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Outdoor U
Saint John’s Outdoor University provides environmental and outdoor education through classes, events, and initiatives with the Abbey Arboretum, Saint John’s University and the College of Saint Benedict.
Saint John’s Outdoor University provides environmental and outdoor education through classes, events, and initiatives with the Abbey Arboretum, Saint John’s University and the College of Saint Benedict.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Workday Wednesdays
Abbey Conservation Corps
Wednesday, Oct 9 – Sunday, Dec 31
Abbey Archery Deer Hunt
Saturday, Dec 7
Banff Film Festival
Wednesday, Dec 11
Holiday Crafts – New Location!
Saturday, Jan 25
Hardwood Hills Conference
Mon-Fri, Feb 3-7
MN Master Naturalist Course:
Big Woods, Big Rivers
Feb-May 2025
MN Woodland Steward Cohort
[apply for free priority registration by Oct 30]
Key Programs
Improving environmental literacy and connections to the natural world through hands-on, age-appropriate field trips for local schools.
Saint John’s Abbey Arboretum is more than 2,500 acres of lakes, prairie, oak savanna and forest owned by Saint John’s Abbey and surrounding Saint John’s University.
Leadership development and outdoor recreation with the Peer Resource Program, Outdoor Leadership Center, Climbing Wall, Collegebound, and more.
A sweet tradition for more than 80 years! Participate in events or volunteer to help produce maple syrup.
Acknowledgement
Both the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University occupy the original homelands of the Dakhóta and Anishinaabe peoples. We honor, respect, and acknowledge the Indigenous peoples forcibly removed from this territory, whose connection remains today. Saint Benedict’s Monastery and Saint John’s Abbey previously operated boarding schools for Native children. Now, students, faculty, and staff are working to repair relationships with our Native Nation neighbors.
Helpful Links
Environmental & Racial Justice
Resources to explore the intersection of environmental, racial, and social justice.
Bonfire & Land Use Permissions
Forms to request permission for a variety of activities in the Abbey Arboretum.
Land Policies, Plans & Records
While we love them too, dogs are not allowed at Saint John’s. Review this and other land use policies.