Friday, March 18, 2022 "A" is for adventures in April

With spring dawning in the Midwest, Outdoor Adventures at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln is offering a busy menu of outside activities in April (and late March) for students and the public to enjoy.

Hiking, biking, camping, kayaking and rock climbing activities range in length from a few hours in the evening to full-weekend excursions.

Outdoor Adventures staff will provide instruction in every activity and previous experience is not necessary for participation.

Spots are limited for each activity and pre-registration is required (including the free activities). Register online or in-person at the Outdoor Adventures Center, located at the corner of 14th and W Streets on City Campus.

Morning Coffee Bike Rides  |  March 25 and April 8

A Friday morning tradition in the spring, bike riders depart from the Outdoor Adventures Center at 7 a.m. for an early ride along the various commuter trails in Lincoln. The group will find a spot to stop to make coffee, tea or other morning beverages along the way while enjoying the company of each other. Bikes, helmets and beverages are all provided.

Free for UNL students.

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Hiking & Sandhill Crane Migration Watch  |  March 27

The arrival of the migratory Sandhill Cranes on the Platte River in central Nebraska is one of the greatest wildlife spectacles in North America.

This single-day excursion includes hiking and a guided trail conversation as you experience the awe-inspiring scene of more than 80% of the worldwide population of Sandhill Cranes converging on the Platte River Valley. Cost includes a lesson from a nature guide and two hours of access to an up-close bird viewing blind.

$45 for UNL students.

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Overnight Bike Camping  |  April 2–3

Enjoy a 2-day weekend getaway and learn the basics of bike touring. The zero-emissions trip departs at 10 a.m. Saturday from the Outdoor Adventures Center and takes riders along a crushed limestone trail to one of Nebraska’s tranquil state recreation areas. Riders will carry all their food and camping gear on bikes on this truly self-contained overnight ride. The group will return to campus by 5 p.m. Sunday.

Bikes, helmets, camping gear, food and instruction are provided.

$35 for UNL students.

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Lake Paddles @ Holmes Lake  |  April 6 and April 20

Enjoy an evening exploring one of Lincoln’s local lakes by kayak or stand-up paddleboard (SUP). All watercrafts, paddling gear and instruction will be provided by Outdoor Adventures.

$15 for UNL students.

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Ice Cream Bike Rides  |  April 6 and April 13

Another spring tradition, riders depart from the Outdoor Adventures Center on Wednesday evenings at 5 p.m. for fun and casual bike rides to the UNL Dairy Store via the commuter trails connecting UNL’s City and East Campuses. Bikes, helmets and ice cream are all provided.

FREE for UNL students.

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Mountain Bike Ride @ Van Dorn Park  |  April 12 and April 19

Explore one of the rolling single-track mountain biking trails located within the Lincoln city limits. A perfect excursion for beginners who want to be challenged as well as advanced riders looking to hone their skills. Bikes, helmets and instruction are provided.

$5 for UNL students.

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Weekend Climbing Trip  |  April 15-17

A 2-night weekend trip, this excursion is located only four hours from Lincoln (along the Minnesota and South Dakota state border ). The Blue Mounds and Palisades State Parks are home to beautiful Sioux quartzite rock cliffs with quality 50-to-60-foot climbs. Challenges and fun await both new and veteran climbers. The trip will depart at 2 p.m. Friday and return to campus by 7 p.m. Sunday.

All climbing and camping gear, food and instruction are provided.

$95 for UNL students.

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River Kayaking  |  April 16

Spend a Saturday paddling the cool waters of a regional river and enjoying scenic Nebraska nature views from a kayak or canoe. This 1-day adventure will introduce you to the basics of paddling before pushing off to navigate a diverse and meandering waterway.

Kayaks, paddles, life jackets and instruction are all provided.

$35 for UNL students.

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Overnight Backpacking  |  April 16-17

A 2-day weekend getaway, spend a night under the stars experiencing scenery you can’t get just driving along the highways. This trip takes participants to a nearby state park to learn the fundamentals of backpacking. From packing your own pack to cooking and sleeping outside, group members will carry all food and camping gear on their backs to create a truly self-sufficient trip.

All backpacking-related gear, food and instruction is provided.

$50 for UNL students.

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Mountain Bike Ride @ Branched Oak Lake  |  April 23

Explore some of Nebraska’s best mountain biking trails. This 6-hour excursion departs at 9 a.m. A good activity for beginners who want to be challenged as well as more advanced riders looking to hone their skills. Bikes, helmets and instruction are provided.

$30 for UNL students.

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