon 9 available for this event. Each tent is outfitted with a woodburning stove and firewood. Prices listed are for Friday-Sunday noon.
9x11.5 tent sleeps 2-3 on ground pads or 2 on cots. $300
10x13 tent sleeps 4-5 people on ground pads or 3 on cots. $325
14' tipi sleeps 4-6 on ground pads. $350Winter hammock rental: $100 for Friday-Sunday noon.
We have a limited number of premium Superior Gear hammocks rated for 0F or colder and outfitted with down quilts and a rain fly.Please send all questions to info@nowoutdoors.org
- 15th Annual Wisconsin Frozen Butt HangGame Lake, Pearson, WI
The best winter hammock camping event in the country! Your family might think you're nuts but we know better. Come hang out and kick off the new year right. This event is always FREE and always fun.
The Wisconsin Frozen Butt Hang is a short "pulk or toboggan towing" trip in deep snow country. We like to get out there and really put ourselves and our gear to the test! We've been lucky enough to have some of the coldest temperatures the Midwest has to offer and routinely have the coldest of all winter hang events.
Where? This year we will be back in Pearson, WI near Jack Lake and hiking in on the Ice Age Trail. NOWOutdoors will arrange to have a parking area plowed for us by Jack Lake.
The Route: We will hike in 1.5 miles on the Ice Age Trail (IAT) in Langlade County near Jack Lake. The parking lot on County J Road, Pearson, WI will be plowed for us and from there we can head south on the IAT past the western side of Jack Lake towards Game Lake. The park is closed to the public so we have the entire area to ourselves. There are picnic tables (might be buried under the snow) and a grill grate we can use. There is also an outhouse at camp. Be sure to bring snowshoes or skis.
This event has always been a celebration of the coldest weather we can hope for. That said, there are lots of opportunities for beginners to dial in their gear before the hang such as our Winter Workshop event in December. You can contact us at info@nowoutdoors.org for more info on this, or other beginner friendly trips here in WI.
This event is not recommended for beginners with little to no experience camping in the cold. Please also leave your fur babies at home for this event.
Upon registration, you will be able to access the "Group" discussion page for this event. The top post will have details and a link to the event spreadsheet. Please add your name/trail name, any food you wish to bring for the group (optional), any group gear you wish to bring (optional e.g. Dutch oven, water pots, saws and axes, etc.), and any gear you might need (e.g. extra quilt, hammock rig, etc.). The spreadsheet will have the most updated maps and weekend info. We expect 40+ this year from all across the country!
Caution: Camping in sub-freezing temperatures can be extremely dangerous and IS NOT the best time to try new gear for the first time (ex. stoves, tarps, boots, sleep system, etc.). It is always a good idea to familiarize yourself with new equipment before taking it to the field. If you have any questions regarding gear or clothing, please email us at info@nowoutdoors.org
Check out some of the great YouTube videos from past trips.
2022 FBH
2022 FBH
2021 FBH
2019 FBH
2019 FBH
