Michigan Tech students can access outdoor recreation year-round through the Outdoor Adventure Program (OAP), which offers rentals, guided trips, climbing, challenge course activities, and opportunities to explore Tech Trails and the surrounding Keweenaw Peninsula.
Located at the Michigan Tech Trails trailhead on Sharon Avenue, the OAP is funded through the Experience Tech fee. The Experience Tech website states, “We help connect students to the outdoors through guided trips, leadership training, information sessions, equipment rental, and by working closely with student organizations to help advertise and program events. We have been busy working hard to bring students excellent outdoor opportunities.”
Students who want to explore the area without buying their own equipment can use the OAP rental center, which offers a variety of outdoor gear. Available equipment includes Nordic skis, snowshoes, camping equipment, bikes, and watercraft such as canoes and kayaks. Rental availability and prices vary depending on the equipment and activity.
The Experience Tech Fee can also help students get access to some of these opportunities. Michigan Tech states that student access to the tech trails is included in the Experience Tech fee. For Nordic skiing, however, students still need an equipment pass. The current OAP rental information lists the student Nordic ski equipment pass at $25 for the season or $10 per day.
Matthew Dannen, a Michigan Tech student who frequents OAP, said, “The program gives the students an awesome opportunity to try any outdoor activity without having to buy your own equipment.”
The program offers other opportunities that are not as dependent on the season. Students can use the OAP’s 40-foot climbing wall in the SDC Multi Purpose Room during scheduled open recreation hours. The wall is maintained and supervised by OAP staff and includes opportunities for academic classes and student organizations.
The OAP also operates Michigan Tech’s outdoor challenge course. The low element course includes team-based activities that can be customized for groups. The course typically operates from mid-May through October, while portable games and any other items can be used throughout the year. The high ropes course and zip line are currently closed due to damage to the zip line.
Beyond equipment and facilities, the OAP organizes trips and events. Recent programming has included canoe trips, hiking trips, snowshoeing, climbing, and other outdoor experiences. The program can also arrange transportation and equipment for some guided activities, such as canoe trips on the Sturgeon River.
With the Keweenaw offering outdoor opportunities in every season, the OAP gives Michigan Tech students a way to participate without having to own all the necessary equipment or plan every activity themselves. The program combines resources already available through the university with rental, instructional, and guided opportunities for students looking to explore the outdoors.
