Group of students outdoors, holding a banner for Outdoor Pursuits

 

Outdoor Pursuits offers a variety of trips each semester to match any level of experience. Trips range from short day trips to extended week-long expeditions. Trips are open on a first-come, first-served basis and are usually limited to a certain number of participants. The minimum number will vary depending upon the nature and location of the trip. 

Below are the Spring 2025 Outdoor Pursuit Trips! 

Trip 1: Ouabache State Park Day Trip : $35.00  February 22, 2025 - Experience Level: Beginner - Intensity Level: Active

Join Ball State Outdoor Pursuits on a winter trip! We will be visiting Ouabache State Park for a brisk winter hike as we explore the pine plantations, hawthorne, and American Bison of this Northern Indiana State Park on February 22nd. Trip registration fee includes any applicable gear rental for the trip, transportation, trip leadership, and state park fees.

Registration Opens January 25, 2025

Registration Closes February 5, 2025

Click here to register for the Ouabache state park day trip!

Trip 2:  Zaleski State Forest Backpacking : $130.00  March 21-23, 2025 - Experience Level: Beginner - Intensity Level: Challenging

Located in Moonville Ohio, OP staff and trip members will spend two nights in the forest, completing a backpacking loop on the historical Selinde Roosenburg Memorial Backpack Trail. The trip registration fee required covers trip leadership, transportation, all backpacking and outdoor gear, and food for the duration of the trip.

Registration Opens January 25, 2025

Registration Closes March 1, 2025

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR zaleski state forest backpacking!

 

Trip 3:  Paddling Day Trip to Chain O Lakes : $70.00  April 12, 2025 - Experience Level: Beginner - Intensity Level: Active

Join Ball State Outdoor Pursuits as we head down to the Charles Deam Wilderness for a backpacking trip! We will spend two nights out in the wilderness with everything we need for eating, sleeping, and having fun on our backs. This trip is a shorter backpacking excursion, but there should be plenty of opportunity for fun for hikers of all experience levels. Expenses cover all gear rental, majority of food, campsites, backpacking gear, and trip leadership.

Registration Opens January 25, 2025

Registration Closes March 29, 2025

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR the paddling day trip to chain o lakes!

Trip 4:  Turkey Run Day Trip : $45.00  April 19, 2025 - Experience Level: Beginner - Intensity Level: Active

Come along with Outdoor Pursuits to one of central Indiana's best state parks! We will spend the day hiking across suspension bridges, through canyons, and seeing the trails of the park. Trip registration fee includes any applicable gear rental for the trip, transportation, trip leadership, and state park fees.

Registration Opens January 25, 2025

Registration Closes April 5, 2025

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THe turkey run day TRIP!

 

All participants are required to have an OP Health Questionnaire on file. The waiver has to be completed within your member profile at https://recreation.bsu.edu. See steps below.

 

EXPLORE CURRENT OFFERINGS AND REGISTER

Workshops have concluded for the semester.

Steps to Sign Up

  1. Visit https://recreation.bsu.edu/ to log into your new Recreation Services Membership Portal.
  2. Sign into your account using your BSU information by selecting "Sign in with BSU Username and Password".
  3. Once logged in, select “Memberships and Waivers” from the options below.  Select “OP Health Questionnaire” from a list of options.
  4. Follow the steps to complete the waiver. This waiver will stay on file for one year. 
  5. Complete the waiver by selecting "Add to Cart" then "Checkout".
  6. Once the waiver has been completed, return to the home page select “Programs and Registrations” from the options below.  Select “Trips and Clinics” from a list of options.
  7. Complete the payment process with credit card.

For those who do not have a BSU log-in, register for your guest profile by selecting “Sign Up” 
located in the top right corner. Follow the steps to create a profile and verify your account.

Refunds

  • Ninety percent of payment is refundable if the participant withdraws at least 10 business days prior to the trip or clinic date. Less than 10 business days results in no refund.
  • Further restrictions may be placed on longer, more costly trips (such as Spring Break trips).
  • All trips and clinics that have a non-refundable deposit element will be identified as such.
  • All trip fees are fully refundable if Outdoor Pursuits cancels the trip or clinic for any reason.
  • All trip refund requests must go through the Coordinator of Outdoor Pursuits.

Find Your Challenge

Each trip on the registration page has been labeled with intensity and experience levels to better help you identify which Outdoor Pursuits experience is right for you! Please carefully read the trip description and do not hesitate to contact our office if you have any questions.

Easy

This trip is designed for fun and relaxation. If you’re able to make your way across campus without any problem, you’re ready for these trips. Most single-day trips fit into this category.

Moderate

This trip will require a moderate amount of walking, paddling, biking, active participation, etc. Plan to spend the majority of the day up and moving.

Strenuous

This trip will require a significant amount of hiking, paddling, biking, climbing, active participation, etc. Plan to spend more time moving than you’re used to.

Very Strenuous

These trips will test you physically. Long days, long mileage, and challenging terrain are par for the course. Regular physical activity and conditioning are a must to be prepared for this experience. Previous experience in the activity may be recommended.

Beginner

A perfect trip for a first-timer. You will have an opportunity to get some basic experience with us, and learn about the activity in a beginner-friendly environment.

Intermediate

Beginners are welcome, but we recommend some previous experience to get the most out of the trip.

Advanced

We strongly recommend previous experience. You should be comfortable with applicable skill set for the trip.

Expert

Demonstrated skill is required. We may require applicable certifications to participate in the trip. The technical nature of the trip makes it impossible for beginners to safely participate.