What we’re about
We're fun, adventurous and respectful to the environment and each other.
The golden age of exploration may be over but there are still amazing places to discover where few people have gone before. Even though we live in Iowa there are still countless outdoor treasures to uncover where untold adventures may be found.
We defy those who decry the lack of wilderness and set out to explore those hidden places the timid will never find. We hike, but not necessarily on trails alone.
We canoe, but not necessarily on the established routes alone. We also camp... in established campgrounds, backcountry campsites and on sandbars along rivers. Rain, sleet, and snow do not deter us.
We do what others can't, won't, or say is not possible. In the challenge and thrill of doing so, we come together with like-minded people to discover more about the world and above all, to explore as a team, help one another rise to the occasion, and have lots of fun!
Founded by Chris Beckley in 2014, the Iowa Explorers Club is an inclusive group made up of people of all ages with diverse backgrounds. Membership is free and the only requirement to join is to have a moderately active lifestyle and a positive attitude.
If you can walk a few miles and lift your feet over downed logs you are good to go! We take regular rest stops and don't leave anybody behind. We welcome new members and provide assistance with obstacles in the wild. We have people of all ages from teenagers to those in their 70's attend our events so it's more about physical condition and mindset than age!
"The elements that make our outdoor experiences more challenging also make them much more rewarding!" - Jennifer S., Iowa Explorer Club member
OUR MISSION
To explore and enjoy the wild places in Iowa and beyond, sharing the wonder of it all with others; to discover new perspectives; to overcome fears and personal limitations; to find courage; to live an adventure.
KEEPING IT CLEAN: Iowa Explorers Club is grateful for all of the wonderful public and private land set aside for conservation and recreation in Iowa. As a way of saying thank you it's our policy to carry out any trash we find in the wild in order to leave these special places in a better condition than when we found them.