Recreation Program

Start Anywhere, Explore Further

At Gustavus, recreation is more than a trailhead—it’s a way to live well, together. Our calendar blends social recreation (game nights, Kitchen Lab pizzas from scratch) and maker/fix-it sessions with guided outdoor days across trails, parks, and waterways in St. Peter, and, when the calendar allows, regional overnights and Alternative Break trips that take your skills farther. We keep it simple and affordable with gear checkout and beginner-first instruction, so you can try something new without the hassle. Then level up through progression-based workshops (navigation, bike maintenance, camp cooking, cold-weather comfort) and step into leadership as you’re ready. Show up curious; leave confident.

Students canoeing

Campus and Local Activities

  • Minnesota River canoeing
  • Hiking
  • Outdoor games at 7-mile park
  • Canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding on Lake Emily
  • Rock climbing
  • Cross-country skiing
  • Downhill skiing
  • Outdoor cooking
  • Bread baking
  • Pickleball
  • Bowling
  • Snowshoeing
  • Photography
  • Biking
  • Bonfires
  • Ice fishing
  • Curling
  • Card games
  • Escape rooms
  • Birding
  • Fly fishing

Lending Program

Trying to go outdoors and plan a trip may be fun, but gear is something that is necessary, and not all of us may have the right equipment. The lending program is here for you! A considerable amount of equipment has been purchased for use in a lending program so you can go out on your own whether or not there is a planned event. 

Email g-lending [at] gustavus.edu (g-lending[at]gustavus[dot]edu) if you have questions about the lending program.

Travel Trips

  • Fall Break trips have taken students to Minnesota state parks for canoeing, caving, hiking, camping, and fishing.
  • Spring Break trips have taken students out of state for camping, hiking, or canoeing in places like Utah and Arkansas.
Students in Utah

Reach far. Dig deep.
Go Beyond.