RHINELANDER — The great outdoors will take center stage in Nicolet College’s Outdoor Adventure program this summer with a wide range of offerings designed to up the fun factor, teach new skills and lend greater knowledge and appreciation for the natural world around us.
“It’s all about creating the path for people to explore all that the Northwoods has to offer,” said Terry Rutlin, Nicolet Outdoor Adventure coordinator. “Any of the classes are a great way for individuals to learn new skills, experience new places, and have a whole lot of fun in the process.”
Along with long-time favorites, offerings this summer will also include many new classes, including Introduction to Dragon Boat Paddling, an overnight Northwoods Bicycle Tour for Beginners, Island Yoga, Intro to Slacklining, and a series of disc golf classes.
The program has also expanded offerings for those who enjoy hunting and fishing. Classes include Shooting Trap and Sporting Clays, How to Find and Hunt Ruffed Grouse, Fishing from a Pedal Kayak, Fly Fishing and Fly Tying, Wild Game Cooking and Hunting Wild Mushrooms.
To register for any class or for more information, visit nicoletoa.tix.com or call 715-365-4544.
The classes:
Introduction to Dragon Boat Paddling – If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to be in a 45-foot boat paddled by 10 to 21 people, this is your opportunity. 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Mondays, June 17 or July 15, Torpy Park, Minocqua. $20 per session.
Island Yoga – The serenity of time on an island combined with the invigorating practice of gentle yoga will join forces for this unique Northwoods experience. Noon to 3 p.m., Saturday, June 22. Nicolet College Campus – Lake Julia Terrace to Big Island. $20. $35 with kayak or canoe rental.
Northwoods Bicycle Tour – A whole new world opens up when one sees the countryside from the seat of a bicycle. Class culminates with a 110-mile roundtrip, overnight bicycle adventure from Rhinelander to near Boulder Junction. Beginning-level touring classes 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., Saturdays May 18 and 25, Nicolet Campus – Fieldside Center 102. Overnight tour Saturday and Sunday, June 1 and 2. $90. $20 per person camping fee paid at campsite.
Date Night by Canoe/Kayak – Paddle the picturesque, island-studded waters that make up the confluence of four rivers before adjourning to a riverside restaurant for evening date night dining. 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Thursday, July 11, Tomahawk Area/Sara Park. $45 (includes dinner). $60 with canoe or kayak rental.
Disc Golf for Beginners – The resort that’s home to the Wisconsin Disc Golf Hall of Fame will be the outdoor classroom for this offering that will introduce you to all aspects of this fun sport that offers highly-accessible exercise in the great outdoors. 5 to 8 p.m. Select one four-week session. All on Wednesdays. 1st Session – May 15, 22, 29, June 5; 2nd Session – June 19, 26, July 3, 10; 3rd Session – July 24, 31, Aug. 7, 14. Sandy Point Resort and Disc Golf Ranch, Lac du Flambeau. $75 for four sessions of instruction and play. $30 for set of three discs (driver, midrange, putter), if needed.
Beginning Stand Up Paddleboarding – Up the fun factor with this Stand Up Paddle Boarding class designed to impart all the skills necessary to get the most out of this fun and enjoyable activity. Class will take place on the sparkling waters of Crystal Lake just south of Sayner. 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, August 3, Crystal Lake and Beach – Sayner. $25. $65 with board rental.
Loon Paddle – Iconic Birds of the North – Not only is the Turtle-Flambeau Flowage one of the most scenic bodies of water in Wisconsin, it’s also home to the most pairs of nesting loons in the state! Join biologist and loon expert Terry Dalton on this paddle as we learn about these birds from a researcher’s perspective. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday, June 25, Turtle-Flambeau Flowage – Lac Du Flambeau Area. $70. $85 with canoe rental.
Hiking Pat Shay State Natural Area, Franklin and Butternut Lakes State Natural Area, and Hidden Lakes Trail – The super-canopy white pine and old-growth hemlock surrounding majestic Pat Shay Lake are just a few of the highlights of this eight-mile hike in the Nicolet National Forest with naturalists John Bates and Mary Burns. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 20. Meet at the Plum Lake State Natural Area. $50.
Primitive Fire Starting – By learning the ancient bushcraft skill of primitive fire starting, you’ll be able to quickly and effectively make a fire in any weather conditions. 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Wednesday, June 12, Nicolet College Campus – The Point. $30. Includes fire starting tools, which students will keep.
Hunting and Fishing
Shooting Trap and Sporting Clays – Dial in your aim and improve your shotgun skills with this class geared toward refining technique for more success in the field. Top-notch instructors will share their proven tips, working with participants one-on-one and in small groups. 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, June 8, Harshaw Sport Club. $50 (includes at least 75 clay targets).
Fishing from a Pedal Kayak – Fishing from a kayak offers a degree of quiet stealth other boats can’t match. Now rig that kayak specifically for fishing and make it pedal powered to free up your hands and you have all the makings for loads of piscatorial entertainment. 1 to 4 p.m., Friday, June 7, Brandy Lake Boat Landing, Arbor Vitae. $30.
How to Find and Hunt Ruffed Grouse – As one of the most challenging game birds to hunt in the Northwoods, you can stack the odds in your favor with the field-tested tips and techniques presented in this two-hour session. Saturday, Sept. 7, 9 to 11 a.m., Nicolet College – Fieldside Center 102. $20.
Wild Game Cooking – Savor in the delights of learning exquisite wild game cooking techniques from two gentlemen who excel in this culinary arena almost as much as they do out hunting in the field. Noon to 3 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 7, Nicolet College Campus – Culinary Arts Kitchen, Northwoods Center. $40 – includes food tasting.
Fly Fishing for Various Species – Learn how to fly fish for numerous different species, including trout, salmon, bass, pike, musky, crappie, yellow perch, bluegill, and other sunfishes. Instruction covers optimal equipment for each species for different size bodies of water and stream characteristics. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, May 11, Nicolet College – Fieldside Center 102. $40.
Introduction to Fly Tying – This course covers the basic equipment, materials, and techniques needed to tie your own flies. Along with tying at least four different, common kinds of flies, each using different tying techniques, you will be given many other tips and suggested resources that will expand your tying skills. Materials and most tools will be provided. 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, May 12 and May 19, The Gentleperson’s Sport, Tomahawk. $55 includes both sessions.
Introduction to Fly Fishing – A great beginner course. You’ll learn about fly fishing terminology, equipment for different species and situations, flies and how to fish them, plus different fly fishing techniques and casts. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, June 1, Fieldside Center 102. $35.
Advanced Fly Fishing – Take your fly casting skills to the next level with this advanced class designed for those with experience and can consistently cast at least 30 feet. Topics will include a variety rod, reel, and line setups, selecting the right equipment for different conditions, and how to cast using a variety of techniques. 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, June 8, Fieldside Center 102. $32.
For a full list of offerings, visit nicoletoa.tix.com.
Photo courtesy Nicolet College. Nicolet College’s Outdoor Adventure program will feature many new classes this summer, including Introduction to Dragon Boat Paddling June 17 and July 15 at Torpy Park in Minocqua.
